​Queen City Children’s Book Store​ Opened Really Late Christmas Eve

MANCHESTER, NH — It can happen to any of us — in the holiday season rush, you realize late on December 24 you forgot to get a stocking stuffer for a child on your list. Or you just found out there will be kids at the holiday gathering you are attending. But it’s after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and the mall and other stores have already closed.

Wonderland Books and Toys, Manchester’s only children’s book and toy store, is ready to help, with unique items available for infants through young adults and beyond.

Owner Deirdre A.L. Shaw was inspired by a Jewish family friend whose family owned a toy store in New York City. One year, as the father was closing at his usual time because to him it was just another business day, a customer came rushing in relieved he was still open.

“He discovered there was a whole neighborhood who may need late shopping hours on Christmas Eve and moving forward, the entire family helped at the store and stayed open late on Christmas Eve to do a good deed by providing late shopping for those who needed it,” Shaw said.

“Knowing there’s one less thing to stress about at a time when you should be enjoying the holidays is something I can bring to people,” she added.

Since opening in April at 245 Maple St. #12 in Manchester, Shaw has curated a collection of the some of the most beloved children’s books along with specialty toys and games from well-known companies such as Janod, Goki, Haba, Gund and Klutz, some of which are not available anywhere else in the Manchester area.

Classic books, toys and games are also on the shelves including Little Golden Books, the original version of Candyland from the 1950s and other childhood favorites like jacks, paper yo-yos and pick-up sticks.

“Walking into Wonderland should hopefully evoke feelings of curiosity, joy, the desire to explore, and in some cases, nostalgia,” Shaw said.

In all, more than 4,000 products are currently available, with new items arriving weekly.

The store also recently completed its event room where author readings/signings and a weekly storytime on Saturdays at 3 p.m. are held. The space is also available to rent for birthday parties or other events.

“We hope to host both free and charged events like a bi-monthly Family Game Night, Teen/YA Non-Book-Club Book Club, music events, crafting events, and more possibilities as they present themselves,” Shaw said. “It will fulfill a variety of needs related to the store and hopefully the community at-large.

Wonderland Books and Toys will be open the following hours leading up to Christmas:

• Friday, Dec. 20 & Saturday, Dec. 21: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 22: Noon – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The store will be closed on Christmas day, then will begin its winter hours the following week: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of February.

For more information about Wonderland Books and Toys, visit wonderlandbooksandtoys.com or facebook.com/wonderlandbooksandtoys or instagram.com/wonderlandbooksandtoysnh. Inquiries can also be sent to info@wonderlandbooksandtoys.com.

Submitted by Wonderland Books and Toys.