Pippin Toy Co. — Local services in Alexandria

When it comes to learning some times you have to reverse-engineer your approach. I am learning Spanish and the traditional material I currently have is boring and not much is sticking. After lunch, I was strolling along King Street and happened to notice this little person's store. While looking in the window I had an idea. Little people use pictures to learn, right? I learn better using pictures too so -- light bulb -- why not use the Little People approach to learn using pictures and stories? I'm thinking read what is easy and fun, and use the Spanish lessons to translate fun material into Spanish 😀 Reading is fundamental why not make it fun. I went into the store and enjoyed seeing so many creative toys, books, and puzzles that inspire learning. Also, the staff were helpful with answering questions and they were nice during the check out process. This is a positive-filled learning place and worthy a visiting. Big Kids (like me) are...

This is my go-to neighborhood toy story for high quality, classic toys and STEM gifts for my sons' friends' and classmates birthdays. I love the selection of stuffed animals, books, STEM toys and special trinkets and candy. You can find a gift at any price point. The store is meticulously curated and laid out. They have a clean, spacious restroom with a changing area for babies and toddlers that I would have loved when my boys were that age. They wrap all gifts with ribbon and tissue. I absolutely love seeing new items. My son's beloved stuffed corgi is from this store as a classmate favorite wiener dog. We've bought classic books and fun unique small gifts for classmates that are reasonably priced and support a local small business. Check it out and go here instead of...

This is a very cute store in Old Town. Purchased a gift and the next day got an Instagram ad from the company it came from, “Bunnies By The Bay,” that all sale merchandise was 50% off and low and behold the stuffed moose I paid $70 at Pippin for was $25 on the site so not super thrilled about that one. High price markups— will probably not be a frequent customer due to the costs. Love supporting small business but it’s just getting tough to do so. I know overhead and all has to be expensive, but $25 to $70 is a huge difference. I also just found him at a DC toy store (Three Littles) for $60. I just can’t do the markups. Parents...