Not Just Toys
by: Andy Uyboco2006-12-01
Email this article
This Christmas, instead of just going to the mall and buying a toy Uzi or a Barbie Doll for your son, daughter, nephew, niece or godchild, why not invest in something that’s fun and educational at the same time?
When I entered Landes (pronounced as “Lands” and not “Lan-des”) in Podium, I knew that this was not your ordinary toy store. (note: Landes is called Hobbes in the Ayala Malls) A friend had recommended that I visit the shop because they have some fairly interesting stuff.
I set an appointment with my contact, Mel Rodriguez, through the telephone and I learned that he was a chef. I wondered what a chef was doing in a toy store but the mystery was solved when I learned that Landes had a cozy café tucked in amid the shelves of toys it was selling.
So what does Landes have to offer that other stores do not? According to Assistant Supervisor Joven Canaria, they specialize in educational entertainment, not just “toys.” The kids gain something out of playing our toys, and they can play over and over and keep on learning new things. The store also always has some sample toys and puzzles for people to fiddle around and play with while waiting for their sandwich or coffee to arrive.
Furthermore, Landes has exclusive distribution rights to most of the toys in their store and their staff is well-trained in their use. After talking with a couple of them, I had a sense that they knew what they were talking about. They had actually played or seen demos of the games. So what kind of games can you expect to see at Landes? Here are their top 10 picks of the season:
PUZZLES |
|
 |
These are multi-level, multi-puzzle and mind-challenging games that look easy at first, until you try them yourself. Contains challenges of different difficulty levels to keep kids entertained for days and hours. |
 |
Wooden brainteasers designed to exercise your toddlers’ brain power – colorful figures and multiple puzzles can keep those curious, little minds occupied for a while. |
 |
These beautiful, metal puzzles from Japan can be great art pieces as well as challenging mind-stimulants. They require the user to detach and re-attach pieces of the puzzle, stimulating right-brain thinking and hand-eye coordination. All designs are by world-renown puzzle designer NOB. |
ELECTRONIC GAMES |
|
 |
Choose your pet from the pet store. Visit unique environments, interact with island inhabitants and collect items. Shape your pet’s traits. Unlock tricks, toys and secret locations. |
 |
See stick figures performing over 100 different animations per cube. Shake the cube and see how your figure reacts. Stack different cubes together and see the figures visit other cubes, interact with each other, play games, etc. |
SCIENCE KITS |
|
 |
These exciting technology projects are designed to enhance your child's practical knowledge of electronic and mechanical principles. This mega pack contains the Buzzwire, Air-Trike and Racer techno-kits. |
 |
Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit Assemble your own test vehicle to explore the energy source of the car of tomorrow. Understand the process of electrolysis and see how this is used to transform water into energy. Learn physical concepts underlying this modern technology. |
COLLECTORS' ITEMS |
|
 |
The Chessmen: Themed Chess Sets Chess lovers will surely drool over the intricately detailed and hand-painted giant pieces, as well as the fine wooden chessboard with individualized, foam-lined compartments for your pieces. Shown in these pictures is the Arabian vs. Crusaders theme. There are also alternate themes such as Samurai, American Civil War, and Rome vs. Troy. |
 |
King and Country Metal Miniatures For the serious collector, these miniature hand-painted, metal soldiers and vehicles are a virtual feast for the eyes and a delight to the heart. |
DESIGN-YOUR-OWN |
|
 |
Landes also has an arts and crafts section where you can choose from many materials to design your own: clock; slippers; bags; t-shirt; notebook; utility box/jewelry box; pillow; picture frame. According to them, the average cost for an item is around P500. |
If you have any comments and suggestions, you may send them to info@hotoccasions.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Copyright 2006 NetForj Web Solutions. All rights reserved. This article may not be copied or redistributed unless permitted by the copyright owner.
Email this article
Related Topics: christmas/new year | gift ideas |