Buffalo Rising Online

Oct 25th 2005, 1:55pm By

Iim sure youive seen The TreeHouseis bright, alphabetical mural on the corner of Elmwood and Auburn Avenues. But have you ever been inside this specialty toy store? Thereis no ladder climbing necessary to reach this tree house toy haven, so pop in today to treat the child on your list n or your inner child.

The TreeHouse, owned by Gaetana and David, has been in business for almost 10 years. It is filled to the ceiling with fun, educational, and unique toys and gifts for ALL ages. I shop there for my sons, their friends, my nephews, and even some adult friends n they carry plenty of board and card games appropriate for everyone up to age 99.

As an independent specialty toy store, donit expect to find mainstream items like BoggleAE or Star Wars action figures. But, you will find PlaymobilAE sets, Melissa & DougAE quality wooden toys, puppets, dolls, and ThomasAE trains, Fundex lunchbox games, and more! Gaetana tells me they have added over 50 new suppliers this year and have more new items in stock than ever before n so you can shop now for the holidays. They order from over 300 suppliers nationwide to garner unique items. iThatis how you find the little nuggets,i says Gaetana.

Super Service to the Rescue So why shop here instead of going to the mall or Target for toys? Simply for the super service. Gaetana, David and their knowledgeable staff are full of gift suggestions to suit anyone. With a few questions about the recipient (boy, girl, age, second born, introvert, active?) they can point you in the right direction and for the right price. They know their toys and their customers very well. If you ask iwhat do I get for my two-year-old who likes his older brotheris MAGZ?i theyill rattle off a bunch of ideas that are sure to please any kid. (The answer by the way is Magneatos.)

The Gift that Keeps on Giving One of the services that I always take advantage of is their fantastic, and free, gift wrapping. They pair simple brown paper (or clear acetate and green tissue) with dozens of colorful curly ribbon for a presentation that looks too good to open! The service is free but customers can make a donation which will be given directly to Pounds Hounds Inc. (This non-for-profit organization ensures that city shelter animals receive necessary grooming, treatments, or surgery in order to make them adoptable pets.)

Wish List The TreeHouseis gift registry is called the iWish Listi. Stop by with your child to fill out a form and theyill keep it on file. When a friend or relative shops, they can request ideas from the wish list, and the child will soon learn itheir wish has been grantedi. A great idea for birthdays, holidays and expectant parents. The TreeHouse can also help with shipping n especially helpful for grandparents shopping for out-of-town grandchildren.

All of Your Party Needs Along the check-out counter, there are bins of trinkets, do-dads and fun gadgets for sale from ten cents to five dollars. These make great fillers for Christmas stockings or party bags. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, call ahead to ask The TreeHouse to put together several party bags for your childis next birthday bash. Provide the number of kids and your price range, and theyill do the rest n dressing up the goodie-filled acetate bags with their signature colorful curly ribbon. They also sell helium balloons individually or in big bunches for your next party.

Have Your Cake and Eat it too If you assume that an Elmwood shop will be too pricey for that casual school friendis birthday gift, think again. I canit tell you how many times Iive been isavedi by The TreeHouse en route to a birthday party. With $15 and 15 minutes to spare, you can exit with an attractively wrapped gift in hand, and not be late for cake.

The TreeHouse recently joined a small, nationwide co-operative of independent toy stores. Together, they work to produce a full-color, 40-page product catalog, which you can pick-up in the shop or view online at www.goodtoygroup.com. The catalog represents only a small portion of the storeis toy selection, so it is a good idea to visit in person. Clip a coupon on the catalogis back page to get you i$20 off a $100 or more purchase until 11/19/05i and for the last-minute shoppers, thereis a iStress Free Weeki late December, which offers iFree SPOT coffee with a purchase of $15 or morei. Just another incentive to check out the treasures waiting for you at The TreeHouse on Elmwood.

The TreeHouse iToys and Gifts to Grow Oni 793 Elmwood Avenue, 716.882.1322 Open 7 days. M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 After Thanksgiving they will have some extended evening hours. Gift certificates available.