Our TOP Christmas Shopping Picks!

Come back often to view our TOP picks in all your favorite categories!

• Baby & Toddler
• Preschool
• Artsy Craftsy
• Games
• Big Kids

First up... Baby & Toddler!

A free slideshow by Smilebox

Need expert advice for the Preschooler on your list?

Create a free photo slideshow

*Reminder: we don't offer online shopping, but we are happy to process orders over the phone with a credit card. We also offer FREE gift wrap and shipping services!

100 Days 'til Christmas Special #1

The Elf on the Shelf is a family tradition that continues to grow in popularity each year. Millions of households bring out their elf from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Parents and kids alike enjoy the fun and games behind this elf and his special mission to fly to the North Pole to report to Santa Claus every night.

If you don't already own one of these mischievous little guys, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! Plus, now you can order the GIRL elf too!  Elves retail for $29.99 each. In addition to insuring your elf arrives in plenty of time for the traditional Thanksgiving reveal, you will also be able to pre-order the BRAND NEW and yet to be released Elf on the Shelf~the Birthday Tradition. Now for the SPECIAL part of this special: For each elf or Birthday Tradition you pre-order, you will be entered into a drawing to win your choice of either a Game Day Jersey or Holiday Skirt to help your elf feel extra spiffy! We won't be pre-ordering elf attire, but by ordering your elf, you will have a special heads up when these HOT items arrive!

Boy Scout Elf~Pre-Order TODAY 
$29.95
Bring the Christmas magic home to your family this year! The original Elf on the Shelf® set includes a magical scout elf from the North Pole and a beautiful children’s story book, all in a keepsake gift box.  When you adopt this special elf and name him, he receives his Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole—but only when all girls and boys are sound asleep! At the start of each holiday season, the elf returns to his family’s house to be Santa’s eyes and ears, and every night he travels back to the North Pole to report in. Register your elf online to receive an official adoption certificate and a letter from Santa!  

 Girl Scout Elf~Pre-Order TODAY 
$29.95
Same Elf on the Shelf® magic with a GIRL scout elf! Note: She does not come with a skirt. She will arrive in the keepsake box as shown in the picture, sans skirt.
The Claus Couture Collection™ offers special clothing and accessories for scout elves. Details below!



The Elf on the Shelf®:

A Birthday Tradition (elf not included)

$19.95

The Elf on the Shelf®: A Birthday Tradition tells the little-known story of the North Pole birthday tradition, and includes special instructions for families to invite their scout elf for a birthday visit.  The book also includes a special Claus Couture Collection® Birthday Outfit just for the elf. 

Elf Game Day Jersey (not avail for pre-order)

Perfect for the elf who loves game day—or any day that calls for an extra dose of spirit!—the Game Day Jersey is the perfect way to bring a little North Pole cheer to any special occasion.  A happy red-and-white patterns stitched with care, the jersey is specially designed to become a scout elf’s favorite weekend wear. Its easy-on/easy-off construction and festive color will put any scout elf in the right mood for a big day! 

Claus Couture Collection®  Scout Elf Skirt

(not avail for pre-order)

The original Scout Elf Skirt is a dazzling ice-white, pleated skirt, made of the warm material an elf girl needs for midnight flights to the North Pole.  Beautifully embellished with holly berry red snowflakes, this skirt will make your girl elf outshine the stars this Christmas season.

2013 Collector's Edition Elf Skirt                 (not avail for pre-order)

The 2013 Collector's Edition Elf Skirt is perfect for girl elves who love to dance! Crafted with care from the softest tulle Santa could find, it features four layers—two red, two white—and a bowtie ribbon waist with sparkly green sequins.  The tutu skirt has an easy fastener, making it easy for an elf to slip it on for special occasions.  The perfect holiday statement for this year’s fashion-forward elf, the collectible 2013 edition skirt is available only this year and while supplies last.

Sorry we can't pre-order the The Claus Couture Collection™ for you! BUT, for those who pre-order an elf or Birthday Tradition set, you will be alerted FIRST when they arrive, PLUS have a chance to win one The Claus Couture Collection™ item of your choice!

The Pre-Sale begins TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th at 10 am and lasts until TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd.

All orders must be pre-paid. Stop in to pay with cash, check or credit. OR, just give us a call and we can accept your credit/debit card over the phone!  These elves have been known to become scarce as Christmas approaches...ORDER YOURS TODAY!

Give us a call and let a TOY EXPERT help with your order! 

 317.736.9636

**No coupons or discounts will be applied to pre-ordered elves. Pre-ordered elves are not eligible for our 90 Days of Lay-away program. Cancellation of your elf order AFTER 10/1/2013 will result in store credit for the full amount of the pre-order price. See a Toy Expert for all the details!

Under Construction, AGAIN!

That's right... We are UNDER CONSTRUCTION

but this time, we are the ones doing the work!

Please check back SOON!

We will have more details coming soon about this exciting, new shopping opportunity for our taller (aka grown up) customers!

ISO: Local artists and crafters

Do you produce a product that appeals to moms, dads, grown ups?

We are looking for unique products to feature in our new boutique. 

Below, please find our consignment vendor application. 

Spend YOUR Summer with US!

Summer activity schedule at Imagination Station

Thursday, July 11  2:00-3:00 Thumb Print Animals

Learn how to turn your thumb print into funny animals!

Call 317-736-9636 to register. 

Cost $5

Age 3+

Thursday, July 18  2:00-3:00 Play Dough Party

See what you can make with dough and all sorts of gadgets! 

Call 317-736-9636 to register. 

Cost $5

Age All kids are welcome! 

Our BIGGEST, most well attended, event of the year...

SNOOZ-A-PALOOZA is just around the corner!

Thursday, July 25 6-8 pm

Your girls won't want to miss this end-of-summer tradition! Based on the American Girl book of the same name, we pack the 2-hour event with games, crafts, activities, education, snacks AND MORE!

Grab your girlfriends and get signed up TODAY!
Call 317-736-9636 to register and pay for your event. Space is limited!

Cost $10

Age 6+

Save the Date: 

Saturday, August 3rd 

BIG event at our LITTLE shop!

More details coming soon...

More Than Just a Toy Store, Julie Wells

Erin and I came together in 2004 with a passion to build a destination in downtown Franklin where families would love to visit and shop and we could let our creative juices flow! We did it! Over the years Imagination Station has grown and flourished, making Franklin a destination for so many central Indiana families.

We are more than just a toy store! We always said from the very beginning we want people to visit often, if only just to play and have a place out of the house. We knew they would be back to make purchases when the time was right! We quickly became a destination for the mom who needed an outlet for their child. During the time in the store, we bonded with our customers, many of which we had only just met. We grew relationships with them that ran much deeper than surface “hellos”. On many occasions we laughed, cried, and prayed with them.

A welcoming place always led to faithful customers doing their birthday, Easter, Christmas…shopping with us. Who can resist the expert advice and free gift wrapping? We pride ourselves on understanding our products inside and out. We ask questions and listen to learn exactly what stage the child is ready to explore. Then comes the meticulous gift wrapping with ribbons and paper that make anyone say “WOW!” All these things make us smile and bring joy to our hearts.

The same creativity that started our business is what is keeping it alive today. We know we don’t live in a constant world. We know we have to adapt to change to stay alive. We have continued to reinvent ourselves over the years to match economic demands and customer demands. We’ve expanded into parties and classes. We offer book clubs and science days. We listened to what you shop us for and directed our buying to meet those requests. All of this allows us to use our best talents and skills to bring about a place that everyone can enjoy!

Our business has been met with a big challenge, one which I don’t know that we can overcome. When you lose the convenient flow of traffic that brings your customers through the door on a weekly basis, it’s hard to survive. By the time the road construction project is complete, we will have lost 17 months of traffic past our door and 2 Christmas seasons. It’s not hard to realize that Christmas keeps a toy store alive. Those of you who own or manage your own retail shop know what the cherished fourth quarter means to your business all year long. While shoppers look forward to "Black Friday" for fantastic deals, we long for that season when our accounting books are back in the "black". Unfortunately, that didn't happen for us this past Christmas season.

We will continue to fight to stay alive in this community. We don’t feel our time is over. We hope our customers feel the same way and vote with their dollars to #savethetoystore. 

All those in favor, say "aye!"

Fondly,

Julie Wells

That's What She Said

Erin, Debi, Julie, and Dianne ready to "mob" downtown Franklin

Dear Editor,

Five years ago, I moved to quaint and charming Franklin, Indiana from Louisville, Ky. I considered many locations in the area such as, Indianapolis, Whiteland, and Columbus, but I chose here, what is now my home town. The many reasons that led me to choose Franklin were it's historic architecture, vast park system, biking trails, walkability, community center and events, beautiful downtown with unique stores and restaurants, and its higher education opportunities. We really do have a great town here. And, in so many ways, our town is improving! We now have an art gallery downtown, fine dining, more evening options, scrumptious chocolates just around the corner, an urban forest, new broader sidewalks and streetlights, and the anticipation of many exciting developments to come.

Obviously, long before I came here, Franklin was on a great trajectory and I believe our future is also very bright. But, in this transition period, we have the cement, dirt, machinery, noise, and glaring construction-orange of INDOT with which we contend. The construction is but a means to an end, however we must be careful to grow without destroying those that helped us to arrive where we are today. A cornerstone of Franklin's downtown revitalization was Imagination Station, our wonderful local toy store owned and managed by our Franklin neighbors since 2004. When this store opened it created much needed foot traffic and a multi-generational interest in our downtown. Kids and parents alike pop in the store to read, shop, and play (Yes, P-L-A-Y. You can actually touch the merchandise before you buy it there). Unfortunately, all is not well for our friendly neighborhood toy store. As they put it:

"“B.C.” those were the good ‘ole days for us. Before Construction. The greatest economic downturn of our lives was a piece of cake compared to the Main Street road construction of 2012-2013. In the 11 months our road has been gone, we’ve consistently been down 40% in sales."
Hidden behind massive machinery on a now street-less Main Street, lies one of our landmarks. Have we forgotten Imagination Station? They are running out of time. So, they recently launched a 14 day campaign on Crowdtilt. They need $60,000 to help the store so they can pay off their late bills and buy the quality and educational toys for our kids that we have all come to expect from their amazing store. On Crowdtilt they cannot touch any donation unless enough people vote (i.e. donate) to reach their $60,000 goal and keep this business alive. I am unwilling to conceive of a Franklin without IMAGINATION. Are you?


They have currently raised $12,000*, largely through individual donors. $48,000 remains to be funded. To give this some perspective, our town has a population of approximately 24,000 citizens; if everyone gave $2, just two dollars, we could save this store. Please join the campaign to support local business and #savethetoystore. There are only 9 days left to choose what kind of Franklin we want for our kids and ourselves.

Vote for imagination.
#savethetoystore

Sincerely,
Dianne Moneypenny

*Editor's note: At time of publication, we have raised $19,825. We have less than 48 hours to meet our $60k goal. If the goal is not met, aside from the generous donations made in store through t-shirt sales and other grassroots efforts, we will not receive any of the money pledged to us. 

What the Store Means to Me, Erin Bollhorst

Erin's story

It's like one of those cheesy essay topics: "What the Store Means to Me." But that's what I'm writing about, from the heart.

I always say, one of my favorite things about having this store is being a part of a child's life. Being part of their childhood memories. Those memories shape us, comfort us, bring a smile to our face when we look back on them. I love that people let me hold their babies, show me their grandchildren's pictures, tell me about their potty training woes and their child's first steps.

I love seeing children grow from babies and toddlers to "finally old enough to come to a tea party", then on to American Girl or Science Events or Book Clubs... and "I can't believe how big you are getting!"  I love sharing these experiences with the families who are our customers.

 

I take great pleasure in finding just the right gift... that, "this is SO them, they are going to love it!" kind of gift. I love wrapping it for them and handing them something that they know will bring joy to the one they are giving it to. 

My other passion? I love providing an environment of wonder, one that invites play and learning.  I admit, I get quite excited when the creative juices flow and the shelves start to move!  A new, fresh look is always exciting! Whether it's decorating for a holiday or just creating new areas to shop and play, it satisfies in me what I said before we opened: I want this to be a place that both kids AND adults want to come back to! A stimulating environment that earns the name IMAGINATION Station.

I studied Elementary Education at Franklin College, and so I guess the teacher in me is what drives me to love doing events that engage kids. The book clubs that we hold each summer have grown from 4 or 5 kids in each group to over 20 kids in each club!!!!  In a children's book club!!  During summer vacation!!!  As an educator, I find that quite exciting!  Kids come to our events and learn about science, nature,  friendship, gardening, being an entrepreneur, manners and etiquette, even hula dancing!  We pride ourselves on putting on the best events possible.  And birthday parties are no exception!

We have never had more party bookings and take great pride in putting on quite a bash, I must say!  I admit, I still have pirate on the brain after hosting a dozen boys at a pirate party yesterday!  Twas' fun Mateys!!! 

I hope that your experiences with our store have meant something special to you. I hope we have been a happy part of your life and your children's lives. I hope that we can continue to serve our community and beyond with our uniqueness in service, product and style. Lord willing, we will have the privilege of watching this generation, and the next grow and play and we hope they will always want to come to Imagination Station!

Most Sincerely

Erin Bollhorst

Mallow Run Winery Event Tickets

Mallow Run Winery presents:
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra,
featuring The Wright Brothers
6964 West Whiteland Road, Bargersville, Indiana
Estimated Value: $80
Suggested Opening Bid: $30
Payment Options: Cash or credit card
Complete bidding rules HERE

This package includes four tickets to this summer time favorite! Mallow Run Winery and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra present an evening of beautiful music on the lawn featuring The Wright Brothers. Experience the beautiful blend of classical harmonies and nostalgic melodies, as you sit back and relax on the lawn for an evening of music, friends, food and wine. Let the memories flood in as The Wright Brothers take you back with their signature songs. Try to spot Mallow Run co-owners Bill and Laura playing French horn and clarinet in the symphony, as they have since 2003 (that’s where they met!). This popular event is always a sell out! 


Thank you to our friends at Mallow Run Winery for their generous donation to our auction! It is a pleasure to partner with locally owned businesses on our mission to #savethetoystore!

Bass Farms Package

Discover Bass Farms! 
Fresh & locally handcrafted in Shelbyville, Indiana
Natural Goat Milk Skin Care Products
Creating healthy soaps & lotions using some of the most Natural Ingredients & Healing Oils on the market.

Bass Farms Package

Estimated Value: $65

Suggested Opening Bid: $20

Payment Options: CASH only

Complete bidding rules HERE

Package includes: 1 Baby Butt Butter

Lemon Vanilla scented: 16 oz Goat's Milk Lotion, 1 Bar Soap, 8 oz Hand Sanitizer and Lotion, 8 oz Sugar Scrub

Thank you to our friend Jana at Bass Farms for her generous donation to our auction! It is a pleasure to partner with locally owned businesses on our mission to #savethetoystore!

  

Gina Miller Photography Session

Gina Miller Photography Session

on location at her studio in Shelby County

Estimated value: $1800

Suggested Opening Bid: $500

Payment Options: Cash or Credit

Package details: You are bidding on an UNBELIEVABLE package. Our good friend and customer, Gina, is a highly sought after photographer. You will receive a full session at her studio including ALL digital files.  We are honored that she has donated this generous package to our silent auction.

Complete bidding rules HERE

Gina's site

Gina's Blog

Original, Commissioned Artwork by local artist, Gordon Strain

Art Lovers Package

Original, Commissioned 18x24 artwork by local artist, Gordon Strain

Estimated Value: $750

Suggested Opening Bid: $250

Payment Options: Cash or Credit

Complete bidding rules HERE

Your piece will be an original work, commissioned by YOU! Gordon is an extremely talented, multifaceted artist, his style is reflected in the piece below. 

Sample of Gordon's art

Hillview Country Club Golf Package

Hillview Country Club Golf Package

1800 East King Street, Franklin Indiana

Estimated Value: $275

Suggested Opening Bid: $100

Payment Options: Cash or Credit

Complete bidding rules HERE

Package details: Enjoy 18 holes of golf for 4 including golf carts. Package also includes an assortment of golf accessories. 

"Hillview Country Club, located in Franklin is just 20 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. Become a "Member for a Day" and enjoy all their facilities including Johnson County's most exclusive golf course."

Thank you to our friends at Hillview Country Club for their generous donation to our auction! It is a pleasure to partner with local businesses on our mission to #savethetoystore!

Elite Salon, Spa, & Studio Package #1

Elite Salon-Spa-Studio 
150 West Jefferson Street, Franklin 
Estimated Value: $500
Suggested Opening Bid: $150
Payment Option: Cash or Credit Card
Complete bidding rules HERE

Package Details: You are bidding on a package of 5 Chemical Peels from Elite Salon-Spa-Studio
For more information on this service, please visit their site at www.elitesalonspastudio.com.


Thank you to our friends at Elite Salon-Spa-Studio for their generous donation to our auction! It is a pleasure to partner with locally owned businesses on our mission to #savethetoystore!

All About You Day Spa & Salon Package

All About You Day Spa & Salon Package
1195 North Morton St, Franklin IN
Estimated value: $168.50
Suggested starting bid: $40
Payment options: CASH ONLY
Complete bidding rules HERE

Products include: Assorted hair products, Would You Lather bar soap, Bass Farms lotion, 1/2 hour massage, 1/2 hour facial, and a deluxe pedicure.

Thank you to our friends at All About You Day Spa & Salon for their generous donation to our auction! It is a pleasure to partner with locally owned businesses on our mission to #savethetoystore!

Grassroots Raffle!

Winners were drawn Monday evening at 11 pm. We are posting names and the last 3 digits of your phone number, however winners will be notified by phone as well. To claim your prize, you must bring your ticket or a photo id.
Thanks for playing!

• 12 Franklin Family Fun Packages (value: $10-$25)

1. Kathi H. (996)
2. Kathi H.
3. Debbie F (415)
4. Stacie Mander  (520)
5. Alvey Family (583)
6. Rita A (526)
7. Rita A
8. Rita A  :)
9. Natalie (334)
10. Erin (557)
11. Beth Stillabower (590)
12. Dan Morgan (202)

• Franklin Parks & Rec Family Pool Pass, beach towel & bag!  Sarah H (070)
• Take a Kid Fishing package value: $40 Jessemyn (072)
• Jamberry Nails gift set Michelle D (684)
• Little Miss Macy's Holiday T-shirt package $100 value Anesa D (928)
• 3 pks of 4 haircuts from Sports Clips

1. Brian G (845)
2. Becky (855)
3. Ryan (970)

• Fitness, Tanning & 31 bag Rilee N (132)
• Vinyl by Hannah, 2 sq ft of custom vinyl work Nicole W (268)
• Art of Kira Studios, Wine & Canvas for 2, value: $60 Theresa M (526)
• Girlythings Jewelry pkg. 3 pieces, value: $25 JoEllen (568)
• Disney Family Movie Package Jessamyn (072)
• Homemade NY Cheesecake & Champagne package Rita A (526)
• Bradley Chevrolet package: $30 off any service, 3 FREE carwashes, $5 off an oil change, & accessories! Jessica B (049)
• Stella & Dot, Mommy & Daughter jewelry package Huddleston (399)
• 4 Promise Monster Prize packages

1. Spike: Susan C (823)
2. Squiggly: April B 
3. Smarshmallows: Nate S (763)
4. Smarshmallows: Linda D (870)

• Tastefully Simple Basket Kendra H (228)
• Rustic Wagon 12x12 art work $55 value Dillard (324)
• 2 Bread with a Twist baked goods packages

1. Cathy A (900)
2. Becky (855)

• MattieBelle Headband set Shannon D (558)
• Hoods Heritage Hogs Pork Package $69 value John C (265)
• Janod Puzzle Boxes, 4 in each & EXCLUSIVE! Puzzles not available in the U.S.

1. Rachel S (920)
2. Christian B (075)

• Bows du Jour handmade Necklace Robin S (451)
• Melissa Tunis Photography Session Package K. Tooley (034)
• JillEllen Photography Session Package w/ canvas Jenn K (938)
• EmmiLou Photography Session Package Anna N (560)

JUST ADDED!

• Indiana Gymnastics Center, Free Recreational Classes for 1 child during June & July Michelle D (684)
• Treasured Relics Photography Package Dillard (324)

Grassroots Daily Deals

daily deals
check back early and often! We will be promoting special deals from our local friends and fellow small business partners!

While we covet your financial support and love, we also hope you will support ALL our locally owned and operated businesses. We all NEED each other!

And another way to SHOP and help!
Here's how this one would work, place your orders online by going to www.ellendukate.origamiowl.com. You have to select the "party" at checkout which would be "Imaginiation Station". You orders will be shipped directly sent to YOUR homes. So, even if you don't live locally, your purchase can still help #savethetoystore! Thanks, Ellen DuKate

The Vintage Daisy Cupcake & Sweet Shop is offering to add a little sugar to your life! Stop in the store and purchase your raffle ticket today! You can win a dozen cupcakes! Tickets are $5 each or 2 for $8.

Join us Tuesday, May 28th from 3-5 pm for a Premier Jewelry Party & Open House. Can't make it between those hours? That's okay! We have a catalog for orders as well! Lisa McCann, Independent Jeweler w/ Premier Designs is hosting this in store event and has GENEROUSLY offered to give 50% off all sales to our #savethetoystore campaign!

Looking for a local stylist or just a GREAT deal on a cut? Stop in and by a certificate for an adult hair cut, just $20, or a kid's cut for just $10. Buy your certificate IN STORE before end of the day Friday. You will have until 8/31/13 to redeem! You can save your cut for...dare we say it... BACK TO SCHOOL!

Bass Farms Lip Balm
Purchase your all natural soothing Lip Balm in a variety of yummy flavors at Imagination Station. Bass Farms will donate the entire purchase price to the Crowdtilt Campaign.
$2 each
Make sure you check out the other Bass Farms products when you visit Imagination Station!
Famous Baby Butt Butter, Goats Milk Lotion, natural Sugar Scrubs, hand wash...ALL locally made products!

You MUST taste this Salsa! 
We have a fresh supply on our shelves!
For every bottle of salsa we sell in the store, Salsa Me Krazy is donating $1.50 to our Crowdtilt Campaign!
$6 per jar

And now, a word from our sponsors

We are beyond grateful for the local businesses that have supported our Crowdtilt campaign. We hope you will support them as well!