One of the strangest things about parenthood is how toys tend to appear out of absolutely nowhere. Eventually, all of us have to deal with a toy box filled with items of unknown origins. And while your child might have forgotten about them, all of a sudden, they are now the most important possessions in the entire world, and any threat of donating them is met with tears. So I’m all about finding stores that sell mindful toys that my kids adore long after purchase. If you’re trying to find a shop that matches you with items that will actually get used, I’d love to tell you about one of my favorites, Happy Up Inc. This specialty store overflows with products that won’t end up in the bottom of the toy box.
About Happy Up Inc.
Happy Up Inc. was founded by Steve St. Pierre, an Edwardsville native. Steve was in college and had no idea of what to do in life until he began working part-time at an Austin, Texas toy store. He opened up a shop in his hometown and then a second in Swansea. Over the years, the locations have moved and changed hands, as well as names. It was nearly shut down a time or two, but the new owners, Shawnta’ Ray and Rick Harmon fought to keep it open and revitalized the shop. Today, Shawnta’ and Rick still own it. They’re parents themselves and know what families actually want for playtime. You can check out the store in Edwardsville as well as their newest one in Clayton, where their mission stands firm: toys and games for all!
Products
Happy Up Inc. specializes in selling toys that are engaging while still being ridiculously entertaining. Their classic Brio train sets are perfect for hours of playtime, while their wooden toys are focused on improving gross motor skills. The store has exciting games such as Colorama, Zingo, and Settlers of Catan. Gamers will adore their Minecraft card games, while musicians will love instruments such as their accordions and recorders. You can find some of the best brand names, including Douglas Plush, Green Toys, Playmobil, and Calico Critters. The store carries a great variety of hands-on toys, such as baking tools and crafts, that will let your child work on a skill while still having the time of their life!
Specialty
If you’re looking for a way to get your children outside this summer, you’ll want to check out their outdoor activities. The shop sells kids’ garden tools, pocket microscopes, nature magnifiers, and bug catchers. They also sell adorable bird feeders, including one that looks like a live cam. It’s one of the most creative ways to get your kids off screens!
Happy Up Inc.
Childhood flies by so quickly, and it’s important to look for things that let your little one make the most out of every second. At Happy Up Inc., you can find a huge variety of toys dedicated to helping your child learn and grow.
If you’re looking for additional ways to make childhood last, you should consider booking some family photos! I’m a luxury family photographer who specializes in studio photography that lets you capture your kids during this amazing stage. I’m all about creating memories and heirlooms you’ll treasure for years to come. If you’ve been thinking about booking a session for your family, I’d love to connect! Contact me today to find out more.
A rating of 5 is not high enough for Kelly!! Kelly is an amazing photographer, was absolutely wonderful to work with, and was quick to reply to emails. Shes an upbeat and positive person, which made out photo sessions comfortable and fun!! Kelly is professional in more ways than one and I highly recommend her to anyone in the St. Louis area wanting some maternity and/or family photos taken!
