THE BEST CATALOGS

'96/'97 The Grand River Toy Company - (USA) 800 - 567 - 5600 (Canada) 416 - 469 - 1946

This catalog is brought to you by this fine Canadian toy company and is available free of charge with just a toll free phone call. The products are guaranteed and normally shipped within one business day. The products are of the highest quality, from both a manufacturing and meaningful play standpoint. We were especially delighted at the unique beautiful wooden toys and puzzles. Although there is an ample sized book collection available, the selection is not of the same quality as that of the other products.

'97 Childcraft - 1 - 800 - 631 - 5657 [call 24 hours a day]

From top to bottom, this catalog plasters 55 pages with amazing, must have toys, craft supplies, sporting goods and much more. What makes it even more special is the range of products for every budget. There are unusual, educational items such as a sand shovel with a built-in water pump for as little as $2.50! This mail order company has received many awards for it's catalogs and you will immediately see why. Receive your copy and get on their mailing list with just a toll free phone call. Items are usually shipped within two business days. There is also a customer service specialist available by calling 1 - 309 - 689 - 3873. Products come with an unconditional guaranteed. Gift certificates cone in $5 increments.

'97 Lillie's Kids - Assorted Lillian Vernon Catalogs - 1 - 800 - 285 - 5555 [call 24 hours a day]

All Lillian Vernon catalogs come with fun, interesting child items, but Lillie's Kids is dedicated to creating complete kid heaven. Smart, fascinating books, art supplies, toys, room decoration, whatever you are looking for. Best of all, this catalogs is the only one we have found that comes with a unique "Delayed Payment" option. This allows you to enjoy the merchandise and pay for it months down the road, all you do is provide your credit card account number at the time of ordering. Personalizing select items is free of charge and all products are unconditionally guaranteed. Be aware, this company is very stingy and slow with their children's catalogs and it takes some doing to replace a lost copy.

'97 Cheerios Kids - 1 - 800 - 828 - 0522 [Sun-Fri. 7am-8pm Sat. 8am-5pm central time]

The unique thing about this catalog is the "Cheerios Kids Advisory Panel" that provides first hand testimonials on the toys and products sold. Kids of varying ages tell what they like about an item on the page and interesting ways it could be used. The selection of educational, stimulating games, art supplies, dolls, sports equipment and furniture is almost overwhelming. The brands represented include Battat, Tomy, Pockets of Learning, Kettler, Learning Resources and International Playthings. The first two pages offer trademark Cheerios logo products and accessories. Purchases are 100% satisfaction guaranteed and will arrive within 1-3 weeks by UPS or Parcel Post. Quick ship is also available. Gift certificates are available for amounts of $20 or more. The customer service representatives that handle your call are unusually friendly and helpful!

Toys to Grow On - 1 - 800 - 874 - 4242 [call 24 hours a day]

This company gives you 32 pages of very affordable toys that cover a broad spectrum of interests. Browse through birthday supplies and favors, candymaking sets, crafts, as well as learning toys and outdoor play equipment. Children and parents will delight in such items such as the child sized water cooler, a well made periscope for $14.95, and talking globe. Shipments can be made in 2 to 3 days with Air Express and a Customer Service Center is available weekdays, toll free.

'97 Troll Learn & Play - 1 - 800 - 247 - 6106 [call 24 hours a day]

Another one that features a huge variety of low priced products, but with a unique line of organizational items to get kid's room in order. Of special note are the book racks that display books much better than an ordinary bookshelf. A revolving wire book rack ($29.95) holds up to 60 books and displays the covers nicely. Another one, a wall mounted rack ($39.95) is a real space saver. There are also toy organizers and video case holders too. A neat science section and lots of crafts are of interest too.

The Great Kid Company - ! - 800 - 533 - 2166 [call 24 hours a day]

When looking for those big ticket items for children, The Great Kid Company is the best place to start. They offer beautifully made go-carts, sleds, wooden playhouses, sports gear, but also have hard to find arts and science supplies. Page 51 features a real wood log cabin with hinged dutch doors, a raised floor and a pitched roof. The beautiful, spacious playhouse comes in seven pre-fabricated sections for easy assembly with a hammer. On the smaller end, this is the only company we have found that offers Chunkie Washable Markers. These are the amazing roll-on paints that come in easy to hold, spill-proof containers. They are offered in a bucket of six different colors for $19.95.