TOYS

Families can "shop" at the toy store each year before the holidays at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Here are some budget-friendly suggestions for shoppers.

C.S. Mott Children's Hospital's annual toy store is accepting donations for pediatric patients.

The event features a variety of doll vendors that showcase everything from life-like dolls to fabric and crocheted dolls.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Toys are tickets for an upcoming benefit concert hosted by a local artist collective. The Flight Team, a group of artists based in Washtenaw County, will host its third annual Super Fly Toy Drive and benefit concert. The drive has four locations for people to drop off toys, culminating in a benefit concert at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 at The Blind Pig, 208 South First St., Ann Arbor. “COVID itself is what really brought it on,” said Dre Davenport, a member of The Flight Team known as Dre Dav. The benefit concert will start at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 at The Blind Pig, 208 South First St., Ann Arbor.

Black Friday isn't until Nov. 25, but the early Black Friday deals have already begun. Keep track of them all here.

There’s something for every child on your list

It’s the middle of September, and most people aren’t yet thinking about Halloween, let alone Christmas. But many big box stores and local toy shops have already started planning.

Macy’s has partnered with WHP Global to bring the Toys”R”Us brand to every Macy’s store in America.

It was announced by Matell, Inc. that the Barbie brand in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute is introducing a Dr. Jane Goodall Inspiring Women Doll. The doll is made of 90% recycled ocean-bound plastic.

With Memorial Day Weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, family’s can’t wait to get the summer activities started. Today on “Live In The D”, Tati spoke with James Zahn, senior editor at The Toy Insider, to give us a sneak peak at some of the toys your kids will get hours of fun time with.

We are just a few days away from Easter, which means that you are envisioning brightly colored baskets, decorated eggs, and the usual Easter candy that we all love. Here are a few ideas that can take your Easter celebration to a whole new level.

He may be in his 60s, but Jimmy Attard is absolutely living out a dream a whole lot of us had as kids. Attard has spent decades transforming the basement of his Dearborn home into an epic slot car racing track, and you really need to see it to believe it.

Ann Arbor parents can sell and shop gently used kids items at this massive sale.

Get 20% off this automatic interactive dog ball that will keep your dog entertained while you work.

The Rhonda Walker Foundation held their annual Christmas Cares Party, gifting presents and good times to homeless children and families.

“My sales policy is not to collect a single penny," said Mike Sullivan. "Everything we make is given away.”

Time is of the essence for the Salvation Army in New Mexico now that the Grinch has thrown a wrench into the group’s holiday toy program.

Michigan’s attorney general has released this year’s dangerous toy guide ahead of the holiday season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re all shopping, and getting the big day, but one important element we can’t forget are stocking stuffers for the family. We’ve got some suggestions that are sure to please some people on your list.

Scott and Pammy Kramer have turned their tragic journey with childhood cancer into a force for good.

The Local 4 anchors are sharing why they chose the classic toys that they chose for the Help Me Hank Toy Test.

The Help Me Hank toy test is back with virtual toy testers to give some of the hot holiday toys a try.

Experts are warning parents and families to be aware of where their kids’ toys are coming from this holiday season to help avoid any toy-related injuries.

The holidays are right around the corner and we’re here to help you get your toy shopping list for the kids in your life ready to go.

The toys that all the kids want this holiday season are already hard to find.

This photo gallery shows dolls of all kinds through the years in America.

New guidance is encouraging parents and caregivers to be extra mindful about where babies and toddlers are sleeping to help avoid dangerous situations.

It may only be September, but retail experts are saying that you should begin your holiday shopping right away.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of Play-Doh being introduced, and Thursday is National Play-Doh Day.

It’s barely pumpkin spice season, and jingle bells are far from ringing. But shopping pros say if you want the hottest holiday toys, now is the time to start.

If you want to get your hands on the hot holiday toys you need to shop soon. The pandemic has created massive supply shortages and shipping delays and yes even toys will be affected.

Kids are expensive. This sale in Ann Arbor helps parents sell gently used kids items.

Detroitland Vending is giving you a throwback that is sure to put a smile on your face!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Morawski family has three children: Addy, 11; Will, 8; and Jack, 4. “The Child” was a hit with the Morawski family. The Basil family really took to this toy. The Morawski family really enjoyed watching that happen and seeing which puppy would reveal itself. They really liked the all-surface vehicle that could move across the floor on its own.

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.

Toys for Tots tells Local 4 their donations are drastically down this year.

Toys “R” Us is launching its annual Geoffrey’s Hot Toy List for the 2020 holiday season. Starting today (Oct. 28, 2020), customers in the U.S. can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the toys from this year’s Hot Toy List and the grand prize, a $400 virtual shopping spree at the Houston Toys “R” Us store. Winners will be announced beginning Oct. 31 through Nov. 20, 2020. Here is the list:

Well, that got us thinking about favorite things from our childhood and we’re talking about it today on What’s The Buzz. To kick everything off we asked them what their favorite childhood game was. Mike Bonner enjoyed a fun game of extreme tag while Vanessa enjoyed jump rope and racing. Vanessa had a Raggedy Ann that she loved and that she had throughout her childhood. For Mike Bonner, it was Parcheesi.

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.

With the holidays just three months way, Walmart is unveiling its annual “top rated by kids toy list” on Thursday. This year’s list features 36 of the hottest toys for the 2020 holiday season, selected by the real experts: children. The 2020 list reflects the focus on trends such as interactive, educational toys, screen-free indoor entertainment and energy-burning outdoor activities. Click here to view the full list.

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 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.

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.

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.

There's a rapidly growing market for toys, games and apps designed to get kids excited about science, tech, engineering and math -- skills that could really pay off later in life.