Awesome Toy Deals at the Bargain Basket

Marco Island is blessed with a large population of loving grandparents, and they are always making sure that when the ‘kids” come to visit, they have plenty of toys to keep them busy. Also, they make sure that they have the latest style of kids' clothing and plenty of books to read! After the ‘kids’ leave, or age up, it’s time to donate these goodies to the Bargain Basket to make room for the next visit. 

If you want to check out the gently used ‘stuff from grandparents,” visit the Bargain Basket Thrift Store. It is a testament to how much they spoil their grandkids. Even if mom and dad tell them, “don’t spoil them, please,” there are aunties and uncles nearby and godparents. I bet the two-year-olds would be just as happy banging grandma’s pots and pans. On the upside, a grandmother I know would take the young visitors to the Bargain Basket before they left for home, as an example of “let’s donate these toys to less fortunate families,” teaching them the lesson of the true spirit of giving. And also, to make sure that a child in need can use some spoiling. 

The Bargain Basket is known for its true bargains in women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, dinnerware, and kitchen appliances. Unless you are a parent or a grandparent, you are not likely to check out the treasures at the toy section, or kids’ clothing, or even the young readers’ section.   

I dropped off a stroller and a toddler tricycle, but I also took home some Halloween books and a kid’s softball glove! And while checking out the toy section, I met Barb Wessels, ‘Toy Barb,’ as she is fondly called in the store, and she shared that this is her tenth year as a volunteer. Barb said that when they receive a toy, she makes sure it is not broken; if it is a battery-operated toy, she will take it apart and check the battery. If a toy is dirty, she will wash it and will make sure that all stuffed animals are clean and safe. For the boys, the best sellers are Matchbox cars, and she added that they don’t get many dolls, but girls like jewelry or craft kits to make jewelry. Barbara also takes care of the puzzle and games section, but admits she does not count all the pieces. But she will make an exception for wooden puzzles for toddlers to make sure they have all the pieces. 

The book area also had a section for younger readers with George Anne Draper, curator or volunteer librarian. During this visit, they had a handful of hardcover books for younger readers for Halloween. Several customers were checking out the younger section for some of the classic favorites. Bill Johenning, Bargain Basket Manager, was on hand to help me bring down some of the toys from the high shelf, and thanks to Barbara Rojek, who helped me search for young readers’ favorites to take home. The kids' clothing section had some outfits or costumes that would be perfect for the upcoming Halloween. 

The Bargain Basket Thrift Store, a ministry of the United Church of Marco Island, recently celebrated 50 years. It is located on Bald Eagle Drive.