The Power of Play !
The Collection
Waitsfield , VT vtcollection . com
Make your loved ones something from the heart this holiday season .
Or give them art supplies . Everybody likes art supplies .
26 North Main St ., Randolph VT Entrance around back of building | Weds - Sun , 10 am to 6 pm
802-333-0103 | brainstorm . art
Nestled in the gorgeous Mad River Valley in the picturesque town of Waitsfield , The Collection is a vibrant and welcoming independent toy and gift shop . Their range of high-quality toys and products help both children and adults find joyful fulfillment through play . Yvonne Fugate , The Collection ’ s passionate owner , takes immense pride in her work . “ First and foremost , I am a play advocate ,” says Fugate . As a certified play expert and member of the American Specialty Toy Retail Association , Fugate possesses extensive knowledge of childhood play patterns , ranging from early birth to adulthood . She uses her knowledge to help every family that comes into The Collection choose toys that benefit their child and pique their interest . She also helps adults rediscover the magic of play . “ When I left my training as a certified play advocate , we had to take a pledge ,” shares Fugate . “ My pledge was that I wanted to work towards engaging more adults in play . I always like to tell people that you don ’ t have to have kids to play . We have a lot of puzzles and a lot of art supplies , because adults tend to play in a different way . We also have upper-level strategy games that are great for both family play and for adults , as well .”
Fugate wholeheartedly believes that play is not just essential for growth and development – it is the cornerstone of a healthy society . “ If we keep everyone playing , people will be happier and more joyful . When we take away play , we take away resiliency , because we are not nurturing the problem-solving part of growing up .” Fugate adds that when children make mistakes during play , they learn from their mistakes and discover ways to resolve issues and problems . “ Kids who play regularly are more likely to be creative thinkers , and they are able to easily adjust to setbacks and learn from failures as adults .”
As an outspoken play advocate , Fugate wears her heart on her sleeve when it
14 VERMONT MAGAZINE