What do the kids on your list want for Christmas this year? Chances are good they've asked for at least one gift that involves pretend play. And that's a good thing!They may not realize it, but the dolls and dollhouses, action figures and play sets they're asking for are not only playthings, but teaching tools too. Studies show that kids who play dress up and use their imaginations to bring action figures, dolls and stuffed animals to life learn social and language skills, creativity and discipline too. They are also more intellectually advanced than their peers.
Because they are so popular, toys that encourage pretend play are plentiful in stores this time of year, but if you don't want to run from store to store looking for the toys your child wants, it's one-stop shopping at the online toy store, www.zeebop.com.
They carry a complete line of Playmobil play sets, including police and fire play sets, construction and farm sets, adventure sets, pirate sets and those involving animals. You can also find most of the current Calico Critter play sets, which appeal to little girls; and Corolle dolls, which have soft bodies and sweet faces.
Site administrator, Robert Miller, used to have a brick-and-mortar store in Central Ohio, but decided to switch to an entirely online business after hearing the same customer feedback over and over again. "We kept on having people tell us they loved our merchandise, but were from out of town and wanted to know if we had a Web site. Once we got one, there was so much traffic, we decided to go exclusively online," says Miller.
All orders placed with www.zeepbop.com are shipped out next day with UPS. During the holidays, free shipping is being offered for orders totaling $75 or more.
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