Market Days are quickly coming upon us! A fun in the sun day of multiple bargains, music, mayhem, mingling and marveling at the sights on 5th St. in beautiful downtown Courtenay. This year's Market Days is shaping up to be as fun as ever starting at 9am and going till 9pm. 


This year, outside the store will be tables with 50-70% off select: 
~ clothing
~ Webkinz
~ puzzles
~ books
~ baby toys
~ plush
~ crafts
~ games
~ zoobs 
and much more. 


Inside deals include:
~ 25% off Melissa and Doug
~ 25% off Plan Toys
~ 25% off clothing
~ $10 Webkinz
and more!

Weather was beautiful and the turn out was great for the Annual Father's Day Kite Fly event.  Thank you all for coming!

John Deere is a brand synonymous with toughness and quality, and it is no different with their children's products. We carry metal wagons and wheelbarrows in John Deere's trademark green and yellow. That's not all, however. We carry a wide variety of John Deere branded metal die cast, farm machinery and construction vehicles. Let your small people pretend they are operating the big rigs!

In a nutshell, I can describe Dutch Blitz as being solitaire for 2 to 4 players. You each start with your own deck of cards numbered 1 to 10 in 4 different colors and the object of the game is to create piles numbered from 1 to 10 in the centre of the table; using as many of your own cards as possible while preventing your fellow players from using their cards. Everyone plays at the same time, so speed counts! Coming in at under $20, this game makes for hours of cheap fun.

Wow! I just learned how to play Atlantis by Mayfair Games and Quirkle, winner of multiple awards. They are both really great, and I am lucky enough to have a family that doesn't mind being my (and your) game guinea pigs! Quirkle resembles Scrabble, but instead of letters and words, uses colors and shapes. It is loosely based on dominoes, but with two elements instead of one. What is so great about this game is that you don't need to know how to spell, and it builds visual acuity in small people around your home. My 6 year old son is great at this game. It's often challenging to find a game to appeal to kids and adults. Quirkle rises to the challenge.
Atlantis is another gem by renowned game company Mayfair - of Settlers of Catan fame. Atlantis is easy to learn and quick to play. You are following a trail from Atlantis to the mainland while collecting points and treasure, and attempting to foil your opponent. Unlike many strategy intensive games, this one is enjoyable with only 2 people, but has space for up to 4 players.

We have the best customers! Last summer on a beautiful, sunny day, Tara Hope, a long time customer came into our store with some coloring books for us to sell. These weren't any ordinary books, but rather, works of art, beautifully drawn with an original story to accompany the illustrations. Tara recently submitted the following column for publication.

Locally owned and operated Whale’s Tale Toys has graced Fifth Street in Courtenay for over 25 years.  Charm permeates the store from the exterior wooden ship façade to the cozy interior that brims with a great selection of classic, quality items.  The delightful atmosphere and staff always provide a satisfying shopping experience.  For those looking for something unique to the Valley, there is a rhyming story book for children of all ages entitled, “Comox Valley: A Colouring Book for Kids”.  The 11”x17” book is mounted to a foam core backing with a box of crayons and ribbon.  Whether babies, toddlers, preschoolers, preteens, or teenagers are on your list, you are sure to find a special gift at Whale’s Tale Toys, your neighbourhood toy store!