The Connection

"The staff at Child’s Play Toys have a great working knowledge of all the games, books and toys, and know what is appropriate for each age group," said customer Michele Hopkins. Hopkins, a photography business owner, was impressed with the personally tailored gift ideas Molly Gilroy presented to her for a child. Hopkins also said she had been looking for the "Night Before Christmas" and that this was the only local store that seemed to carry the book. Bregette Poore, manager, said "our focus is tailoring gift items to each individual." She added, "Child’s Play Toys has a wide variety of items depending upon age and interests, including strategy games for adults not found elsewhere locally."

Child’s Play Toys, a locally owned business, is located in the Langley Shopping Center at 1382 Chain Bridge Road. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

ACROSS THE STREET from Langley Shopping Center, at the Salona Village Shopping Center, is Name Droppers, which has been offering unique gifts to the community for the past 20 years. "Today, Nora Fleming serving trays have been the hottest seller," said Myers. Name Droppers also carries a number of unique jewelry items such as the Replica Collection from Italy. The Replica necklace uses magnetic clasps for ease of use along with options to use interchangeable pendants. Myers said, "these items have been a tremendous seller for me." Another unique collection was from New York’s Alexis Bittar, a 2010 Jewelry Designer of the Year. This jewelry is cut from Lucite and reflects surrounding colors. Name Droppers also carries gloves, hats and scarves from Echo that are made from a milk protein.

Name Droppers is located at 1349 Chain Bridge Road and is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

MCLEAN HARDWARE has been serving the community since 1948 and has been in its present location since 2008," said Cindy Cannon. She added that "the store offers much more than hardware and paint, particularly when considering Holiday gifts." For example, several hot sellers include an electronic charge stick that was recently featured on the television show "Shark Tank" and touch screen gloves that allow the heat from fingers to go through and operate cell phones." Cannon also said, "we have a Christmas tree with lights that can be switched from clear to multi-color and back again."

Sales associates, such as Rebecca Rippeon, greet you at the door and offer their expertise in finding items as well as product knowledge. "Service is a hallmark at McLean Hardware," Rippeon said. "The store offers everything for your holiday shopping from Christmas decorations to nuts and bolts." On Wednesday, Dec. 4, McLean Hardware will be hosting its annual Ladies Night, from 6:30– 8:30 p.m., offering wine, appetizers, other giveaways, and help with your gift list. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

McLean Hardware is located at 1445 Chain Bridge Road. McLean Hardware’s website is www.mcleanhardware.com.