Your New Old Best Friend!

Larchmont Village has long been a peaceful, family friendly enclave nestled in between the stately neighborhood of Hancock Park and the bustle of Paramount and Hollywood. With traditional conveniences turning to trendy boutiques, Devoney Wolfus, owner of Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shops, a newer neighborhood fixture, wanted to bring back some of the warmth she felt from the neighborhood she grew up in. Her mother Chris Wolfus spent a successful tenure running Landis General Store, and since it's closure in 2011 the community has often lamented it's absence. When a space opened up, the younger Wolfus knew just what to fill it with.

The new incarnation of Landis General Store caters to the whole family. With accessories ranging from jewelry to headphones and from scarves to wallets, there is something for everyone. A few selections from Landis' Labryrinth have been relocated there such as Arts and Crafts but it also features exciting new collection of house wares including lamps, vases, wall hangings and more. Unlike most boutiques the general store will not forget Dad. Fine leather wallets and shaving sets are among the male friendly items coming.

In honor of the original Landis, eventually there will also be a "convenience" section featuring office and home supplies.

Wolfus is honored to be following in her mother's footsteps and reviving an important neighborhood landmark. Her and her dedicated staff hope to see you in one of the three lively storefronts soon and often!


140 N Larchmont Blvd.:
Puzzles, Plush, Games, Barbies, Super Heroes, Figurines, Gags, Magic, Lego, Backpacks, and more!

142 N Larchmont Blvd.:
Jewelry, Scarves, Key Chains, Housewares, Seasonal,  Arts and Crafts, and more!

144 N Larchmont Blvd.:
Pregnancy gear, Swaddles, Crib Gear, Teethers, Bath Toys, Shower Gifts, Books, Early Childhood Toys, and more!

Beanie Ballz And Beanie Boos Means Big Round Eyes And Snuggles Too!

When it comes to plush Ty knows how to make you swoon. Round fuzz balls in every animal known to man but just a little cuter and eyes so big and expressive you have to be careful... you might just get lost. Here are just a few examples of the ones we have waiting to find a home!

 

Ollie Octopus

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Waddles Penguin

Ladies & Gentlemen...

For your viewing pleasure, the hippest of our hip toys.  You all like moustaches, right?  Because we have a ridiculous amount of 'staches in stock right now.  We're really digging the new David & Goliath buttons that just came in this week (lots of puns, just to give your fair warning), and the hipster glasses and moustache pens are a great gift/party favor.  And since it's still rather hot outside, cool off with The Gentleman's Ice Tray and stay refreshed in style.  Once it gets cooler outside, put your feet into any one of our 6 new styles of knitted slippers from Snoozies (they're unbelievable soft inside and come in both teen and women's sizes), or try your hand at baking some pumpkin pies with our Ovenknits oven mitts.  Yes, we are this awesome.

Penny Scallan is now at Landis' Labyrinth on Larchmont!

And just who is Penny Scallan, you ask?  Penny Scallan Design is an Australian company consisting of a small but dedicated group of designers whose philosophy is, Less work for Mum, more fun for Kids.  A great idea that we fully stand behind!  And of course, this philosophy wouldn't work without a great product to back it up, and luckily for all of us, they certainly have that.  We have three styles of backpacks/bags in three different patterns to choose from.  Besides their clean, modern design, what sets them apart from the usual bags is of course, the details.  The bag is constructed of 100% cotton, coated for durability and easy wipe cleaning, it's insulated with foil, fully lined inside for water resistance, BPA-free, and has good old-fashioned metal zippers to be hard-wearing and long-lasting.  We also love that they come with silicone bag tags that you can write your child's name on so that no one else can lay claim to their awesome bag.  What styles do we have?  The Junior Trolley Bag to pull along (the largest of the bunch), the Back Pack Lunch Box for easy carrying, and the classic School Lunch Box for when you don't need to bring the whole kitchen with you :)  If your child or you are in the market for a new lunch bag (and let's face it, many adults would have no problem bringing their lunches to work in one of these designs), well, you know where to look!

Ready to learn? Then 'Plan' on coming into Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shop!

Because our Larchmont location at 144 just got in a HUGE shipment of Plan Toys!  Made of preservative-free rubberwood, Plan Toys is dedicated to making safe, educational, and environmentally-sustainable toys and games for children ranging from infants to adolescents.  We've brought back in some of our favorite toddler musical instruments from them, as well as wooden play food and pull-toys, as well as a variety of wooden vehicles and learning toys.  We even have tools to teach braille and sign language!  We're always happy to restock this line, and not to brag, but we think this may be our best assortment of Plan Toys yet.

We also have a restock of Mad Libs, board books, some classic children's books, and of course, the Mr. Men and Little Miss books ready and waiting here for you.  It's impossible to own only one of the Mr. Men/Little Miss Books, and why should you have to choose?  Each story, in addition to being entertaining, is also a valuable lesson to be learned by your child, and not bad to re-learn as an adult.  The Little Miss Birthday and Mr. Men Birthday books are also great add-ons for a birthday gift.

And we have to discuss Tot Talk.  Don't be fooled by the name... these learning place mats are definitely not just for those still in diapers!  These laminated place mats have tons of information on them, as well as a side with sections to color and write upon with dry erase markers, washable markers, or wipe-away crayons, sold separately.  I'd have to say the periodic table is the staff favorite right now.  Not only is a complete table, but it's filled with great info about the properties of the elements, as well as having a picture of a recognizable item that children can identify, giving them a  better understanding as to what the element is found in.  We also have rock and minerals, fossils, pirates (yup), ocean, presidents, orchestra, sign language, and more!  We've brought this line into both our Manhattan Beach and 144 N. Larchmont shops, so check them out next time you're in!

You can read "I Can Read!" books!

I mean, we never were in doubt that you could, but with our complete restock of these great stories, now you can go literarily crazy!  This series of books from HarperCollins is known as the series to go

to for young readers;  all of their books are sectioned off by reading levels to make it easy for parents to know which book is best for their budding bookworm.

Our only complaint about these books is that there are just too many to pick from!  They're all great in their own ways, and trying to get the right mix of classic books and newer stories is tougher than you think.  We hope you'll enjoy what we selected, and to give you an idea what you could be reading right now, here's some titles that we'd like to highlight for you (without giving away the whole story, of course).

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach

Pete the Cat is a rather new series of books out there whose aim to teach kids that no matter what, "It's all good" at the end of the day.  Which is a lesson that all of us needs to be reminded of from time to time!  Take the relaxed and optimistic approach to life's little setbacks, and learn to overcome them to enjoy it all.  It's all about getting back on your surfboard and riding the waves, as Pete finds out.  If you're really anti-beach, there are many other Pete the Cat titles to check out as well.

Biscuit Finds a Friend

Who doesn't want to be friends with Biscuit?  He's well-mannered, wears his collar with class, and unlike nearly every other dog in every other dog book out there, doesn't meet an untimely end.  The Biscuit books are fantastic for toddlers and pre-schoolers because so much of the writing is done in Biscuit's own voice.  And Biscuit is a dog, so there's a whole lot of 'woofs' in this story.  And wait til you hear what his new friend says.  It'll 'quack' you up!!!

My Little Pony: A Secret Gift

No, they can't knit, even though it would be an interesting gift to have and something a bit unprecedented in the equine world.  This book is all about the pony friends coming together to do something nice for their friend's birthday to let her know how much they value her.  It isn't about the amount of money you spend; it's about the time spent caring for someone and sharing your memories together for the rest of your lives.  Awwwwwww!

Stuart Little: Stuart at the Library

Lots of little going on in the Beginning Level #1 section.  But little do you know how much drama is in this story!  Stuart loves to read, but is scared of owls.  Owls hang out in libraries.  Once Stuart moves past this dilemma, another arises when he finds out that THE OWL CAN'T READ.  What will happen now that the owl's secret is out?  Will Stuart help him learn to read, or be turned into owl pellets?  You'll have to read this one to find out, but in case you're losing sleep over this, I will say that there have been more Stuart Little books out since this one so that should give you a pretty good idea as to the ending.

No Fighting, No Biting!

Now here's a truly timeless tale.  As you can probably deduce from the title, proper manners and behavior are what are taught in this book.  When siblings act up, what's an aunt to do but tell them stories of sibling alligators who also bicker and bite and how that's not the way to go about things.  Written by the author of the Little Bear series, and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, if you have more than one child, this book is an investment worth investing in.  Storytelling at its most powerful/finest!

Calling Doctor Amelia Bedelia

Oh Amelia Bedelia, you really do take things literally!  In a world where that word is used far too often and usually incorrectly, this book is a must read.  It's also great for readers whose first language isn't English to teach them common phrases that don't always translate to what you think they might mean.  And really, giving Miss Bedelia a job in a hospital was never going to be anything but funny (nothing tragic happens, promise!).

The Drinking Gourd

There's a noticeable different from Level 2 to Level 3 books, not only in actual grammar and vocabulary, but also in story.  The themes are much more serious and thought provoking.  The Drinking Gourd is a classic story of slavery and the fight to abolish it.  It forces the reader to question what society says is right vs. what they believe to be right.  The young boy at the center of this story follows his heart and puts his own life at risk to give an enslaved family the right to human rights and recognizes that the law stating that they aren't people but property is wrong.  Don't be afraid of the heavier theme.  It's a difficult yet necessary story to tell, and this book does it beautifully and in a way that encourages the reader to consider their own views on the world and humanity.

The Josefina Story Quilt

What happens when you're forced to decide?  That's the big question that begins this story of a pioneering family traveling west.  Every decision plays a huge role in their fate, and ultimately their valuing of friendship (yes, with a chicken) and caring for others keeps them safe and sound.  And in the end, it's the stories they are a part of and the memories they choose to cherish that become a part of their figurative and actual quilt.  Warning: the loss of a pet is dealt with in this story, but it's about appreciating them when they were alive that makes up the heart of this story.

Sooooo, why are you still reading this?  Go read a proper book :)

Kick off the fall right with Kikkerland, Fred, and DCI!

 

We have gadgets galore in our shops right now!  As many of you are resuming school, or simply coming back from vacation and thinking, "Why am I here?", we have some neat new desk toys to entertain you during the readjustment back to working hours.  Or to help your overcome your  existential crisis if you're really questioning things.

The great thing about Kikkerland, Fred, and DCI (also known as Decor Craft) is that they make fun things that are also functional.  Mini speakers to hook up to your iPod/ iPhone, no-battery robot flashlights, LED bike lights, a portable mini computer mouse, and our owner's favorite, the Magic Soap are all useful additions to your routine (and if your kids/ significant other argues that they can't do the dishes or chop up veggies because their hands will smell of garlic or onion afterwards, the Magic Soap is your answer back to them).  Somewhat less useful in a practical sense but delightful to your senses are the Music Boxes from Kikkerland, available not only in a selection of classic tunes but also in a DIY Music Box kit that allows you to create your own songs.

But back to food things.  Fred and Kikkerland both do some pretty spectacular kitchen items.  If we could carry all of their food items, we would, but some just don't make sense for us to have, so we stick to the more whimsical, like the Manatea loose-leaf tea infuser.  We've been hearing sniffles already, so this little guy is great to have on hand when you want a great cup of tea to help chase away colds and allergies.  Or if you just happen to love tea in general.  Or manatees in general.  And of course, how could we not have Undead Fred Zombie Cookie Cutters?  Zombies are still quite popular, though one wonders if they would be received with the same amount of enthusiasm should they actually appear in real life, and we imagine that some pretty interesting cookies will be made with these.  Bonus points if you can make a jam-filled one.  The Tea Cup Cake silicone cupcake mould is another fun way to serve up a treat (perfect for a tea party, that's for sure), and if you're in the mood for hanging up some decorations for your little party, we have the Catwalk Cat Paperclips to use.  Also fun for photos, the Fuzzy Face Frame, which allows you to turn your loved ones into versions of Wooly Willy.  Bonus points if you use this with your wedding photos.  And then just for fun, we also have the yellow and black 'Do Not Cross' scarf, and the quirky cute Ear Buds from DCI to keep your music flowing in style.

So check out these, and much more, soon, because we've already heard people planning out their Christmas and Chanukah gifts, so if you see if now, snatch it up!

Our favorite Canadian line of wallets is back!

Lavishy!  This one is both a staff and customer favorite, and as I happen own a Lavishy wallet, I can honestly attest to its greatness.  I've had mine for about two years now, and it's only just beginning to show signs of wear, which considering how much stuff I shove into my purse, is pretty amazing.  Of course we brought back in more birds/owls, but we also got some adorable puppies and a tattoo-esque design for something a bit different.  All of their designs are full of fun and one of the neatest things about them is that they are vegan leather, meaning they look and feel like leather, but are actually synthetic.  And when you are ready to let go of it for good, it will biodegrade in about 10 years of being in a landfill.  So you're getting a great wallet that is also earth-friendly!

And if you don't need a new wallet at this time, might we also suggest you check out some of their whimsical jewelry ;)

Race Over to Landis' Labyrinth for Your Next Razor

Yup, we are now carrying Razor Kick Scooters at our shops at 140 N. Larchmont Blvd. and Manhattan Beach!  We've been asked to carry these since we opened our first set of doors, and this year was the year to do it. We have the classic kick scooter, of course, and the Berry line of colorful classic kicks for those of you looking for a bit of flair.  For the younger set, we have the Kixi, which is 2-wheel in the front, 1 wheel in the back scooter designed to have the rider 'weave' about to propel themselves, and the Lil Kick Scooter with 2 wheels in the back and 1 in the front with a turning handle to get them moving.   And of course, for the really adventure, we have the Spark 2.0 which safely 'sparks' behind you when you press on the back.  Pretty rad, eh? 

Shape your toddler's mind with Edushape!

We always love it when we can add a tried-and-true brand to our offerings, and we are very happy to announce that we are now carrying Edushape at both our Manhattan Beach and Larchmont shops! With a list of awards to back them up, this company promises be a winner in your home as well.  They specialize in development-boosting toys for babies and toddlers, and their designs are quite unique in color and shapes.  The Sensory Balls have gotten the most attention so far (not a surprise... kids love throwing them around!), but the Melody Snaily is possibly our favorite.  Unroll his tail into a soft keyboard/xylophone, and with the assistance of a some handy music cards color-coded to make learning songs simple, your toddler will be jamming away in no time (this is also a great way to help them learn colors as well).  They definitely strive to make their toys as multisensory as possible, so one of their products on its own is enough to intrigue and delight your youngster for hours on end.  Yay Edushape!

OMG! It's Hello Kitty, and she's out of control!!!

Hello Kitty, you're so pretty,
you're the most popular cat
in this whole city.

With two small eyes and a bow on your head,
you never have a mouth
but nothing needs to be said.

You're Hello Kitty, star of the show!
Neon lights now proclaim it,
truly it is so.

You're on everything from pencils to journals,
wallets and purses,
and nightlights for us nocturnals.

Hello Kitty, you're such a huge draw,
it's hard to avoid you,
your head's even on a straw.

What we're trying to say is that we adore you,
poetry seems the best route,
but now we think that we've bored you.

Oh Hello Kitty, just tell us to stop.
You know how much we all love you,
here at Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shop!

[We have new Hello Kitty in.  You should come in and check it out.]

We think you'll really 'dig' these kits!

We're so lucky here in Los Angeles that there are tons of great hands-on science centers for kids to explore and learn from.  The downside is that now you have a child keen on discovering more and you can't go to the museum everyday (nor would it be advisable to dig up the backyard in search of dinosaurs or treasure).  Thankfully, companies like GeoCentral are here to help!  They have a huge line of excavation kits in which you can unearth everything from dinosaur models and actual fossils to pirate's treasure.  Kids can't get enough of these wonderful little kits, and it seems that we can barely keep up with keeping them in stock as a result.  We just a shipment in, but we anticipate them being gone within a few weeks, so stock up now.

More into chemistry than archaeology?  Why not check out the growing pet or magic volcano kits... simply add water and watch your new friends go from tiny to titanic.  These guys are staples of most peoples' childhoods, and they still entrance kids today.

More into biology than chemisty?  Well, we've got a doozy of a kit for you.  Triops!  These little buggers date back to the time of the Tyrannosaurus rex, and are basically like owning Sea Monkeys but way, way weirder.  I've personally done one of these kits, and even without following the directions regarding keeping a lamp on over the bowl while the eggs are hatching (I didn't, I just kept the bowl in a warm kitchen), my triops did indeed hatch, and were everything the package claims.  They're pretty odd, but a neat way to get your kids into understanding an animal's life cycle and care.

More into geology than biology?  The ever-popular 'break-your-own' geodes are back!  What is a geode, you ask?  Wikipedia has a very long explanation, but we like to say, "It's a rock with crystals inside.".  Because that's basically what it is.  You put the geode into an old sock (or just something soft wrapped around it so that bits of rock don't hit you in the face when you crack it open), and then firmly tap it with a hammer.  You don't want to smash it, otherwise you'll just be left with a pile of smashed up rock and crystal, so just tap it until it cracks open and then marvel at the crystals. 

And if you're more into glowing dino stuff over geology?  Yup, we've got it!  We have a decorative dinosaur meant to go on a wall with a glowing skeleton on it, as well as an excavation kit with a glowing dino within.  We're not certain that dinosaurs did ever glow, but it's fun to think they might have!

Step on into Landis' Labyrinth for your Shwings today!

And by today, we mean sometime soon 'cause they really do fly out of here!  We just got some pretty major reorders in at all three shops for these guys, and we are really digging the new designs out this year.  The original wing style is still a favorite, but the lightening bolts and flames are really standouts.  Oh, and they have moustaches for your shoes now as well, so if you desire having gentlemanly shoes, you can.  These also make for great camp care-package items (nice and lightweight and flat), so keep that in mind when you come in for some goodies to send away. 

New Games from Blue Orange Games and ThinkFun

If you've read this blog or been in the shop, you are probably aware by now that these two game companies, Blue Orange and ThinkFun, are two of our most beloved game companies.  Both are great at conceiving games that are both challenging and fun, and they make games for all ages.

Up first is Ooga Booga.  As you can surmise, this game is quite silly!  Done in the same round card format as their bestselling Spot It! games, the purpose of this game is to work on memorization.  It's also pretty giggle-inducing.  Each card has a picture on it with a nonsensical word on top.  Place the first card down, repeat the word (for example, Moki), and then add '-ha' to the end.  Moki-ha.  Then place the next card over it so that it covers that first word.  Let's say the second word is Ooga.  You have to remember what the previous word is, then add the new word, and add -ha at the end.  So this would now be Moki-Ooga-ha.  You keep going around the group adding words until someone makes a mistake and then start over again.  There are also action cards such as pounding your fist, so if you were to add that card onto our example, you would say Moki-Ooga, then pound your first, then say -ha.  Written out, it doesn't sound nearly as much fun as it is when played.  This game is recommended for 7+, for 3-6 players, though we did play using only 2 people and it seemed to work just fine.

For the more mathematically-inclined, we have the brand new 20 Express game.  All of us here have been having a blast testing our statistics skills and trying our luck at building the longest sequences of numbers ever! Well, that's an overstatement, but we've had some pretty tense games here already.  This game is simple: Each player gets a card with 20 empty train cars on it.  You have a bag of tiles with numbers on them.  Pull out one tile, and whatever that number is, you have to place in one of the 'trains' on your paper.  The goal is to have the longest sequence of numbers (ex. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 7, 8).  As you can see from the example, you can skip numbers, but they must go from the smallest number to largest.  If you must (and realistically, probably will) start a new 'train', you can.  Check out the photo of the score card up top to get a better idea.  Whoever has the longest trains will win the game, and while it does sound like chance plays a big part in this, a lot does depend upon devising a strategy based upon what numbers are left in the bag and what the odds are that you'll get a particular number. This game can also conveniently be played by 1 to 100 people, so whether alone or with a convention, you can all play!

For all of you ThinkFun enthusiasts, we have two new games, WordARound and Visual Brain Storms, to challenge you.  WordARound is a card game with round cards that have a word wrapped around the edge of the card.  There is no indication as to where the word begins and ends, so the goal is to be the first to figure out what the word is.  Visual Brain Storms is a set of cards with different mind game challenges to solve.  They have them sectioned by difficulty level, and they do get tricky!

And for the younger ThinkFun fans (that's right you 18 month-olds), we have Hello Sunshine and Roll & Play.  Hello Sunshine teaches your children about different, common prepositions, such as 'in', 'on top', etc.  Roll & Play is all about identification and performing actions.  You roll the giant colorful cube, have the child identify the color, and then they take a card of the same color and are prompted to 'sing a song', 'find something blue', etc.  Both of these games a perfect for teaching your child various skills and encouraging them to complete tasks.

So come on in and check these new games out.  We even have demos of Ooga Booga and 20 Express on hand, so if you want to try before you buy, you can!

You've done it again, Blue Orange Games...

You've given us yet another awesome game.  And for the 3 years and up set to boot (it's tough out there for a boardgaming toddler).  KeeKee the Rocking Monkey is fantastic way to have fun while improving upon your dexterity and fine motor skills.  This nutty monkey want to carry all of the balls across the jungle, and is relying upon you, his good friends, to place them in his arms (and feet, and head) without him tipping over.  But even if he does, it's okay, he'll bounce right back ready to try again. 

Also, we have Zimbbos! back in stock from Blue Orange as well.  This one is a balancing game as well, but there's more stacking involved, so it's a bit easier to see if your plan isn't working out compared to KeeKee.  Either way, if you're looking for some great games for toddlers, definitely check these games out :)

Don't let the June Gloom get you down...

 

We know you're all ready for some fun in the sun, but don't forget, you can have fun indoors as well on your summer break.  And there's no better way to spend your free time than by trying something new and having a laugh!  For the science-minded, Magic Rocks and the Solar X-Racer are a great option.  Most of us adults remember having Magic Rocks at some point.  You simply put the magic rocks into the solution, and watch as they grow into out-of-this-world crystal formations.  And if you're not interested in waiting around to see progress, then check out the Solar X-Racer.  Not only do you get to assemble the car yourself, but it runs completely on solar power.  So when the sun finally does come out in Los Angeles, you'll have hours of fun watching a car you assembled yourself drive around.

Not interested in science so much, but love to be hands-on with your activities?  Why not take up juggling?  Or learn some crazy new yo-yo tricks.  It's simple with this kit from the Guinness World Records.  They provide a yo-yo plus a booklet of tricks that'll have you competing to be in their book in no time.  And who hasn't wanted to master juggling (I wish I could say that I have this skill, but alas, do not)?  This set of juggling balls from Schylling is perfect for learning the ropes of juggling.  Just make sure you stop by the shop after you've mastered it and show off your new-found skills!

And what would be a good summer without playing a few practical jokes?  The Box of Jokes, which promises 'Fun Time Fun' on the box, is the ultimate in gag toys.  You get the classic fake vomit, the infamous hand buzzer, and the positively diabolical squirt ring, plus more, inside this package.  And if you can't bring yourself to commit to all of this, we do sell most of these items individually as well.

Bring on the fun!

Celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne with Bottle Opening Cap Launcher...

It IS Prince Philip-approved.  Well, that's not strictly true.  But Spinning Hat, the maker behind this very device is a London-based company, and like most UK-based toy/novelty companies, this line ensures that you will have even more fun than Prince Andrew on holiday.

The bottle launcher is a great gift for our older customers (though you can use it on any metal bottle top, you might not want to entrust a 5 year old with an object that shoots out metal pieces).  Pair it with some Dress-Up Fridge Magnets, test your 80's trivia, and you have a party right there (or at least some great comedic moments).  And who says you can't have fun sitting at a desk?  I don't!  Check out their Rubik's Cube USB Speaker and Pen Holder.  Listen to whatever music you want! Put whatever pens you want in a holder on your desk!  It's the best thing to happen to work-time since 5 o'clock.  And since most people don't really adhere to the 9-5 routine anymore, it's now THE best thing.

And of course, should an emergency arrive, Spinning Hat has you covered with their always handy Emergency Moustache.  Never be without one again. 

Are you ready for summer? Lolo is!

Sometimes, in a world overrun with noise and graphics, a simple design stands out from the crowd.  That's how we feel about Lolo, a new line of bags and small purses that we now have in at Landis' Labyrinth.  The wristlets are a summer must-have for easy portability (gotta keep those hands free for ice cream!), and we love the small pouches that are perfect for carrying your money around in either in your pocket or hanging off of your keys.  And the designs are cheerful, bright, and the simplicity of the design means that it can be worn by people of nearly any age in nearly every situation.  Check them out at either of our shops :)

Gak is Back!

Today is the day kids who remember the earlier 1990's have dreamed of for years.  Gak is indeed back to delight a whole new generation.  This is NOT something that your iPad can replace.  You can stretch it to what should be an impossible length, make it into a disgusting balloon (we all did it at some point, and not always with the tools we were supposed to use), and of course, make rude noises with it.  There have been many imitators since then, but none quite so heartwarming as Gak.  Perhaps it's the shape of the container?  It's obvious connection to a time when Nickelodeon's best-known shows were Rocko's Modern Life, Salute Your Shorts, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters,  Legends of the Hidden Temple, and of course, Guts?  Or is it that it just is truly the best goopy putty of all time?  We don't know, but if you were not fortunate enough to experience Gak back in its earlier years, here's a video to demonstrate what you were missing out on (but no long have to now!).  Enjoy!

Collectors of cars, here are cars to collect!

Earlier this year at our shop at 140 N. Larchmont, we brought in an absolutely wonderful die-cast car fixture.  We'd been looking for one for a while, so it was with great pride (and strength), that we triumphantly set it up near the Legos.  The only problem was, we didn't have any die-cast cars to put on it.  So there it languished, filled with non- die-cast cars, begging the question, "So where are the die-cast cars?".  It was a great question, and we're happy to announce that we have an answer now:  They are all on the die-cast car fixture!  Yes, we finally got in a shipment of die-cast cars at long last. 

Behold the beauty of detailed, sturdy, and sleek cars.  The doors even open!  Comprised primary of metal, not plastic, these vehicles are also pull-backs, so if you're not into pushing your car around, just pull these cars back on the ground and watch them zoom off.  We have everything from rescue vehicles to taxis to school buses to groovy cars with surfboards on top.  Plus some classic models as well!  You have to supply your own vroom-vroom sound, but we have a suspicion that won't be too difficult to achieve.

And for adults and/or 1980's film-savvy kids, we also have a line of iconic cars from iconic films in from Mattel.  Yes, that is a DeLorean.  And yes, it's okay to be excited about this no matter how old you are in years.