Contagious Toys is now open to the public! The toy store’s owner, WSU graduate Mike Onstad, has quietly had their current space for over a year, but sales were strictly online. Thankfully, as of December 9th, the store is open for all to stop in and play, browse, and buy! Onstad stresses that he has a “wide selection of non-big-box items,” and the beauty of the store now being open to the public is that, “people can come here, check us out, and have a hands-on experience.” A good majority of the toys are set out so that you can learn to play the game, possibly dabble in building a few things, or test the squeeze quality of a stuffed animal. It’s just good ol’ fun! Thankfully, they opened in time for Christmas, and I have a feeling this will be Winona’s new hot spot for birthday presents and those “hey, you’re doing swell at life” presents. A refreshing aspect to the store is that it’s not split into pink and blue sides. It’s not even split into age groups. So keep that head held high, even if you are the 50-year-old man buying the Whoopee Cushion or the 30-year-old woman picking up the Crazy-Straw glasses for your favorite glass of wine. Whatever your age or quirk, you can be sure the fun will be contagious.
Store hours are Monday thru Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
You can find them at 1201 Gilmore Avenue, Winona Mall Annex
