Wooden Toys and their part in my childhood

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by: Hannah Nixon
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Word Count: 475
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 Time: 8:40 AM
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With surprise and glee I remember a tiny wooden toy box whose lid would slide open and out would pop a snake, I never got the mechanism and that it could be completely made of wood was unbelievable. I used to run around behind my younger brother making him scream and cry because the snake was about to get him, I'd love when cousins came over and I'd surprise them with the tiny snake.

My huge mistake was in mentioning it to my nephew who was only 5 years old, since he is the only nephew I have then it was of the utmost importance to find that toy for him. So during my vacation I decided to travel to Mexico and look all over for this particular wooden toy. My interest in toys was slightly re-awakened when I saw the artistry that it takes to make these toys. I swear, I thought wooden toys were exclusively boxy looking trucks for boys, tiny wooden snake boxes and varieties of toy house parts, I never expected more than that.

I found these foot long wooden alligators that were put together so expertly that they'd never come apart, while being a tiny bit pricier than your regular plastic toy, these toys looked like they could outlast their plastic counter parts. Like a frog, I went from outdoor market to outdoor market, several towns later and still empty handed I was almost defeated. Giving it one more try I went to a few more vendors in the heart of a tourist trap known as Xochilmilco, there I went from stand to stand oohing and aahing over every intricate wooden and silver artefact.

Finally! I found the little box with the snake in it, the vendor had only 3 of them and kept them in a dusty bag under a bunch of other more popular toys like wooden tops, dradles and carved incense box holders. Excitedly I remember running my fingertips over the blonde wood with what looked like a dragon in green painted on the side, something so simple had once caught my attention. So, I slid the box open all the way and was so happy to see that green snake head pop out of the box. Triumphant with the present I presented it to my nephew whom refused to open it because there was a snake inside it. He proceeded to carry the box for half an hour before he finally got the nerve to open it and with a spring the snake came out and he screamed.

My nephew still plays with the box months later and shows it off if he can find it. The very best part though is when he describes the snake in the wooden box, its with excitement and fear. I don't think that toys now a days inspire that much imagination.

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If your struggling to find a place to buy wooden toys look no further than the Wooden Toy Shop.