Stuff Your Stockings at Necker's Toy Land

Tis the time of year when Santa's elves, having forgotten what exactly they have purchased, recklessly grab their purses and jet out into the cold air to buy those wee gems known as stocking stuffers. Often done in the final stages of holiday preparation, stocking stuffers can be either very ordinary, or downright out of the ordinary. While scotch tape, broken candy canes, toothpaste, bacon lip balm, and last year's exact same pen, are all useful gifts in their own way, they may not bring the smiles we like to witness. For those of us who fly by the seat of our pants, it's crunch time. 

Besides the local drug store, hardware store, and grocery store which I am sure contain worthy stuffers, Simsbury has a distinctive option called . When walking into this unassuming venue, it is like stepping back into childhood. I am talking about those days when you could shove some coins in your pocket, walk somewhere on your own, and buy something brand new. 

"These are the cool toys from when we were kids" said Kyle Reay who works in Simsbury and was just planning on buying a sled. Instead he went from room to room in wonder remembering this toy or that.  

"You guys (Necker's) have such a different variety than I have seen in any other toy store," related Kyle. "It is overwhelming in a really awesome way. Everywhere I look I see things I haven't seen before."

Today at Necker's, I also did some sleuthing and some purchasing. Sections are labeled by age for the little guys and gals where I found "Baby Paper", the perfect gift of distraction for your new niece or nephew. Or, for the toddler, a pacifier that says "Mute Button". I can't imagine anyone who might need that.

Bob of New Hartford came all the way to Necker's to get his wife one gift in particular for her stocking. He got a wrought iron puzzle from the "Tavern Puzzle Collection" that is handmade in the U.S.A. Now that is a gift that says 'I think you are smart.' 

One customer with a big smile on her face exclaimed, "This is the best part; shopping for the kids," as she left with a bright red bag full of presents. 

Everything from castles and dragons, small Calico Critters, bright Ugly Dolls, ammunition for your Nerd blasters, fake mustaches, Double Dutch jump ropes, fat crayons for fat fingers, toy measuring tapes, to puzzles, old fashioned board games (although I still can't find the game Masterpiece anymore), finger puppets, Pez dispensers, whoopee cushions, nerd glasses and rail twirlers, Necker's has unique and fun stocking stuffers. It can be said Necker's has many Christmas gifts that even this 25 year old, wouldn't mind finding under the tree.