Magic Mouse Toys: Not Just for Kids
On 1st Avenue in Seattle's Pioneer Square area, look for Magic Mouse Toys, a fixture in the Seattle area since 1977. Inside Magic Mouse Toys, shoppers will find two stories jam-packed with toys, including Lego, Seattle-themed souvenirs, magic tricks, and more.
All ages are represented in the store's wares, cramming the shelves with entertaining and sometimes educational selections. Organized by type of toy, the wealth of possibilities ensures happy browsing that may leave customers surprised at how much time they've whiled away. A giant target on the wall invites the customer to test their aim by shooting a flying monkey or two at it.
Racks of stuffed animals gaze from their places, like purple dragons and unicorns jostling with their more mundane counterparts. Legos are well represented with a sizeable selection, as are other popular collectible toys. Juggling equipment, flying monkeys, puppets, models of almost everything imaginable, game miniatures, and even a selection of Smurf dolls all await the right buyer. Plenty of demo toys allow the buyer to test out playability before making a purchase.
An excellent place for finding Seattle souvenirs, the store's wares include a build-it-yourself model of the Space Needle, along with plenty of tsotchkes familiar to Archie McPhee fans. Looking for something from further aboard? Those needs can be met too, from the lovely German baby toys and Steiff teddy bears to an elaborate Italian toy car or a multitude of sparkly pink and baby-blue colored Hello Kitty-themed merchandise.
Watch your step while in the store. You never know where a hamster ball may be wandering, inviting customers to play with it.
A wide selection of children's games ranges from the familiar classics to newer games like Killer Bunnies or Munchkin, while a good selection of children's books rests in the basement, as well as a fabulous assortment of paper dolls. Science toys and kits aimed at all ages can be found here as well. A bargain corner in the basement also offers discounts on discontinued items.
Check out the building Magic Mouse occupies while visiting. The Mutual Life Building, constructed in 1897, in on the National Registry of Historic Sites.
HelloSeattle Tip: Even if the store's closed, peek in the front door. Often an elaborate and amusing toy staging will be apparent.
Posted on Apr 19, 2011 by Cat Rambo
