We all remember the toys we played with, what toys our kids liked, or what our grandchildren are into when it comes to games and toys today.

Some toys carry on from generation to generation, like Legos, Etch-a-Sketch or Frisbees. Classic toys and games like Barbie dolls, Monopoly and Play-Doh never seem to go away.  Other toys might be more transient like My Little Pony, Transformers, and Super Soakers for the summer.

There are always new fads. This year’s bestsellers include the “Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad,” “Polly Pocket Un-Box-It Playset,” “Tamagotchi Pix” and the “ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game,” according to online websites.  

There are several local toy stores, bookstores and even kids’ clothing stores that carry novelty items where area residents can purchase gifts for kids. At these stores, you might find something different and appealing besides what’s being offered by mass marketing.

Cory Farm Past & Presents, 3124 East Main Road, Portsmouth, is open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call them at 401-683-3124. They have toys like an El-Sea Mermaid Doll, a Pink Polka Dot Bunny and a Little Feminist Puzzle. Children’s books include Who Live's Where?, Ocho's ABC Book, and Hello Honeybees.

Take a shot:Children are now getting vaccinated in Newport County. Will school policies change?

Groovy Gator, 474 Thames St., Newport, is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except Sundays, when it is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can call them at 401-845-0084. They sell kids’ clothing, accessories, and toys. “Groovy Gator is an adorable children's boutique that offers great value,” said one comment on Yelp. “My daughter and I had so much fun shopping for a birthday gift there this week,” said another.

Island Books, Wyatt Square, 375 East Main Road, Middletown, 401-849-2665, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Their children’s section is full of classics and new favorites for kids of all ages.

Newport Hobby House, 2 Coddington Highway, Middletown, 401-847-1515, is open Sunday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. They have model trains, games, model kits, and everything you need for model making, from tools to paints. They plan to close permanently at the end of the month.

The Newport Historical Society Museum & Shop, at 127 Thames St., Newport, 401-841-8770, is open Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. They have games, puzzles, stuffed animals, spy equipment and books for children. A young child might like their “Fishing Around Wooden Fishing Game.”

Courtyards, near Tiverton Four Corners, 3980 Main Road, 401-624-8682, is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, 12-5 p.m. The shop specializes in handcrafted items for people of all ages, but on the second floor, they have whimsical gifts for children.

Kid powered:Beaming with pride: Pell Elementary addition project moves forward with signing ceremony

Bellevue Kids, 206 Bellevue Ave., and on Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, is open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 401-846-7700. This children's boutique sells specialty clothing and toys for newborns through kids who are 12 years old. They say they have "the latest threads by well-known designers" and "toys that will inspire young minds to keep their wild imagination running."

The Kiel James Patrick Flagship Store, 3 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, is open Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday/Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 401-619-4647. They offer clothes for kids, like the McCallister Kids Hat, Manchester Kids Barn Coat, or the Old Salt Kids Raincoat. Or, they feature a “Seaclaw Merry Kids Sweatshirt.”

All I want:Thinking of giving a pet as a gift? Potter League offers these tips to think about.

Anchored in Pink, at 471 Thames St., Newport, 401-619-3928, is open Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For young girls, they have dressers and rompers, tops and bottoms, and pajamas, or the girls  might like a “Bahia Lily Pulitzer Backpack.”

Shore Soap Co., at 302 Thames St., Newport, is open usually Sunday–Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., but they vary in the winter holiday season. Call them at 401-846-0305 for updated hours. The store specializes in handcrafted personal care items using natural premium ingredients that go beyond soap, while keeping them affordable. For kids, they offer items like “Glo Pals Water-Activated Light Up Cubes.”