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Cowgirls and LaceNovember 2010 

Greetings!

It is hard to believe it's that time of year again, but Christmas will soon be upon us.  We asked our "Toy Man", Gene, to fill us in on the latest in toys.   The good news?   Toys we loved growing up are being re-introduced to a new generation.   Parents, grandparents and kids can all join in the fun during the holidays!


Also, for the first time, we've put together a Cowgirls Quick Reference Toy Guide for you, to help you play Santa!  It's filled with helpful toy ideas based on your child's age.


Kyle sisters singing
The Kyle Sisters will be in our Dripping Springs store next Saturday, Nov 6.

Speaking of the holidays, please save the date for our Christmas Open House next Saturday, November 6.  The Kyle Sisters will be here in Dripping Springs singing Christmas carols, we'll be here serving finger foods (along with our always popular chocolate fountain!), and we hope you'll be here enjoying yourselves and saving 20% storewide.

 

Wishing you holidays full of memories in the making,
Reba signature



P.S.  What do you think of the retro trend?  Do you have a favorite old toy?  Please tell us about it on facebook!


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Retro - The New Toy Trend
retro black cowboy trike
Classic black trike made of heavy-gauge steel with chrome detailing and leather seat and saddlebags
 
In the toy buying world, we see a lot of trends.  One that has been particularly widespread this year is the re-emergence of vintage or retro style toys.

Naysayers argue that toymakers are falling back on the golden oldies as a quick way to fix sagging sales numbers.  But we at Cowgirls and Lace think that a new generation of parents and grandparents, who remember how much fun they had with these kinds of toys, wants the same unbridled joy for their own kids and grandkids.
Fisher Price retro toys
Fisher Price xylophone, tv radio, Dr. Duck, teaching clock & Tinker Toys

Golden Oldies

Remember those Fisher-Price classics such as the Chatter Telephone, Pull-a-Tune Xylophone, and Snoop n' Sniff?   Even the old Music Box Record Player is slated to be released later this year.

Erector sets are also making a comeback.  Also, other metal and tin toys have increased in popularity.  One company, Schylling, offers quite a variety of tin tops, tea sets, kaleidoscopes, and music makers.  Another company even specializes in replicating the old fashioned pedal cars.

Would you, could you, in a box?
 
Wooden block toys
Melissa and Doug Pound-a-Peg, Stacking Train, Pound & Roll Tower and others
Another trend we've noticed is the rise in sales of wood toys.  One company, Melissa and Doug, has excelled in making these types of toys.  Two of the top sellers are the stacking train and pound-a-peg, and their peg puzzles and push toys are also very popular. 

Classic block sets are also on the increase.  These are great toys for increasing physical motor skills and encouraging children to think creatively. 
Shylling tin toys
Tin tops, kaleidoscopes, gyro wheels, jaw harps and other great stocking stuffers
Unlike trends of past years, we think the focus on toys from yesteryear is a good thing.  Most are low-tech, interactive toys that will engage the imagination and last for years.  That doesn't mean that a silly band or Japanese eraser shouldn't find its way into a stocking, but for the substantial gift, I would definitely recommend something that you probably had growing up! 
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December Newsletter:  Texas Gifts 

We love all things Texan, especially Hill Country Texan!  Whether in-state or out-of-state, chances are those lucky people on your Christmas list would love a unique gift from the Hill Country area or from within our beautiful state. 

Our December newsletter will help you with uniquely Texan gift ideas at great prices to make your holiday shopping a cool winter breeze!
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About UsToy entrance

This article is by Reba Byrd and Gene, our "Toy Man" and toy specialist.  He buys our toys for the Dripping Springs store.  (We do not carry toys in our San Antonio store.)  Reba is the owner of Cowgirls and Lace and Le Ragge Ruggs with locations in Dripping Springs and San Antonio.  With 17 years of experience, they specialize in custom window treatments and bedding as well as complete lines of furniture and accessories.

In This Issue
Retro - The New Toy Trend
We always like your feedback!
Next month: Texas Gift Guide
Contact Us
See our Quick Reference Toy Guide
view photos

Join us on facebook link


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Email us or contact us at:
 
Cowgirls and Lace
1111 West Highway 290
Dripping Springs, TX  78620
Tel: (512) 894-0350
Tel: (800) 982-7424
Fax: (512) 858-1682
 
Cowgirls and Lace
Castle Creek Village
6401 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX  78216
Tel: (210) 525-9840
Tel: (800) 937-2194
  
Store Hours
Monday - Saturday 10 - 6 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 6 p.m. (Dripping Springs location only)