Sheila's Out Shopping: The toys of summer

I needed toys to amuse little ones while I watched them at the beach. I had noodles and tubes when we frolicked in the water, but I wanted something to keep them occupied on land.

That’s how I ended up at Attic Toys and Mr. Toad’s Toy Co.

At Attic Toys I found a pail full of paddles and wands that kids can use to create bubbles in a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s called Mega Bubble Jar ($20), and the jar itself could be perfect for collecting shells, or digging in the sand.

I tossed Gazillion Bubbles ($4.50) in the cart for me — hey, it’s OK to act like a kid now and then.

I also found Squirt Fish at Mr. Toad’s Toy Co. ($5.99). You just fill ‘em with water and you’re ready to douse someone.

The Digger ($9.95) from Mr. Toad’s and the Drill ($8) from Attic Toys will be great for digging holes in the sand.

Once excavation is complete, they can bring in the Baby Bulldozer ($6) and the Mini Dump Truck ($7.95) to cart the sand away. Or use this Master Builder Set ($25) to create a sand castle. This set comes with gloves to protect small fingers from the hot sand. (All from Attic Toys).

Where to shop

Attic Toys, 1307 Third St. S., Naples, 649-8697

Mr. Toad’s Toy Co., Fountain Park Centre, 7935 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, 254-9300

Sidewalk sale

Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, 949-3766, is having a sidewalk sale over the Fourth of July holiday. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

New store

Louis Vuitton has moved out of Saks and into its own store at Waterside Shops, 5415 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 254-0056