Whether you’re a kid in age or at heart, Shananigans in has something fun for everyone. It’s rare to find a toy store that can excite and pique the interest of all who enter, which is why the citizens of Baltimore, Maryland are lucky to have such a wonderful place to pass the time!
While its doors have been open for 25 years, Shananigans gained its unique personality 12 years ago when the Stelzer family took ownership. David Stelzer’s 6 years of experience in the toy store industry helped him make the store an extraordinary place with his parents, Flora and Barry . It is no longer just a novelty store, but rather an experience that can be customized for anyone. Shananigans is a haven where anyone can find eclectic gifts, from toys and games for infants to anti-dementia games for seniors. It’s a store that believes there is no age limit to having fun! Blue Orange Games got the chance to interview Flora to find out just what drives this amazing store. Flora’s homemade caramels are a favorite among our Blue Orange sales team, and they are only one part of the gracious hospitality she shows whenever we visit the store.
Flora outside of the store.
Flora understands that it is all about the customer; some people want strategy games where you use your brain, while others want a “ha ha” game that lets them relax with a group of friends. Flora also knows that a great game can’t be too daunting, as people want to be able to learn it quickly! She personally enjoys a good game of Yamslam, but if a grandparent is looking to find something for their grandchild she might show them KeeKee: The Rocking Monkey (a Blue Orange Classic). Finding the right fit is easy when there are so many good games to choose from. With some journeying up to an hour to look around the shelves, a trip to Shenanigan’s is always worthwhile.
Two of Flora’s favorite games to play while growing up were Jacks and Pick-up Sticks. She loves that the store is able to offer both of these classics as well as other versions with a twist that keep the games fresh! Now that she is a grandparent, Flora jumps at the opportunity to play those games, as well as newer games, with her grandchildren. She remembers when the power used to go out, creating the chance to spend quality time with her family in the candlelight bonding over activities like games.
When asked about her favorite Blue Orange game, Flora had more than a few. After 12 years in the toy industry she has become an expert in recommending something for everyone! She loves Fastrack, saying that it’s “really nice for a lot of kids that don’t have the longest attention span” because it moves so fast and has rules that are easy to follow. Another treasured game on her must-get list is anything from our Doctor Series! Whether it’s Dr. Eureka, Dr. Microbe, or Dr. Beaker, she knows that people are going to love any our exciting logic games.
The inside of Shananigans, where all the magic happens!
Another key to Shananigans success is their customers’ feedback. Flora loves hearing from customers about their experience, as well as their favorite items. She recalled having recommended New York 1901 to a customer, and then being so overjoyed to hear back that he had been playing it nonstop. Having a fantastic management and staff that goes out of their way for good service is just one of the many reasons Shananigans is our store of the month. When locals come in looking for fun to take home, Shananigans always takes their customers’ hints and offers just what they need. A trend Flora has noticed in her customers is the resurgence of game nights being integrated into a lot of families’ busy weeks. She thinks it’s important to offer games that the whole family can get involved in, like Tell Tale or Tricky Trunks.
We chose Shananigans as November’s Store of the Month because of their wholehearted energy for fun and games. With such care taken in their recommendations, and the fact that they go above and beyond as retailers, we thank Shananigans for the splendid work they do. Make sure to visit the store at 5004-B Lawndale Ave. Baltimore, MD 21210 if you find yourself in the area!
Here at Blue Orange we are no strangers to our fans creating projects in honor of their favorite board game. However, when someone goes above and beyond in celebrating one of our games, we must share it with the world! Below you will find a video and corresponding recipe to make some pretty awesome Kingdomino cookies, courtesy of the talented duo known as Sugar High Score. On their blog and Youtube channel they show people how to re-create awesome baked creations that are all inspired by their favorite games. We thank them for setting the Kingdomino fan bar so high!
Chocolate Cookies
The perfect chocolate cookie recipe for roll-out cookies
Ingredients
1cupbutter
1/4cupshortening
1 1/2cupsgranulated sugar
2large eggs
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1teaspoonsalt
3/4teaspoonbaking powder
2/3cupcocoa powder
3 1/2cups all purpose flour
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
Using a mixer, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time. Then mix in the vanilla. Continue mixing until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the baking powder, salt and cocoa powder.
Add flour 1 cup at a time.
Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cut the cookies into the desired shapes and bake at 375 F for 7-10 minutes.
Royal Icing
Ingredients
2 lbsconfectioner’s sugar
5tbspmeringue powder
2 tspvanilla
1/2 – 3/4cupwater
Instructions
Mix the flavoring into half the water.
Using a mixer, combine the meringue powder and powdered sugar.
Slowly add the water and flavoring into the dry ingredients. The icing will then become very thick.
Next add the remaining water and mix on medium speed and whip until thick and fluffy. Stop mixing when the icing forms a soft peak.
You can add more water as needed to reach the desired piping consistency.
Some of my favorite tools and supplies used in this video:
Make sure to give Sugar High Score some love on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@sugarhighscore), and subscribe to their Youtube channel so you can see which game they are inspired by next!
Bruno Cathala: Passionate gamer, celebrated game designer, and as of recent, Spiel des Jahres 2017 recipient*. For a designer like Cathala, whose ludography includes popular games like 5 Tribes, 7 Wonders Duel, and Abyss, this award is a long time coming.
With the announcement of its win on July 17th, 2017, Kingdomino instantly joined the ranks of popular past award winners like The Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Codenames. According the Spiel jury, Kingdomino was chosen because it, “lifts the time-honoured principle of dominoes to a new level – without losing any of the sleek elegance of its predecessor. On the contrary: the dual mechanics of planning the far-reaching lands surrounding the castle and the clever method of selecting tiles fit together extraordinarily well, they are expertly reduced to their essential components.”
Kingdomino plays like dominos with a kingdom-building twist. Each turn, players select and then add a new tile to their existing kingdom, matching one of the terrain types on the tile to another already in play. However, in this domino spinoff, the gameplay is elevated by the tile bidding mechanism. Players must decide how much they value certain tiles, as the selection of tiles during a round determines the draft order for the next round. The game ends when each player has attempted to complete a 5×5 grid, and then points are counted based on the number of connecting tiles and point-earning crowns.
While the finished product has impressed the public since its debut at Essen 2016, the story behind how a humble game of dominos turned into a crown jewel shows that much like building an entire kingdom, the creation of a board game is no easy feat. Amidst his busy schedule, Bruno Cathala was kind enough to answer a few questions about his game design process, the gaming world, and his crown jewel Kingdomino.
Interviewer’s note: Answers were translated from Cathala’s native French and edited for the sake of clarity and length.
Kathryn Hill: To start off, what is the biggest challenge when it comes to inventing a game? Bruno Cathala: When I have an idea, and I start developing it to create the game of my dreams, there is excitement, feelings of urgency, and a lot of hope about the playful experience I am hoping to generate among players. The biggest challenge is to keep this excitement up along the way, test after test, even when the prototype is completely done.
KH: During this process do you find inspiration in other people, or other games?
BC: True creation without any external influence is completely impossible. This is true in literature, in painting, and in music. It’s also true for games. The author is influenced by his own life experience: the games he has played, the films he has watched, the books he has read, the conversations he has had. However, in my case, if all those influences do exist, they are not conscious. I never work on a project thinking ‘’Oh, I could do it as in this game… or I could do as this person did…’’ But even if the ideas coming to my mind seem very personal, I bet they are the result of a long and complex process that digests all the various influences I have experienced.
Cathala signing games for fans at Gen Con 50 in Indianapolis.
KH: From your experience as a French game designer, what are the main differences between the European market and American Market?
BC: My experience of the US market and how it works is too limited to give a straight-out opinion about the differences between both markets. However, in the last few years I have been going to Gen Con in Indianapolis. And I have to say I am delighted by the welcome gamers are giving me. I have met playful, cheerful, curious people, with whom I have become friend with, and this summer event has become a real pleasure. Thank you all for this welcome!
KH:Do you take the market or previous experience into account when designing games? BC: Actually, my creative process is quite selfish. I only work on the games I want to play myself; I am my first client. Then, once my creative job is done, I start a second phase trying to convince first the editors, then the players, that they need to follow me! I never think about the market when I create my games, and that’s better. To format a game to a specific market from the beginning of its creation is the best way to create a game that will surely be functional, but probably with no soul. It is my passion for games that I try to convey (probably clumsily) game after game.
KH:It seems you have spent a lot of time creating games…do you play a lot of games yourself as part of the designing process?
BC: Not often enough! Indeed, I know it does sound surprising, but my close ones I don’t really like to play. I only have one evening a week dedicated to playing games, and I mainly play my own prototypes. I try to play other inventors games as often as possible, when I get an opportunity to do so. However, I do stay connected to game industry news by reading websites (Tric-Trac, boardgamegeek, Dice Tower…), watching how-to-play videos, and reading rules on the internet.
KH: Currently, what are your favorite games on the market?
BC: Over the past few months I have fallen in love with a few games. Captain Sonar is amazing because it gives an incredible, different and unique gaming experience to players. I like Flamme Rouge, because it’s easy, clever, end so elegant. I love Santorini, because for a fan of pure and beautiful abstract games like me, it’s a must have. I also really like Jaipur. You absolutely have to download the app, it’s one of the best ever!
KH: Now moving on to your pièce de résistance; where did you get your inspiration for Kingdomino? What is the story behind it?
BC: Kingdomino’s story is different from my other games. Indeed, at the very beginning, it was a game specifically developed for a ski resort! On top of my job as a game designer for the conventional board game industry, I create games for private clients, following their specifications, for them to use for internal or external communications purposes, or as a training tool. I had already created tile, dice, and card games for this ski resort to give to people who bought week long family passes, and so when 2015 arrived I wanted another playful object that I could possibly use, and twist, to make a very simple game. Almost right away I thought of dominos. This is what led me to K’dominoz! The size of the box only allowed each player to play with 8 dominos, small in size and thickness. I had so much pleasure in playing and playing again, that I told myself it would be a shame to not try to enrich it a bit and give it a chance in the board game world.
I created Kingdomino on that basis and incorporated a theme, hesitating a long time between the building of a Kingdom as you know it, or some kind of farm with fields containing different animals in place of crowns. I also increased the number of tiles, added domino types, and introduced the system of numbers underneath each domino to bring an interesting dilemma for savvy players. Then came the different game play variations, of which the 2 player 7×7 is my favorite. In regards to the timing…the first little game was wrapped up within one afternoon. However, for this draft to become Kingdomino, there was about 6 months of work and dozens of tests to validate a final distribution that met my satisfaction.
The game tiles, which center around the “kingdom” theme, featuring different terrain types and unique details.
KH:After the initial development period you just mentioned, are there any interesting changes or improvements that were made before production?
BC: The path from a prototype to an edited version is not always easy. One essential element to the success of this operation is the artistic direction. With good artistic direction, a complex game can seem easy, and a simple game can seem complicated.
When it comes to Kingdomino, the work started with an illustrator, who was told to draw everything from a top point of view, in contrary to my prototype which was based on buildings seen from the side in an isometric view. At the end, to my biggest disappointment, the final result was difficult to play and the aesthetic was questionable and not very attractive. The work was completely done, the illustrator had been paid, and the game was ready for production. However, I shared my doubts and sadness with Blue Orange and they were incredibly responsive to my disappointment. They changed the illustrator and paid for the cost of the re-done illustrations. This is when Cyril Bouquet became the illustrator, drawing the buildings from the side, and adding crowns, just like my prototype, to visualize important squares.
Today I am entirely satisfied with the final result. I am sure that without this last minute change, Kingdomino wouldn’t know the success it is having today. I want to thank my editor for making this decision, I do not know too many people able to say ‘’I was wrong’’ and double the costs to correct a problem.
KH: It seems you and Blue Orange Games have a good relationship, how did you start working with them?
BC: The story is kind of surprising actually. Before becoming a designer I was a gamer for a very long time, mostly passionate about 2 player abstract games. In the mid-80s I completely fell in love with a game that was produced one at a time by its author, Claude Leroy, called Gyges. In 2002 I discovered that Claude Leroy, whom I admired, lived a few miles from my parents in South of France. I took advantage of a Christmas visit to my parents and contacted Claude Leroy to simply tell him all the good I thought about his work, and he invited me to his home. There I met his son Timothee Leroy.
A few years later Timothee, who had just finished his business studies, decided to create a publishing company called Jactalea with the main goal of highlighting his father’s work, and abstract 2-player games. In brief, we had met before and we have a common passion for abstract games and Claude Leroy’s work. Naturally, I immediately connected to Jactalea and a year or two later I offered them a 2-player game, Kamon. It was then our partnership was born. (Interviewer’s note: Jactalea and Blue Orange Games combined in 2013 to create Blue Orange Europe, connecting Cathala with the Blue Orange brand).
Bruno Cathala and the Blue Orange Europe team at the Spiel des Jahres ceremony, post announcement.
KH: How did it feel when you found out about the Spiel des Jahres nomination?
BC: When one of my games is nominated for a prize, and even better, is awarded the final prize, it’s always for me a surprise, a joy, and a big honor. But this is more than that. In our little world of board games, I think it is the equivalent to winning an Oscar. Being part of the 3 finalists is just huge, especially because it is my first nomination after 15 years of designing games, and maybe my last. I was happy, honored, and also a little stressed.
Cathala post-announcement.
KH: What was your reaction and thought process when Kingdomino was announced the winner? What does this win mean for you today?
BC: When I heard the announcement I was paralyzed. I couldn’t breathe. My heart was beating at 180 beats per minute, and the tears were not far. I sat there speechless, while everybody was jumping and crying around me, shaking me in all directions. It took me a good 30 seconds to get my thoughts back together. This is because it is the greatest recognition that exists for a game author. The holy grail. An Everest. It is an absolutely fantastic reward, and the biggest gift the gaming world could offer to me.
KH:Do you have any advice for someone who has ideas about games or would like to start inventing games?
BC: First, I would say that having a game idea doesn’t make you a game designer. Having an idea is just the beginning… it’s the visible part of the iceberg. Transforming this part into a real game requires a lot of work, and the first thing you have to learn is patience. You will need to build your prototype, playtest it, modify it, playtest it, modify it again, again, and again with a lot of different people (not your family or friends who always think that what you do is incredible). You will feel excited, disappointed, excited, and disappointed, again and again…and at the end, you will have to really work a lot to write an understandable and clear rules booklet. Only then it will be time to try to contact a publisher.
KH: Looking towards the future, do you have any upcoming projects you are excited about?
BC: Yes, always! Regarding projects with Blue Orange, I am right now working on different avenues to develop the universe and concept of Kingdomino. And for the end of next year, I also have lots of hopes for a cool game that can be played solo, or one on one. It’s a common project with Ludovic Maublanc and I believe in it. I am quite excited about it actually!
Bruno Cathala’s latest release with Blue Orange Games, Queendomino.
To learn more about the Spiel des Jahres, check out their website.
* The Spiel des Jahres is internationally acclaimed as the reigning authority on deciding the best and most accessible family board game of the year, although its contenders are games that are new only to the German market. It evaluates three finalists looking for the best design, rules, layout, and overall gaming concept. More complex games fall under the Kennerspiel des Jahres category, and children’s games fall under the Kinderspiel des Jahres category.
If you’re headed to Martha’s Vineyard, you already know there’s leisure awaiting you. Nestled in this beautiful area sits the picturesque town of Oak Bluffs, which is home to our October Store of the Month winner, The Lazy Frog. If the name doesn’t paint a clear picture, then as soon as you enter the premises you will realize that this shop is your destination for all things fun and entertaining. Whether you’re heading to the beach for some sandcastle action or love a good early morning brain teaser, they have something for you! Raphael from the Blue Orange team got the chance to visit the The Lazy Frog, and was enamored by the island lifestyle and natural familiarity of this toy shop.
With many coming to spend the day at the scenic beaches that wrap around its coast, Oak Bluffs is ideal for lounging. As the Lazy Frog has half of their store specializing in outdoor fun and the other half dedicated to indoor fun, a quick visit is sure to be the perfect way to start any day. Stop by to pick up a Blue Orange Game, or grab a Djubi set and get ready for some time in the sunshine.
Much like the town, The Lazy Frog has interesting roots. Sarah and Jake, occasionally referred to as Mrs. and Mr. Frog, have always been dedicated to leisure. It was back in 2003, when the pair was visiting Martha’s Vineyard, that they noticed the quirky shape of the island; Jake compared it to a lazy Frog, and thus the vision was born! Fast forward to 2005 and they opened their shop in Martha’s Vineyard with relaxation on the mind. Following the spirit of the town, The Lazy Frog welcomes all looking to have a good time with friends and family, similar to Blue Orange’s goal of enjoying the love and warmth that comes from spending genuine time with one another. With the beautiful coastline engulfing Oak Bluffs, tourists and locals can immerse themselves in the easy flow of slow days filled with good memories- with a stop at The Lazy Frog being a must.
One of Jake’s Favorite Blue Orange games is Fastrack. Having a copy that customers can play in store really allows it to sell itself, and since it’s so easy to learn anyone can become a pro with just a few matches. However, it must be warned that Jake is the “King of Fastrack”, and will not go easy on first timers. He says that “when people lose they always want to play again; then they’re hooked!” Another Lazy Frog favorite is Tricky Trunks since it so colorful and bright, it has an knack for drawing everyone in!
With thirteen seasons under their belt, the Lazy Frog is no stranger to the game. They have a perfect formula for success that starts with open doors and open arms; they know that having a welcoming environment with friendly staff and intriguing games makes all the difference. During our interview with Jake we could hear the hustle and bustle of toys and kids exploring all the shop had to offer. He even mentioned that today was a special day since they had a new greeter at the door who just happen to be a three legged dog! Whatever the case, The Lazy Frog is sure to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to go.
Make sure to hop to their store at 42 Circuit Ave Oakbluffs, MA 02557, or visit their website for frog puns galore. We thank Jake, Sarah, and The Lazy Frog team for having such great enthusiasm and passion for fun.
As if it’s name wasn’t clear enough, Shenanigans is all about the funny business. Our sales representative, Bastien, recommended Shenanigans for their character! From being family owned, to having the friendliest staff, and creating a store with a little bit of everything available, there’s clearly something special about this shop! Although its filled to the brim with entertainment, Shenanigans also has the rich history to match.
Shop owner, Kai, moved from Florida to Charlottesville in the 70’s with her 4 week old son. Working as a copy writer there was never a shortage of tasks that she could lend her creative wizardry to, and add some flare. Just like mom, her son was a little go-getter. As a fast learner, he was walking by 9 months and out growing his old toys and games quicker than most. This left Kai having to travel far just to get those toys and games that were developmentally challenging and gender neutral. With other mothers in the area doing the same, it was clear the Charlottesville needed a toy store where the community could find that big city quality, and diversity, without traveling hours north. It was during these pilgrimages in search of fun that Kai saw a future for herself and family. Since she had also been looking for work with a young child, she was able to design a job with built in childcare that was just right for her. Thus Shenanigans was born!
With it’s door open for over 40 years, this shop knows fun like no other! In 1974 Shenanigans first welcomed those who sought out fun engaging toys and games without the journey. Fast forward to today where they still provide just that. Even though they aren’t the only toy store in the neighborhood, Shenanigans still reigns supreme! Kai states, “what sets them apart is their product selections”. With such a cute, little store, every item within those four walls is curated by their staff with maximum fun in mind. Knowing what makes customers squeal in delight is something that keeps the neighborhood coming back. Tailoring their selection so that games are completely original and never stale is exactly what puts Shenanigans at the top of the list!
As far a Blue Orange Games, Kai would have to name Dr. Eureka as one of her favorites. Going into detail, Kai says our games have such bright and nice art and there’s always a great eye-catching factor. But what truly lies beneath the cover is Blue Orange’s dedication to inspiring STEM and core developmental skills that don’t go unnoticed to parents. Kai motto is that “if it’s boring, it’s not educational, since they’re not going to play it”. This blunt but true statement by Kai really resonates with our product line.
Kai elaborated that the kids don’t need to think about the skills they’re gaining, but rather the fun should conceal it. When playing with building blocks, a child doesn’t necessarily know he or she is developing a basis of engineering, nor do they understand they are growing familiarity with STEM when they play a game like Dr. Microbe. Blue Orange has the same values; learning should be fun, and if kids already want to play the games then half the work is already done. Shenanigans’ philosophy is to leave the term educational out by labeling their games and toys as fun! As a type of parental shenanigans, or a method of mischievousness, kids are left having uninhibited fun without knowing that their developing better motor and strategic, critical thinking skills!
When considering their success, Shenanigans is no stranger to being a community staple. Kai thanks her neighborhood for being the perfect location, as it is a region with few chain stores and many unique shops that are supported by their community. Not to mention being between two hubs of the city, Shenanigans is accessible for all, either for a quick stop in for the grand kids, or an afternoon spent exploring with the kids. Make sure to grab a copy of the original Shenanigans Coupon Book, with monthly deals such as Board Game Discount November coming up, it’s sure to be a good time!
Working with Shenanigans has been a pleasure and we proudly award them September’s Store of the Month. As a important part of Charlottesville , Shenanigans is a place where you can find something for everyone, from the helpful staff to the perfect game. Shenanigans is always reachable via their website here or at 601 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA.
Tucked in one of the oldest regions of these United States, sits the August store of the month, The Book Bin. On the Eastern shore of Virginia, this shop provides the region with all things necessary for enrichment and relaxation. As an independent store, the Book Bin is able to specialize itself to the needs of their customers. This reason, along with being in one of the longest continually inhabited places in the US; make it the perfect place for locales and history buffs alike. From genealogy to ancestry to personal accounts of regional history, The Book Bin is a rare find. Not only does the shop cater to those locals looking to learn more about their history, but also those who want to relax and take in some of that small town charm. With a coffee shop and seating area within the Book Bin, customers are always invited to sit, sip, and even play some Blue Orange Games.
First opening it’s doors in 1980, The Book Bin has been passed down from wonderful owner to owner and in 2016, Philip Wilson took the reigns. Retiring early from academe, Philip took over the Book Bin with an already established passion for education. With over 25 years experience behind him in college teaching and administration, one of the many initiatives he took on within The Book Bin was to expand the educational games and toys area. He says “it’s important to get familiar with science from a young age”. Games like Dr. Microbe and other science toys help kids get more comfortable with STEM. His favorite Blue Orange game would have to be Dr. Eureka, expressing that its “absolutely outstanding”. A strong second of his would be Go Go Gelato. It’s games like these that make it easy for everyone to have fun while even gaining some skills.
The Cafe
At the cafe, Philip and his amazing crew create a special latte of the week. Never forgoing the chance to get artistic, the baristas at The Book Bin are always testing out unique and risky drink combinations. Philip even agreed to help coordinate a special Blue Orange Latte of the Week at the coffee bar. As a special treat, the Book Bin served the “Blue Truffle” (a mix of Blueberry and decadent dark chocolate) and the “The Creamsicle” (a blend of vibrant orange and vanilla flavorings) in honor of being the Blue Orange Store of the Month! With seats located adjacent to the cafes, it’s the perfect space to play some games. Philip stated that having Blue Orange games like Double Shutter out for everyone to play is a great way to unwind and enjoy sometime with one another.
As Philip and I talked about the beautiful coastlands of Virginia, it became clear that Blue Orange and the Book Bin share much of the same eco-friendly values. The Book Bin takes pride in its surrounding coastlands, islands, and the preservation efforts that enable its beauty to remain natural and untouched. Much like the Book Bin, we believe in sustainable initiatives such as our plant two trees for every one tree used, as well as our policy to make games that last. It shops like the Book Bin, that Blue Orange and our “Hot Games, Cool Planet” ideology is so grateful for. The breathtaking preservation of the Delmarva Peninsula draws visitors from near and far, so whether locales or travelers make sure to make a stop at The Book Bin.
Delmarva Peninsula, Source: Flickr user Zach Frailey
Of course the Book Bin is only made greater by its outstanding staff. Having such a solid team behind the doors enables the Book Bin to soar. With diverse ages and all the different generations being represented, The Book Bin is able to better cater to each customers needs. From researchers looking for insight on ancestry, to grandparents searching for fun games for their grandkids, or even a teenager looking for something trendy. There’s always a friendly smile and a knowledgeable staff member waiting in The Book Bin. According to Philip, the nice mix of staff is what enables the store to be so great and personable. You might even catch some of the staff playing some Blue Orange games together.
Working with The Book Bin has been a delight and we proudly award them August’s Store of the Month. As a staple of Onley, The Book Bin is a place where you can find everything you need from games, books, and history, to a warm and welcoming staff and environment. The Book Bin is always reachable via their website here or at Four Corner Plaza – 25304 Lankford Hwy – Onley, VA 23418.
Little Treasures is exactly what the name states, and in the small town of Bellaire you won’t have to do much digging to find this gem of a store. Louis, one of our sales representatives, nominated this toy and gift shop for their dedication to great customer service and promoting Blue Orange Games. Its doors opened 24 years ago, and it has been a family business ever since. When Dick and Sue opened in 1993 they had a goal: to promote imaginative and creative play that helps with the development of children. Now owned by their son, Steve, and his wife, Suzanne, Little Treasures has continued to embody this goal, all while establishing themselves as a nostalgic shop loved by all generations. Located in the quaint town of Bellaire, Michigan, Little Treasures is always a treat for locals and visitors alike. With many people coming in for those hot summer months, the store originally only opened in the summer, to accommodate the flurry of vacationers. However, when Steve and Suzanne took the wheel they decided to open their doors all year long. From near or far, no matter the season, those who flock to the charming village of Bellaire always make a routine stop at their favorite shop to check out cool games.
One of the many great things about Little Treasures is that they have something for everyone, like those grandparents stopping by to pick up a treat for the kids; the staff takes it personally to find a toy or game that will leave their grandkids squealing with delight. By engaging with all their customers, Little Treasures always offers hands on fun for both kids and parents. They’re so dedicated to providing fun to their visitors that owner, Steve, even created a customized gaming table. The table really draws people in, it’s hard to say “no” to a quick round of Gobblet Gobblerswhen the giant version greets you at the door!
Suzanne says that Blue Oranges Games are always perfect for demonstrating since they are simple and easy to learn quickly. She stated that, “ Blue Orange leaves room for imaginative play”, elaborating that there’s a type of flexibility that enables the rules to be changed and molded to the player. Having the capability for loose play is also great for Suzanne’s other interest, education. Being able to promote games that have more than just surface benefits is one of the main foundations of Little Treasures. While everyone loves fun, there’s something special that can come from encouraging and developing skills crucial for development. With 14 years of experience behind her, Suzanne realizes the importance of positively promoting education, and since there are so many different types of learners having a loose set of rules that can be adapted really helps to connect with students. When considering kids with disabilities, Suzanne is always going the extra mile to keep them engaged and interested. She likes to promote simple yet intriguing games for those with disabilities so that everyone can play. Even though these kids can get frustrated at times, it’s still important to have fun and create an environment that’s unique to each individual.
Since Suzanne lives out of town, Sherri handles the everyday running of Little Treasures. Suzanne described her as a god-sent who is always putting in 210% for Little Treasures. Sherri and her son Mick, have even created a unique kid approved review. Here, on Mick’s Pick, you can find cool new toys and gifts chosen and approved by a boy who knows fun! Its all these creative ways Little Treasures gets involved with their community and customers that make us love them! With the help of their amazing staff like Rick, Beth and Mary, Little Treasures is able to put their best foot forward. Everyone there genuinely cares for their community, customers, and store. We chose Little Treasures as our store of the Month for their dedication and passion around all things games. In this day and age, Blue Orange Games really appreciates those who take the time to slow down and engage with their customers with so much care.
Working with Little Treasures has been a pleasure and we proudly award them July’s Store of the Month. As a staple of Bellaire, Little Treasures is regarded as a top shop for fun. Make sure to take a trip to this gem and be immersed in a place like no other. Little Treasures is always reachable via their website here or at 100 E. Cayuga St. Bellaire, Michigan 49615.
Whether you’re a kid in age or at heart, Shananigans in has something fun for everyone. It’s rare to find a toy store that can excite and pique the interest of all who enter, which is why the citizens of Baltimore, Maryland are lucky to have such a wonderful place to pass the time!
