GroovyDC presents Groovyland, a totally cool, super fun, completely groovy toy store! You know them as Manuel and Dennis, co-owners of GroovyDC. Now your children will know them as the guys with all the coolest toys on Barracks Row. Groovyland, which opened April 12 directly across from GroovyDC at the corner of Eighth and E streets SE, is filled with fun and educational toys, puzzles, pretend play hats and more.

“Over the holidays, our customers requested toys, and we couldn’t keep them in stock,” explained Dennis as to how they decided to expand their business. Those requested toys were by Melissa & Doug®, the makers of wooden puzzles and blocks that were lauded even before the China toy scare. “[Melissa & Doug®] have a wide range of learning stuff to arts and crafts do-it-yourself stuff, to plush toys,” he said. Groovyland also carries Manhattan Toy (that means Groovy Girls!), Schylling (retro, collectable tin toys) and ThinkFun, a maker of educational brain-challenging toys out of Alexandria, Va. Coming soon will be K’NEX® construction sets – very exciting for children and adults. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, including toys for babies’ developmental stages.

Groovyland also offers overstuffed animals, such as a good dog, a giant panda and the enormous giraffe you may have seen peeking at you if you’ve passed the store front. For adults the store carries TDC Games (Dirty Minds, LOST) and some novelty items. You will also find magnets – which everyone knows are a huge hit with children and tourists – retro candy, JellyBelly®, kites, balloons and party supplies, and colorful children’s accessories such as gloves and socks. “We’re doing hats,” said Manuel, “a lot of fun hats … pirate hats, princess hats, Dr. Seuss hats, Alice in Wonderland …”

The list goes on, and it will evolve and change. Part of the wonderment is in what one will see there next. “We don’t want [customers] to come in and see everything they saw the last time,” said Manuel. So you might see toddler-sized outdoor furniture or hand-painted art for children. The next time you go, Manuel may have a train running around the store. They are open to suggestions – just let them know if there is a line of toys or a particular brand you would like them to carry. “Our customers are our best source,” Dennis said of their eclectic offerings at GroovyDC. “They are always happy to tell us what they’re looking for.”

The connection to the community is really the impetus behind opening a toy store on Barracks Row. “We hear from our [GroovyDC] customers that they want to do all their shopping on the Hill – they don’t want to cross the river … and with higher gas prices, people don’t want to have to drive to do their shopping.” They noted a need for a toy store on Barracks Row – a space dedicated to toys and fun – and decided to expand their business. GroovyDC’s space wasn’t large enough to accommodate this need, so they’re right across the street.

Manuel and Dennis plan to have a children’s book reading on Second Saturday. During the winter holidays, Groovyland will provide a lovely backdrop inside the store for pictures with Santa, and proceeds will benefit a local cause.

Another thoughtful feature: wish lists. Children can create wish lists of all their favorite toys, making shopping quick and easy for birthdays, holidays and rewards. New parents can help grandmas and grandpas by creating wish lists of age-appropriate toys for their little ones.

GroovyDC will continue to carry unique, high-end gifts and stationery, including invitations and announcements; Groovyland will carry the whimsy.

Groovyland is located at 425 Eighth St. SE. Visit www.groovydc.com or call 202-544-6633 for more information. The following are links to the above mentioned name-brand toys: www.melissaanddoug.com, www.knex.com, www.schylling.com, www.thinkfun.com, www.tdcgames.com, www.jellybelly.com.

Heather Schoell is a regular contributor to the Hill Rag. She can be reached at hschoell@verizon.net.