Pippin Toy Co.
Just in time for the holidays, a new toy store has opened in Old Town.
Amy Rutherford, who also owns Red Barn Mercantile and PennyPost, opened the Pippin Toy Co. this week at 1310 King St.
"Experts agree - and we agree with the experts - that play is the best way for children to learn," Rutherford said. "They don't need flashcards, they need toys that will spark their imagination, engage their curiosity, and lead them to ask questions, experiment, and create. At Pippin Toy Co. we aim to bring Alexandria's children and their families the best quality toys from around the world that will do just that."
The name came from a public campaign for suggestions. Pippin is a squirrel, but the word also refers to a seed and has other relevant meanings for children.
"We were looking for something sweet that wouldn’t give you a toothache, and easy to spell so you can find it easily when searching online (so nothing overly clever or in another language). We also wanted the name to be childlike while still appealing to adults, and being gender-neutral is a bonus! And, as a mom of two, I wanted it to have a personal touch," Rutherford wrote in an Alexandria Stylebook post.
Rutherford started considering opening a toy store more than six years ago, when the Why Not? shop closed.
Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.
