Cool Stuff

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Qwirky Qwirkle - a great game of strategy

November 16, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Qwirkle requires no board, no dice, no timer and no pretend money - but what it does require makes it one of our favorite games (and, if truth be told, we were playing it at a Learning Tree staff meeting just the other night). Qwirkle is deceptive - in its simplest form it’s about matching colors and shapes. But, the game is far more than a color-matching game - it requires strategic thinking and tactical maneuvers. Earn... [Read the full story]

Buying Toys 101

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Toy Buying Tips - Or…right toy + right age = happy kid

August 19, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

We have a myriad of toy choices today - all designed for fun and teaching. But does every toy automatically offer a positive teaching experience? My friend’s two year old is one smart kid but when her grandmother showed up with a dress-able fashion doll marked Ages 6+ – disaster was clearly in store. For an hour, Grandma sat on the floor frantically trying to teach the toddler how to manipulate the clothes and accessories. Baby preferred to throw the blouses, chew the tiny shoes off the doll’s feet and wander away... [Read the full story]

Book Reviews

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Fancy Nancy - the fancier, the better!

October 27, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Sometimes a girl just wants to be fancy. For Nancy, though, it’s not just sometimes - it’s ALL the time! For this pint-sized diva, the title character of the book Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, being fancy is the only way to be. And while Nancy loves her family, she’ll admit that they are a little bit…ordinary. Mundane. Typical. She, on the other hand, lives by the adage that “more is always better when it comes to being fancy.” More sprinkles.... [Read the full story]

Creative Play

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Crafting Fun With Brain Noodles

October 27, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Using your noodle has never been this much fun! We can’t quit playing with Brain Noodles™ …and neither can kids who come into our stores! These twisty, bendy crafts (think jumbo, oversized fuzzy pipecleaners) are bright, colorful and fun for all ages of kids and kids-at-heart. Jumbo silky fiber stems that bend any way you want, Noodles are amazingly versatile and can be turned into anything you can imagine. They can even be thrown into the washing machine if they get dirty! Brain Noodles™ can be used again and... [Read the full story]

About Us

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About Us

September 5, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Since 1996, The Learning Tree stores have provided the Kansas City  metropolitan area with unique, and timeless toys and gifts for kids. As the parents of three children, we know the importance of feeling confident about the toy choices we make for our kids. We value the safety and well being of all children and we have always closely monitored the quality of the playthings we provide for them at our stores. We keep in close contact with our manufacturers and receive up-to-the-minute information on any and all recalls... [Read the full story]

In the Store

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Toy Expert Training / Let’s Play Games!

The Learning Tree recently had a staff meeting in preparation for our busy holiday season that will go into full-swing tomorrow. The best part? We got to play games! We make sure... [Read more]


Toy of the Week

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Flip ‘n’ Tip Fred Teaches Recycling

Even kids can go green! All it takes is some play time with Flip ‘n’ Tip Fred! Flip ‘n’ Tip Fred! is one of the WOW Toys we carry - a unique line of toys... [Read more]