[COMMUNICATED] By Simmy Horwitz. Ever since Toys 4 U opened its doors in Lakewood, it was clear that this is a toy store that has it all. Dolls, puzzles, bikes, magnetic tiles, baby toys, Playmobil – you name it, they have it. It didn’t take long for Lakewood to realize that this is the place to go when you’re in the market for toys.

What may be less obvious than their incredible toy selection is the absolutely amazing Purim selection that Toys 4 U offers in the weeks leading up to this exciting yom tov. From baskets for mishloach manos to costumes and accessories, you don’t have to travel further than this one store to walk away with everything you need to make Purim sensational.

When you walk into Toys 4 U during the Purim season, the first thing you will notice is the breathtaking display of boxes, boxes, boxes. In typical Toys 4 U fashion, every shelf is beautifully neat and orderly, with all of the new seasonal supplies perfectly in place as if they were always there. There is no mess on the floor and no need to start digging through displays or sorting; all of the items are set up in nice, tidy rows to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

The two middle aisles, the ones that are directly in front when you enter the store, have been converted to a dream mishloach manos command center. There is every type of packaging imaginable. The ever-popular clear display boxes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, such as small two inch square boxes, larger square and rectangular boxes, tube-type shapes and many more. These boxes can be purchased as is and filled with whatever your heart desires – although Toys 4 U thoughtfully offers sample filling ideas along the shelves to help jumpstart your imagination – or placed into decorative trays for a neat look. A chic snakeskin patterned tray available in copper, red, ivory or black is a modern way to package your clear boxes and comes with an included matching ribbon to tie it all up.

Beyond the clear boxes, there is a splendid assortment of varying types of trays, bags and boxes. For the contemporary look, there are faux leather looks, snakeskin patterns, wide ribbons and sharp, modern styles. For the costume-themed, there are flowers, flower pots, bumblebees, clowns, smiley faces, ice cream cones, crayons, cupcakes, policemen, mailmen and more. For a unique twist, there are wooden trays, a box that looks like a tree trunk, and even a tallis-style bag for that little “Tatty”!

The gift bags range from the classy purse-style to the festive, classic rectangular shape and come with patterns, pictures and words or without. They range from solid colors, to joyful Purim-themed bags with “simchas Purim” written across the front, to stylish patterns or gumball-splashed pictures. These bags are available in the smallest of sizes for the littlest givers to oversize carriers for that special someone.

Toys 4 U did not forget all that goes along with packaging your mishloach manos, either. Cellophane, ribbons in assorted colors and sizes, paper confetti and tissue paper are all in stock and plentiful. Sometimes, trying to mentally put all of the pieces together while standing in the middle of a store can be the hardest part, and that is why Toys 4 U’s knowledgeable staff is on hand, ready to help you pair this with that. Their experience makes it easy for them to visualize the final product, helping you pick the pieces that will combine into a stunning finished product. As always at Toys 4 U, the employees are willing to go above and beyond to ensure that you walk out with exactly what you came in for. Their pleasant attitudes grant you the peace of mind to take your time and choose something you really like, as opposed to something simply quick and available.

As you move past the mishloach manos, you can’t help but be blown away by the extensive collection of costumes – both full outfits and fun accessories.

As the company behind Dress Up America, the major costume provider for most of the frum dress up stores nationally, Toys 4 U is able to offer just about every costume on the market. Besides for a large in-store stock of costumes, Toys 4 U presents a catalogue of choices for the best possible selection of dress-up choices. Cowgirls, chassidim, policemen, firemen, princesses, Esther HaMalka and Mordechai HaTzaddik? Sure, of course. Clowns, old ladies, EMT volunteers, crayons, ice cream cones, animals and kallahs? Naturally. But if you don’t see it, just ask! Most likely, they have that, too.

Sometimes, you don’t need a full outfit, but that perfect touch that will make your costume complete – or allow you to wear your regular clothes, but still feel like you dressed up. For those little something extras, Toys 4 U has got you covered.

Their hat selection is extensive: cowboy, black, sparkly glitter gold and silver, fancy lady, checkered, multi-colored, clown and even newsboy caps. There are canes and wands, scepters and crowns, handcuffs and police badges. For a real disguise, head towards the fake beards and mustaches, where there is even a selection of faux facial features – costume ears, anyone?

Big clown shoes, clown ties and those famous red noses are available for those looking to make a splash as a funny man, while sparkly ties allow for a subtle way to spruce up a suit.

The selection of Purim items, both for mishloach manos and for dressing up, is tremendous, but even more than the sheer amount of choices you will find, is the feeling of relief that you will experience.

Purim is a simchadik time and with all of the fun of the mitzvos hayom, it’s easy to get swept up in a joyous spirit on the day of Purim. However, with all of the responsibilities that we have on our plate on a day to day basis, it is the preparation for the yom tov that can get overwhelming and sometimes, make us feel like we are in over our heads.

That is what makes shopping at Toys 4 U such a pleasure for all of your family’s Purim needs. Here, there is one convenient, large place that has it all – pretty packaging, ribbons and cellophane to finish the job, costumes, makeup, accessories and enough choices for the whole family to be happy. Rather than head to one store for the costumes and another for the boxes, you can save everyone the trip and get all of your things at once.
With the wide, pleasant aisles, orderly display, vast selection and welcoming staff, Toys 4 U truly transforms their store into Lakewood’s place to shop for Purim.

Located in Shop Rite Plaza 732-243-8697