Did you know there’s a castle in Sioux City? Did you know there’s also a toy store inside said castle? Even better, would you believe me if I told you there’s a bar right next
Did you know there’s a castle in Sioux City? Did you know there’s also a toy store inside said castle? Even better, would you believe me if I told you there’s a bar right next door to this toy store? Peaked your interest, didn’t I?
Most residents of Sioux City know about this “castle”, but when’s the last time you made a visit?
The bar’s name is Castle Pub & Grill, and maybe I’ll make a post on this small business soon. But for now, we’re going to focus on Thinker Toys.
First Impressions
It’s so exciting walking up to the castle. You realize how big this building is, and how many toys there must be inside!
When I first walked in, I was on sensory overload. Every shelf was full to the brim with toys spanning every age group. From toddlers to teenagers, coloring books to trivia board games. Not to mention, huge stuffed animals hovering just below the ceiling.
Kites!
I’ve mentioned before, that my fiancé and I are transitioning our buying habits to favor small businesses, so you can imagine my excitement when I found kites! We have been talking about buying several kites to fly this summer, and didn’t know where to buy them. To my happiness, on the far back wall was a huge variety of all kinds. Small to large, simple to intricate. I cannot wait to make my way back so we can spend more time sifting through their selection.
Board Games
I also found board games for the whole family. From the fan favorite “Uno” to obscure board games I’ve never heard of. The sales lady introduced me to a few new games that challenge your creative thinking skills. We would love that in our household, since we play many strategic board games at least once a week.
Infant & toddler
I don’t have young children, but that didn’t stop me from looking. So many of these games brought back countless childhood memories.
Hours of entertainment were had on these interactive toys. Even the newer versions look the exact same as their 1980s counterparts. So nostalgic.
Outdoor fun
If you plan on participating in outdoor activities this summer, there are many games you can set up on your lawn or backyard. Maybe while you’re having a yard sale, you could set one of these up to entertain your customers’ children while they shop!
Fun for all
There are crafting sets for your pre-teen daughter, or intricate Jet Fighter model kits for your teenage son. Dad might like a classic car kit, and I know I wouldn’t be opposed to a miniature doll house to assemble, design and decorate.
Legos!
There’s also a Lego Room! You can start with a small set for beginners, or purchase an advanced set for the collector in your family.
I know my fiancé would be drawn to the Star Wars Lego sets. He’d also navigate himself to their collection of dragons and fantasy creatures. Undoubtably, I’ll have to invest in glass display boxes, and donate a room in the house to his hobbies.
Puzzles
Besides, a doll house, I also love assembling puzzles. Lucky for me next to the Lego room on the second floor is a puzzle room. Alas, I don’t need any more puzzles, since I have two I have yet to start. However, there’s always next year!
Chess sets
Finally, my fiancé has been talking about purchasing a high-quality glass chess set. I remember my grandmother owning a marble chess set. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and we were never allowed to touch it! We will have to make a visit to Thinker Toys when we’re ready to invest in something so valuable.
Gift ideas for the whole year
Birthdays, graduations, weddings and Christmases happen every year. I hope I have introduced you to a business you may have not known about, or maybe just forgot existed in Sioux City. Make your way to Thinker Toys, and show support for a small business. Get your gift list ready, because I know I already have gift ideas for my friends and family members this year!
4400 Singing Hills Blvd
Sioux City, IA 51106
712-271-8697
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.