|
in Santa Clara County
Affordable
Treasures
A goldmine of bargains on toys,
arts and crafts materials, party supplies, and high quality
children's books. It' s not unusual to find the same items that other
stores carry for half the price. A must shop right before Christmas!
An excellent resource for local teachers -- don't pay for those high
priced theme kits in the teacher supply catalogs. Put together your
own from the goodies at Affordable Treasures at a fraction of the price.
Visit their new website at
www.affordabletreasures.com
Hicklebee's
Books
In the Willow Glen area, Hicklebee's features
excellent children's books and music as well as many "author
events". Nearby coffee shop, bagelry, and eateries -- and a
bookstore for grown-ups -- makes it an even more enjoyable visit.
Lakeshore Located near Stokes Rd., and right next door to the Orowheat Bakery Discount Outlet (donuts! pretzels!). Great educational toys -- for toddlers up through early schoolage! Store is divided into sections devoted to Math, Science, Dramatic Play, Arts & Crafts, Literature/Writing, etc. Also features a good selection of bilingual materials and seasonal/holiday items (Martin Luther King Day, Easter, etc.) for use in the classroom. Nice selection of charts and teacher supplies. With walk-in and shop convenience, this is the place to get your supplies and art materials right away!
The
Linden Tree Part of a dying breed of neighborhood bookstores, Linden Tree has a personality all it's own. Here, for example, you will not simply find the latest glitzy '90s knock-off of Cinderella -- you will find, what surely must be, every classic version of the Cinderella story ever done, from cultures all over the world. They also have a selection of quality children's music, all of which can be pre-listened to before you buy. (It costs a bit more than at some other stores, but it might be worth it to you if you're tired of throwing your money away on "duds".) When you're done shopping, and you've peeked at the interesting back room (where the many workshops are conducted), wander the streets outside and get an ice cream or some lunch at one of the many little eateries. Check the newspaper for book-signing events.
Educational toys your kids will plead for, excellent books, and many other items that make high quality -- albeit slightly expensive -- gifts for the children in your life.
RAFT This not-to-be-missed Resource Area For Teachers hosts leftover business materials that make great scraps, odds, and ends for art projects! You can also find other supplies useful to teachers, such as binders, stick-on name tags, and more. I myself have found such treasures as a gorgeous computer desk for $20, a handsome oak-framed white board for $4, bags and bags of fabric remnants for sewing crafts for $1 a bag, and -- one day -- a whole bunch of office chairs-- FOR FREE! RAFT is a great resource for the huge spools of "butcher" paper as well. Check their website for more details about workshops, hours of operation, and directions to RAFT from a number of starting points near you. Prices on items vary, as do supplies (what you find one day, may not be there the next), but you will generally get what you want for rock bottom prices.
Teacher's Helper
THE biggest selection of teacher's resource books I have seen anywhere. Plus the biggest selection of wall charts, posters, decorative wall borders, and bulletin board decorations. A nice selection of essential supplies as well.
back
|
