Toys R Us introduces value sections in stores

Toys R Us Inc. is bringing cheap toys front and center.  

Starting today, the toy giant is introducing $1-$2-$3 Fun! shops in the front of its stores to help parents provide affordable fun for their children. Since the holiday season, several toy makers and retailers have boosted their selection of inexpensive toys in response to weak consumer spending amid the recession.

Each $1-$2-$3 Fun! shop features about 100 items for $3 or less with themes such as dinosaurs, games, princess dress-up accessories, musical instruments and art supplies.

"In addition to special values and promotions on affordable fun throughout the year, we offer the broadest assortment of toys and games to fit every budget," said Karen Dodge, a senior vice president at the Wayne, N.J.-based retailer. "This shop is a natural extension of that assortment."

The $1-$2-$3 Fun! shops are in Toys R Us locations nationwide and also feature an extensive party favors section, with multi-packs of bracelets, bubbles, rubber ducks and stickers.

-- Andrea Chang

Photo: Toys R Us' new $1-$2-$3 Fun! shops will give parents more affordable options. Credit: Toys R Us

Santa's Little Helper: Gifts for kids who cook

We asked Times Food writer Amy Scattergood to, uh, cook up a list of gift ideas for the pint-sized chef in your life. Here's what she, uh, served up:

1) "Fanny At Chez Panisse: A Child’s Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes" by Alice Waters. Shop around, but we found it at Amazon.com for $14.

2) An immersion blender. Great, safe, convenient tool for kids with a big fun factor. Shop around, as prices vary.

3) Kid’s chef outfits (hats, coats, aprons). Shop around, but prices range from $9 to $25. Here's one site we like.

4) Colorful measuring cups. Teach basic measuring and math skills while you work on recipes. The cooler colors, the better.

5) Tongs, about $20 and up. Kids LOVE these; good for lifting up pasta, etc., as well as playing jousting games with and picking up mudpies.

It's time to start talking turkey

You will have no problem finding California-grown turkeys this season, the California Farm Bureau reports.

The specials will vary from store to store. Some plan the familiar promotion, offering a free turkey if you spend enough on other groceries. Some will just offer bargain prices to entice your business. Expect the price for free-range, heritage or organic turkeys to be higher.

The California Poultry Federation says this is a good time for turkey lovers to take advantage of the low Thanksgiving prices and freeze an extra bird for later use.

According to the National Food Safety Database, a whole frozen turkey can be stored in your home freezer at 0ºF for up to one year without appreciable loss of quality. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the turkey in heavy freezer paper.

Now. How about some recipes?

--Jerry Hirsch

Photo credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Nothing to gobble about: Turkey dinner costs on the rise

An annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation has found that the classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries and pumpkin pie will cost more this year.

-- Jerry Hirsch

Graphic: American Farm Bureau Federation

Planning a party?

Ask yourself: Is it more economical to buy, or rent?

--Craig Nakano