Did you enjoy putting puzzles together or playing with blocks when you were a kid?  Real Good Toys is ready to return to that carefree time in our lives with our NEW 2012 Facebook Build-Along Project.

The NEW Puzzle Dollhouse Kit consists of 70 pieces and offers various sizes of rectangles and triangles in 1/4” and 3/8” thick MDF (medium density fiberboard).  The (2) floor panels measure (1/4”) 12 13/16” by 8 31/32”.  These pieces can be arranged to create many different styles of dollhouses as well as varying roof designs. 

This project can be as simple or as detailed as you choose.  Each kit will have a parts list and a sample block layout page to get you started.  We’re positive, once you start playing with these puzzle pieces, you will really start to think outside … the blocks!

Jodi & I are both planning to use 2 kits because “the more blocks…the more fun!”  We hope you’ll consider joining us on this new mini adventure.  We’re positive you’ll learn some new techniques and make new friends along the way.  Check out all the details and see many sample pictures by clicking here!

Mini wishes – Jennifer

I remember the first time I met Lynne and Laurie, it was at a tradeshow.  My first impression was they love what they do and it shows!  They were so knowledgeable and funny and I really enjoyed visiting with them.  They loved attending the many tradeshows each year, always in search of the classic minis as well as the very unique, one-of-a-kind items their shop was famous for selling.

In 1981, Once Upon A Time opened for business!  Three years later they moved to the 120 Church Street location where they have been a part of the Vienna community for the last 27 years.  The store and its owners evolved with the times and were always willing to try something new.  They were constantly looking for new ways to improve the business while still retaining the same charm they’re known for.  If they didn’t have that particular dollhouse or miniature you wanted, they’d do everything they could to find the precise item to make you happy.  Because at the end of the day, that’s what it was all about…making their customer’s happy!

We’ve already heard from many of their customers and how sad they are to see them close their doors.  For 30 years they have made many a person’s dollhouse and miniature dreams come true.  With their fabulous enthusiasm and wonderful customer service, Lynne, Laurie and the gang at Once Upon A Time have truly shown their customers how much they care.  It’s definitely going to leave a big gap in the mini world.

On one hand, all us at Real Good Toys are deeply saddened by the closing of Once Upon A Time’s store in Vienna, VA.  But on the other hand, we’re also very hopeful for their future endeavors and wish them nothing but the best!  May your next 30 years be even more successful than the last 30.  We are truly proud to call each of you our friends!  Farewell and good luck!

Marilyn Loprete, Owner of Circus Circus Dollhouse, has been through so much this year.  Not only did her store get severely flooded from the wrath of Hurricane Irene, her home did as well.  Many people wouldn’t even know where to begin to start re-building your entire life!  However, Marilyn is a fighter and a survivor and she has done just that!

On August 27th, 2011, Hurricane Irene tried to dampen the spirits of Circus Circus Dollhouse with 4 feet of water in the store.  After 32 years in business, Marilyn had to decide to let it all “float” or put on her boots and start cleaning up.  She chose the latter and the work began.  For 8 weeks, friends and customers were happy to help her out.  After all, that’s what friends do, right?  Walls were torn down, carpeting ripped up, new air conditioning and heating were installed.

After all that hard work, the store has a new, fresh look!  You’d never know that Hurricane Irene tried to turn Circus Circus Dollhouse Store into a mini-disaster.  Marilyn is happy to have the store open and available for business as usual.  She happily says, “Here we are…All Departments are Open…and we have a bright, fresh, new look!” 

Bright, Fresh New Look at Circus Circus Dollhouse in Pompton Plains, NJ

Stop in and visit Marilyn and her crew soon.  She is located at 445 Route 23 South, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.  Her store hours are Monday thru Saturday 10AM-4PM.   Take advantage of 20% off your purchase (not including sale merchandise or labor) and let her know Real Good Toys sent you!  She’ll be happy to see you and you’ll be glad you stopped in!

Good luck Marilyn – may your holidays be bright, happy and prosperous!  Oh, and mini wishes from the entire Real Good Toys gang!

The Kiwi-The lights are on!

Our Lilliput® Kiwi Cottage Dollhouse Kit is finally done!  After adding some finishing touches, Jen and I can proudly say that we have successfully wired a dollhouse!  Seeing your hard work come to fruition is very satisfying.  But isn’t that the case with every dollhouse you build or miniature you create?

Come on in. We've left the light on for you!

We started the Kiwi with the idea that we would focus on wiring and lighting and not so much on the finishing details.  Having said that, we still put stucco on the exterior and wallpapered a couple of rooms.  We wanted to  experience several different wiring situations while working with a couple of different fixtures. To wire a dollhouse is to take a real leap of faith.  We did lots and lots of prep work, running tapewire, spackling and using liner paper to hide the wiring.  Then we tested our work.  We actually held our breath when we held the tester to the tapewire to confirm good connections.  And then….there was light.  We got that “kid on Christmas morning feeling”.  We were on a roll. Read the rest of this entry »

Whimsies Dollhouse Shop in Greenwich, Connecticut has expanded their business to a new and larger location, just down the street from their previous location.  Susie Vallon, the owner, contacted us earlier this year because she had a vision of what her newly acquired location would look like with the help of Real Good Toys new Miniature Showcases. 

Real Good Toys was able to help with Susie’s requests by customizing our Miniature Showcase kits to work for their specific needs.  Susie and Casey assembled, painted and electrified each Miniature Showcase unit and the final presentation was incredible!  Check out these amazing photos:

You can visit Whimsies Dollhouse Shop at 39 Lewis Street, Greenwich, CT.  Phone – 203-629-8024.  Store Hours are 10AM – 6PM, Tuesday thru Saturday.  Make sure to tell them Real Good Toys sent you!

Everybody here at RGT wishes Whimsies Dollhouse Shop the best at their new location!  May you make everybody’s mini wishes come true!

Gary Root, RGT Production Manager

When you think of momentous 30 year anniversaries that have occurred so far in 2011, you might rememer (or not) that MTV turned 30. The 30th anniversary of the 1st space shuttle launch was also celebrated this year. The most important  2011 milestone in the world of dollhouses is that Gary Root, dollhouse wizard, has been with Real Good Toys for 30 years!! Recently, the employees of Real Good Toys had a luncheon to celebrate this event. It was a very pleasant afternoon full of funny anecdotes, interspersed with a bit of nostalgia, honoring Gary’s 30 years at Real Good Toys. Gary has such a following of miniaturists through Facebook and his website, and his contributions to the success of Real Good Toys dollhouses is so important, that I thought I would let everyone know a little something about this special guy.

In 1981, Gary came to Real Good Toys by applying for an advertised job for Production Manager. The day Gary applied for the position a Powermatic table saw broke down during an important run of work. Story goes that no one knew what to do. No one knew how to fix it. Gary saw the dilemma and, althought not yet a Real Good Toys employee, rolled up his sleeves and took the motor apart. Minutes later it was back together and working like a charm. Needless to say, Gary got the job. Here we are 30 years later, and Gary is still willing to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes. He is the epitome of the word multi-tasking. Gary has worked at a myriad of different jobs anywhere from a gardener to a shrimp fisherman to a lumberjack, with lots of others in between. He was a licensed master electrician at the age of 18 and studied engineering at Cornell University. His experience has proven invaluable to Real Good Toys. Read the rest of this entry »

Earlier this year, I created a post welcoming two new stores to Real Good Toys dollhouses. We are excited to welcome another new retailer to our family of customers. It is important to take a moment to introduce everyone to this great store and recognize what they have to offer. If you happen to find yourself in their area, stop by and say hi.  Ask them all about their Real Good Toys dollhouses!

Heavenly Hobbies, Palisades Center Mall, W. Nyack, NY

Heavenly Hobbies in West Nyack, NY recently opened a retail location within the Palisades Center Mall. Heavenly Hobbies has a full service presence with many interesting departments, such as Action Cameras, Arts & Crafts, Sports & Outdoors and The World of Science. They also carry all types of model rockets and radio control items. Heavenly Hobbies has a great selection of dollhouses and miniatures too! They are committed to providing value-added service to all hobbyists by offering great selections, competitive prices, and attentive service. They guarantee your satisfaction! Heavenly Hobbies is located at the Palisades Center Mall at 1000 Palisades Center Drive, Unit 3M, West Nyack, NY 10994. For more information, give them a call at 845-664-4498 or check their website at www.heavenlyhobbies.com.

Real Good Toys
1st Annual Fall Foliage
Dollhouse Factory Warehouse Clearance Sale!

Save the Date:

Saturday & Sunday - October 1st & 2nd, 2011
9AM – 4PM
Come early for the best selection!

Visit beautiful Vermont and take advantage of our GIANT clearance cleanout!
Drive up or down, save on shipping and get terrific deals on: dollhouse components, moldings, building parts, windows, doors, spindles, porch posts…dollhouse kit closeouts, seconds, overstocks, damaged goods, returns, prototypes, antiques (from our archives) and sample products from other companies.

This fun event will include refreshments, door prizes and grab bag surprises!
Meet Jodi, Jen & Gary!  Sue & Rose will greet you at our Factory Store with special discounts of
20-50% OFF EVERYTHING including our stock of AZTEC furniture and Melissa & Doug!

We welcome you to get the first peek at our newest designs,
tour our factory and enjoy the lovely autumn leaves.
Visit other local New England attractions
(don’t miss Rock of Ages and Ben & Jerry’s),
but be sure to make reservations for accommodations early – it’s a popular time of the year!

Hope to see you there!
Mini wishes,
Jennifer

Roombox Lighting with  ExtraBrite LEDs 

Read the rest of this entry »

CVCAC Weatherization Dollhouse

Recently Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) came to Real Good Toys to help with their Weatherization Project. CVCAC offers weatherization services that include an energy audit to find out how your house can be made more energy efficient and comfortable. Energy renovation services include adding insulation, fixing holes, caulking cracks and gaps and improving ventilation.

Air can leak where electrical outlets are placed

Air leaks can be caused by wall penetrations that aren't sealed properly

The weatherization crew was scheduled to attend some local energy and home expos soon, and they thought a dollhouse would be just the tool they were looking for to demonstrate the no cost weatherization services they provide to income qualified Vermonters. We thought that was a great idea too! CVCAC purchased the Real Good Toys Ready-to-Decorate Finished Vermont Farmhouse dollhouse from our Factory Outlet Store to become their weatherization demo dollhouse. It was fun to work with them helping to decide how they might use certain materials to demonstrate the services they provide. They felt it was going to be much more effective to be able to show people where air can leak from your home rather than just telling them about it. They created a framed in wall with electrical wiring and plumbing, an outside electrical panel and garden hose, all showing penetrations that may not be sealed properly causing potential air leaks. They also showed how air can leak around the chimney in the attic.

Air can leak around a fireplace and chimney

The crew plans to electrify the dollhouse and do more work on depicting the weatherization services they provide, but so far the weatherization dollhouse has been a hit!  We hope that the word “leaks” out to other energy organizations so they can create a weatherization dollhouse to use in their energy education programs. Real Good Toys was very happy to have one of our dollhouses be part of this important project.