What tickles me even more is when an iconic toy from my youth shows up somewhere very now. And that’s what’s going to happen this coming Thursday (November 19th, 2009) —Teddy Ruxpin is going to appear on NBC’s 30 Rock.

(I think it goes without saying that I’ve already set my DVR.)

Whether or not you’re a fan of 30 Rock (although, seriously, that show is hilarious), I think we can all agree that once you’ve done a stint as, um, guest bear on a hit NBC comedy, you’ve arrived.

Of course, here at Ty’s the Teddy Ruxpin Store is ready for everyone, holiday shoppers and Tina Fey fans alike. We don’t discriminate. And if you can present a Teddy to a child you love with a comment about how you remember when he first came out (or that you saw him on TV just recently) (or both!), well, so much the better. But whatever works for you.

(But, um, Teddy? If you could get me Tina Fey’s autograph…?)

Anyway—with that in mind—it seems like a great time to point out that Rudolph and his friends have arrived at Ty’s Toy Box, and there’s a great array of products for the whole family. You can stuff stockings with Clarice’s lip balm, surprise your favorite individualist with a Celebrate Nonconformity ornament, or perhaps you know someone special who wants to be a dentist. Really, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Rudolph, Herbie, and the whole gang on the Island of Misfit Toys, so chances are excellent you’ll be able to find something for everyone.

You may think it’s a little early for this, but trust me—it’s not. It’ll be December before you know it!

I love everything about her, and although my children have outgrown her, a bit, I still love her official website and playing with all it has to offer. Did you know that Olivia creator Ian Falconer comes from a background in art (that explains the sparse but so demonstrative illustrations, yes?) and came up with Olivia based on his niece? It’s true, and I learned it on the website.

And now there’s a slew of new merchandise in the Olivia the Pig Store here at Ty’s Toy Box, just in time for the holidays.

I cannot imagine what spirited little one wouldn’t want a personalized Olivia t-shirt. And they come in adult sizes, too, which means that even I can proudly declare that wearing a tiara makes every day magnificent. Hee.

If you can’t find something there you have to have, well, I fear you just may not have a soul.

Still, when we last checked in with the Idbids gang, they’d just won yet another award, and no one would think any less of Scout, Lola and Waverly if the summer had been a quiet one.

But that’s just not the Idbids’ style, I guess. Since then, the Idbids have added two more feathers to their cap.

First, they nabbed Creative Child Magazine’s Toy of the Year award for 2009. And furthermore, they’ve also garnered a Best Green Toy award in the 2009 Dr. Toy Awards.

Of course, the Idbids Store here at Ty’s is still ready to meet all of your Idbids needs; whether it’s the Idbids plush toys themselves (they’re on sale right now!) or personalized t-shirts, you’ll find them right here.

Congratulations on the recent successes, Idbids! I guess iddy biddy steps really can make a biggie big difference!

Then again, what’s not to like—there’s a Mr. Men or Little Miss character to suit everyone, and they’re so delightfully goofy, they appeal to kids (and adults) of all ages.

Well, we’re thrilled to announce that the Mr. Men Store here at Ty’s has been revamped and restocked and now carries just about anything you could possibly want for your favorite Mr. Men and Little Miss enthusiast. From personalized clothing to books and DVDs to toys and games, if it’s Mr. Men or Little Miss themed, you’ll find it here.

Now, don’t make me launch into a story that starts, “Back in my day, we only had little square Mr. Men books, and they cost a dollar apiece, and we liked it….” Because I totally will, and a story like that can only end with, “You darn kids get off of my lawn.”

So yeah, the characters have been around for a while. But they’re still awesome, and it’s always fun to watch your kids fall in love with something you loved as a kid.

(It’s hard being me. At least in the fall.)

Anyway, Ty’s Toy Box has the cure for the Halloween blues, or at least plenty of Halloween costumes from which to choose, not to mention an entire store dedicated to Spookley the Square Pumpkin.

Have you met Spookley? Here he is:

To find out when the Spookley film will be playing in your area this October, check out the Kidtoon Films site.

And remember—if you shop for a Halloween costume right now, a month in advance, you totally deserve candy corn. I’m sure I read that somewhere.

Over the years, she’s gone through a transformation or two, it’s true. Her giant bonnet and her bloomers are gone. She looks a little older, a little more hip to the styles of today, but she’s still the cute little girl she’s always been, and she’s just as popular now as ever.

We’re pleased to announce that the Strawberry Shortcake Store here at Ty’s Toy Box is freshly stocked with all of the latest and greatest berry cool merchandise—from the newest Strawberry Shortcake dolls to our exclusive personalized shirts, we’ve got it all.

And yes—the dolls are still scented. Awesome.

I always enjoy learning about the the backstory on my kids’ favorite shows. If you want to learn more about how Super Why! was created—did you know it was developed by the women behind Blues Clues?—check out this segment on Fox News. Creators Samantha Freeman and Angela Santomero talk about the show as well as some general philosophy about kids and literacy and television. It’s a really interesting interview, I think.

And if you’re looking for Super Why! toys, well, of course we’ve got you covered. The Super Why! Store here at Ty’s Toy Box is chock-full of newly-released Super Why! toys! The only problem you’ll have is decided which one(s) to buy. I’m a fan of the Wave and Learn Magic Spelling Wand, but there’s lots of great choices. You just can’t go wrong with Super Why!

Edited to add: Through the end of August, check out this Super Why Super Deal—you’ll get a free plush with every $14.99+ purchase!

On the one hand, if the toy is something objectionable and/or crummy, you have to weigh the pros and cons of sneaking it into the trash under cover or darkness. Or dealing with what happens when it breaks .

On the other hand, if the toy is something cool, then your kid wants to eat fast food every single meal.

it’s a double-edged sword, to be sure.

That said, most of us parents succumb to the siren song of the easy drive-through meal at least once in a while, and it’s a convenient carrot to dangle in front of the kids if the toy is something they love. And so the current Yo Gabba Gabba kids’ meals toys at Jack in the Box may grant you a couple of months of good behavior and compliance, really, as Junior works towards collecting all five finger puppets.

Plus, there’s a special link on that page to save 10% on your purchase of Yo Gabba Gabba items at the Yo Gabba Gabba Store here at Ty’s Toy Box, and many of our offerings are already marked down.

It’s hard to argue with savings and well-behaved children. Even if it does cause “Party In My Tummy” to get stuck in your head. (Yeah. Sorry about that part.)

And for those of us parents who grew up with the muppets, it certainly doesn’t hurt that Sid and the gang are brought to PBS by the Jim Henson Company. (Did you know that this is only the second show by the Henson Company on PBS? The first, of course, is Sesame Street.)

If your kid can’t get enough of Sid, you’ll want to check out the brand-spanking-new Sid the Science Kid Store here at Ty’s Toy Box. Me, I’m partial to the How Does That Do What It Just Did shirt, because that’s a question that fits nearly every life situation, I think, but feel free to find your own favorite. It shouldn’t be hard.

Welcome to Ty’s Toy Box, Sid and friends! We’re awfully happy to have you!