Target, I miss you, I NEED you!

So, a big problem we are facing right now with living in China is this:

I know EXACTLY what kinds of toys would be good for Little Guy.  

I know what kinds of crafts and activities we could do to help him develop, catch up, and learn.

The problem is...I either can't find what I'm looking for, or

it's 2-3 times the price!!  Ugghh!!

For example, Little Guy and I have found great stores with great toys like this...

 So, Will started to play

But then a lady comes up to me and is trying to tell me something in Chinese.

She points to a sign (all in Chinese of course except some numbers)

I start to realize (after about 15 minutes of charades and a few tears later)

 that you have to pay money to play for a certain amount of time.

Okay, okay, I think, it's still worth him playing here for a while. 

 So I go ahead and pay and he DOES have a great time! 

 I'm just sad that I can't find these toys at a reasonable price.

This puzzle that would sell at target is the equivalent of $20.00 here in Beijing.

I cannot bring myself to buy these toys.  A shape stackable shape sorter is $50.00!!

A package of 8 Crayola crayons is $15.  

We saw a kitchen where he could stand and play at was about $120.00.

So, I'm making a lot of toys like this...don't laugh...if you know me, you know that I would probably make toys out of recyclables anyway!  Ha!

 Next time you go to Target, Wal-mart, wherever, be thankful for good quality toys that are priced fairly.