a peek inside the fishbowl

12 Oct, 2018

Fri-yay giveaway to my favourite neighbourhood toy store, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s

Posted by andrea tomkins in: Easy ways to make kids happy|Fishbowl patrons|Giveaways and product reviews

Who else is scouting out ideas for Christmas? I live in Westboro, and one of the things I really like to do is walk over to the main street and poke my head in the shops and see what’s shaking. I tend to spend a *lot* of time at Mrs. Tiggywinkle’s*. There’s always something fun and new in store. You’ll find plenty of Christmas/birthday/everyday fun items here, along with that amazing customer service I appreciate so much every time I pop by.

Sidebar: So I just reread the title I chose for this post. I called Tiggy Winkle’s a toy store but I really hope that folks understand that it’s actually so much more! And it’s not just for kids either. There is major amusement to be found for all ages at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s. Games, puzzles, collectables… the name of the game here is fun. I dropped by earlier today and there were, ahem, a few things that caught my eye.

I love Exploding Kittens. It’s a very fun game and the artwork cracks me up. There’s an Exploding Kittens puzzle now too! (Puzzles at Christmas are simply THE BEST.)

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Exploding kittens puzzle!)

Card-based games have two things going for them: they’re portable, fun, and you can pull them out any time. (Oops. I guess that’s three things.) This one looks very fun! (I hope my family gets that this is a hint.):

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Name game quiz)

Did you know that Tiggy’s carries a selection of books as well? This would make someone a great gift AND they’d be sure to survive a zombie attack! That’s a big win in my books.

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Zombie Survival Guide)

I adore iron-on patches, and so do the teens in my life. Some very cool designs here:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (iron on patches!)

One of the many things I like about Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s is their dedication to classic toys. We have one of these paddle ball toys. We STILL keep it in the mudroom by the main entrance to our home. I got a LOT of practice when the kids were smaller…. mostly because it always took them so long to get ready in the mornings:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Paddle ball)

Speaking of the classics:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Star Wars Lego.)

Hello STUFFIES. I always check to see if they have mini wire fox terriers like Piper. This came pretty close:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's

And then there are the products you may not expect but heartily believe no child should live without:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Two Bros Bows)

But one of the main reasons I love this store is that they have a fantastic sense of humour. I absolutely adore this fuzzy wind-up llama. If this doesn’t make you smile I’m afraid you may be dying a bit on the inside:

Toys at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's (Wind up Llama)

I am very happy to let you know that Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s BIG Wicked Weekend sale is coming up fast. Mark this on your calendar: It’s October 18-21 and you can save 20% off your purchase in-store on online. (Please note! The discount applies to regular-priced in-stock items only and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.)

So who would like a $50 gift card to spend at the sale? This is an easy win, folks… but please read the next part carefully:

  • This giveaway is for one $50 gift card that will be given to one individual. It can be used at the sale or anytime afterward
  • In order for your entry to qualify let me know how you would spend your winnings in the comments below. Check out the website to see what’s new! One entry per email address please!
  • A BONUS second entry goes to folks who leave a comment on this Facebook post as well. Just make sure you come back and let me know in a second, separate, comment that you did so.
  • This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
  • If you can’t post your comment for whatever reason you can email it to andrea at quietfish dot com. Please note, I cannot be responsible if your entry is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.
  • I will draw the winning name using Random.org at 9 a.m. EST on October 18, 2018. I’ll contact the winner via email at that time and post the name here as well.
  • The winner will need to pick up the gift card at a Tiggy’s location of their choice in a timely manner.

Happy Friday and good luck!

*Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s is a longtime blog patron but my love for the store and excitement about this sale is all my own. 


73 Responses to "Fri-yay giveaway to my favourite neighbourhood toy store, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s"

1 | Erin

October 12th, 2018 at 2:43 pm

Avatar

A Pusheen stuffie for my daughter who is turning 12 soon. :)

2 | Bonita Sullivan

October 12th, 2018 at 2:47 pm

Avatar

We just moved here from Australia with our two children (my son is 3 1/2yrs and daughter is 16months). We literally arrived with four suitcases and a pram at the end of June. I would love to buy my son and daughter a toy each (perhaps a book for the baby and a puzzle for my son) to help them settle in. ?

3 | Bonita Sullivan

October 12th, 2018 at 2:47 pm

Avatar

Didn’t mean to post the question mark ?

4 | Kelly Cavalier

October 12th, 2018 at 2:48 pm

Avatar

Ooh I love that store! I would likely be looking to buy something Harry Potter themed as my son is super into it now!

5 | Kelly Cavalier

October 12th, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Avatar

I commented on the Facebook post as well!

6 | Sonja Milsom

October 12th, 2018 at 2:51 pm

Avatar

My family has been huge Tiggy Winkle’s fans for many years…. but the current fave of my youngest us the Our Generation dolls! And with her bday & Christmas nitvtoo far off that will definitely be on the shopping list!

7 | Sonja Milsom

October 12th, 2018 at 2:51 pm

Avatar

facebook post/share/comment also

8 | Misty Pratt

October 12th, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Avatar

omg, the unicorn ooze and unicorn poop. Dying! I would probably throw those in stockings…and I’m thinking of getting the girls some new Our Generation doll accessories!

9 | Mabel Pang-Bishop

October 12th, 2018 at 3:40 pm

Avatar

We love Tiggy Winkle’s. Both my sons love lego, so we’d likely pick up some more. We also discussed picking up a new toy to donate to a Christmas toy drive.

10 | Mabel Pang-Bishop

October 12th, 2018 at 3:43 pm

Avatar

Commented on Facebook as well :)

11 | Cleo Thompson

October 12th, 2018 at 4:08 pm

Avatar

Exploding Kittens is huge around here so I would get the expansion pack and the puzzle! Thanks!

12 | Cleo Thompson

October 12th, 2018 at 4:10 pm

Avatar

I double-dipped and posted on the Facebook post too.

13 | Tara

October 12th, 2018 at 4:50 pm

Avatar

Definitely the Two Bros Bows!
That’s a great kid gift!!!

14 | Tara

October 12th, 2018 at 4:52 pm

Avatar

Commented o Facebook as well!!

15 | lynnbeaniethethird@yahoo.ca

October 12th, 2018 at 5:27 pm

Avatar

i was there the other day at rideau. my son is in love with the new harry potter lego he wants them all. so that is where the 50 gc would go for sure

16 | Jess

October 12th, 2018 at 5:49 pm

Avatar

Lego Oceans Bottom is on our list!

17 | Jess

October 12th, 2018 at 5:50 pm

Avatar

Also commented on the FB post :) Thanks!

18 | Danielle

October 12th, 2018 at 6:42 pm

Avatar

Lego. Always Lego.

19 | Claire O’Donnell

October 12th, 2018 at 6:44 pm

Avatar

Great giveaway! We’re big fans of board books and Robert Munsch. My one year old is starting to feel the beat, so we’ve been eyeing the hand bells and egg shakers as well.

I posted on Facebook as well : )

20 | Joanna Bostwick

October 12th, 2018 at 7:34 pm

Avatar

The sale is just in time for my son’s third party. We would love puzzles and magnatiles.

21 | Jason

October 12th, 2018 at 7:58 pm

Avatar

My kids love Exploding Kittens, so the game-themed puzzle would be a hit!

22 | Elizabeth

October 12th, 2018 at 8:12 pm

Avatar

Jigsaw puzzles! Perfect for those long winter afternoons, when it’s too cold to go outside with the children…

23 | Nicola

October 12th, 2018 at 8:30 pm

Avatar

My kid always loves Lego, but a family board game would also be fun!

24 | Nicola

October 12th, 2018 at 8:33 pm

Avatar

Also commented on the Facebook post, thanks!

25 | Amy Nickerson

October 12th, 2018 at 8:41 pm

Avatar

Slime. Sigh. Ducks head. I will also comment on the Facebook post.

26 | Anika

October 12th, 2018 at 8:45 pm

Avatar

Books – lots and lots of Dino books!

27 | Kelly Sander

October 12th, 2018 at 9:02 pm

Avatar

I would definitely get my 19 yr old the zombie survival guide, she would love it. My 7 year old loves Lego.

28 | Kelly Sander

October 12th, 2018 at 9:05 pm

Avatar

I also posted on Facebook

29 | Heather

October 12th, 2018 at 9:09 pm

Avatar

I would take my time browsing the store in a mindful fashion so I can find all the fun and funny treasures !

30 | Janet Harr

October 12th, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Avatar

Lego, unicorn anything, slime or Thomas the tank engine trains… 3 kids means lots of toys to buy!

31 | Janet ( Whyte) Hare

October 12th, 2018 at 9:22 pm

Avatar

Also posted on Facebook!

32 | Sonya

October 12th, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Avatar

Playmobil and Lego are the sure bets in our house!

33 | Sonya

October 12th, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Avatar

Also posted on Facebook! :)

34 | Lisa bolduc

October 12th, 2018 at 10:10 pm

Avatar

We prob would pick out a playmobil advent callander

35 | Cindy

October 12th, 2018 at 10:12 pm

Avatar

Anything Melissa and Doug, Crayola or LEGO is a hit in our household!

36 | Lisa bolduc

October 12th, 2018 at 10:13 pm

Avatar

Commented on fb

37 | Cindy

October 12th, 2018 at 10:17 pm

Avatar

Also posted this on Facebook :)

38 | Ar

October 13th, 2018 at 8:31 am

Avatar

Oh, the exploding kitten puzzle for sure!

39 | KristaR

October 13th, 2018 at 11:05 am

Avatar

My daughter has been asking for Dutch Blitz so that would definitely be in my shopping cart:

https://mrstiggywinkles.ca/products/dutch-blitz

40 | Jacquelyn

October 13th, 2018 at 1:53 pm

Avatar

I always like to choose a family puzzle for Christmas and maybe a game too.

41 | Brenda A

October 13th, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Avatar

Hello! Tiggy’s is such a fun place for everyone! There really is something new every time! I would spend the gift card on puzzles to pass the cold winter evenings that are coming too soon. We love to do family puzzles. Thank you!

42 | Brenda A

October 13th, 2018 at 2:02 pm

Avatar

I commented on the FB post, too.

43 | joy

October 13th, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Avatar

socks and llamas, and maybe a sloth if there is such a thing!

44 | joy

October 13th, 2018 at 3:20 pm

Avatar

message on facebook too !

45 | CeeBee

October 13th, 2018 at 4:42 pm

Avatar

I’d buy some iron on patches, or maybe a set of bow and arrows (so fun!)

46 | Pearl

October 13th, 2018 at 5:28 pm

Avatar

Star Trek cats & iron on patches. Might browse costumes too.

47 | Dani

October 13th, 2018 at 8:38 pm

Avatar

Stocking Stuffers for my impossible to shop for kids ?

48 | Jacquie

October 14th, 2018 at 7:25 am

Avatar

We would finally get Settlers of Catan! I have heard so much about it and think our family would love it.

49 | Jacquie

October 14th, 2018 at 7:27 am

Avatar

Posted on Facebook too. :)

50 | Nora

October 15th, 2018 at 9:23 am

Avatar

I have a llama fanatic so that windup toy would be a bit! I love Tiggywinkles for stocking stuffers, games and puzzles. Thanks for the opportunity!

51 | Nora

October 15th, 2018 at 9:27 am

Avatar

Posted on FB too! ; )

52 | FD

October 15th, 2018 at 10:51 am

Avatar

We love puzzles and my kids have been talking non-stop about exploding kittens so the exploding kittens puzzle ticks off two things on our list all in one!

53 | Tanya

October 16th, 2018 at 10:09 am

Avatar

My 3 year old son has discovered a love for Lego, so for sure we’d up the Lego game. But I think a game that we could play as a family would fun too- something like Hungry Hungry Hippos :)

54 | Erin

October 16th, 2018 at 3:10 pm

Avatar

I would so buy the It’s alive Slime Lab for my kids. They are super into anything that is slightly gross and interesting all at the same time. So many crafts and creative kits at our favourite store!

55 | Kristen

October 16th, 2018 at 9:15 pm

Avatar

Yup, pretty much every birthday gift we’ve bought for the kids’ friends has been bought at this store over the past decade. Great store!

56 | Shawna

October 16th, 2018 at 10:08 pm

Avatar

I would totally get the Two Bros Bows! They look so fun!

57 | Shawna

October 16th, 2018 at 10:16 pm

Avatar

I think I commented on the right FB post – my phone just takes me to your FB page…

58 | Stephanie

October 17th, 2018 at 7:24 am

Avatar

There are so many options…I might buy a puzzle for my oldest, slime for my middle or doll clothes for my youngest.

59 | Paul

October 17th, 2018 at 8:19 am

Avatar

Ah yes, a puzzle fo4 one grandson an$ LEGO for two other boys Thanks for this.

60 | Maggie

October 17th, 2018 at 9:15 am

Avatar

What a terrific giveaway! We’re always in Tiggy Winkles for fun gift ideas. I would buy some LEGO, a pusheen cat, and funky socks with the gift card.

61 | Maggie

October 17th, 2018 at 9:21 am

Avatar

Posted on FB too.

62 | Shannon Fraser

October 17th, 2018 at 10:03 am

Avatar

I’d either buy a Jellycat stuffie or two, or maybe put it towards the Trivia Pursuit Classic Addition.

63 | Shannon Fraser

October 17th, 2018 at 10:05 am

Avatar

I commented on Facebook.

64 | Lisa

October 17th, 2018 at 11:47 am

Avatar

Definitely the exploding kittens puzzle, a squishy ball thing with mesh around it, and something Harry Potter, probably a notebook.

65 | Jennifer

October 17th, 2018 at 3:34 pm

Avatar

Winnings would definately go towards getting my Christmas shopping started. Kids would love some new Lego.

66 | Joelle Graham

October 17th, 2018 at 10:36 pm

Avatar

I would spend the winnings on birthday gifts for my daughter who is turning 1 on October 26th.

67 | Joelle Graham

October 17th, 2018 at 10:40 pm

Avatar

I commented on Facebook as well.

68 | Melissa

October 18th, 2018 at 8:47 am

Avatar

I would be all over that Exploding Kittens puzzle, actually. I think it could be the gateway puzzle to get my older kids loving them as much as I do!

70 | lisacgeorges@gmail.com

October 18th, 2018 at 8:55 am

Avatar

Game! We love games here!

71 | andrea tomkins

October 18th, 2018 at 9:50 am

Avatar

Thanks for your entries! This giveaway is officially closed. I’ll be posting the name of the winner here and contacting him/her by email. Check your inbox!

72 | andrea tomkins

October 18th, 2018 at 9:55 am

Avatar

We have a winner! Commenter #54! It’s Kristen. Yay Kristen! Please check your email for additional details.

Kristen wrote:

“Yup, pretty much every birthday gift we’ve bought for the kids’ friends has been bought at this store over the past decade. Great store!”

Haha! I think we are a lot alike. Tiggy’s is our go-to for all kinds of gifts and have had many of them wrapped there over the years too. Especially for birthdays!

Thanks all! And don’t forget about Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s big sale starts TODAY!

73 | eric

October 18th, 2018 at 11:18 am

Avatar

Paddington….definitely would get a Paddington bear.

comment form:

Archives

Me and my pet projects

Ottawa Bucket list

Subscribe via email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.


  • Jenn Jilks: That is really exciting! Break a leg!
  • fun88: I was excited to discover this page. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also
  • Gretchen Humphrey: I had a beautiful bee& birdbath filled with a solar fountain and dozens of antique marbles that were suddenly disappearing. At first I thought my
  • Jinjer: I am sobbing reading this post. And you're right, companion is not enough. Little furry treasured gifts that they are. Thanks for sharing cutie-pi
  • Karen: Dear Andrea, Mark and your daughters I am so very sad for your family xxx Piper was/is my favourite Instagram post. You shared with us so intimately
  • Christina Banuelos: Thank you for sharing Pipers life with us. Your posts of Piper brought me joy. Every time I see your post and see what kind of mischief Piper was gett
  • Carla Slocum: I am sitting here yet again crying at your loss. We have known that loss with Asta the WFT our first pup but now have the enormous gift of Stryker the

The Obligatory Blurb

My name is Andrea and I live in the Westboro area of Ottawa with my husband Mark and our dog Piper who is kind of a big deal on Instagram. We also have two human offspring: Emma (24) and Sarah (22). During the day I work as a writer at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. I am a longtime Ottawa blogger and I've occupied this little corner of the WWW since 1999. The Fishbowl is my whiteboard, water cooler, and journal, all rolled into one. I'm passionate about healthy living, arts and culture, travel, great gear, good food, and sharing the best of Ottawa. I also love vegetables, photography, gadgets, and great design.

If you'd like to contact me, please use this form. If you're so inclined, you can read more about me here. Thank you for visiting!

 


Connect with me at these places too!

Still calling it Twitter