A Kendama For Your Mama? #toyreview #skilltoys #sponsored

If you're still looking for a unique Mother's Day gift, that outlasts cut flowers, think about a fun game or skill toy!

Thanks to our friends over at Cat & Mouse Game Store we get to check out a cool, green Kendama (both of my kids' favorite color)!   What's a Kendama?   Glad you asked.   The Japanese invented it ages ago, and it's still in play today.   This toy's got staying power. 




  

As a Montessori family and a circus arts family, we're particularly fond of wooden toys and low tech, high skill games.   This one is easy to start with and challenging to master.   We'll have a personal video & pixs once my kids get a bit better at it.   So far, the only drawback for beginners is the ball is pretty solid and heavy.  My youngest got overzealous and went a bit gonzo with it and got a bruise on her hand.   So it can be a bit painful to miss.   If you have tots in the house, any toy with a wooden spike on it is probably not a stellar plan.   Other than that, my 9 & 12 year old kids think it rocks!  

Cat & Mouse has a good range of gorgeous wooden Kendamas in an array of colors for spring.   Pick one while you can!



Click here for more of ChiIL Mama's past, photo filled Cat & Mouse Game Store coverage.

Here at ChiIL Mama we dig Cat & Mouse Game Store for those hard to shop for tweens & teens.   Sure they carry merch for little kids through adults, but most of the other small, local toy stores are far more tot centric.   Cat & Mouse is the big cheese of the non chain, indie toy stores, for skill toys, brain building games, roleplaying games, and other fun stuff.   They also have an on line site, so even if you're not in Chi-town, you're still in luck.



This was my go to spot when my son turned 12 in March and said "surprise me".   Store owner, Linda, was helpful and knowledgable in pointing out a plethora of possibilities, so surprise me didn't turn into disappoint me.   

We bought him a new, fast spinning diablo and some better sticks, and an awesome cooperative fantasy game, Castle Panic.



Here are a few of our family favs we've either bought, won, or gotten at ChiTAG to review over the years:

Spot It
Set
Chocolate Fix
Perplexus
Pentominos
Bananagrams (and their whole line)
Top Trumps


We highly recommend checking out Cat & Mouse's free, weekly workshops.   Here's the scoop on their regulars.    Check their website for special events and more.

YoYo University with Ben Conde (all skill levels)

Every Friday, 4-6pm

We're so happy to welcome YoYoJam team leader Ben Conde to Cat & Mouse, where he offers yo-yo lessons every Friday afternoon from 4-6pm.  Ben is one of the most talented offstring players around, and brings a lot of style and energy to his performances and competitions.  Whether you're completely new to yo-yoing or an advanced player who wants to work on some skills, Ben will be able to help you out.  Just stop by the store any Friday afternoon to get schooled in the art of yo!

YoYo University (beginner and intermediate levels)
Every Saturday, 11am-12:30pm

Join us every Saturday morning when one of our yoyo experts (Ben Conde and Mikayla) will be on hand to give lessons to beginning and intermediate players.  There's no need to RSVP and no charge for the lessons.  Just drop by any time during the session and we'll have you throwing like a pro in no time!  If you don't have a yoyo yet, don't worry.  We sell many different styles of yoyos in all price ranges, and we'll be happy to recommend one that's just right for you.

YoYo University Incentive Program

Ben Conde and Cat & Mouse have teamed up to create a yoyo educational program that will help players of all levels advance their skills.  >> Find Out More!

Monthly - Chicago YoYo Club

Cat & Mouse is happy to support the Chicago YoYo Club, a group of players who meet mothly at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library

Over the past 80 years yoyo play has progressed to a level never imagined, and Cat & Mouse Game Store is happy to support a variety of events for yoyo enthusiasts.  All ages and skill levels are always welcome; whether you're just learning the basics or progressing to advanced tricks, our gatherings are a fun way to get to know other players and learn something new.  We hope you can join us for these fun events!

Join the Chicago YoYoers on Facebook for event reminders and announcements.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays - Game Night, 6:30-10 pm

Fridays - YoYo University with Ben Conde, 4-6 pm

Saturdays - YoYo University for Beginners, 11 am-12:30 pm

Upcoming Events

5/18 - D&D for Kids, 3-5 pm > details

5/19 - Netrunner League, 1-5 pm > details

6/1-6/2 - OFFSITE - YoYo Fun at Do Division > details

Disclaimer:   Thanks to Cat & Mouse for giving us a Kendama to review.   All opinions are our own.

3rd Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day 11-10-12

Think globally...shop locally.   Here at ChiIL Mama we look local first, to support our neighbors and their shops.   Tomorrow, Sat 11-10-12 is particularly fun day to shop locally.   It's Neighborhood Toy Store Day!   This means fun give aways, swag bags, contests, game demos, coupons and more.  

Check out ChiIL Mama's top picks for Chi-Town toy and game fun for all ages:

Cat & Mouse

Want to Have Some Fun?  Join us for Neighborhood Toy Store Day! Saturday, November 10th   ALL DAY - Win a $150 Cat & Mouse Shopping Spree We'll have a series of mental challenges and brainteasers set out throughout the store.  For every conundrum you solve or challenge you beat, you'll receive a raffle ticket.  The more you earn, the better your chances to win the shopping spree!  We'll pick the winning ticket near the end of the day, 6:45pm sharp. 11:30 am - Word Frolic Game Show & Pizza Party The makers of Word Frolic will be on hand to play the game that takes the mystery out of metaphors.  Every kid who plays will go home with a copy and enjoy some pizza, too! http://www.leftside-rightside.com/store/games/word-frolic-village-idiom/ 3:00 pm - Hexbug Races Start your engines, hexbugs!  Make sure your batteries are fresh and your Nano is feisty before you race it through a twisty track.  The owner of the zippiest bug will go home with a Hexbug Nano Glow base set! Store Hours on November 10th:  10am - 7pm Cat & Mouse Game Store 2212 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL  60647 773-384-4454

Building Blocks (2 locations)

Neighborhood Toy Store Day

Saturday, November 10

11 am - 2pm

*storybook character, Olivia (Lakeview)

*Sesame Street's Elmo (Wicker Park)

*glitter & temporary tattoos, face painting

*snacks, giveaways, raffles

*10% of sales to benefit local families via Association House

Lakeview: 3306 N Lincoln Ave, 773-525-6200

Wicker Park, 2130 W Division St, 773-235-1888

Play! in Logan Square

Tomorrow is Neighborhood Toy Store Day! Join us for a fun-filled day: Kidzaw is coming from 10-12 and Jerome Pohlen author of Doodle Chicago is coming to doodle and sign books at 2pm. We'll have snacks and glitter tattoos as well!

Follow The Woohoo Factor for all things toys and play!

Neighborhood Toy Store Day is nation wide.  Are you out of the Chicago city proper?  Head over to the new website for ASTRA (the American Specialty Toy Retail Association) www.yourneighborhoodtoystore.org  and enter your zip, to find participating toy stores nearest to you.

Can't get enough Toy and Game fun?   ChiTAG--Chicago Toy and Game fair is coming up fast, and we have the last family 4 pack of tickets out of 6 to still give away this coming Wednesday.   

Enter here for your chance to win!

About ASTRA Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a non-profit organization that provides leadership and resources to grow the specialty toy industry. As the largest association serving the specialty toy industry, ASTRA members include independent toy and children’s product retailers, specialty toy manufacturers and industry affiliates.  

It's Small Business Saturday Today-Shop Locally

We spent Black Friday hangin' out at home as a family, cuddling up watching movies, and avoiding the mauls....I mean, malls, at all cost.    Sure there were smokin' deals to be had, but we were holding out for today and tomorrow--Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.   We're all about shopping locally, as a first stop, and when at all possible.    Then ordering on line is a great next step when you just can't find that illusive thing.

Small Business Saturday falls annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It forms the trifecta with the two busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I'd never heard of Small Business Saturday before this year (they just started in 2010), but what a genius idea.   We picked up a card about it at our local toy store, Play, in Logan Square, a few weeks back on Neighborhood Toy Store Day.   Check out our photo filled feature here.

Why Shop Small Business Saturday?

There were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year and over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of net new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

The small business advocacy group. The 3/50 Project says, "For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures". 

“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express.  “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession.  By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.” 

Check 'em out on Facebook-Earn $25

American Express is launching campaigns on Facebook and Twitter driving consumers and business owners to facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday where they can participate in many ways, including:

• American Express is giving a $25 statement credit(1) to 100,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small businesses that accept American Express. 
• American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising(2) to 10,000 business owners who sign up at facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to help build online buzz and drive customers to shop at their businesses on Small Business Saturday.  By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to November 27th. Facebook has donated $500,000 in Facebook credits for these small business owners to use in the future.
• Small business owners can also download online promotional materials and use a number of social media tools to promote their businesses on the inaugural Small Business Saturday. 
• Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.  
• For every person who ‘likes’ Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000³ to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

ChiIL Mama's Favorite Local Toy Stores:

Cat & Mouse Game Store-(Bucktown) - 2212 W. Armitage

Recurring Events

Every Tuesday - Game Night, 6:30-10 pm
Every Wednesday - D&D Encounters, 7-9 pm 
Every Thursday - D&D for Kids (ages 10-14), 4-5:30 pm 
Monthly - Chicago Yo-Yo
Club (check schedule for dates)

Play (Logan Square) – 3109 W. Logan Blvd.

Building Blocks Toys - (Wicker Park &  Lakeview) 2130 W. Division & 3306 N. Lincoln Ave.

 

http://www.buildingblockstoys.com/events?task=view_detail&agid=58&year=2011&month=11&day=25

PsychoBaby (Bucktown) – 1630 N. Damen Ave.

Timeless Toys (Lincoln Square) - 4749 N. Lincoln Ave.

Three Wishes (Wilmette) - 1515 Sheridan Rd. 

November 19-December 1st
Bring new or gently used children's books to donate to
a great organization, Bernie's Book Bank. They connect children needing books with books needing children!

There are donation bins at all the stores--just come in and let us know you brought a book. You'll receive a raffle ticket for drawings the night of the event for great prizes and gift certificates.

Geppetto's Toy Box (Oak Park) - 730 Lake St. (at Oak Park Ave.)

Second Friday of the month means....it's GAME NIGHT!  We LOVE games and think they're a great way to spend time together, friends or family.  So to encourage you to "tune out and play", we will always give you a little deal on Game Night: buy 2 games and get 20% off the pair!

ASTRA Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2011 (Photo Filled Recap) & Free Passes to ChiTAG

ChiIL Mama had a toy and game filled day Saturday, at Neighborhood Toy Store Day.   Check out our prior Neighborhood Toy Store Day post here.    We made it to not one, but FOUR local toy stores.

First, we got a great goody bag and said hey to Elmo at Building Blocks Toys. up in Lakeview.  ChiIL Mama was one of the sponsors for their recent 15 Year Anniversary Party and we set them up with kindie musicians, The Poochamungas, and donated a $56 multi disc basket of Windy Kindie Chicago Artists.    Check out our photo filled party recap here.

We are also part of their Giant Give Away, continuing through November 30th.   Click the link above for prize and entry details.

We've donated ChiIL Mama's National Kindie Favorites CD Package With CDs by 4 Award Winning Kindie  (Kids Indie) Artists:

Billy Kelly--The Family Garden ($12) http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/04/april-shower-of-give-aways-kanani.html

Hope Harris-Cousins Jamboree ($21) http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/05/win-disc-wednesday-hope-harris-cousins.html

The Okee Dokee Brothers--Take It Outside ($14) http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/02/okee-dokee-brothers-live-in-concert-at.html

Steve Weeks-Dandelion ($18) http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/06/win-disc-wednesday-steve-weeks.html

Total Value:   $65

Neighborhood Toy Store Day Continues:

 

Then we swung by Cat & Mouse Game Store in Wicker Park.    The kids did a store wide scavenger hunt for fun prizes, then Du-Jay was the play to win winner of the awesome game, Spot It!   The kids have been happily playing it in the car ever since.   They have loads of fun games, circus toys like diablos and devil sticks and yo-yo's.

Next, we hit the other location of Building Blocks Toys because we realized we'd skipped out on our passport sticker during our morning visit, as we were in a rush to make it to the excellent production of Goodnight Moon the Musical, at Chicago Children's Theatre. 

Finally, we hit Play! in Logan Square--our first visit to what's in fact our closest neighborhood toy store.    They have the perfect blend of funky, urban kitch and comfy kids room spaces.   We wanted to curl up and stay a while!   The cool "passport" program for ASTRA Neighborhood Toy Store Day rewarded the kids with $10 gift certificates to all 3 toy stores, for visiting all 3 on Saturday.   So, we'll absolutely be repeat customers at all of the above, and come back one day at time this time, so we have time to really browse.

Thank you all.   Neighborhood Toy Stores Rock!

Remember, ChiTAG (the nation's largest Toy and Game Fair open to the public) is coming this weekend! So if you didn't get your fill of toys and games yet, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check it out.    ChiIL Mama is announcing our first two family weekend pass winners today and we still have 1 full family/all weekend pass to give away Friday at noon.    Enter right here for your chance to WIN.