To Our Learning Through Play Philosophy
We believe that play is an integral part of a healthy childhood. Through play children gain necessary skills for a happy, productive life into adulthood. Social skills, creative thinking, spatial reasoning, and learning through role playing are just a few of the benefits of play. By putting the right toys in the hands of children we are helping shape positive, productive members of our society.
To the Environment
Five Little Monkeys was the first toy store to become a Green Certified Bay Area Business, and we continue to make thoughtful choices that reduce our environmental impact. We look for toys made from renewable, recycled, and organic materials, prioritize products with minimal, recyclable or biodegradable packaging, and choose quality toys designed to last and be passed on rather than end up in a landfill. In our stores, we recycle and reuse materials, use energy-efficient equipment and low-flow fixtures, offer recycled paper shopping bags, use non-toxic cleaning products, and donate damaged toys for repair and reuse. We also reduce waste and fuel consumption by combining deliveries and errands, choosing larger orders when possible, and encouraging walking, biking, and public transportation.
To Our Staff
Our employees are on the front lines in our business. They are the main reason customers choose to come back, so we treat our employees like family, with compassion, respect and care. We provide staff training and development, bonding activities, benefits packages unusually not found in retail businesses, and like to promote from within our company, giving people the opportunity to grow with our company. Input from staff is highly valued, and feedback is encouraged. Employees are seen as people, rather than simply workers who must maximize production.
To Safety
Your child's safety is our first priority. When selecting our products we only buy from known, reputable companies who share our commitment to putting safe, high quality toys in the hands of your children. Our products meet or exceed all current laws and regulations governing juvenile products. With daily email updates from the CPSC we are able to react expediently to any recalls, pulling toys from our shelves and notifying our customers as necessary.
Helpful Tips for Buying Safe Toys
Be a Label Reader
Be a Label Reader
Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide. Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.
Sturdy Construction
Sturdy Construction
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
Sharp Edges and Points
Sharp Edges and Points
For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Magnets
Magnets
Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
Small Parts
Small Parts
Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Ride-On Toys
Ride-On Toys
Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
Projectile Toys
Projectile Toys
Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries. Try and limit your selection to one with blunt foam tips.
Plastic Wrappings
Plastic Wrappings
Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
The Neighborhoods That Support Us
How we give back to schools, food banks, and families is its own story.
