Toymaker of Williamsburg BLOG

Bruder

The Toymaker of Williamsburg just received a new shipment of Bruder trucks. See our recent Bruder arrivals below!

Bruder makes high quality toy vehicles for kids. Their models range from construction vehicles to tow trucks to farm vehicles. Bruder models are very detailed and introduce children to real world objects.

Bruder stays true to its slogan “just like the real thing” with their model-sized toys that turn play time into role-play time. Each Bruder toy lets children experience the adult world through their toys’ easy-to-handle play functions and true to life design which let kids learn through play or “grasp through grabbing”. Bruder is even an environmentally friendly company because of their manufacturing practices including an in-house recycling loop and energy saving production.

This exceptional company focuses on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability and is one of the leading manufacturers of plastic toy vehicles.

See our recent arrivals or shop all of our Bruder toys on our official site now.

 
Bruder Trucks

Caterpillar Telehandler

Caterpillar Telehandler

Cat Track Type Tractor

Cat Track Type Tractor

JCB MIDI CX Backhoe Loader

JCB MIDI CX Backhoe Loader

CAT Skid Steer Loader

CAT Skid Steer Loader

Raggedy Ann and Andy

Raggedy Ann was first introduced to the public in 1918 in a book called “Raggedy Ann Stories”. American writer Johnny Gruelle created Raggedy Ann first as a doll for his daughter. He then invented a series of stories starring the simple, red headed rag doll. Her brother, Raggedy Andy, was later introduced in “Raggedy Andy Stories”, a sequel to the popular Raggedy Ann book.
 
Gruelle invented the character of Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella. She brought her father a faceless ragdoll she found and he created a face and a personality for this timeless character. They named the rag doll Raggedy Ann and Gruelle would create stories about the doll to amuse Marcella. Gruella later gave Raggedy Ann a brother, Raggedy Andy, and many other storybook friends.
 
Raggedy Ann and Andy are amazing dolls simply because of their longevity. The Raggedy Ann doll has been a beloved companion since before 1920 and she and her brother are still favorite dolls today.
 
See our NEW Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls from Aurora below and browse all of our dolls on our official site now.
 
Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls
The original doll with heart is back! Our Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls from Aurora come in 16” and 25″ sizes. These beautifully made dolls have fine features, button eyes and yarn hair.

Raggedy Ann Classic - Extra Large

Raggedy Ann Classic - Extra Large

Raggedy Andy Classic - Extra Large

Raggedy Andy Classic - Extra Large

Raggedy Andy Classic - Large

Raggedy Andy Classic - Large

Raggedy Ann Classic - Large

Raggedy Ann Classic - Large

Lamaze Baby

The Toymaker of Williamsburg has just made some exciting new additions to our collection of Lamaze baby toys!

The Lamaze Infant Development System is a line of soft toys based on Lamaze International’s philosophy of healthy parenting. Their toys are designed with the help of child development experts and all of their products meet or exceed industry and consumer safety regulations. Their toys engage babies and provide parents with peace of mind.

See these and all of our Lamaze Baby Toys on our official site now.
 
New Lamaze Baby Toys

Panda Blankie Panda Blankie
 
Panda Blankie is a soft blankie from Lamaze. Panda Blankie is made of 100% Polyester Fiber and accented with satin knotties. This multi-purpose blankie is both engaging and educational. It is packed with developmental features that promote traditional play patterns and encourage the development of baby’s vision. Bright bold colors decorate one side of this Panda Blankie and high-contrast patterns are on the other. Ages: Birth and up.
Mortimer the Moose Mortimer the Moose
 
Mortimer the Moose is a baby toy from Lamaze. The Lamaze Play and Grow Moose is made with multiple textures and sounds and even has teether antlers. These various textures and sounds stimulate your baby’s senses and enhance development during play. Ages: Birth – 24 months.
Flutterbug Flutterbug
 
The Flutterbug is a baby toy from Lamaze. This Play & Grow character is fun and developmentally beneficial. The Flutterbug is a friendly rainbow colored bug suspended over a flower. The high contrast colors on this baby toy will visually stimulate little ones. The different textures on this plaything are tactilely stimulating. The Flutterbug from Lamaze even buzzes when the stem is pulled with vibration and sound. Attach the Play & Grow Flutterbug anywhere: the crib, stroller, or car seat. Ages: Birth – 12 months.
Makai the Monkey Makai the Monkey
 
Makai the Monkey is a baby toy from Lamaze. Your baby will love monkeying around with Makai the Monkey. Sensory stimulating qualities like a colorful patterned body, ribbons, and a swinging peek-a-boo banana are developmentally beneficial for your baby. The Lamaze link on this monkey makes Makai ready to go anywhere: crib, car seat, or stroller! Ages: Birth – 24 months.
Huey the Hedgehog Huey the Hedgehog
 
Huey the Hedgehog is a baby toy from Lamaze. Huey the Hedgehog’s sensory stimulating qualities like high contrast colors, squeaker, and crinkle body are developmentally beneficial for your baby. Huey even comes with the signature Lamaze link so he can go with you from crib to car seat to stroller. Ages: Birth – 24 months.
My Friend Emily My Friend Emily
 
My Friend Emily is a baby toy from Lamaze. My Friend Emily is full of developmentally beneficial features like clacking rings, a rattle necklace and crinkly dress that stimulate baby’s senses. This play doll even comes with a Lamaze link that lets you take her anywhere. Ages: Birth – 24 months.
Lulu in a Tutu Lulu in a Tutu
 
Lulu in a Tutu is a baby toy from Lamaze. Lulu has sensory stimulating features like various textures, colors, and sounds that are developmentally beneficial for your baby. The Lamaze link allows Lulu to go with you anywhere. Ages: Birth – 24 months.
My First Fishbowl My First Fishbowl
 
My First Fishbowl is a baby toy from Lamaze. My First Fishbowl has easy to grasp creatures that help to improve motor skills in young children. Various textures, sounds, and colors provide sensory stimulation for little ones. Ages: 6 months and up.
Jumping Joeys Jumping Joeys
 
Jumping Joeys is a sit and play toy from Lamaze. Jumping Joeys is fun and developmentally beneficial. Easy to grip joeys develop motor skills and hand eye coordination. Bright colors and patterns are visually stimulating for baby. Ages: 9 months and up.
Stacking Rings Stacking Rings
 
Stacking Rings is a baby toy from Lamaze. Stacking Rings are made with bright colors, various textures, and different sounds that stimulate baby’s senses. Easy to grip rings also help to develop motor skills and hand eye coordination. Ages: 6 months and up.
My First Toolbox My First Toolbox
 
My First Toolbox is a baby toy from Lamaze. My First Toolbox includes various textures and sounds for sensory stimulation. Animals and tools inspire imagination. My First Toolbox is self-storing and is perfect for on the go fun. Ages: 6 months and up.

 
See these new baby toys and all of our Lamaze baby toys on our official site now!

Angry Birds Action Game

Angry Birds Action Game
 
Angry Birds, the world’s number one mobile game, has just made its foray into the real world! Now you can play Angry Birds with friends and family in all three dimensions anywhere you go.

In this real world action game, players can recreate their favorite scenes from the digital game or customize their own scenarios. To play, set up wooden blocks and plastic pig on the scoring mat. Each player gets a chance to toss the three dimensional Angry Birds at the plastic green pig with the goal of knocking it down. Points are scored depending on where your green pig lands once he is knocked off of his perch. Collect three stars to win the game!

This real world Angry Birds is even good on the go. The sturdy scoring mat is three feet across and turns into a red carrying bag that can be taken with you anywhere. Angry Birds Action Game is easy to set up and is hours of fun for any group.

Game includes: plastic green pig, soft red bird, soft yellow bird, scoring mat, three wooden blocks, a score pad, and rules. Created for two or more players. WARNING: Choking Hazard – Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years of age. Ages: 5 years and up.

Pick up your Angry Birds Action Game or check out our other fun family games on our official site now!

W. Britain August Arrivals

Brand new toy soldiers have just arrived at The Toymaker of Williamsburg! Military miniatures from William Britain’s Museum Collection, American Civil War Collection, Archive Collection and American Revolution Collection have just appeared on our shelves. See all of our August arrivals below.

W. Britain is a world leader in the realm of collectible toy soldiers. Their modern toy soldiers have such lifelike features that they are considered to have photographic detail. Each of their metal figures is historically accurate from clothing to weaponry. Their military miniatures come in a huge assortment of ranges from historic battles to literary characters to 20th century soldiers. It is the high quality, variety, and historical accuracy of their toy soldiers that make the W. Britain brand a favorite among collectors.

Start building your toy soldier collection today. See these and all of our William Britain toy soldiers on or official site now.
 

W. Britain Museum Collection

Black Watch Private Marching 1 Black Watch Private Marching #1 Black Watch Highlander WWI 1916 Black Watch Highlander WWI 1916

 
American Civil War Toy Soldiers

Union Iron Brigade Advancing 3 Union Iron Brigade Advancing 3 Union Iron Brigade Kneeling Firing 1 Union Iron Brigade Kneeling Firing 1
Union Artillery Crewman Advancing with Sponge and Bucket 1 Union Artillery Crewman Advancing with Sponge and Bucket 1 Union Artillery Set 4 Union Artillery Set #4 – Running Up

 
W. Britain Archive Collection

British 7th Hussars
British 7th Hussars

 
American Revolution Toy Soldiers

British Royal Irish Grenadier Standing Firing 1 British Royal Irish Grenadier Standing Firing 1 British Royal Irish Grenadier Charge Bayonet 1 British Royal Irish Grenadier Charge Bayonet 1
Colonial Militia Standing Firing 1 Colonial Militia Standing Firing 1 Colonial Militia Standing Loading 1 Colonial Militia Standing Loading 1
Colonial Militia At Port Arms 1 Colonial Militia At Port Arms 1 Colonial Militia Kneeling Firing 1 Colonial Militia Kneeling Firing 1

Puppet Company

New Puppets! New Puppets!

The Toymaker of Williamsburg just added a new line of puppets to our shelves! Puppets from The Puppet Company are colorful, creative, and oh-so-fun.

The Puppet Company creates high quality puppets of all different shapes and sizes. Their finger puppets, glove puppets, and full body puppets allow puppet enthusiasts to choose between small puppets and giant playthings.

The Puppet Company built their reputation on their ability to translate almost any animal or character into a well-made puppet at a competitive price. Their puppets allow the user to be creative, to entertain, and to have fun.

All of their products are developed in the UK. Production of their puppets is closely regulated to ensure they are of the highest quality.

Check out all of our puppets on our official site and see our brand new dragon puppets, sock puppets, and giant bird puppets from The Puppet Company now!

 

Scarlet Macaw Puppet

Scarlet Macaw Puppet

Scarlet Macaw Puppet
 
This brightly colored glove puppet is made from superb materials and has a fully working mouth with a realistic squawk.
Green Dragon Puppet

Green Dragon Puppet

Green Dragon Puppet
 
This beautifully detailed, gold tipped green dragon from the Enchanted Puppet Collection is operated by hand and rod with a fully working mouth.
Black Dragon Puppet

Black Dragon Puppet

Black Dragon Puppet
 
This fantastic, shiny scaled dragon covers the whole length of your arm. It’s great for story time, puppet shows, or as a special gift. You decide if it is friend, foe or pet!
Bird of Paradise Puppet

Bird of Paradise Puppet

Bird of Paradise Puppet
 
This hot pink, turquoise, and lime green bird has a vibrant personality and a great stage presence.
Orange Monster Puppet

Orange Monster Puppet

Orange Monster Puppet
 
The Monster Collection from The Puppet Company contains fuzzy monsters in vibrant colors with loud air filled squeakers.
Lipstick Sockettes Glove Puppet

Lipstick Sockettes Glove Puppet

Lipstick Sockettes Glove Puppet
 
Lipstick Sockettes is a crazy, friendly monster made of knit fabric.
Ringo Sockettes Glove Puppet

Ringo Sockettes Glove Puppet

Ringo Sockettes Glove Puppet
 
Ringo Sockettes is a knitted, striped glove puppet with a large moving mouth and lots of personality.
T-Rex Puppet

T-Rex Puppet

T-Rex Puppet
 
This soft dinosaur can be used as a puppet or a cuddly toy.
Stegosaurus Puppet

Stegosaurus Puppet

Stegosaurus Puppet
 
This soft dinosaur can be used as a puppet or a cuddly toy.

Good Night iPad

Good Night iPad, written by Ann Droyd, is a parody for the next generation.

In a bright buzzing room, in the glow of the moon-and iPhones and Androids and Blackberries too-it is time to say goodnight…

Modern life is abuzz. Gigantic TVs, friend requests, constant texts and addicting video clips have become standard in our constantly connected lives. Wouldn’t it be nice to say goodnight to all that? This book is a reminder for the child in all of us to power down at the end of the day. This hilarious parody not only pokes loving fun at the bygone quiet of the original classic, but also at our modern plugged-in lives. It will make you laugh, and it will also help you put yourself and your machines to sleep. Don’t worry, though. Your gadgets will be waiting for you, fully charged, in the morning!

Ann Droyd is the pseudonym for an IRA/CBC Children’s Choice winner. Droyd has written and illustrated more than 20 picture books for young readers and Droyd’s work is known for its sense of narrative, humor and visual playfulness.

 

Good Night iPad

Good Night iPad

 

Say goodnight to your iPad…and cell phone…and computer…and television with this perfect parody. Read Good Night iPad and browse all of our children’s books today!

New Craft Kits

The Toymaker of Williamsburg just received lots of colorful crafts. Check out new sparkly craft kits from The Orb Factory!

The Orb Factory Limited produces award winning crafts and activities. Their products are made with a fun and rewarding play experience in mind. The Orb Factory believes in the power of play; and their toys spark creativity and stimulate children’s minds.

See awesome craft kits from The Orb Factory and browse all of our arts & crafts for kids today.

KeepSake Boxes

KeepSake Boxes

Jewel Tiaras

Jewel Tiaras

Blinglets

Blinglets

Ladybugs and Friends

Ladybugs and Friends

Ballerina

Ballerina

Butterfly Pillow

Butterfly Pillow

Fairies

Fairies

Stick 'n Click Jewelry

Stick 'n Click Jewelry

New Madame Alexander

Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman founded the Alexander Doll Company in 1923 on the belief that dolls should engage the imagination, bring happiness, and teach kids about the world. Almost 90 years later, The Alexander Doll Company still supports that vision by creating a collection of award winning dolls that have enchanted children and collectors worldwide.

The Toymaker of Williamsburg just made some exciting new additions to our collection of Madame Alexander dolls. See our new additions and eagerly anticipated arrivals below.

Browse our entire collection of Madame Alexander Dolls on our official site now!

 

New Madame Alexander Dolls

The Little Girl from Alsace

The Little Girl from Alsace

The Little Girl From Alsace

The Little Girl From Alsace is an 8 inch collectible doll from the International Collection from Madame Alexander. The Little Girl From Alsace is an 8” Wendy doll with brown eyes and center-parted, Taffy Tan hair that’s styled into buns over her ears. She’s dressed in a traditional costume that includes an aqua velvet bodice with a red pique skirt and features white cotton sleeves that are trimmed with crocheted white lace and a yolk inset. The apron worn over the dress is a red and blue floral ribbon bib with a green check skirt that’s edged with red and white lace and tied with yellow soutache braid. The Little Girl From Alsace includes an aqua shawl, red rosebud print, white lace-trimmed petticoat and bloomers, white knit knee-socks, black suede Mary Janes, and a black cap with an over sized wired black bow.

 

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Irish Eyes Are Smiling is an 8 inch collectible doll from the Holiday Collection from Madame Alexander. Irish Eyes Are Smiling is an 8” fully-articulated Maggie with green eyes and blonde curls accented by a woolen green shamrock. She’s wearing a full-skirted dress that has a black bodice and a green cotton skirt that’s printed with shamrocks. White polka dot on black ribbon encircles her waist as well as the hem of the dress. A metallic green shamrock is centered on the bodice and green ric-rac decorates the neck. Green sleeves and white-and-tan striped ruffled ribbon enhance her pretty dress. Her three layer petticoat has a top layer of green tulle with gold sparkle dots, middle layer of black tulle, and underlayer of white tulle. White panties with green lace, white socks and green, flocked Mary Janes complete this wee look for a dear Irish lass ready for St Patrick’s Day!

 

Heidi

Heidi

Heidi

Heidi is an 8 inch collectible doll from the Storyland Collection from Madame Alexander. Heidi is a bent-knee Wendy with blue eyes and blond pigtails tied in red ribbons. Ready to go climb the Swiss Alps in local style, she is dressed in a 3-piece ensemble comprised of a white blouse, blue flock vest, and red cotton skirt. Floral ribbon trims Heidi’s blouse and white cotton apron. Red satin ribbon crisscrosses up the front and accentuates the blue of the vest. Heidi’s outfit includes a white lace-trimmed petticoat, white tights, and black flock Mary Janes.

 

Petticoat Picnic

Petticoat Picnic

Petticoat Picnic

Petticoat Picnic is an 8 inch collectible doll from Madame Alexander. This 8” bent-knee Wendy sculpt has blue eyes and a center-parted, gold bob. Petticoat Picnic Doll is the 2011 Madame Alexander Heritage Doll. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the doll will go to support the Heritage Gallery. Petticoat Picnic is dressed in a pink Swiss cotton organdy frock that’s trimmed with pink and white ombre ribbon on the skirt, the waist, and on the sleeves. Gorgeous pink/white and blue/white ombre ribbon flowers decorate the skirt of the dress. She wears a gold straw hat with a large pink taffeta bow in front. White lace-trimmed panties, petticoat, socks, and light pink patent leather Mary Jane’s complete Petticoat Picnic’s outfit.

 

Marcella and Raggedy Ann

Marcella and Raggedy Ann

Marcella with Raggedy Ann

Marcella with Raggedy Ann is an 8 inch collectible doll from the Storyland Collection from Madame Alexander. Marcella is an 8″ bent-knee Wendy with blue eyes and short center-parted gold curls. She wears a full length floral-printed empire dress with white lace at the neck and pink trim at the waist. Marcella’s outfit includes a white lace trimmed petticoat and pantaloons, white stockings, black flock pointy-toe flats, and a straw hat decorated with flowers, leaves and black grosgrain ties. The 4 inch Raggedy Ann cloth doll has the classic Raggedy Ann look from her red yarn hair right down to her blue dress, white pinafore, white bloomers, and striped stockings.

 

Cupcake Kisses Pussycat Baby Doll

Cupcake Kisses Pussycat Baby Doll

Cupcake Kisses Pussycat

Cupcake Kisses Pussycat is a 14 inch baby doll from Madame Alexander. Cupcake Kisses Pussycat has blue eyes and sandy blond pigtails that are tied with cupcake-print ribbon. Her pink cotton dress with white polka dots is trimmed with ruffled white eyelet at her neck, hem and sleeves. A waistband of cupcake-print ribbon in white, pink and blue is accented by the same light blue soutache braid that is found at the bottom of her dress and along her sleeves. The bloomers for this outfit, which match the dress, have white eyelet ruffles at the knee. On her feet, Cupcake Kisses Pussycat wears light blue patent-leather Mary Janes.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Toy Soldier Sets

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee toy soldier sets are beautifully detailed figures from W. Britain. These five pairs of guards represent the Grenadier Guards, Irish Guards, Welsh Guards, Scots Guards, and Coldstream Guards.

“2012 promises to be a very busy year for the United Kingdom, with the Summer Olympics and Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II all happening within a few weeks of each other! To commemorate the Jubilee we have specially commissioned this series of five colours, one from each of the Guards Regiments. The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977 and her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002. The only other British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria in 1897.

Please note these figures are in the same style as the Redcoats series figures and as such are a true 54mm (2.25” tall) size with a classic glossy toy soldier finish and a high level of painting detail.”
~The 2012 Winter & Stock Collection Catalog

Each of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Sets contains two soldiers carrying unique colours. All of these sets are limited editions. Only 600 of each pair will be produced. Hurry! With so few in circulation, these special limited edition sets are sure to sell out quickly.

See these sets and all of our W. Britain Limited Edition toy soldiers on our official site now.
 
NEW Limited Edition Toy Soldiers

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Irish Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Irish Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Welsh Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Welsh Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Coldstream Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Coldstream Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Grenadier Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Grenadier Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Scots Guards

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Set, The Guards Colours, Scots Guards