Have fun with local toys this summer

Having fun outdoors is an obvious perk to experiencing Seattle summers, but supporting local businesses in the process seems like the right thing to do. Two of my family's favorites involve bubbles and teepees.

The Majic Bubble Wand, a family run business in Bothell, offers a wonderfully simple product-a line of bubble wands. Think the only available bubble options come in a tiny container with a circular wand? This company offers wands that are soft, flexible, long lasting, and sizable. Kids of all sizes will have fun running with wands at their side, while very large bubble shapes emerge behind them. It's quite fun to see a one foot heart shape bubble trailing behind you! The wands come apart for easy storing and cleaning. Also included is a great bubble recipe you can make once and keep for the summer! For more information, visit their website or call 425-486-4884.

Most parents know their children appreciate an enclosed area in which to play. Whether they call it a cave, a tent, a house, or a fort, Teepees For Kids (Tps4kids), a Seattle based company, offers just that. They create beautifully crafted teepees offering your child his own space in an easy to erect and store one-piece unit. Take it to the beach, park, backyard, or playroom, and watch the children transform it with their imaginations! Teepees For Kids has been making and selling these teepees since 1985, and have been known to frequent Pike Place Market. For more information, visit their website or call 206-325-7630 and ask for Sharon.