The Giving Tree

The Christmas season is upon us and what better way to spread the Christmas cheer than by helping a family in need. Be sure to swing by and check out the Giving Tree! Simply pick a card off the tree, have our helpful staff help you locate the gift, you pay for it (we will give you 20% off!), we wrap it and have it picked up and delivered to a family in need. This is a terrific way to brighten the Christmas season for a local child that might not otherwise have a bright holiday... and it is super easy on your part. If you don't have time to swing in give us a call 719-530-0533 and we can help you locate a gift in your price range and take care of the rest.

This weekend's events

The holidays are upon us and we are lucky to live in a great community that offers so many activities to be enjoyed by the entire family. This weekend we kick off the Holiday Prelude activities Friday with many downtown shops staying open till 7pm and serving refreshments. Saturday is "Tea with Santa" from 1pm to 3pm at the Steamplant. Sunday the "Deck the Dogs" parade starts at 1pm. Be sure to catch this event and check out Salida's best dressed canines!

Salida Parade of Lights

Don't miss Salida's Parade of Lights on Friday November 27th. The Parade starts at approximately 6pm with Santa lighting Christmas mountain at the end of the parade route. Stores will be open late and most serve refreshments. Holiday park, an avenue of Christmas Trees adopted by community groups, businesses and individuals, will be lit after the parade. There will be a free jazz concert at the Steamplant Ballroom later in the evening. This is wonderful family event that showcases the community of Salida.

We truly believe that learning can be fun and that's why we carry many educational toys. Among these educational tools are books, flashcards and kits to help children learn a second language. It has been shown that learning a second language is much easier for children than it is for adults. Children who learn a second, or third language gain a better understanding of different cultures, language systems and get a head start in the global world that we are now living in. Here are a links to great articles about children learning second languages... USA Today's More children learn more than one language and Babies Today's Bilingual Babies

ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids

Need ideas for Christmas Gifts? Check out ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids website. We have most of these toys in stock right here in the Heart of the Rockies, Salida, Co. We will be happy to wrap your gifts and if your from out of town we can wrap and ship, or wrap and have your gifts ready for pick-up at our store if your shopping for someone that is local. We are looking forward to a great, fun-filled Christmas season! http://www.astrabesttoysforkids.com/

New American and Swiss made toys!!!

This last week we have received a couple shipments of American and Swiss made toys. These toys are made with superior quality and are more open-ended and hands on than most toys on the market these days. The Holgate company has been in operation in the US since 1789. They began manufacturing educational pre-school toys in 1929 that were designed by Javis Rockwell, brother of illustrator Norman Rockwell. A strong emphasis is placed on safety, durability and educational play with each toy that Holgate manufactures. We are happy to have these toys on the shelf, Check out a sample of what we have in stock by visiting out website.

Project 350

Kaleidoscope Toys is now a Project 350 participant and has always encouraged saving shipping charges by shopping locally. We contribute to many local non-profits and schools. As always we strive to carry unique, engaging, open-ended, fun and safe toys for all ages. We have many toys that are made in the USA, Canada, Thailand and Europe, but all our toys meet the new strict toy safety regulations. Project 350 is the largest "Shop Local" campaign in the history of this area. Take advantage of Project 350 today by picking up your FREE Project 350 card at the Chamber offices in Salida, Buena Vista and Westcliffe. We also have Project 350 cards in the store so feel free to stop by and pick one up for great local savings all over the valley.

Why we like Blue Orange Games

We are happy to carry Blue Orange Games. From the beginning wood has been the material of choice for Blue Orange due to its quality, durability, warmth and appeal. Blue Orange is very environmentally minded as they have vowed to plant two trees for every one tree that is used to produce their games. Their good work is not going unnoticed as their games have won many awards including "Oppenheim Toys Portfolio, Best Toys Award" and "Dr. Toy, 10 Best Games Award" along with being featured on the Today Show. We have many games in stock and as always we are happy to support a company that supports a good cause.

Shop early and save

As October rolls around it is time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Shopping early is a great idea for many reasons. First of all you can get just what you want and we have time to order items that you want that aren't in stock. Also, the store isn't as busy and we have more time to help you make the perfect gift selection. Getting your shopping done early will allow you to enjoy all of the wonderful activities that take place in December with out the shopping worry looming over your head. Most importantly, early shopping allows you to spread the Christmas expense over several months. To help with that expense we will be offering weekly sales in October and November exclusive to our facebook friends... so if you are not yet our friend add us at www.facebook.com/kaltoys. Here's to a great Christmas season and remember, we always offer FREE GIFT WRAPPING!!!

Quadrilla Marble Maze Sets

Just in from the German company Hape- Quadrilla Marble Maze sets. These sets are made of wood and feature colorful, sturdy peices that can be used to construct a variety of marble mazes. We like these sets due to their high quality of construction and by the way they encourage children to think critically and creativly in order to constuct each maze. To make your marble maze musical there is a musical extension kit available that includes xylophone-like landings for your marble drops. A classic kit that is recommended for ages 4 to 99.

Just in... and just in time

Today we woke up to sunshine that quickly turned into clouds, rain and much cooler temperatures. This was all a little disheartening until the mornings first delievery arrived... from the creators of Bananagrams (2009 toy of the year) Appletters and Pairs in Pears. These new games make cloudy days a joy and are a great way to pass the time while practicing your spelling. Each of these games come with multiple sets of rules for different difficulty levels, number of players and time duration of each game. The best part about these games is that they travel well, they each come in their own fruit shaped cloth pouch, which makes for a handy game that can be played at restaurants and doctors offices. We have all three games in stock so stop and pick up your own Bananagrams, Appletters and Pairs in Pears!

Changing Colors

The leaves are changing color and it’s a great time to get out and absorb all of the “soon-to-be” autumn wonder. The days are warm and cheery while the nights are feeling cool and crisp. If you are in the area be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the brilliant yellows and oranges. If you’re not in the area it’s a great time to make a quick trip up this way and see all there is to see. A trip over Monarch, Poncha, or Cottonwood pass is a great way to get a glimpse of what this beautiful season has to offer in our area.

Inspire Young Imaginations

Puppets are a great way to inspire young imaginations. They encourage children to use their imaginations to give the puppet a voice and a story line. We have a great selection of Folkmantis and Melissa & Doug puppets. These puppets are some of our favorites due to their superior quality and great attention to detail. Each puppet has its own personality and children love to make up stories and give their puppet a life all its own. Perhaps the greatest thing about these puppets is that they are soft and cuddly enough that children can take them everywhere… a multi-purpose favorite toy.

Gift Registration

Don't forget, we have free gift registration available to anyone and everyone. Gift registration helps kids get exactually what they have been wishing for, makes birthday shopping a breeze and helps to reduce the risk of duplicate gifts. To make special events a little easier yet we also always offer free gift wrapping.

11th Annual Crest Crank

This is a one day fundraising event. Spectacular singletrack starting at 11,300’ atop Monarch Pass! All riders receive pre-ride bike inspection, shuttle to the trailhead, rider goody bag, post-ride BBQ and an event t-shirt! The rider who raises the greatest amount in pledges will receive a super stylish Cruiser! Proceeds to Benefit the Alliance Against Domestic Abuse of Chaffee County. www.crestcrank.blogspot.com

Back to School

With the mornings feeling just a bit crisp and cool it can only mean one thing... Its time to go back to school!!! We had such a great summer with great weather and lots of fun festivals and activites. We at Kaleiscope Toys wish everyone a great 2009/ 2010 school year. To help you get ready for school we recieved a big shipment of Melissa and Doug art supplies so stop in and let us help you get ready for the big first day of school.

Snap Caps!

We are all about promoting creativity in kids and we are excited to carry "Snap Caps". What are Snap Caps?, you might ask. Snap Caps are quickly becoming the latest fashion accessory among young girls. What makes Snap Caps so exciting is that they were invented by a 10 year old girl. The necklace and charm combos are fun to collect, trade, mix and match. Easy to use thanks to the power of magnets, Snap Caps are a great way for girls to express their individuality. We also like Snap Caps because they are also an inspiration to young girls to pursue their creative ideas and follow their dreams.

Salida Omnium

Its so great to see all cars with loads of bikes on them start to trickle downtown this morning. Today through Sunday the Salida Omnium bike race will be in full force. We would like to send out a huge welcome to all of the cyclist and their families. We are keeping our fingers crossed for great weather this weekend and from the looks of today it should be excellent.

Car Show

It may be a little early to start thinking about the weekend... then again its never too early to think about the weekend. The 18th annual Angel of Shavano car show is this Saturday, August 1st at Riverside Park in downtown Salida Colorado. So far the weather forecast looks great- a super sunny day with highs in the upper 70s. We look forward to seeing all the new faces and shiny cars downtown.

Chaffee County Fair

Starting this Saturday July 25th through Aug 2nd is the Chaffee County Fair at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds of course. This week is sure to be fun for everyone and it is a great way to get out and support our great Chaffee County community. Check out the Chamber's event calender for a full listing of times and events. Salida Chamber of Commerce

Fair Trade Toys

These great soft and flexible Frisbees are handmade in Guatemala using fair trade practices. In return for the amazing artistry that these Guatemalan women create, they are paid a fair wage and work under good conditions. The money they make crocheting Frisbees and other hand-made products enables their children to go to school and helps keeps them out of poverty in a country in which 56% of people now live below the poverty level. The crocheted Frisbee was first invented by a 3rd grade girl in South Carolina. The Frisbees come in two styles- one is softer and intended for indoor use while the other is thicker and is more suited for outside play. This safe and natural toy makes a great summertime gift or stash one in your picnic basket for a fun afternoon at the park. Kaleidoscope Toys is proud to support toys made using fair trade practices.

Waldorf Inspired Toys

As it seems that Waldorf inspired education is becoming more and more popular in our Salida community, Kaleidoscope Toys is beginning to carry Waldorf inspired toys and art supplies. Our website shows a sample of what we have in stock so feel free to check it out at www.kaltoys.com . If you have any questions, or suggestions of Waldorf inspired items that you would be interested in seeing in the store leave us a comment or contact us by email at kaltoys@aol.com.

Moonlight Movies in the Park

Be sure to check out the movie showing in Riverside park every Friday in July. This is a great way to kick off the weekend and spend some time with the family under the stars. Sponsored by Salida Recreation Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County Family Plus Program, the Salida Youth Advisory Council and Moonlight Pizza. Showing begins at approximately 9 to 9:30. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show.

New Green Toys

This tool kit by Green Toys is sure to put a child's imagination to work. The kit is made from 100% recycled milk jugs and includes every thing you need to get the job done including a hammer, screwdriver, saw, fasteners and many more peices. It is so neat to see all the recycling we do come full circle in a great quality toy that encourages problem-soloving skills and earth friendly behavior. This is a great way to show children the importance of recycling. Thanks to Green Toys for their great products.

4th of July Salida downtown shuttle

Kaleidoscope Toys is a proud sponsor of the shuttle running hourly all day Saturday from 9am till after the fireworks are finished. The shuttle will pick up along participating Hwy 50 hotels and drop off at the Salida Steamplant downtown area.

4th of July

Its time to start making plans for this weekend, the 4th of July!!! There is a fun day full of events right here in Salida starting with a kid's fishing derby at Franzhurst Lake from 9 to 11 am, then games in Riverside Park downtown from 1-3 pm, followed by the parade on F street at 4pm and ending with a great fireworks show from Tenderfoot mountain at dusk. Hope to see everyone out enjoying the beautiful weekend.

Artwalk

Believe it or not June is coming to an end and what a better way to wish it farewell than to spend the weekend in beautiful downtown Salida enjoying the 17th Annual Artwalk. We are located at 116 F Street, number 35 on your Artwalk map. This year we will feature art work and projects by children from the local Boys and Girls Club. We feel that it is extremely important to nurture a child's creativity and encourage their artistic ability from an early age, because afterall the greatest artists were once children. By being artistic children gain confidence, become independent and learn to express themselves at an early age.

Travel Charmers

Travel Charmers help children learn about other cultures around the world and offer children the chance to help children in different countries. A portion of the retail price goes to the children's charity Plan International that provides for children in developing countries. Children can log onto the website http://www.karitokids.com/ to play great games, earn World Change and choose how to put their donation to work for their favorite cause- school, home, health or food. Travel Charmers are a great way to teach children about the importance of learning and being tolerant of other cultures along with the importance of sharing and caring for others.

Ride Your Bike to Work Day!

Today is "Ride Your Bike to Work Day". Take advantage of the beautiful weather and experience all the day has to offer from the seat of your bicycle.

New Blog

Welcome to the new blog for Kaleidoscope Toys! If you are interested in purchasing any of the toys featured on the website or blog, either stop by the store or call our toll-free number (1-877-530-0533) to inquire about availability and price. We have many more toys in the store and new items arriving daily.