May 30, 2008

Introducing our June Partners in Play: Seacoast Science Center

As part of the many exciting things that we are doing throughout 2008 to celebrate our 30th year, we are hosting "Partners in Play" - partnering with our Seacoast neighbors to celebrate and support kids and families. This month we're excited to welcome the Seacoast Science Center as our newest Partner in Play!

Our Market St. Window will be transformed into an ocean theme, and we have several activities that we'll be collaborating on for the month of June, including a Go Bag Free! initiative and special G.Willikers! After Hours sales event that will donate 10% of the nights proceeds to the center.

About the Seacoast Science Center

The Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH is a "must see" for anyone wishing to discover the natural treasures and rich history of coastal New Hampshire. The Center's dramatic seaside setting, interpretive exhibits, and commitment to creating a memorable, personalized experience for each visitor sets it apart from other museums, aquariums and attractions.

To learn more about the Seacoast Science Center, visit their website at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org

May 28, 2008

Harrisville Designs

One of our very favorite lines is Harrisville Designs from Harrisville, NH. They make the highest quality weaving looms available in the educational toy market and have been in the weaving business since 1971. In fact, in 1977, the U.S. Department of Interior designated the town of Harrisville a National Historic Landmark because of the historical importance of this mill town. The owners philosophy is summed up on their website:

"We are a small, family owned and operated business, and we believe that quality should not be compromised for even the smallest product. There is a great tradition of textiles in our community and in our culture, and we are happy to share that tradition of quality by designing and marketing our yarns and tools."

They began making products for children back in the late 1980's and G.Willikers! has carried a variety of them our Portsmouth, NH toy store ever since that time. We have been consistently pleased with the design, the use of high quality materials and especially the customer response. Many people who have purchased one of these looms for their own family have gone on to choose them as birthday gifts for their friends.

As always, G.Willikers! is also thrilled to support a local toy manufacturer.

May 23, 2008

Larry Lobster - A G.Willikers! Tradition

For nearly 20 years, Larry Lobster has been one of the most popular toys we sell in our Portsmouth, NH toy store. Larry is expertly crafted by Larry Eastman & family in downeast Maine (aka, Sangerville). This heirloom pull-toy is made of durable pine and is hand painted a bright red. Larry is a favorite of toddlers and travels behind them clicking his claws all over the store. Next time you’re in downtown Portsmouth, stop by and give him a pull!

May 22, 2008

To Celebrate our 30th birthday, we started a fun new initiative called Partners in Play

Each month this year we have partnered with other Seacoast businesses and non-profits to celebrate our connections to this great community. It's hard to believe we're half way through the year!

We've had so much fun joining with these groups in a whole host of ways. We've partnered up for game days, story times, fundraisers and more. We have also found creative ways to do marketing and advertising together.

Our Market Street Partners in Play window has received lots of attention, and it has been great to collaborate and see how each new partnership designs the window. It's a true testament to the value of sharing resources and ideas.

Click here learn more about our Partners in Play program or to find out whose up next.

May 05, 2008

Children's Day 2008 Cancelled, But the Fun Continues at G.Willikers!

Portsmouth, NH Children’s Day 2008 will down in history as the first time this family-friendly event had to be cancelled. The heavy rains Sunday morning prevented Pro Portsmouth from being able to safely host this year, but clearing skies in the afternoon saw many hundreds of visitors hoping to still have some fun.

G.Willikers! Toy Store and other downtown businesses were able to carry on and bring smiles to a lot of children. Cookie Mouse (the star of the book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie") was on hand to welcome visitors to the store and hand out cookies. Children were also treated to readings of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and those adventurous enough could even have their nose painted like a cute little mouse.

(See photos of the event) 

One customer was overheard to say “I wasn’t sure what we’d be able to do today, I’m just happy to find some of the activities still going on.” Others were busy using their Children’s Day maps like a treasure map, hunting for and planning their next stop. All in all, parents and children alike took things in stride.

We’d like to thank Pro Portsmouth for all the effort they put in coordinating such a large event. Even though Mother Nature didn’t cooperate this year, we are indebted to Barbara Massar and everyone at Pro Portsmouth for bringing so many wonderful events to downtown Portsmouth. This city is a very special place, in part do to their vision and commitment.

Cross your fingers that next year on the first Sunday in May we’ll have bright skies and lots of fun!