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David Correa, Jr. from Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle’s Toys in Tucson, Arizona

“My Own Monsters (1) from North American Bear is a product line that’s right at the intersection of doing something really positive in the world, and the very best of what ‘specialty toy’ represents. Children actually did the drawings of some amazing monsters; North American Bear made them into 3-D plush. A portion of the profit is channeled into the Global Action for Children Fund.

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“Something that also fits our store’s vision is a game called Capture the Gag (2) from Rubbing Hands. It’s an incredible game because it’s open to all ages and number of players, and it allows for endless imaginative play. Each team hides a little monster called a ‘Gag’ and then swaps places to look for the other team’s Gag. You can play it inside on a rainy day or outdoors. It’s fantastic, primarily because of its simplicity, but also because it’s very active.

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“In-store special events really drive our business. Thanks to them, last year was, by far, the most successful in our store’s 31-year history. We kicked it off with Dan Zanes, the Emmy Award-winning children’s singer-songwriter, playing a concert in our store. He has an ecumenical approach to people, and is very motivated to bring people together. All of his albums (3) are great additions to a toy store.

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“An effective way to introduce kids to ideas is through books, and we carry a wide variety. One thought-provoking example is Henry Hikes to Fitchburg (4) by D. B. Johnson, published by Houghton Mifflin. It’s based on the writings of Henry David Thoreau. The book conveys the idea to kids that sometimes doing things the fastest possible way or the easiest possible way makes you miss out on some of the more valuable things in life.”

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Bob Havenstein from I’m Puzzled in Nobleboro, Maine

“I sell jigsaw puzzles (5) exclusively. My customers like lighthouses, beach scenes and views of the ocean, probably because we’re located right on the water. We offer all the major lines, including Heritage Puzzles.

“We carry puzzles from at least 40 manufacturers from all over the world; that’s what our customers want. They’ve gotten tired of the run-of-the-mill, dime-store puzzles you find everywhere. Our selection is quite varied and there is a huge selection of scenes.”

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Jane Letson from Apple Bee Company in Portland, Maine

“I have been selling a lot of Maine-made products, and it’s taken me some time to get a good selection of them in the store.

“I sell a lot of Roy Toy (6), based in East Machias, Maine. Their Log Cabin Playset does well for us.

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“Another popular item is the Larry Lobster Action Pull Toy (7) made by the Country Woodshop of Maine. As it rolls along, the claws alternate opening and closing. When the child pulls it, it looks like it’s nipping at their heels. It has been great for the 1- to 2-year-olds, a really hard-to-buy-for age group. The lobster is also popular with people who want to get something different for a baby shower.

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“I also carry clothing and fleece products. The Plushy Posh baby blankets (8) by Bodemi are made of microfiber fleece and the more you wash and dry them, the softer they get. They’re done in a checkerboard pattern and come in several pastel combinations, such as ‘Kiwi’ and ‘Butter.’”

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Rebecca Lewis from Teacher’s Delight in Kokomo, Indiana

“Melissa and Doug baby toys do well for us. Their First Play (9) line of learning toys is very nice. Our customers like them because they are colorful, durable and the customers can trust the recommended ages on the package to be correct.”

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“We’re an educational supply store that serves both teachers and parents, so we carry quite a few teaching toys. Lauri makes counting puzzles. I like the Math Skill Builders (10) line.