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Just Between Friends consignment sale returns to Ann Arbor this spring

ANN ARBOR – The Just Between Friends Spring Sale will return to the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds April 29 through May 2. Though free passes are available for the final days of the sale, presale passes allow shoppers the first look at all the items and -- speaking from experience -- they go quickly. The annual event was cut short last spring after the first cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Michigan. For our helpers, we’re doing all the safety protocols, which include temperature checks and waivers.”See the spring sale schedule below:JBF Spring 2021 sale schedule (JBF Ann Arbor)The organizers say limited capacity at the event may lead to outdoor waits. Visit annarbor.jbfsale.com for information on selling and complete sale schedule!

Here are some new toys that will kick family fun night up a few notches

Families have learned how to make the most of having fun at home, but sometimes the question is still asked, “What should we do tonight?” Some new toys and activities have hit the market that will help take “family fun at home” to another level. James Zahn, senior editor with The Toy Insider, joined Tati Amare to share a few ideas on how to keep family fun night interesting with reimagined classics and some new toys that have just hit the market. The classic card game, Uno, is celebrating 50 years of fun with a new set that commemorates its golden anniversary. “You’re on Mute”, may be something that you have said during a Zoom meeting, but this a new game that has you testing your lip-reading abilities. Watch the video above to see more games that will make your family fun nights even better!

Salvation Army holding Toy Drive in Ann Arbor on Saturday

ANN ARBOR – The Salvation Army in Washtenaw County is in urgent need of toy donations for its Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 12. The need for holiday assistance has risen in the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We have over 1,000 children that are in need of toys in our county,” Salvation Army’s Washtenaw County Coordinator Major Kris Wood wrote A4 via email. “This is a significant increase over the past years and we need everyone to do whatever they can to help us.”From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its center at 100 Arbana Dr., volunteers will be collecting Christmas toys in reception barrels to be distributed to children throughout the county. People are asked to bring new, unwrapped gifts to donate.

Diverse line of dolls created by Detroit entrepreneur are a hit for the holidays

The Zoe Doll was created by Healthy Roots Dolls and has become an important toy for little girls of color. The owner, Yelitsa Jean-Charles, has had a very successful year and now Zoe’s wardrobe is getting something new. READ: Detroit entrepreneur creates diverse line of dollsYelitsa Jean-Charles grew up wishing that she had a doll that looked like her. Yelitsa Jean-Charles said that Healthy Roots is a long-term investment in early childhood development, which helps represent girls of today and tomorrow. We understand your frustrations and know so many hoped their Zoe doll would be under the tree for family and friends this year, and appreciate your understanding during this unprecedented time.

Struggling Utica toy store finds success by thinking outside the box

With far fewer shoppers heading to malls this year, a toy store at Lakeside Mall decided to move their business elsewhere. The Toy Box opened a new store across the street from the mall -- but for the first few weeks it was open, they did not do so well. By adapting with the times and offering more personalized services amid the pandemic, however, the store owners were able to find success. Watch the full story in the video player above.

Types of toys, games families are playing with more this year

DETROIT – The COVID-19 pandemic has many families spending more time at home together, and that means more time to play and have fun together. As part of this year’s Help Me Hank toy test, we asked our families to share with us the types of toys and games they find themselves playing more. Part 1: Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020′s top toys ahead of the holidays“Pre-pandemic, post pandemic, anytime. She said when the pandemic started in March, it was all about puzzles, books and board games. “We have bought more games, especially games that we can play as a family because we have more time to play games now than we ever did before,” said mom Sarah Mayberry.

What kinds of children’s toys are you buying this holiday season amid the pandemic?

As we inch closer to the holidays, most of us are adapting our celebrations to meet new restrictions and protocols designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. With the pandemic likely affecting your plans and events, we’re wondering if it is also affecting how you’re shopping for holiday gifts -- specifically those for children. Are you buying different kinds of toys for children this holiday season due to the coronavirus pandemic? In what ways -- if at all -- has the pandemic affected what toys you’re shopping for? Let us know using the form below.

2020 National Toy Hall of Fame finalists: Vote now

This years National Toy Hall of Fame finalists have been announced and the group ranges from simple toys to the highly innovative. According to the Strong National Museum of Play," the 12 finalists are:Sidewalk chalkBaby NancyBingoBreyer HorsesJengaLite-BriteMasters of the UniverseMy Little PonyRiskSorry! Fans of these toys can vote on their favorite starting Sept. 10 through Sept. 16. The three top toy fan votes will join the top three submissions by members of the national selection advisory committee. The final 2020 inductees will be announced on Nov. 5.

Bottomless Toy Chest honors children fighting cancer with parking lot celebration

TROY, Mich. Every summer the nonprofit organization Bottomless Toy Chest hosts a red carpet event for children fighting cancer. Each child was treated like a Hollywood celebrityBecause I did so much hard work and I get stuff for doing hard work, said Brandon Tolhurst, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Brandons hard work included years of chemotherapy. The red carpet event put his mother at ease knowing her sons immune system is compromised. This years version might not have been the usual red carpet event at Emagine Royal Oak, but it still accomplished the Bottomless Toy Chests mission.

Detroit Public Library aims to keep kids reading at home

DETROIT The Detroit Public Library has come up with a fun way to keep children reading this summer and it can all be done from home at a safe distance. We all agree its a summer unlike any other, so the library came up with a challenge to inspire young readers at home. Read more: Kids at HomeWith library buildings closed due to the pandemic, the traditional summer reading programs for children sadly had to be put on hold this year. This is about gesture to really showcase our love of reading in the city of Detroit, said Atiim Funchess. It opens up your mind to ideas you probably havent thought of before.Until Labor Day, the Detroit Public Library is asking readers to log how many minutes you spend reading and share your log with the library.

More than just hand washing -- Teaching your children how to be clean, organized

DETROIT Teaching your children about cleanliness during the COVID-19 pandemic goes beyond proper hand washing. I think its really important for children to have a very organized environment, Weinstein said. Whats really important to you and then help the child learn how to make decisions about whats important to keep and whats important to let go, Weinstein said. RELATED: How to teach your children etiquette, manners while stuck at homeFor teenagers, tweens and even older children who might be home from college, let them take control. You can find more information on Weinsteins business, Ive Gotta Get Organized, Inc., on its official website here.

Here’s where to get great deals for your growing family

It’s no secret that raising kids can be expensive, especially since they seem to never stop growing out of things. However, there is a way to get everything you need for all the children in your family at discounts of up to 90% off retail. We are talking baby gear, toys, clothes, room decor and more for your tiny tykes to your teenagers. Co-founders of Just Between Friends Ann Arbor, Anne Seyferth and Sarah Garot, explained how anyone can join in on this sale. Watch the video above to find out how.