Now that summer is winding down and a tinge of color adorns the trees, consumers are being reminded what's coming: Christmas shopping for the kiddies, of course.
Minneapolis-based Target Corp., realizing there's only three-plus months left to turn ho, ho, ho into dough, dough, dough, on Tuesday revealed its annual list of top toys for Santa's sleigh — and most of them are in stock already.
The big-box retailer said it is emphasizing "specialty toy brands," among them Wonderology, Hape and Mindware. Target said in its announcement that these toys have only been found at small boutiques and focus on "play patterns such as discovery, exploration and imagination that promote child development."
Specifically, these toys' categories include animal figures and play sets, wooden toys, arts and crafts, and science kits.
"One of this year's top toy trends is to focus on how creative play helps children advance cognitive development, increase exploration and recognize their abilities to function in the world," Ken Seiter, vice president, strategic communications for the Toy Industry Association, said in a statement released by Target.
Some of what Target is offering is exclusive to the retailer's shelves and online offerings. They include: Lego City Helicopter Transporter, Kinetic Sand Island Fun Playset, Terra Wooden Horse Barn, and an All Aboard 102-piece Train Set.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
