ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – At a time when kids are on their screens more than ever, a store in Old Town is offering something different. When you walk into Bugzby’s in Old Town, you’ll be transported back in time. In every nook and cranny, you’ll find something whimsical or nostalgic. “We really wanted to curate a space that was going to be fun, magical, and whimsical, things for super small infant children all the way up through grandparents,” said Larissa, who works at the toy store.
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She said the store is her mom’s “brainchild.” Her mom opened the store in November. “It’s so beautiful to see the creative wonders of my mom’s mind really shine and be on display here in this space,” said Larissa.
Her mom said she was inspired by her grandchildren and wanted to give the community a place to play and relax without screens. “The majority of our toys here are done in the Montessori style,” said Larissa.
Those toys include felt foods, a puppet theatre, and a wooden landline phone instead of a plastic play-cell phone. “It’s great to have a place that offers play toys, imagination things, without screens, which are so heavily ingrained in our society now,” said Larissa.
While at most stores, kids are told not to touch things, at Bugzby’s, kids and adults alike are encouraged to play and explore. The store has a drawing wall, sensory boxes, and keys hidden within the building for kids to find and earn a prize.
The toy store said it is gearing up for tourists at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the holiday season, hoping to keep inspiring wonder and imagination for years to come. “…and just further connect with my family over something that further connects other families in the community as well,” said Larissa.
