Creative Kidstuff Makes Play Time Fun, Educational

For over twenty years, locally owned toy store has delighted children of all ages with a tremendous selection of toys and in-store events. Customers turn to the Edina store for a different sort of toy-buying experience. 

"Creative Kidstuff was started as an alternative to what you normally see as a toy store," said Store Manager Barb Koziol. "We’re passionate about not only the product, but the experience of shopping at our stores."

Upon walking into the store, located in the center of the , it's immediately obvious that this is not your average toy store. From the well edited selection of products to a welcoming, enthusiastic staff that is eager to help customers choose the perfect item, Creative Kidstuff is reminiscent of how shopping used to be. 

"We take a consultative approach to helping our customers choose the very best play things for the kids in their lives. Making the right match is very important to us," said Happi Olson, sales and marketing manager for Creative Kidstuff.

"Tell us about your child and we will show you the perfect thing for them," Koziol added. "It’s all about the experience shopping here."

Many of the toys and games sold at Creative Kidstuff have educational value and encourage parents to get in on the fun as well.

"You will not see video games in here," Koziol said. "A lot of [the products we sell] are about encouraging people to get down on the floor and play with their kids."

It's not just the toys that keep customers coming back. Creative Kidstuff holds monthly in-store events like "Fun Time Saturdays," held on the third Saturday of the month. 

In keeping with January's science theme, Creative Kidstuff will have a free Science Sunday event from 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 23. Kids will be able to get up close with a robot and even take it for a test drive. 

On Feb. 4, Creative Kidstuff will be holding a make-and-take Valentine's box crafting event. Supplies will be provided and participants will be able to take home their hand-crafted boxes at the end of the day. 

To stay current on upcoming Creative Kidstuff events, Olson said patrons can sign up for the store's newsletter or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

"This is the best way to find out about special offers and events," Olson said.

No matter what, don't let your age keep you from stopping in and seeing what Creative Kidstuff has to offer. 

"There’s no age limit on play," Koziol said.