Locally owned and woman-owned small business helps families come together through reading and game-playing.
MANCHESTER, NH – Sleepovers for children’s beloved stuffed animals as well as family fun and games are being added as recurring events at Wonderland Books and Toys.
Manchester’s only independent children’s book and toy store is now holding its free Stuffy Sleepover Storytime on the second Friday evening of each month. Parents can bring their kids in their PJ’s as well as a stuffed animal the child feels comfortable leaving for the night at the store.
After a few stories, the stuffies are put to “bed” in a tent and the kids head home for the night. When the stuffies are picked up the next day, the children get a thank you note from the stuffy and pictures of the fun and silliness the stuffies got into overnight.
“We held our first Stuffy Sleepover Storytime last September and it proved to be so popular we are now hosting one every month,” said owner Deirdre A.L. Shaw.
Upcoming Stuffy Sleepover Storytimes are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following Fridays: October 10, November 14 and December 12. The free event will continue on the second Friday of each month in 2026.
Wonderland Books and Toys is also launching a free Family Game Night one Saturday evening a month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Families and teens can bring their own games or try one of the many games available for sale in the store. Light refreshments will also be available.
“One of the reasons I opened Wonderland Books and Toys in April of 2024 was to build community in Manchester,” Shaw said. “I hope these and other events in the future will help bring people together through the joys of reading and games.”
Upcoming Family Game Nights will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following Saturdays: October 11, November 15, December 13 and will also continue into 2026.
Wonderland Books and Toys is located at 245 Maple Street #12 in Manchester, NH (at the corner of Maple and Valley) and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The store features a curated selection of quality books, toys and games for infants through young adults. An event room is available to rent for birthday parties, baby showers, community meetings and other events.
For more information on Wonderland Books and Toys, visit wonderlandbooksandtoys.com or facebook.com/wonderlandbooksandtoys.