Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I thought my kids were strange. (Well, they are.) I should say, I thought they were unique. When we’re out running errands, there’s a place they clamor to visit. It isn’t the toy store. It isn’t the ice cream shop. It isn’t the library. It’s actually our local pharmacy chain, CVS. I was surprised to discover, after talking to my friends and browsing social media, that this is extremely common!

Apparently, when my friends need to bribe their kids to behave, their go-to prize is: “we can go to CVS.” I don’t remember the drugstore having so many toys when I was a kid, but these days, they’re incredibly well stocked. But it’s not just that. Hudson goes straight for the candy. Haley loves looking at the make-up and hair accessories. They both enjoy picking out toothbrushes or plastic cups or greeting cards with their favorite characters on them.

I venture to say that part of the reason children enjoy CVS (and the like) so much isn’t just because of the goodies they can procure. I think kids sort of get that the pharmacy carries products that are essential to our every day lives. There’s some comfort in picking up mouthwash, children’s pain reliever and baby wipes—things that we need. Things that make our lives easier and better. I also imagine that kids have a bit more freedom at the drugstore than they do at the grocery store, where Mom is constantly barking at them to stay close. It’s definitely easier to keep track of little ones in those wide, carpeted aisles.

It’s nice to have a place to take Haley and Hudson where I don’t have to break the bank to put smiles on their faces. Don’t get me wrong—we get plenty of foot stomping and whining, too. But at the very least, it’s something to do. A solid option. A way to get out of the house. So if we’re not home and the kids were promised a really special treat, you know where to find us.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
I studied Marketing in college.  I have a knack for design and innovative ways companies and businesses can strive to satisfy their customers.   I worked in retail for several years and experienced many different segments of marketing.  I learned a lot in college as well as working in retail.  I still subconsciously form a “marketing” opinion as soon as I walk into a retail store. Target has always been a favorite store of mine.  Something about it makes me smile – whether it be the smell, the price and/or their products.  Unfortunately, I live 90 miles from the closest Target, so I have periods of withdrawal.

The holidays are quickly approaching, which results in every toy catalog showing up in our mailbox.  It’s like magic according to Jack.  Jack started his Christmas list and adds at least 10 things to it everyday.  I can’t keep up with all the latest characters and gadgets available.  Today we received the Target toy catalog in the mail, as many of you may have as well.  I handed it to Jack and the minute he laid his eyes on it he was in heaven.  He looked at it for most of the afternoon and couldn’t stop saying, “Check this out, mommy”, “Wow, that’s awesome”.

I took a peek myself and immediately my “marketing” mind sparked.   Next to each item in the catalog is a nice little box you can check if you are interested in that particular product.  What a simple yet brilliant idea!  Jack grabbed a pen and went to town.  Today he practiced writing the letter X enough for at least the next week.  Now, when I want to know Christmas gift ideas for Jack all I have to do is look for an X and I know what the product is as well as the price and recommended age level.

I am aware there are similar methods out there like this little box.  Online wishlists/registries or writing your own list to name a few.  However, the joy and excitement that explodes from Jack as he turns each page is priceless.  Also, he has something tangible that he can look at any time and feel like he has these toys right in his own room, not to mention the few extra minutes of sleep I get in the morning as he lies in bed and finds that cool Lego space shuttle.