Blue Orange Games is lucky to partner with a fantastic bunch of retailers who are passionate about their businesses and supportive of our games. We want to do more to recognize the stores and individuals that make our mission possible. That’s how our new monthly spotlight on an outstanding Blue Orange Games retailer came about!
We are pleased to announce that Lasso the Moon Toys in Helena, Montana is our Store of the Month for April! Xavier, a member of our sales team, nominated the store because of their passion for our product and their dedication to their local community.
Lasso the Moon is an independently owned toy store that has served as a community cornerstone for more than 15 years. Because they are located in Helena’s historic downtown pedestrian mall, they have a deep connection to the heart and soul of their town. And their passion for their community clearly shines.
Their friendly staff is welcoming and more than happy to recommend toys and games. And they regularly participate in local community events, including Neighborhood Toy Store Day, Chalk Up Helena, The Holiday Stroll, and Art Walks.
The play tables inside the store are always full of the both the classic and the coolest award winning toys, puzzles and games.
Lasso the Moon prides itself on only carrying the best of the best, and they have a strict criteria to determine if a toy is good enough for their customers:
What Makes a Good Toy?
Safe
- A good toy should pass the drop test and a lot more. Be it wood, metal, plastic, or fabric, the basic material should be durable and well-finished.
Age Appropriate
- The play activity should developmentally suit the child’s age. They check the toy maker’s recommendations and believe in the “+” sign. Ages 3+ does not mean a 4-year-old has outgrown it. If in doubt, they consult with the toy experts at the ASTRA (The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) to match activities to specific ages.
Engaging
- Toys should encourage open-ended play, invite exploration, and engage a child’s interest beyond a short sitting. Toys should be hands-on tools – not watch-me players. A child should be able to power a plaything – even a battery-operated toy – with his or her own ideas and imagination.
Expansive
- A good toy with play value benefits the child at a particular stage by introducing and reinforcing age specific skills. A great toy grows with the child, helping her or him advance from one developmental stage to the next.
Fun
- Most of all, a good toy is fun to play with. Dull and boring, regardless of benefit, have no place in a good toy box.
Not only do they have a wonderful understanding toys and games industry, they are also incredibly friendly and focused on the happiness of their customers.
In a hurry to get to a birthday party? Call with the age of the birthday kid and your dollar amount, and they will have it wrapped and ready for you to pick up on the way to the party! And during the holidays, they even offer free storage for your Christmas presents until Christmas Eve so your little rascals won’t find their presents before the big day.
It’s exactly this sort of thoughtful, community-focused thinking that we love about Lasso the Moon. They think about the needs of their customers first. And set a high standard for great local community toy stores.
For more information, visit lassothemoontoys.com.
The whole team at Blue Orange Games would like to thank Amy and the rest of the Lasso the Moon staff for believing in our games and for creating rewarding, educational experiences for their community. Congrats!