It Was Like a Sad Kmart (Issue #54)
This week’s theme is toys – from my childhood love of pooping dolls, to the stainless steel pans of adulthood.
Hi friends!
My husband Andrew and I were recently riffing on our ever-evolving relationship with the toy section. Obviously, it all starts in childhood, when the toy section is the destination. At this stage, shopping trips are built around the challenge of luring your parents to the back of the store, hoping to bring home something new to play with. For me, that was usually a new Barbie or Polly Pocket. And as doll technology advanced, I grew quite fond of the ones you could feed and diaper change. Pooping and peeing dolls were the peak of innovation, and I was obsessed!!
But as a person ages, this relationship changes. The toy section grows distant, like the person I first shared a Claire’s friendship necklace with in elementary school. I never lost respect for the section, but rarely kept in touch. I changed, and so did the toy section, our memories slowly fading with the years. That is until I hit my mid-20s. And as my friends started having their own kids, I found myself rekindling a relationship I once held near and dear. The toy section was once again a destination!
Last winter, Toys “R” Us opened a new flagship store in the Mall of America. With the magical memories of childhood at the forefront of our minds, Andrew and I made a point to visit. My expectations were high. I expected to enter the store, mouth agape, as I marveled at piles of toys stacked floor to ceiling. I had a vision and it was ‘LegoLand meets Santa’s Workshop’. And yet, when Andrew and I entered the store, disappointment washed over me. There was no magic, no twinkle in my eye. It was like a sad Kmart, and my dreams were crushed.
Was the Toys “R” Us of my childhood really so much better, or was I just small? Was the sparkle real, or is that just nostalgia? Honestly the answer is probably a little of both. But still, I wonder about modern kids' relationship to the toy section. With the rise of online shopping, is the magic and the pull of a physical toy store still alive? Parents, please chime in!
This week, I’m revisiting this relationship, from the nostalgic gadgets of my childhood to the items on my adult wishlist. Enjoy!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Movie: The Pez Outlaw (Available on Amazon + Netflix + more)
This movie comes on high recommendation from a friend, who said it was a shocking story and a unique take on the documentary genre! Here’s the summary: “The story of Steve Glew, a Midwestern machinist who smuggles rare Pez dispensers from Europe and sells them for thousands, drawing the ire of both U.S. Pez and rival collectors.” My friend said the film will make you really mad at corporate greed and gives you a true underdog to root for. Can’t wait to check it out!
New York Magazine: Over Three Decades, Tech Obliterated Media by Kara Swisher
Written by a reporter who began her media career in the early 90s, this article describes her experience of the industry over the last three decades. Tracking the rise of technology, Swisher illuminates how reporting has been shaped by these advances.
Substack: It Makes Perfect Sense For Tamagotchi to Return as a Cozy Video Game from
byThis article examines the new Tamagotchi mobile game, Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom, and tracks the rise, fall, and rebirth of our favorite beeping little pets.
Action items to support and care for the world around us.
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund
This organization is delivering medical relief and essential resources like food and clean water to civilians in Gaza. They’ve also been able to support displaced children and families in other ways, including through toy deliveries. You can donate to support their work here.
I’ve recommended @transanta many times before, but that’s because they’re such an incredible organization! They operate as a social media-based mutual aid campaign that “connects anonymous gift-givers with trans youth who are unhoused, in foster care, or otherwise without crucial support they need to thrive.” Applications are currently closed between holiday seasons, but you can sign up for their newsletter, apply to volunteer, and/or donate for future gifts at transanta.com. They’re also currently gearing up for their second summer of Transchool, “an introductory course on trans studies and writing for aspiring trans writers.” You can learn more and donate to Transchool here.
The Inmate Connection Holiday + Birthday Toy Drives
This organization provides key resources and services to help incarcerated folks maintain connection with their loved ones. Through their holiday and birthday toy drives, inmates and their families can apply to send toys to children in their lives. You can apply for the drive here, and donate to support this important work here.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
I understand the appeal of stainless steel pans, but cleaning them is a pain. This video changes everything!
I bought this jean jacket from Able a few months ago, and not only do I recommend it, but I also have great things to say about the brand generally! I initially ordered the wrong size, and their customer service was fantastic — they sent a new one with no questions asked! High-quality clothing + great service = one very happy Celisia.
On the topic of modern children with modern gift requests, I present to you the following video:
This past Monday, my BFF made a guest appearance and shared one of her recent internet obsessions — Tradwives. From the seemingly harmless and wholesome to the darker corners of alt-right conservatism, she covered it all. Check it out here.
Have a great weekend!
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