Old-Fashioned Play Figpickels Toy Emporium

Since Coeur d’Alene did not yet have a toy store, they decided to start their own business and Figpickels Toy Emporium was born. They moved to a larger space a block away—210 E. Sherman Avenue in the elegant Plaza mall— in 2010 and they’ve been there ever since.

The working German carousel adds to the festive atmosphere at Figpickels. So does the vintage signing and warm carnival-like lighting. But it’s the toys that keep people coming back for more.

When asked what their favorite toys are, the Sommers say, “Games are right up there. Especially games that teach without the players knowing they are learning, games like Katamino.”

Katamino is like a wooden version of the video game Tetris. Players try to move puzzle pieces called petras around the game space, guided by the manual included with the puzzle purchase.

“Games are one of the best ways for families to connect,” the Sommers say. “You heard it here. PUT THE PHONE DOWN. We specialize in unplugged play.”

Not all of the classic toys the Sommers played with as kids are available at Figpickels. “We loved the original Creepy Crawler sets from the golden age of toys. Easy Bake Oven, Mouse Trap, Rock ’em, Sock ’em Robots. Most don’t exist anymore, but you can see them in our toy museum window.”

What they do have are toys that have survived the test of time – toys like Mad Libs, Playmobile, Breyer Horses and stuffed animals. They are stocked in abundance at Figpickels. If you want something you haven’t seen before, consider Rolife DIY Miniature Room sets, the Smart Phone Microscope or the Pony Bike kit that adds a pony’s head to an ordinary bicycle.

“Right now the rage is for every toy manufacturer to copy from every other toy manufacturer,” the Sommers observed. “It’s a little discouraging, but we keep searching everywhere for unique toys.”

It would be impossible to list everything Figpickels carries, so you’ll have to stop by for an hour or two to get a clear picture of the entertainment potential. It’s spectacular!

Survival is never guaranteed, when it comes to small businesses in the Pacific Northwest. But the Sommers philosophy of play unplugged has given them an edge. Gizmos and gadgets are easy to find at the big box stores or online, but thoughtful, distinctive toys kids will keep forever are always shelved at Figpickels. Fun is for sale in Coeur d’Alene, thanks to Figpickels Toy Emporium. Fun is a bargain at any cost.

Find Figpickels Toy Emporium in the Plaza at 210 E. Sherman Avenue, #103 in Coeur d’Alene or visit their website at http://www.figpickels.com/.