Written By Vicki Anzmann

Opening the door to any of these Carroll shops is like opening a toy box. Here is a sampling of playthings available around the county:

TAKE ME TO YOUR HUMAN
Robosapien, a “humanoid robot,” will delight kids of all ages. Install his batteries, and he is ready to go. Preprogrammed with more than 60 functions, including dancing and belching, Robosapien is controlled by infra-red signals, like a television remote, and can be programmed with the remote. Robosapien sells for $59.99, and is available at Target. Target is located at 200 Malcolm Drive, Westminster. Call 410-848-6180.

ALL ABOARD!
Train gardens and Christmas just seem to go together. Visit Purkey’s Toy Trains in Sykesville where Wiley Purkey showcases some of the exquisite trains he sells. Housed in an historic building on Sykesville’s Main Street, Purkey’s carries Lionel, MTH, Department 56, Thomas the Tank Engine, train-related gifts, and everything to create and grow your train layout. Shown here is the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Steam Engine ($349.95). The train plays sound clips from the Christmas special of the same name, and puffs smoke. Purkey’s Toy Trains is located at 7604 Main Street in Sykesville. Call 410-549-6061. www.purkeystoytrains.com

FOR OUR FURRY AND FEATHERY PALS
Bowman’s Feed and Pet Center stocks a vast assortment of pet toys for all kinds of pets. These plush toys for dogs are endorsed by the AKC. Some have squeakers or honkers inside, and they range in price from $7.19 to $10.99. In addition, Bowman’s has small pets and food and supplies for small and large animals. Bowman’s Feed and Pet Center is located at 101 Englar Road in Westminster. Call 410-848-3733.

STEP BACK IN TIME
Step through the front door of the Union Bridge General Store and delight in the wide variety of unique and retro toys. There you will find something to delight children of all ages. Owner Donna Rabaiotti has stocked her shop with toys and memorabilia that parents and grandparents will remember fondly, like the reproduction tin Ferris wheel at right ($18.99), as well toys for today’s kids: Radio Flyer wagons, a huge selection of ERTL die-cast tractors and trucks, and Gund, Russ, and Bearington Collection teddy bears. The Union Bridge General Store is located at 11 North Main Street in Union Bridge. Call 410-775-1780.