Jr. Toy Store Executive Top Toy Picks

For several days last week (July 13th - 16th), Happy Up in Edwardsville offered a workshop to kids between the ages of 8 and 12. The Jr. Toy Store Executives learned about customer service, building displays, communication skills, and what it's like to work in a toy store.  At our ending event, we gave them the chance to tell us what their favorite items are.
Our Play Experts Have Selected:
Alex Picks EzyRoller
Alex:  EzyRoller

"It's long and it'll help move my legs better for soccer. It's really fun and easy to move."

EzyRoller is one of our all-time favorite ride-on toys, too! Kids can't wait to it in the seat and put their feet on the crossbar. An intuitive back-and-forth motion with their feet gets it going. Steer by shifting your weight, and if you need it, there's a handbrake on the side. 

It's amazing how fast you can move!

It comes with an extender-bar, so this is a ride-on that can grow with your kiddo!

For ages 4 and up.
Beau Picks Energy Stick
Beau:  Energy Stick

"It's interesting how it works. It's great for impressing your friends. Favorite thing: the noise it makes."

Part science toy, part magic trick! When you touch the ends of the stick, you complete a circuit and it comes to life! Using the faintest of electrical impulses, the Energy Stick displays waves of flashing lights.  And like Beau says, one of the coolest parts is the spooky, wavery musical tones it creates!

For ages 8 and up
(currently unavailable, it will be back in stock soon!)
Ethan Picks Monopoly
Ethan:  Monopoly

"I've been playing Monopoly a lot at camp since I hurt my foot and I really like it."

Nothing worse than an injury that sidelines you during the summer!  But what a great way to play away the downtime.

Monopoly is a family classic.  It teaches money-handling, budgeting, and strategy.  And maybe ruthlessness, too. 

For 2-6 players, ages 8 and up
Grace Picks the Slackline
Grace:  Slackline

"They're fun and they're dangerous. The danger is exciting. It's feels dangerous but it's not really dangerous."

Slacklining is a gob of fun.  Unlike a traditional balance beam, the slackline has a bit of a bounce.  It's kinda like a really skinny trampoline.  Use it to build balance skills, strengthen your core, and develop a circus act!

Here's a video of crazy stunt slackliners in action. Before you can get to that level of skill, start off close to the ground and use a guide-line. Here's a video showing beginners, with a little bit of set-up info, too!  Slackers Slacklines

For ages 5 and up  
Ivy Picks the Hanging Crows Nest
Ivy:  Hanging Crows Nest

"I can sit down and hang it on the tree at home and read in it."

Everyone needs a hide-away spot for reading and dreaming. It looks like Ivy found hers!  The Hanging Crows Nest is made from heavy cotton and has a circular pillow in the bottom. Once it's hung at least 6ft off the ground, it can swing and move 360�.

Available in a several different cheerful color combinations (shown here in pink and purple), there are indoor/outdoor and indoor-only styles.

For ages 3 and up.  Weight limit of 175lbs.
See it in action here:  Hanging Crows Nest Video
Leo Picks Lego Mindstorms
Leo:  Lego Mindstorms EV3

"I love Lego. I think the programming is just amazing. It's hard but it's fun and easy. Like the name implies you have to use your mind. All the configurations are amazing for just one set."

Lego Mindstorms is an incredible set for kids to learn robotics and programming.  The versatility of the Lego building system combines with powerful programming software so your ability to build functioning robots is almost limitless.  There's even an app you can download to your smart device (Apple or Android!) to control your creation.

For ages 10 and up.
FIRST Robotics competitions have developed a Jr. Lego League for ages 9-14.  Learn more about it here!
Ryan M Picks the Fifteen Puzzle
Ryan M.:  Fifteen Puzzle

"It's a challenge and it's hard. It's harder than other things and I like puzzles."

Created by those smart people at ThinkFun, the Fifteen puzzle is a hand-held slide puzzle.  The tiles are numbered 1 through 15, and your job is to put them in order.  The puzzle comes with 31 different challenges of varying difficulty.

With the included leatherette storage pouch, the Fifteen puzzle is great for travel. No batteries required, just the power of your mind!

For ages 8 and up.
Ryan W. Picks Lego Minecraft
Ryan W.:  Lego Minecraft

"Legos are fascinating and they're fun for all ages."

And the Lego Minecraft sets allow you to create a real-world environment like the computer game!  Minecraft is an online game that lets players build their own worlds using blocks. It's hugely popular, inspiring millions of kids around the world to build and share their worlds.

Kids can use the Lego Minecraft sets to plan out their computer worlds before they use up any of their screen time. And like Ryan W. says, Legos are fun for all ages!

Several Minecraft sets available, as well as other themes!

Silhouette Artist at Both Locations
And Appointments Are Filling Up!

 Silhouette artist Erik Johnson will be working his magical on August 12th and 13th.  Using nothing but his keen eye and a pair of deadly sharp scissors, Erik creates a silhouette of your child in about 5 minutes. It's a unique way to capture your child's image that will be a family treasure.

Silhouette Artist at Happy UpEach original silhouette is $25, duplicates are $15. Frames are also available for purchase. Claim your appointment time by calling your favorite Happy Up location!

Here's the Schedule:
Happy Up in Clayton:
Wednesday, Aug. 12th - 3pm - 6pm. (314) 725-2455

Happy Up in Edwardsville:
Thursday, Aug. 13th - 11am - 5pm. (618) 656-9596


This will be Erik's only visit to our stores in 2015. Don't miss out!
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Our Website: HappyUpInc.com

Happy Up Clayton Named Best St. Louis Toy Store 2014
by the readers of the Riverfront Times


We do our best to make sure our email content reflects items available at both of our locations. From time to time the selection may vary by store. Thanks for your understanding!