New Local Source for Toys and Books for Young Explorers

Kids Discovery Museum to Open its Mission-driven Gift Store with a Holiday Sale on November 30

In time to make holiday errands easier for the parents and Santa, the Kids Discovery Museum, a nonprofit children's museum on Bainbridge Island, has announced the Grand Opening of its new gift store for Saturday, November 30. Shoppers are invited to explore the reimagined retail space and enjoy special holiday savings and prizes.

"Our vision for the store was not only to help keep KiDiMu financially sustainable thanks to retail revenues but also to align the toy and book selection closely with the Museum's educational mission and offer choices that would encourage inquiry and imaginative play," said executive director Susie Burdick.

The Museum's store will offer a variety of educational toys, books and puzzles - a significant number of which were made in the United States - that foster social and emotional learning, creativity, critical thinking and other skills necessary for academic success. Proceeds from sales will support the nonprofit's mission and outreach efforts.

Development and operations manager Deborah Baker "curated" the store's selection. "I was inspired by our interactive exhibits and wanted to provide families with the opportunity to take a piece of KiDiMu with them so that the learning fun can continue beyond the time spent at the Museum," Baker said.

On November 30, general public will receive a 10-percent discount storewide. Members will be offered 15 percent off all merchandise. In addition, all will be able to purchase gift memberships at a discounted price. Shoppers will also have a chance to win prizes, including a set of parenting resources and a Museum membership. The Grand Opening is a part of the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting event, organized by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. The Museum Gift Store will also participate in the Holiday Passport program and Elves on the Shelves scavenger hunt. Information about these happenings can be found at: www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

The Museum Gift Store will be open daily during visiting hours. For more information, please visit the website: www.kidimu.org or call: 206.855.4650. KiDiMu Members are entitled to a 10-percent year-round discount on regularly-priced merchandise.