In the News

Toy rotation involves keeping some toys accessible to children while storing others, then periodically swapping them to maintain interest and excitement. This practice offers several benefits:

• Increases excitement: A limited selection prevents children from feeling overwhelmed by too many options, making playtime more engaging.
• Encourages independent play: Thoughtful setups, like starting a block castle and leaving additional pieces nearby, invite children to continue building independently.

To implement toy rotation:

1. Select 3 to 8 toys to keep out at a time, adjusting based on your child’s response.
2. Rotate toys every 3 days to a week, depending on your child’s interest levels.
3. Observe and adapt the rotation schedule and selection to suit your child’s evolving preferences.

Flexibility is key, as children’s interests can change rapidly. Parents can create a stimulating and manageable play environment by thoughtfully managing toy availability.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital has transformed a conference room into “Toyland,” a festive space filled with toys for young patients during the holiday season. This initiative marks the first time since the pandemic that the hospital’s foundation has accepted physical toy donations, having previously limited contributions to monetary gifts for safety reasons. Local businesses have played a significant role in this effort. Rico Mawcinitt, co-owner of Wildlings Toy Boutique, contributed two boxes of toys, expressing the joy of giving back: “Christmas is four days away, and to see all the toys that are here and all the people that got up early to give back, it’s a special feeling.” Fulton Homes also participated, with spokesperson Rosaria Cain noting, “Life is tough enough when you have kids that need services in the hospital.” These donations aim to bring cheer to families spending the holidays in the hospital.

Jenn Mawcinitt, owner of Wildlings Toy Boutique in Phoenix, has built her business on community support and collaboration. With an educational background, Jenn’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create a space offering meaningful, developmentally focused toys. Her boutique emphasizes sustainability and purposeful play, drawing families and educators alike.

Jenn credits her success to the strong support network of family, friends, and local partnerships. She values the feedback and encouragement she has received, which have helped her navigate the challenges of running a small business. Through collaborations with other local businesses and events like storytimes and craft sessions, Jenn has fostered a sense of connection within the community.

By prioritizing relationships and supporting local initiatives, Jenn has grown Wildlings Toy Boutique and contributed to Phoenix’s vibrant, family-focused culture. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and community.

Amid concerns over toy shortages, slow shipping, and rising prices, many shoppers in the Valley are turning to locally-owned retailers for their holiday gifts. Wildlings Toy Boutique in central Phoenix, for instance, remains fully stocked despite global supply chain issues and a truck driver shortage. Owner Jennifer Mawcinitt notes that customers often visit her store after finding empty shelves at big-box retailers. She emphasizes the importance of in-person shopping, as many people choose to support local stores when larger retailers face inventory challenges. James Zahn, Senior Editor at Toy Insider, advises that brick-and-mortar stores, especially independent local specialty shops, are more crucial this year than ever. He suggests that the best assortment of toys might be found at local retailers rather than big-box stores, highlighting the value of supporting community businesses during the holiday season. 

Jenn Mawcinitt, a Phoenix mother and former special education teacher, founded Wildlings Toy Boutique to promote purposeful play. After earning her degree at Arizona State University, Jenn taught kindergarten and art through Teach for America. She later became a Special Education Director. Inspired by visits to unique toy stores during family travels, Jenn envisioned a similar boutique for Phoenix, focused on quality toys that encourage meaningful play.

After experiencing prenatal and postpartum depression, Jenn left her teaching career to prioritize her mental health. Encouraged by her therapist, she pursued her dream of opening a toy boutique. Drawing on her educational background, Jenn collaborated with educators and therapists to select toys to foster motor skills, communication, and social interaction development.

In August 2021, Wildlings Toy Boutique opened. It offers sustainable toys for all ages and hosts community events like storytimes and crafts, creating a joyful space for Phoenix families.

Wildlings Toys in Phoenix is a delightful local toy store offering a unique selection of items not typically found in big-box retailers. Located in Central Phoenix, the store features a variety of toys, including cars, dinosaurs, and unicorns, catering to diverse interests. Owner Jenn provides personalized recommendations, helping customers find the perfect gifts for children of all ages.

The store also boasts a diverse collection of books, ranging from classics like “Little Blue Truck” to unique titles about trucks and Arizona-themed stories like “Good Night Grand Canyon.” Wildlings Toys offers an online shopping option for those unable to visit in person, ensuring accessibility for all customers. Additionally, the store hosts special events, including storytime sessions and yoga classes, fostering a sense of community and engagement among patrons.

Visit Wildlings Toys to discover a thoughtfully curated selection of toys and books that inspire children’s creativity and joy.