Ben Franklin: Where 'Old Favorite' Toys Are Found

It seems Belmont parents are returning to an old-fashioned Christmas when it comes to buying toys for their children.

"It's back to basics," said Matt Hollingworth, owner of on Trapelo Road.

"Last year, we saw huge sales of silly bands and Webkinz but that's died down. Now, people seem to be going back to the old favorites."

When people come into the old-fashioned five and dime store to purchase presents this season, they are walking out with board games such as Monopoly, Risk and Sorry.

Melissa and Doug sets such as wooden trains, doll houses and wooden blocks have also been quite popular this year.

"These are presents parents are finding, once again, are appealing to children," said Hollingworth.

"This is a good company that appeals to everyone with well-made, hands-on toys."

He's also seeing interest in the wide variety of Alex kits displayed on the shelves of Ben Franklin.

"People come in here for quick toys like pick-up sticks, checkers and Silly Putty," Hollingworth said.

"The Alex kits are one of those items you always know you'll do well with because they're well made and inexpensive ranging from $14.99 to $29.99."

Something new in the store this year that fascinates Hollingworth is a toy line called Kimochis.

They're soft, malleable animal characters that come with descriptions of their feelings and have words on them such as "sad" or "excited" that might help children talk through their feelings.

"These have not caught on yet but I have a sense they will be big," said Hollingworth, explaining a customer told him about the Japanese toys. "It's really good concept for a toy, new in our store this year, that I think is a great way for children to express their feelings."

Parents won't see these in what Hollingworth calls the "big boys" for a while.

The smaller stores, such as Ben Franklin, are much more likely to carry the line.