Hank Explores Rescue Vehicles at TreeHouse Toy Store

I have cabin fever. Hank, my 2-year-old, has cabin fever. I'm kind of grateful his baby brother is too young to know what cabin fever is. Our family just can't wait for spring and warmer weather to arrive.

To get some of the wiggles out, though, we made a trip to one of my favorite places to take Hank for some one-on-one time with Dad: TreeHouse Toy Store. Mr. Dave, who owns the store with his wife Gaetana, showed Hank a rescue vehicle building set.

These oversized, colorful trucks from Popular Playthings have magnetic pieces, so little hands can easily take them apart and fashion new combinations of fire trucks, ambulances, rescue trucks and more. Hank loved putting them together and making up stories about what they were doing.

I love the neighborhood feel Gaetana and David have cultivated at The TreeHouse Toy Store since they opened it in 1996. They wanted kids of all ages to be able to explore The TreeHouse as if they were in an actual treehouse with fun things to discover around every corner and cool toys tucked into every nook.

Their shop is a reflection of both their talents: Gaetana hand-picks all the toys with an eye for ones that spark children's creativity and imagination. Dave (who enjoys both woodworking and math) handles the financial side of the business and has built all the displays, including the large bucket-filled counters.

They created a shop where kids could come with their allowance and always feel like they could find something new and fun.

They also have a full-service website (including in-store pickup — or “TreeHouse Take-Out” as it’s called), TreeHouse Loyalty Club, shipping services, wishlists and good old-fashioned customer service.

If you want to give your kids a special treat, SHOP LOCAL! I highly recommend you visit The TreeHouse Toy Store at 793 Elmwood Ave. (at corner of Auburn in the Elmwood Village) or call them at 888-882-1322.