Look around Junior's play area. What do you see? If you're tired of the plastic universe that has become your life, it's time for some finely crafted, uncommon, and artisan made toys. The kind one might envision at a certain North Pole workshop! Nico & Zoe, a new online toy store (started by two local moms), will help you bring back the good old days of wooden trucks, games that don't require batteries, and cloth dolls that actually feel good to cuddle!

Owners Pamela and Stacy, two college friends who reconnected in Seattle, founded Nico & Zoe in the fall of '06 with a mission to find their customers high quality unique toys. Most of their treasures are made in the U.S. (they list location info on each item if you're interested) and some are even locally made, such as the Everett-based Sockadoodledo sock animals.

Owner Pamela makes the cloth Zoe Babies which can be customized and the taggie pillows. So, what do the stores namesakes like to play with? We're told Nico enjoys anything with wheels and this fun fishing game, which is great for hand/eye coordination. Zoe loves her dolls, of course, and is also a big fan of the felt play food sets like these delicious cookies. Pretend food is a huge hit with most kids-in fact their top seller is this sushi set . Pass the wasabi!

What's new at Nico and Zoe? They will soon be adding more art kits, educational sets, and baby gifts. Owner Pamela is currently working on a felt fettucini set. . .for those nights when sushi just won't do!

PS: Nico and Zoe will be a vendor at the West Seattle Street Fair in July '07. Stop by, say hi, and get a rare chance to see (and buy) their toys up close and personal!

Nico and Zoe
www.nicoandzoe.com