Children's Toys, Latest News and Gift Ideas!
Children's Toys, Latest News and Gift Ideas!
As your local neighborhood toy store, we've got information to share about our community, new toys, and gift ideas you might have never thought of!
Voted Best Toy Store in 2023!
Every year, local newspaper The Pantagraph hosts the Readers' Choice Awards. The 2023 results were released on Sept. 17th, and... ...you've once again voted Gingerbread House Toys The Best Toy Store in Bloomington-Normal for at …
Read More
The Anniversary Sale!
The Gingerbread House Toys Anniversary Sale is Happening Now! Our biggest toy sale of the year is here! Now through July 31, the whole toy store is bursting with bargains…even overflowing into …
Read More
Sticker Scavenger Hunt!
X marks the spot, and our FUN summer Scavenger Hunt is BACK…this time with Stickers! Come get a Map and join the STICKER SCAVENGER HUNT! Here's an overview! Through July 13, …
Read More
Grades for Gold!
Parents, bring your kids' report card to Gingerbread House Toys and they can choose free loot! It's GRADES FOR GOLD! As the school year winds down, all local kids from K-5 can bring their report …
Read More
Summer Vacation Station!
Come Load-Up on FUN Summer Toys! All Summer Long! What will the kids do all summer?! Get them off the screens and playing with real games & toys! We've made it easier than ever with …
Read More
2023 Summer Digital Catalog
The Gingerbread House Toys Summer Playbook is here! Browse below through the Digital Catalog, use the coupon on the back page, and shop locally online! Find your family's favorite new toys for summer, and …
Read More
Easter Creation Station!
Come Build a Fun Toy Basket! Now thru April 8th! Shopping for Easter can be overwhelming, so we've made it easier and more FUN with the Easter Creation Station! We've put a ton …
Read More
Donate to Books for Kids!
Books for Kids! Now thru April 30! Help Stock Local Hospitals! Together we can help little warriors on their road to recovery through the power of storytelling! Two years ago we were inspired …
Read More
LEGO Winners Announced!
We Have the Winners!!! We had 131 entries from amazing, talented kids in our community! And thank you for supporting them! We had over 400 votes in store and over 2,000 votes online! It's …
Read More
2023 Spring Digital Catalog
The Gingerbread House Toys Spring Playbook is here! Browse below through the Digital Catalog, use the coupon on the back page, and shop locally online! Find your family's favorite new toys for spring, and …
Read More
It’s the Puzzle Rally!
January 19 – 31 is the 6th annual Puzzle Rally at Gingerbread House Toys! We love puzzles, especially in the winter months of January. But the only thing better than working on an old puzzle …
Read More
8 Year Old Holiday Toy Ideas!
You’re never too old to play! Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Toys for 8 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re learning and …
Read More
7 Year Old Holiday Toy Ideas!
What's the right challenge for a 7-year-old that’s fun? Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Toys for 7 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – …
Read More
6 Year Old Holiday Toy Ideas!
What's the right challenge for a 6-year-old that’s fun? Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Toys for 6 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – …
Read More
5 Year Old Holiday Toy Ideas!
What toys are best for growing adventurers, who are hungry to learn and play? Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Toys for 5 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing …
Read More
4 Year Old Holiday Gift Ideas!
What toys are best for curious little adventurers? Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Gifts for 4 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re …
Read More
3 Year Old Holiday Gift Ideas!
What toys are best for growing little learners?! Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Gifts for 3 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – …
Read More
2022 Holiday Gifts for Families
Make 2023 the year of Family Game Nights! But what are the best games, puzzles, card games or arts & crafts for a family night? Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Best Toys …
Read More
2 Year Old Holiday Gift Ideas!
What toys are best for growing littles?! Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Gifts for 2 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re learning …
Read More
1 Year Old Holiday Gift Ideas!
What toys are best for the littlest learners?! Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Gifts for 1 Year Olds! When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re …
Read More
2022 Holiday Gifts for Infants
What holiday gifts are best for the tiniest of humans new to the world?! Check out our 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Gifts for Infants! Best Gifts for Infants! …
Read More
Best Stocking Stuffers for 2022
If your stockings are hung by the chimney with care... what will you put in them?! Best Stocking Stuffers of 2022! As your local Bloomington-Normal educational toy store, we at Gingerbread House …
Read More
2022 Best Toys Under $25
When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re learning and growing! But what are some of the best toys under $25? 2022 Staff Picks for the Top Holiday Toys Under $25! …
Read More
BOGO Bargain on Black Friday!
Starting at 10am Black Friday, shop the special BOGO Bargain at Gingerbread House Toys! That's Buy One, Get One... FREE! Buy one toy at regular price from a special section of select toys, …
Read More
ALL BOOKED!!!
We are all BOOKED! Sorry there are no appointments left for Black Friday morning, but we are having a 2-for-1 BOGO Bargain on select toys from 10am through the rest of the day, so stop by …
Read More
Neighborhood Toy Store Day!
Saturday, Nov 12, bring the family to Gingerbread House Toys for Neighborhood Toy Store Day! Our staff will be hosting a handful of Toy Stations around the store, and giving live, interactive test demos …
Read More
2022 Holiday Catalog
The Gingerbread House Toys holiday catalog is here...and kid-approved! Browse through our whole Digital Catalog, click on the toys you want, and be taken right to our online store where you can add them to …
Read More
2022 Award for Best Toy Store!
You guys!! You voted us Best Toy Store AND Best Locally Owned Business in this year's Pantagraph Readers' Choice Awards! It's so FUN to win these awards, and they mean so much more in …
Read More
FIFTY FEST! Anniversary Party!
FIFTY FEST was AMAZING!!!! On Saturday, July 30th, Gingerbread House Toys celebrated 50 Years with an Anniversary Party called FIFTY FEST! Our parking lot was full of FUN! And it was all free! It …
Read More
2022 Wink Alliance Announcement!
June 24, 2022 GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOYS ANNOUNCES NEW WINK ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS ILLINOIS How one shop dog inspires a line of toys to help kids in central Illinois Bloomington, IL – …
Read More
$12,500 Donation to Child Protection Network!
Gingerbread House Toys partnered with the Child Protection Network of McLean County to be the second recipient of their annual giving program, the Wink Alliance. Named after their famous shop dog Wink, each year the Wink Alliance …
Read More
WINNERS! 2022 LEGO Building Contest
The votes are in!!! Congratulations to all our 2022 LEGO Building Contest winners and thank you to all of our competitors! All of you make this event so much FUN! IN STORE WINNERS …
Read More
Chicago Wax Hands on February 12th!
Starting at 10am Saturday, Feburary 12th, bring the kids to Gingerbread House Toys and get wacky with wax...because Chicago Wax Hands will be here! BOOK NOW It's a super FUN Valentine's Day idea using …
Read More
LEGO Building Contest | Now Thru Feb 26!
Our 8th Annual LEGO Building Contest is February 14-26! Your kid could win a $50 prize if their custom LEGO® creation is selected as the winner in their age category! Build it …
Read More
2021 Best Toys for the Holidays
When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re learning and growing! But what toys are best for the littlest learners? How can I support what my kindergartner has been learning at school? …
Read More
30% Off Black Friday - 2021
ALL SLOTS ARE BOOKED!!! As of 11/23 all appointment slots for Black Friday are full. If you've already made your appointment, details are below. If you missed it, you can still come into the store …
Read More
Magic Tricks at Gingerbread House Toys
Abracadabra Hocus Pocus Shazam! Get this gift before it vanishes into thin air! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, the Amazing Becca & the Magnificent Mikaela team-up to perform 3 magic tricks from …
Read More
Neighborhood Toy Store Day! WIN your Wishlist!
Saturday, Nov 13, bring the family to Gingerbread House Toys for Neighborhood Toy Store Day! Our staff will be manning a handful of Toy Stations around the store, and giving live, interactive test demos …
Read More
2021 Wink Alliance Announcement!
November 1, 2021 GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOYS ANNOUNCES NEW WINK ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILD PROTECTION NETWORK How one stuffed animal can help kids in central Illinois Bloomington, IL – Gingerbread House Toys is partnering …
Read More
Massive Erupting Volcano at Gingerbread House Toys
Build a massive volcano,but avoid the ground...because the pour is lava! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela aren’t making just any old volcano; they’re making a model of an ancient and …
Read More
Soccer Bots
Bend it like a Bot, because this remote control sports toy is good-to-GOOOOOOALLLLL! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Mikaela & Becca become pitch legends as their robotic avatars battle for the Cup! …
Read More
Fuel ‘N Duel Rocket Racers at Gingerbread House Toys
Your kids will have great chemistry when they fuel their next racing duel with high octane science! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela show you how to level-up your race …
Read More
Voted #1 Best Toy Store in 2021!
You voted us Best Toy Store in the 2021 Pantagraph Readers' Choice Awards! Thank you for choosing to play and grow with us! It’s so much FUN to win and to know we're …
Read More
Rocket Ball Air Stacker
So much fun you'll be floating on air! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Mikaela & Becca blast off with the Rocket Ball Air Stacker, a mesmerizingly fun toddler toy that uses the …
Read More
Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts
Who will be crowned the Gingerbread House Toys lawn dart champion? It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela get outside and play some Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts! It’s fun …
Read More
We're Hiring!
Gingerbread House Toys is HIRING NOW for both part-time AND full-time positions, with 25-40 hrs/wk available! We believe in the power of play, and we need your endless energy, positive passion, creative imagination, and …
Read More
New Episode! Duel Stomp Rockets
Blast backyard competition to a higher level! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela have a good old fashioned stomping contest to see who can blast a rocket higher into the …
Read More
Bounce Balls and Faux Bows
Ready. Set. BOUNCE! ...in s l o w m o t i o n with a surprise attack at the end! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, in a must-see …
Read More
July Anniversary Sale!
The super fun Anniversay Sale is here! But it's in-store only so be sure to stop by before July 31st! Outside get 75% off! Inside pick a candle and see what your discount is! There's a tent …
Read More
Summer Kidtivities with How-To Videos!
Summer Kidtivities! Come out and Play Today! Quantities are limited and we can't order more! So when they're gone, they're gone! Act fast! Starting May 27th, each week we're featuring a new Kidtivities kit …
Read More
Play Today! with Amahi Ukeleles!
Sound ON! We’re singing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ on ukeleles! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela showcase some harmonizing vocal chops as they play with Amahi Ukeleles! With several fun-looking …
Read More
Play Today! with Mermaid Potions
Every Mermaid Princess needs a magic potion! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela play with Mermaid Potions, using enchanted ingredients from under the sea to mix up some mer-magic of …
Read More
Wink Alliance Donates $13,750 to Marcfirst!
| April 13, 2021 | Gingerbread House Toys Donates $13,750 to Marcfirst | How 500 Stuffed Animals turned into $13,750 | How do you raise thousands of dollars to help kids in the Bloomington-Normal …
Read More
Play Today! with Zip & Go!
Why ring a bell in 1 boring step when you can ring it in 27 exciting steps?! It’s our toy show...Play Today! This week, Becca & Mikaela play with Zig & Go, the …
Read More
Play Today! with Cosmic Mini Golf!
Just taaaaap it in! Give it a little tappy tap taparoo! If you only watch one episode of our toy show Play Today!, make it this one! Complete with hilarious commentary and shocking hole-in-ones, …
Read More
Books for Babies! Stock the NICU
Together we can help the littlest warriors learn to recognize the voices of those who love them, through the power of storytelling! "When our granddaughter was born at St Francis in Peoria, she was transferred …
Read More
Play Today! with Fidget Toys!
Watch Becca & Mikaela play with Fidget Toys Keep those hands busy! This week on Play Today!, Becca & Mikaela play with a huge variety of fidget toys...popping, squeezing, and stretching them to their …
Read More
Winners of 2021 LEGO Building Contest!
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2021 LEGO Building Contest Winners! THANK YOU to all contestants for building with us this year!!! And remember to stop by the store to pick up your LEGO creations this week! …
Read More
Play Today! Episode 12
Help kids start exploring architecture and interior design! This week on PlayToday!, Becca plays with the DIY Miniature House, the perfect rainy day weekend project that promotes building, patience, and creative thinking. It even comes with …
Read More
Play Today! Returns!
Play Today! is back! Kicking off Season 2, we are building entire jungles from a single shape! This week on Play Today!, Becca & Mikaela play with Plus-Plus: the award-winning construction toy allowing kids to create …
Read More
LEGO Building Contest | Feb 15-27
Our 7th Annual LEGO Building Contest is February 15-27! Your kid could win a $50 prize if their custom LEGO® creation is selected as the winner in their age category! Build it …
Read More
2020 Best Toys for the Holidays
When children play, they’re doing more than having fun – they’re learning and growing! But what toys are best for the littlest learners? My toddler is learning so fast! How can I help them …
Read More
Announcing the Wink Alliance with 2020 partner Marcfirst
For Immediate Release November 14, 2020 GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOYS ANNOUNCES CREATION OF THE WINK ALLIANCE WITH INAUGURAL PARTNER MARCFIRST How a shop dog became the symbol for helping kids in our community …
Read More
12 Days of Giving - 2017
On the 12 Days of Giving, the Gingerbread House gave to me… a way to give as easy as can be! We are so excited to announce our fifth annual 12 Days of Giving …
Read More
The Foundry Grand Opening
Join Green Top Grocery, The Gingerbread House, Bloomington Cycle & Fitness and The Coffee Hound for a day filled with music, fun, sales and promotions! This Saturday, June 17th from 1-5pm! Event Schedule: 1-5pm at Green Top Grocery enjoy LIVE JAZZ …
Read More
Friends and Family Sale!
20% off the ENTIRE Store! We want to say thanks. Thanks to all our friends and family who stick by us through this adventure! We appreciate you all and want to say say thanks. Our …
Read More
12 Days of Giving - 2016
On the 12 Days of Giving, the Gingerbread House gave to me… a way to give as easy as can be! We are so excited to announce our fourth annual 12 Days of Giving …
Read More
The Gingerbread House Finds New Home in Community
Bloomington, Ill., June 28, 2016 – They say wherever you hang your hat is home. This week, the Gingerbread House has announced it will hang its hat in a new location beginning in early Spring 2017. …
Read More
Teacher Appreciation with the Dailey Method
May 2nd - May 7th In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are excited to give a 20% discount and a coupon for a free three day exercise class from our generous friend's at …
Read More
Ducky Derby Discount
Thank you for attending the Chicago Duck Derby on August 4th and supporting Special Olympics Illinois! If you found yourself here, congratulations! You've unlocked the code for Free Shipping! Enter this code for …
Read More
2022 Summer Digital Catalog
The Gingerbread House Toys Summer Playbook is here! Browse below through the whole Digital Catalog, use the coupon on the back page, and shop locally online! Find your family's favorite new toys for summer, …
Read More
