A classic: Corolle's 'Calin' doll
If you ask the buyers for mega-retailers like Toys 'R Us, Target and Walmart what the hot kid gifts will be this holiday season, they'll likely give a cool, one-word answer -- "Frozen." As in the outrageously popular Disney animated feature, still ruling the pop culture zeitgeist, not to mention mass toy manufacturing, a year after its theatrical release.
Battery-operated light-up Elsa dolls, Pop-O-Matic games featuring Olaf and glittery Anna dress-up attire are all expected to be top sellers in the Big Box world.
But if the thought of hearing "Let It Go" on a purple, plastic Frozen-themed boom box is enough to make your blood boil, there's no "need to hold it back anymore."
"Retro toys have been hot in the specialty market, and have certainly been strong for us," says Capitol Kids owner Peg Scholtes. "Many things like the original Spirograph (the geometric drawing toy, $17, deluxe version $32) and Simon (the iconic electronic memory game from the '70s and '80s, $27.50) have been brought back by smaller companies and definitely have a following."
Scholtes also expects cooperative board games, where players work together in order to "win," including Peaceable Kingdom's "Lost Puppies" and "Hoot Owl Hoot!" (both $19) and eeBoo's "Community" ($24) and "Obstacles" ($19.75), to be popular with parents of the younger set this holiday season.
The Capitol Square-based kids' specialty shop did sell out of its Frozen-influenced costumes earlier in the season. Scholtes notes that she purchased them from a supplier that specializes in higher-quality dress-up attire. "It's amazing to me that such a beautiful film could spawn so many unattractive, junky toys," she muses.
Dolls are a hallmark of Hilldale-based Playthings. Kelly Nigl, the store's buyer and manager, says, "Corolle is our most popular brand and has been for years." The French company's dolls come in a variety of styles for different ages, from first dolls up to 14-inch fashion dolls for older kids more interested in wardrobe changes ($43-$85). With their smooth vinyl skin that smells vaguely of vanilla, a Corolle signature trait, Nigl believes these classic dolls will melt the hearts of even the most ardent Frozen fans. But if the child in your life is dead-set on a character doll, the store also carries the coveted collector series from Madame Alexander, the company that produced the first ever licensed doll back in 1939 (Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind). Playthings regularly carries both Cinderella ($90) and Sleeping Beauty ($85).
Driftless Studio owner Anne Stack Connor says that "Klutz books are selling really well. We can hardly keep them in stock."
Klutz books "guide you through an art- or science-related activity and provide all the materials kids need to be successful," says Connor. Fun titles like Mini Pom-Pom Pets and Spiral Draw (both $20) make perfect presents for under the tree, she notes: "Just think about it -- no need to worry about remembering the batteries."
Driftless also carries an impressive selection of locally themed gifts. Pick up something that celebrates home like a Badger-red onesie ($21) or sterling silver area code pendant emblazoned with the familiar (608) (Wakenspun Metal Werks, $35).
While your tweens may be too tethered to personal electronics to "want to build a snowman" anymore, you may be able to convince them to construct something even cooler with one of the innovative, educational toys that are the specialty of Whoops! and Co., the Sequoya Commons-based gift shop. "Older kids are really loving our Snap Circuits Lights kit from Elenco ($80)," says owner Missy Stein. Using simple electrical engineering principles, the kit allows the user to build a real circuit that operates glow-in-the-dark fans, strobe lights and a fiber optic lamp that lights up to the beat of the music from an iPod. According to Stein, other popular tech gifts for this age group include one of the many OWI Robotics kits ($26-$40) the store carries. "Pretty much every kid dreams of a robot to do their chores," she says.
"Frozen really brought Norwegian culture into the discussion," says Patrice Roe, owner of Nordic Nook, a downtown Stoughton institution that specializes in Scandinavian gifts and apparel. "We couldn't be more thrilled that it's introduced the beauty of the country to a whole new audience."
Roe says items like a hardback edition of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen ($18), the tale that inspired Disney's cinematic juggernaut, as well as classic Dale of Norway snowflake sweaters (available in children's sizes 4-12, $179) have always been popular holiday gifts.
But the store also hopes to have a strong retail season selling collectible dolls (starting at $70), many of which don "bunader," the traditional Norwegian folk costumes that inspired the wardrobe of the film's heroines.
Roe says the store's kids-sized Viking helmets ($7) are also must-haves, whether or not one is of Scandinavian heritage. "That's what so great about the Viking spirit," she laughs. "We assimilate everyone."
Capitol Kids
8 S. Carroll St., Madison
608-280-0744
Playthings
702 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison
608-233-2124
Driftless Studio: Nature Gallery and Gifts
214 State St., Madison
608-230-5153
Whoops! and Co.
555 S. Midvale Blvd., Madison
608-236-4555
Nordic Nook
176 W. Main St., Stoughton
608-877-0848
