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Legacy Toys in Minnesota and North Dakota is March’s Store of the Month!

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

We are so excited to have Legacy Toys as our March Store(s) of the Month. With three locations around Minnesota and North Dakota, these shops are definitely leaving a huge legacy! The Blue Orange team got the chance to visit the Duluth location and loved how knowledgeable the staff was, as well as the passion they had for our games. In fact, after getting the chance to play the 2017 Spiel De Jahres winner, Kingdomino, with our Blue Orange interns, it quickly became a staff favorite. In addition to all the fun we had while visiting, this enthusiasm for Blue Orange Games is why we are so happy to reward Legacy Toys our Store of the Month award!

Brad and his wife opened their first store in 2012, wanting to bring fun to kids and families with their unique ideas. The first Legacy Toys was in Ely, Minnesota and was filled to the brim with toys, games, and plush figures that were perfect for igniting imagination. Brad and his wife have three daughters, so they wanted to help families like theirs appreciate quality time together without all the distractions of electronics. At Legacy Games, it’s always encouraged to think creatively, explore, and of course- PLAY!

The game section at their flagship store in Ely, MN. (photo credit: Legacy Toys website) — The game section at their flagship store in Ely, MN. Check out those Blue Orange games on the left! (photo credit: Legacy Toys website)

For the fantastic staff at Legacy Toys, playing games is taken very seriously, and Brad’s team always goes above and beyond as game experts. This is part of the Legacy Toys experience- customers always return because they know just how knowledgeable the staff is. Brad even started a rewards program just for his staff, so that when they can successfully teach someone how to play a new game they are rewarded points. With access to over 400+ games in the Legacy Toys demo library, everyone is free to bring games home and encouraged to pick out a quarterly favorite to show off to the customers. It’s clear that there’s no lack of passion from the staff, owner, or customers at Legacy Toys.

The team at Legacy Toys, Duluth receiving the Store of the Month award.

With three stores already open in the area, Legacy Toys has become a sought after adventure for many because of its remarkable decor. The third store in Fargo just opened in November, and it features a life-sized bison that entices locals and tourists alike. Additionally, every Legacy Toys is home to a giant, robot dinosaur- each has a distinct species to greet you inside! At the Ely store, you’ll be sure to find fun with their 500-gallon saltwater aquarium that’s filled with all the mysteries of the sea. Last, but surely not least, is the Duluth store. It not only has a full castle storefront entrance, so you can arrive like royalty, but it also has a rain forest set up with twenty-five foot palm trees and LED clouds to stimulate storms. At this location, kids love to ride the Plasma Car around the store or even sneak into the candy section for a sweet treat. If you can visit all three Legacy Toys, or even just one, you’re sure to have an experience like no other!

The dinosaur at Legacy Toys, Duluth! (Photo: Duluth News Tribune)

All the stores have events, such as bi-weekly game nights, where you can expect more than 100 people to stop by and play a few rounds with friends, both old and new. One of the crowd favorites is Dr. Eureka, since it’s so easy to join in on a game with kids of any age. This event is also an amazing opportunity to try before you buy and get familiar with all the new Blue Orange, like Pool Party or Mindo. Make sure to check out the Legacy Toy store website to see when the store closest to you is having an event!

We want to thank the Legacy Toys team for their enthusiasm for Blue Orange games, and for letting their passion for fun create magic in every store. To learn more about Legacy Toys, visit their website or stop by of their three locations:

1. Legacy Toys – Duluth

1600 Miller Trunk Hwy

Duluth, MN 55811

(218) 729-2627

2. Legacy Toys – Fargo

3902 13th Ave S.

Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 205-0085

3. Legacy Toys – Ely

5 N. Central Ave.

Ely, MN 55731

(218) 249-0263

Congratulations again to Legacy Toys!

Written by: Whitney Green

Congratulations to Sage Explorers in Lake Forest, IL for Winning December’s Store of the Month

Posted on December 21, 2017December 21, 2017 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

If you’re ever in the neighborhood of Lake Forest, Illinois be sure to make a stop at Sage Explorers toy shop. While its doors only just opened in September, this place is well on its way to becoming a town staple. With its quick acceleration to the top and a focus on educational learning, Sage Explorers is more than deserving of our December Store of the Month award.

Lake Forest has been a town without a toy and game store for many years, and Sage Explorers has brought the fun back into the community. With only a few months under their belts, the people of Lake Forest have quickly embraced this shop and all it has to offer. Those seeking a new game or toy no longer have to journey far to satisfy their wishes and as a result, you can expect to find the store busy with kids stopping by after school for a little fun, or grandparents picking up a treat for their grand kids. Being able to cater to such a diverse range of people is just what makes Sage Explorers so special!

sage_explorers_-_lake_forest-1506719399-3874 — Demonstration tables throughout the store are one of the keys to their success!

While Sage Explorers offers toys and games that will keep the kids entertained for hours, they have so much more. The owner, Allison, has been a educator for the last 12 years, so you can be assured that she knows a thing or two about educational fun. She knows that games can help develop a young mind and that building strategic skills is something that parents, educators, and kids should all get excited about. As a store that values the learning process, many teachers within the community have found Sage Explorers to be a great resource for classroom materials. They also have tutoring available for children, which provides them with another chance to make a difference in their community. Allison declared that one of her favorite educational games to recommend is the Super Genius line, since it’s so easy to integrate within any curriculum and keep students engaged.With everything you need to promote education, there is no question why the store has seen such great success.

IMG_20171220_144857710 — Sage Explorers accepting the Store of the Month award.

Of course we had to ask which Blue Orange game is Allison’s personal favorite. She’s a big fan of Flash, since it’s such a great way to get kids focuses on arithmetic while nurturing their motor skills. On the other hand, she’s noticed that customers go crazy for Go Go Gelato. It’s easy game play and flexibility to adjust to any age or skill level make it a favorite with her customers!

When asked what makes a great game, Allison stated that it’s all about how easy it is to teach. Customers, from young kids to grandparents, love a game that has simple rules and is quick for players to pick up on. At Sage Explorers, one of the secrets to their success is always keeping a great selection of easy to learn games out for demonstration. Having four display tables all packed with games enables everyone that strolls by to play a quick round as they shop. This has proven effective as letting their customers play a Blue Orange classic, Gobblet Gobblers, has been an easy way to keep the game flying off the shelves.

Customers playing Gobblet Gobblers at a demo table in the store.

If you’re ever in Lake Forest, Sage Explorers is definitely worth the visit. From educators to parents to kids, everyone is bound to have a fun time! They’re located at 647 N. Bank Ln., and will soon be available online as well.

Congratulations!

Written by: Whitney Green

Congratulations to Shenanigans in Charlottesville, VA for Winning September’s Store of the Month

Posted on September 6, 2017September 7, 2017 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

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! store 1

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.

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to The Book Bin in Onley, VA for Winning August’s Store of the Month

Posted on August 15, 2017August 15, 2017 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

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.

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.

Congratulations!!

Blue Orange Games Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

Check out our list of recommendations from the 2016 catalog that would make excellent additions to your holiday gift guide or list. With a diverse selection, there is bound to be something for everyone! These games are perfect for…

The Tiny Tot: Vroom Vroom

2 to 4 Players | Ages 4 and Up

A cute snail-themed game with high quality components, and wooden snails that really roll! Helps little ones learn counting and dexterity, and a build-your-own track option makes each game different.

The Demolition-Obsessed: Kaboom

2-5 Players | Ages 6 and Up

What’s better than catapult fueled fun?! Construct wooden towers as the master builder while your opponents act as saboteurs, and launch projectiles in an attempt to foil your work.

Your Favorite Teacher: The Super Genius Collection

1-6 Players | Ages 3 and Up

Thank your favorite teacher with a set from our collection of educational matching games! These reading and math games are beloved by students and teachers for breaking the boring streak of traditional flashcards.

The Aspiring Mad Scientist: Dr. Eureka

1-4 Players | Ages 8 and Up

A uniquely-themed game that will challenge even the smartest little scientist! It is a brain-teaser with a competitive twist that children and families will return to play again and again.

The Maniacal Magician: Top That!

2-4 Players | Ages 7 and Up

Put on your top hat and get ready to stack! Race your opponents to pile your props up just like the challenge cards. Pay attention to the cards, are you supposed to hide your tricks or let the audience see them?

Family Game Night: New York 1901

2-4 Players | Ages 8 and Up

Take on the role of developers as you compete for glory and prestige in the Big Apple’s financial district. Acquire new land, demonlish old buildings, and build up skyscrapers to staggering heights in a race for control of New York during the iconic guilded age. This big box stratey board game is the perfect addition to any game night roation or library. NY191 was just awarded GAMES Magazine Traditional Game of the Year, 2016!

The Pokemon Lover: Gigamons

2-4 Players | Ages 6 and Up

Summon powerful Gigamons by collecting tiny Elemons with special powers! A clever twist on classic memory games, it is sure to transport players to it’s magical, elemental world!

The Skilled Strategist: Brix

2 Players | Ages 7 and Up

Build a wall while trying to get four in a row. But wait- it isn’t that simple! Pick X’s, O’s, colors or both to make the game interesting. Be careful, the blocks are tricky, you next move could mean your opponent’s victory!

The Avid Gamer: Vikings on Board

2-4 Players | Ages 8 and Up

This big box, family strategy game’s unique theme and beautiful components make it a perfect gift for any gamer in your life. Players compete to control the biggest portion of ships before they set sail, in an attempt to collect the best supplies. Use Viking tokens to claim actions and gain the advantage over your opponents to win!

Stocking Stuffers

Good things come in small packages! Tin games are great for on-the-go fun. They fit perfectly into stockings hanging by the fire, and make great little gifts.

Ring it!

2-9 Players | Ages 5 and Up

Ring in the New Year with this awesome party game! Be the first to spot a match between two cards and hit the bell as fast as you can.

Fast Flip

2-8 Players | Ages 7 and Up

Flip over fun in this fast fruit frenzy! Be the quickest to find how many of a certain fruit, or how many times a certain fruit, shows up on a card.

Mini Fast Flip Holidays

2-8 Players | Ages 7 and Up

A mini, festive twist on a Blue Orange original. Snowmen, reindeer, presents, trees and candy canes decorate each card.

Mini Fast Flip Pizza

2-8 Players | Ages 7 and Up

A small slice of fun, perfect for any pizza lover! Flip over slices full of tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, peppers and onions. Delicious fun!

To check out all our catalog has to offer visit: blueorangegames.com

Blue Orange brings Games to Camps all over the Bay Area

Posted on August 12, 2016August 12, 2016 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

This summer you sent your kids to summer camps, and I got the pleasure of joining some of them!

Every year when school is out Blue Orange visits camps around the Bay Area for “play days”. Its our way of giving a little something back to the community, and we love exposing kids to screen-less wonder that can be found in a board game.

Let’s break down how it all went:

1,000 kids +15 camps+ over 40 games donated – a few lost game pieces = A sucessful program and one happy intern!

The play days happened at camps all over the Bay Area, in cities like Danville, Mill Valley, Oakland, Berkeley and in Blue Orange’s very own San Francisco. Kids ages 4 to 13 got the chance to play our newest games, as well as some old favorites, at camps that ranged in size from 10 to 350 (!) kids.

For me this was such an amazing opportunity, as I got to see the joy that Blue Orange’s games bring first hand. To watch kids of different ages, (and their counselors!) interact with each other and have fun together gave me such a new perspective on the impact that something as simple as a board game can have.

Check out some snapshots I took during some of my camp visits below!

Me and my trusty game box- it went to all the camps with me this summer!

Campers in Moraga play Fast Flip, Fastrack and Doodle Quest.

Campers in Danville play Gobblet Gobblers, Battle Sheep, Niya and Fastrack.

Blue Orange’s Marketing Manager came out to one of the camps to help out. Here she is playing Dr. Eureka with campers in SF’s Sunset District.

The other marketing intern joined me for the SF sunset camp as well!

Gen Con 2016

Posted on July 20, 2016July 21, 2016 by Corinne Marcot-Jones

Gen Con is just around the corner, and Blue Orange Games has two exciting new games debuting at the convention: Goons of New York 1901 & Vikings on Board.

Goons of New York 1901

the Goons of New York 1901 is a promotional expansion pack for New York 1901, made in collaboration with the kids at the Brooklyn Game Lab as part of a months long game jam they did with over 500 submissions. You can read all about how the kids made the game in this article from BGL founder Robert Hewitt: https://boardgamegeek.com/designer-diary-goons-new-york-1901

Goons of New York will be free with purchase of the base game at the convention, or $5 on its own. And, if the feedback is positive, we will release it to a wider audience later in the year. If you are interested in learning more about the BGL promo, email us at pr@blueorangegames.com for more information.

Vikings on Board

Vikings on Board is a worker placement game from Charles Chevallier (Abyss, Masques, Wakanda). The game includes 39 beautiful 3D ship pieces that come fully assembled in the box. Learn how to play the game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnPzI1AQv2c

Sales of Vikings on Board will be limited to 50 copies per day. (200 early-access units being flown into the show before its retail release in stores in September). Additionally, anyone who buys the game at the show will also receive a set of upgraded components free with purchase.

Tournaments

Interested in winning free copies of these new games? We’re handing them out as prizes for our tournaments!

More info here: boardgamegeek.com/blue-orange-games-gen-con-tournaments