Press Release: Mischief Toy Store opens this week in St. Paul; created by the founders of Peapods

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2015
Mischief Toy Store to Open October 1 in Saint Paul
 
Mischief is coming to St. Paul! Created by Millie Adelsheim and Dan Marshall, Mischief Toy Store will focus on older kids, teens, and young adults with a diverse selection of games, art supplies, pop culture and anime gifts, outdoor adventure gear, jewelry, and kinetic toys.

“Our goal is to find toys that challenge people, make them think, create, learn a new skill, or get into a bit of trouble,” Dan said. “We want kids and teens to unplug a bit and use their creativity to change the world”.

“In an era of standardized tests and zero-tolerance policies,” Millie added, “we need a bit more mischief.”

Millie and Dan closed their previous store, Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care, this past June after 16 years. “Our kids have grown up,” Millie said. “They're not babies anymore. We wanted to reinvent our family business to reflect who we are today.” Although longtime fans of Peapods may recognize some favorites, “It’ll be a completely different store.”
 
After closing Peapods, Millie and Dan took several weeks to decide what to do next. “We realized we really love running a toy store,” Millie said. “We love building community and introducing people to our favorite toys.”

“Now that our children are teens,” Dan added, “we’ve discovered how hard it is to find great toys for older kids. Most toy stores nowadays only cater to younger children. We think that big kids and teens deserve better than iTunes gift cards for their birthdays.”

Millie and Dan’s four kids have been closely involved in planning, building, and choosing products for Mischief. Their daughter Abigail, a student at Hamline University, manages Mischief’s Tumblr feed and will be working at the store.

Mischief will open October 1 at 2290 Como Avenue in Saint Paul. UPDATE: Now open at 818 Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.

Contact:
Millie Adelsheim
Dan Marshall
hello@mischieftoy.com

Store Info:
818 Grand Ave, St. Paul
mischieftoy.com
facebook.com/mischieftoy
tumblr.mischieftoy.com
651-493-3307

Thank You For Over 16 Great Years! Peapods is Now Closed.

As of the end of Saturday, June 20, 2015, Peapods is closed. Please stay tuned via facebook, where we will announce our newest endeavor (once we figure out what that might be).

For a limited time, we will be selling our remaining store fixtures by appointment. Please email dan@peapods.com if you'd like more information.

Also, our lovely building in St. Paul's St. Anthony Park neighborhood is for sale or rent. Please see our listing for more info.

Thank you to our community for sustaining our family and our employees' families for over 16 years.

Best wishes,

Millie and Dan

Peapods is Going Out of Business -- Sale Begins Today

Peapods Going Out of Business Sale

For every thing, there is a season. And after 16 years, the season for Peapods is coming to an end. With gratitude in our hearts to our employees, customers, and suppliers who have sustained our family these many years, we're moving on to the next chapter in our lives.

The good news is that everything in our store is now 15% off. Toys, baby carriers, cloth diapers, books...everything must go. For now, this sale will only be in our store, not online. We'll also be adding fixtures and equipment as our sale progresses.

We know this will be sad news for many people, as it is for us. But, we hope that you will choose to celebrate with us the time we have spent together and the many experiences we have shared. This is a difficult time for us and the best way you can help us is to shop our sale and share it with your friends.

Also, we are renting our building for office or retail use, so please share if you know anyone who might be interested.

Why are we going out of business? For a few reasons. First, the marketplace has changed. Many of the brands we helped introduce to the Twin Cities are abandoning specialty stores like ours in favor of big boxes, Amazon.com, or direct sales to customers. This is especially true with cloth diapers and baby carriers, two areas that have defined our store and where we have invested the most in trained customer service. It's simply not sustainable for us to keep going while our revenue keeps declining.

Second, our mission has always been to promote attachment parenting and unplugged educational toys. When we started in 1998, babywearing, cloth diapering, and wood toys were fringe ideas. People used to stop us in the street to ask us what the heck our baby sling was. Seriously.

These products and ideas are now wholly mainstream. You can buy a decent baby carrier at Target or cloth diapers at Kohl's for goodness sake. In a sense, we've helped accomplish our mission, but that also means that we're far less relevant than we used to be. And while there are still many other aspects of modern childhood we'd like to change, Peapods as a store is not well positioned to address these issues.

Finally, we've changed as well. We are no longer the parents of babies and our kids are interested in lots of awesome teenager stuff that doesn't connect at all with Peapods. We're ready to move on, even if we're not sure where we're going.

Policy Changes

Effective immediately, we are making the following changes:

• Everything in the store is now 15% off normal retail prices. We expect the discount to increase in the coming weeks, but we're sure the best stuff will move fast, so shop early & shop often.
• We are no longer able to accept returns.
• We will honor purchased Peapods gift certificates up until our final day, which we expect will be sometime in mid-July.
• We will no longer be able to accept any coupons.
• Our Rewards program is discontinued. We will honor unspent rewards credits for 1 week, until June 11th.
• We are no longer accepting checks.
• We are no longer setting up new gift registries or buying gently used cloth diapers.
• We will be contacting customers with existing newborn cloth diaper rental packages to make alternative arrangements.
• Our spring Music Together class will have its final session next Monday as originally scheduled. 
•  We will no longer be offering our free cloth diaper class.

Thank you again for many years of support. We feel honored to have served our community with quality products and personal service for so long. 

Buy local.

With love,

Millie Adelsheim and Dan Marshall

Spring is Here--Let's Get Rolling!

Time for Toys on Wheels!

Spring is here and sidewalks and driveways are (mostly) clear and the weather is getting (mostly) better every day. It's time to get rolling! Here's our must-have toys with wheels helpfully arranged from oldest to youngest.

New & Improved KaZAM V2s Kick Bikes

(A little cheaper, too!)

Our favorite kids kick bike is updated for 2015 with an improved design and a new friendlier price of $89.99. We love KaZAM bikes because they have a step-through platform that makes them easy to ride and encourages kids to lift their feet up and balance.

The new V2s model is a little lighter and features real air tires and quick-release clamps on both the seat post and handlebars so it's easy to adjust as kids grow.

The KaZAM kick bike is a great way to learn to ride. Because it doesn't have pedals or training wheels, kids learn how to balance first by propelling themselves with their feet, making the transition to a big kid bike a lot easier.

The KaZAM V2s is available in red, green, blue, and pink. Oh, and we have a few remaining original KaZAMs which are NOW 30% off!


Micro Mini Scooters for Little Kids


As we've mentioned before, Ellie's Micro Mini Kickboard Scooter is her all-time favorite toy. She's been without it all winter long, but these recent beautiful spring days have been non-stop scootering.

The Mini Micro is great for young kids and the optional o-bar attachment converts it to a toddler ride-on for even younger kids.

Because the Micro Mini steers by leaning instead of turning the handlebar, it's a lot more stable than other scooters. Warning: your child may want to play outside a lot more if you buy a Mini Micro.



The Wooden Scoot Around by Hape

We've sold lots of different wooden toddler scooters over the years, but our favorite one by far is the Wooden Scoot Around by Hape.


Designed with a wide wheel base, the Scoot Around is super stable. Plus, it features a wooden stop at the back of the seat to prevent kids from falling off the back. And, the front wheels have soft rubber treads and a limited turn radius so they won't turn sideways and upend the rider.


The Scoot Around is a perfect first ride-on toy starting at about 14 months. Works great indoors or out.

 

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Music Together Starts Next Week
Register now before classes fill up!

Music Together @ Peapods 
We still have spots available in our Monday and Tuesday Music Together classes, which begin next week.

We've been taking Music Together classes with Ellie for over a year and she's still super excited to sing and dance in class every week. The teachers are awesome, the songs are fun, and the egg shakers are...amazing!

Sure Spring is here and it's nice to place outside. But nothing starts a great day with a baby or preschooler like a Music Together class.

Supporting the Toxic Free Kids Act

This spring, we've been working with the Metro Independent Business Alliance (MetroIBA) and and the American Sustainable Business Council to lobby for the Toxic Free Kids Act. The TFKA would require childrens product manufacturers to report to the state of Minnesota if they add any of 8 toxic chemicals to their toys.

We're proud to contribute to this important legislation. Learn more about the TFKA in the op-ed that Dan co-authored in the StarTribune. And, if you get a chance, contact your state representative and tell them you support this important bill.


Peapods FREE Cloth Diaper Class
2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month 6pm
Want to learn more about cloth diapers? Attend one of our FREE Cloth Diapering Class! Held one the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, we'll teach you just about everything there is to know! No need to pre-register. Next classes: March 26th and April 9th. 



 

And now for our new arrivals:

Super Cute Kids Hats	Spring 2015 Organics by Milk Barn Baby	Balancing Moon Game
Tie Dye Baby Paper. Because Tie Dye!	Cauldron Quest Co-op Game	Made in USA Lambs & Bunnies by Woof & Poof
Natural Egg Dye Kit	New Skip Hop Diaper Bags	Skip Hop Umbrellas

March News: Spring Toy & Gift Ideas + Made in the USA Lambs & Bunnies

We're just going to #ThinkSpring 'til it gets here! What else can we do?

March is a tricky month in Minnesota. You never know what's coming next--a lovely sunny day with birds chirping and neighbors out walking or 3 feet of snow.

No matter what happens, keep in mind that the days are getting longer every day. Spring will be here soon!

To help you Think Spring, we've created a new Spring and Easter gift guide on our website with lots of bunnies, lambs, eggs, and spring fashion.

And, if we can hurry things along with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale on select long sleeve winter baby clothes, sleepsacks, Stonz boots and wool socks, so much the better!



New! Woof 'n Poof Made in USA Bunnies & Lambs 

We're proud to offer the Spring 2015 Woof 'n Poof collection of bunnies and lambs. These wonderfully cuddly plush dolls are all made in California. 

They're all incredibly charming--each has its own personality. We love their artful & whimsical design.

Hats and Boots!

Our Fire Chief natural rubber rainboots are back in stock this Spring. These boots are perfect for splash-happy kids and are available in sizes 6-11.

We're also offering absolutely adorable fedoras and sun hats for kids and toddlers. These terrific hats look amazing!

Spring Sessions of Music Together Enrolling Now
 
FREE Demo Classes on March 23rd & 24th

Come see why we love Music Together so much! Our free demo classes offer just a taste of the weekly fun you'll have during the full Spring session.

Classes are available for Mixed Ages on Mondays and Tuesdays and for Babies on Mondays. See our class listings for more info.

Jumpstart Your Potty Training
Just a few spaces still available. Jamie Waldvogel will be teacheing her Ins & Outs of Potty Training Class here on March 21. Jamie is absolutely wonderful! If you've got a toddler in diapers, this might be the best $30 you'll ever spend!  

Peapods FREE Cloth Diaper Class
2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month 6pm
Want to learn more about cloth diapers? Attend one of our FREE Cloth Diapering Class! Held one the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, we'll teach you just about everything there is to know! No need to pre-register. Next classes: February 12th (tonight!) and 26th.


 

And now for our new arrivals:

Janod Wooden Train Sets	Jellycat Bashful Bunny	Natural Egg Dye Kit
Gramercy Stroller Toy by Chewbeads	Spring 2015 Robeez Collection	Fuzzy Bunny Ears Headband

Think Spring! New Toys, Potty Training Class, & Tula Baby Carriers

Think Spring!

We are tentatively, hopefully, quietly, turning our thoughts toward Spring. Yes! It's not pitch dark when we close up the store at 6pm; the days are getting longer. Yes! Sometimes there's a hopeful springish smell in the air and a quiet chirp of birds. Sure, we've got a good bit more of winter nastiness to live through, but we've begun to hope...

With that in mind, we're stocking the store with bunnies, chicks, lambs, and even bio-degradable Easter Eggs, swim diapers, and sand toys. BELIEVE with us!

And speaking of hopeful optimism....

Jumpstart Your Potty Training!

Congratulations to Jamie Waldvogel for her great write-up in this month's Minnesota Parent. Jamie will be teacheing her Ins & Outs of Potty Training Class here on March 21. Jamie is absolutely wonderful! If you've got a toddler in diapers, this might be the best $30 you'll ever spend!

New Tulas are coming!
We've got a bunch of Tula Baby Carriers on the way in new prints that see m to have a lot of buzz on the interwebs. Don't worry about preordering and all that nonsense, tho. We'll just let you know when they arrive. Watch for these over the next 2 weeks. Actually, we've changed our minds about this. We will be making preorders available. Tulas will be arriving in 2 shipments on 2/17 and by 2/24. Otherwise we're afraid we'll end up rather overbought on Tulas.

Prints on the way include Anchor, Happy Elephants, Sweet Songs, Dynasty, Prism, and Lovely Rascals.

Peapods FREE Cloth Diaper Class
2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month 6pm
Want to learn more about cloth diapers? Attend one of our FREE Cloth Diapering Class! Held one the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, we'll teach you just about everything there is to know! No need to pre-register. Next classes: February 12th (tonight!) and 26th.



 

And now for our new arrivals:

Alphabet Wallet Cards Made in USA	My First Portable Felt Board	Love Your Mama Organic Onesie
Wooden Smart Car Play Set	Silicone Carrot Spoon & Fork Set	Tap Tap Geonimo Cork Board Pounding Art Toy

Our January Subzero Sale Begins Today: The Colder it Gets, the More You Save!

Because It Can Always Get Colder...

...The Temperature is your Savings!
Apply a subzero discount to any one item any time we go below zero in the month of January. If the morning low is -15, you'll save 15% on the item of your choice that day. Minus 20 degrees? Save 20%!

Your savings will be based on the official National Weather Service Fahrenheit readings at the MSP airport each morning (windchill not included.). All you have to do is mention our subzero sale at the register and let us know which item to apply your savings to. Available in store only. Does not apply to special orders or previously purchased items.


30% off Winter Sale Items!
Hats, Mittens, Smartwool Socks & Stonz Booties 

We have a huge selection of Smartwool Socks, Stonz winter booties, mittens, mitten clips, and winter hats from JoJo Maman Bebe and Judanzy are all 30% off. See our online sale page for more info.

Whales Can't Whistle
Adam Levy and the Bunny Clogs are at it again! Their brand new album is wacky, wonky, and wildly zoological. Basically, it's a tour of the world's oddest living creatures, although our favorite is probably Jumpy the Spider from Edina. We are blessed with so much amazing local kids music and the Bunny Clogs are in a class by themselves!

Also in local music news, our hearty congratulations to the Okee Dokee Brothers for their second Grammy Nomination for best childrens' album for Through the Woods. We love you guys!



 

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Upcoming Events


Music Together @ Peapods 
We still have a few spots available in our Tuesday and Friday Ensemble Music Together classes, which begin next week. Register now and cure the winter blues with music!






Peapods FREE Cloth Diaper Class
2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month 6pm
Want to learn more about cloth diapers? Attend one of our FREE Cloth Diapering Class! Held one the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, we'll teach you just about everything there is to know! No need to pre-register. Next classes: January 8th and 22nd. 



 

And now for our new arrivals:

Get A Grip Bath Tiles	Winter 2014 Robeez Collection	Osa Limited Edition bumGenius Print
Magic Rolling Baby Toy by Haba	New Baby Designs by Soul Flower, Made in MN	Nubbles Natural Rubber Baby Ball Toy