Micro Scooters and Kinetics Magnetic have been the calling cards for kids this Christmas.
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At least that is the case down at Jenny's Classroom and Toys2 where owner Trinia Graham says they have been busy as always this holiday season.
"They have been coming in in steady streams, but certainly the last 10 days have been busier than earlier in December, which is always the way," she said.
"I think kids love toys still.
"I think our toys appeal to parents' nostalgia as well. We get a lot of 'I had this when I was a kid' or 'I bought this for my kids when I was young'.
"It's just a fun place to work at Christmas. People come in and they are looking for great presents for their kids or their grandchildren."
And while sales for the store are good now, businesses across Orange were certainly impacted by Covid earlier in the year
This is just one of the reasons that president of the Orange Business Chamber, Jack Evans, says it is important for people to shop local.
"Small businesses will be the largest employers of our people," he said.
"When you spend local, you are keeping your friends and family in jobs.
"Shop local to support local jobs, because it then comes around that those shop-owners will spend that money locally as well."
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so has the return of some classic games at the toy store, something Mrs Graham may have something to do with 2020.
"I think people, after Covid perhaps, are looking for ways to entertain more," she said.
"We're selling a lot of board games and puzzles and things they can do as a family.
"Grandparents will come in and say they need something for a six-year-old or a three-year-old and we just love helping and love what we do."
And after 16 years of running the business, she has developed a soft spot for a few items in particular.
"We all have our favourites," she said.
"All the staff have their favourite toys and we use our own experience of having children to help our customers.
"My favourites are probably puzzles, board games and I love the wooden musical baby toys."
There is no time to rest though, as those last-minute Christmas shoppers continue to come through the door.
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Riley Krause
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
