I was the smart mom today, not telling my kids where we were going until we got there. The looks on their faces when we walked into Mastermind Toys for the first time? Priceless. Their eyes didn't exactly pop out of their heads, but the kinder kiddo was actually jumping with excitement as his mind tried to process the sheer awesomeness that was laid out before us. It's a kids – or kid at heart's – dream come true, with novelty candies in every flavour, colourful items hanging from the ceiling, a walk-on piano right at the front for kids to play on, and all assortments of toys or games.
Opened for just one week, the staff have already won me over with their smiles and genuine excitement to see the families come in. Located near Michael's in south Red Deer, they offer over 10 000 unique, educational and fun toys and books. You will find sections devoted to Lego, outdoor play, Playmobile, music, puppets and imagination play, dress up, science and discovery, home learning, puzzles, arts and crafts, baby and toddler, Thomas, and more. Of course, my son loved the walls of Lego. He may have been a bit excited…
Board books, early readers, and chapter books are waiting to be read. Browsing through the selection is made easier with a Duplo play table, which my kids happily enjoyed as I perused the home learning section. Even if you don't homeschool, there are so many great items! I plan on swinging back soon to pick up the junior dice game for our son, a great idea to grow confidence in math skills. Further over in their science and discovery section they also offer books for kids on history, science, and dinosaurs. Knightly attire, mustaches, capes, dresses, crowns, and more fill the and dress up walls in the store, while another overflows with pretend play items.
But don't take my word for it, join them for their Grand Opening celebration April 30-May 3 during store hours to experience it for yourselves! There will be pre-assembled loot bags filled from their party section for lucky guests, activities, and more. Stop by and give them your email address before the party, and check your inbox for coupons to use that weekend. Subscribers also will receive weekly emails from the store with info on demos or workshops for the kids, or about new items in store. And be sure to grab a bag of their A&W or Dr.Pepper licorice while you're in there, they're just as good as they sound.
You can find Mastermind Toys at 5250 22St in Red Deer, right off of Gaetz Avenue by Michael's. Questions? Give them a call at 403-347-3202.