Learning Express Toys of Sylvania
The newly remodeled Learning Express Toys has a new owner, Rene Rusgo, and lots of goodies for your holiday shopping experience! You’ll find games, plushies, toy cars, crafting kits, fidgets and so much more at this store. The reopening of Learning Express has been highly anticipated, as they are known for carrying fun products that provide useful learning opportunities for kids. Find the latest on what they have on the shelves here.
Sparr Games
Test your crime-solving skills with inventive card games that pit players against one another, but in fun ways! One of Handmade Toledo’s great makers, Sparr Games create social card games such as Master Thief, Penny Breadful and Keep An Eye Out. Owners Jacob Parr and Jake Spencer are the creators of these adventures, providing a good time that will likely replace the card games you played as a kid. Check them out here.
Sylvania Toy Company
Have you ever wanted to introduce your kiddos to the toys you cherished when you were younger? Memories live at the Sylvania Toy Company! The business specializes in toys, from the 1960s to today, mostly action figures like Star Wars, He-Man, Transformers, GI Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and others. They also have a large selection of modern toys like Lego and Star Wars, plus super hero toys and vintage video games. Sylvania Toy Company, 5929 W. Sylvania Ave. facebook.com/thesylvaniatoycompany
Gathering Volumes
A place where you and the kiddos can spend hours is Gathering Volumes in Perrysburg, a community-based independent bookstore that is also a gathering spot. Check out their recommendations for kids, learn how to cross stitch and quilt, find your passion for puzzles and games, and read the latest fiction and non-fiction releases. Be sure to get involved in all the classes, book clubs, reading programs and other events year-round while browsing the shelves for holiday presents. Gathering Volumes, 196 East South Boundary, Perrysburg. 567- 336-6188. gatheringvolumes.com
Handmade Toledo
Learn how to make beautiful things of your own, or simply browse the incredible array of creations by local artists and crafters at Handmade Toledo. A go-to shop for wearables, pinables or carry-ables that show off local roots, get the kids (or yourself) hand-decorated clothing, journals and notebooks, jewelry and candles. Visit the 2021 in-person edition of Maker’s Mart, November 13, from 11am to 7pm, to shop the latest products from our area’s best makers. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. 419-214-1717. handmadetoledo.com
Little Cottage Candles
Jan Aguilar started making candles over a decade ago using essential oils. Today, she stays busy creating scents in her “little cottage” on a pond. Her online business features candles in every scent under the rainbow and in a variety of sizes, including a “Bebe” 2-oz size, all presented in simple screw-top jars. Order a flight of four 2-oz. Candles, to set out on an accompanying sampling board. Sample wine scents (from Chardonnay to Merlot) or the Zen For a While selections including rosemary, spearalyptus (spearmint and eucalyptus), blackberry and Zen (lavender and eucalyptus). littlecottagecandles.com
Boyd’s Retro Candy Store
A legend in the Toledo area, Boyd’s Retro Candy stocks all the treats from the 50s, 60s and 70s, “satisfying candy lovers of every generation.” Special soft drinks like Frostie Soda or Blenheim Ginger Ale, candies like JujyFruits, Chuckles, Good & Plenty, candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigars, PEZ, and all types of Jelly Bellies can all be found at Boyd’s! Start a holiday tradition or introduce the kids to the treats you knew as a child. To find that special candy, Boyd’s will search their sources for you. Boyd’s Retro Candy, 954 Phillips Ave. 419-720-7387. boydsretrocandy.com
Fangboner Farms
This five-acre herb farm holds the makings of many treasures and treats, all in a delightful setting. Try their herb mixtures and teas, preserves and homemade wines (not for sale, but great for sampling on site), and check out the home decorations, candles and other goods made with love at the family-run farm. Book an appointment or watch for one of the many open days where you can wander around the farm. Fangboner Farms, 1179 S. Crissey Rd., Holland. 567-703-6191. fangbonerfarms.com
Goodbye Birdie
For your shopping this year, why not look to the past for your tomorrow treasures? Goodbye Birdie is a vintage shop in Toledo’s Old West End, featuring home decor, jewelry, artwork and other handmade items. In addition to reducing your carbon, waste and water footprints, buying vintage celebrates the one-of-a-kind, timeless items someone has already loved. [email protected]. Find their gifts at goodbyebirdie.com or see their latest finds on Instagram @shopgoodbyebirdie.
Sneak Peek 3D
Plan a gender reveal, watch your baby’s growth with monthly visits, or make routine baby checks throughout your pregnancy at this Perrysburg ultrasound office. With capabilities in 3D, 4D video, or Newer HD technology, you’ll experience more detail than ever of your growing baby. A variety of packages are available for scheduling with a highly qualified staff. (Note: this is a non-diagnostic office and does not provide medical advice or diagnosis.) Sneak Peek 3D, 148 E. South Boundary, Ste. A, Perrysburg. 567-331-4215. sneakpeek3d.com
Destination Picnic
If you want to give the gift of a relaxing, decadent experience, Destination Picnic is the way to go. The company sets up lavish picnics at the local Metroparks, Maumee Bay, at private residences, event spaces and more. The picnics range from the Just Me & You package for two people up to Let’s Get Together for six people. The company also offers add-ons like charcuterie boards, drinks, desserts, a cabana tent, fresh flowers and other options. If you’d rather book the picnic when the weather is warmer, arrange it in advance by visiting destinationpicnic.com or calling them at 419-452-0572. You can also buy a gift card to be used at any time!
Open Arms Wellness Center
Make this Oregon-based center your home for massage, skin care, yoga and meditation. Select from a wide range of massages (including prenatal, reflexology, Reiki, hot and cold stone therapy and others) and skin treatments (facials, peels and waxing), and include yoga and meditation sessions. Bring the kiddies to the Sunday Morning Little Yogi Club, for crafts, snacks, yoga and more. This will be your ultimate mind, body and spirit retreat. Purchase a gift card at Open Arms Wellness, 2300 Navarre Ave., Ste. 204, Oregon. 419-720-8604. openarmsmassagestudio.com
Just Toledo
Born of a desire to live a more sustainable, waste-free life, Just Toledo offers biodegradable home products delivered to your door (as well as some local farmers markets, Handmade Toledo, Iris Beauty Bar & Boutique, and Boochy Mama’s). Make your selection of holiday gifts, from soaps and shampoos/ conditioners to deodorant and home cleaners, reusable bags and even a worm farm. Everything’s delivered in returnable, refillable containers and boxes for which you can earn a refund. Change your family’s life and make a real contribution to sustainability with these effective, great-smelling products. There’s no better gift for your family than one that’s also good for the environment. justtoledo.net
I cried a little as I swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in my throat. What was this emotion? 
In those moments, on those hard days— and sometimes, even on the good ones— did I realize how true it was, that famous saying that