RECENTLY, upon the prodding of her supportive entrepreneur-husband Wesley Ian Haw, Rooke + Reese opened its physical store at Wheels N’ More Drive along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City.
Peony gushed that it was Wesley who patiently “DIY-ed” the shop. “The shelves were all his ideas. I just chose the colors and that was it,” she smiles.
Wesley can conveniently look after the store, too, when Peony is not around since he is one of the owners of Podium Multisport next door.
“Rooke + Reese is mainly an educational toy store for kids - toddlers, preschoolers and grade schoolers but we also have some basic products like OXO Tot Feeding Essentials, Yumbox Bento Lunchbox, Saltwater Sandals, Halo Swaddles, NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator and Little Leuvy Hair accessories, to name a few,” explained Peony.
“We are advocating less screen time, thus the hashtag #makeplaytimecount. As children play, they also develop skills related to Steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). With Steam toys, it helps children to focus and engage in experimental learning. It encourages them to persist in problem solving and develop their creativity. Children are learning while they are playing”, emphasizes the busy mom.
Peony’s top 5 picks
Because every product that Rooke + Reese sells was meticulously handpicked by Peony, it was hard to choose her favorites from the store.
“I personally like all our products!” she giggled. Nevertheless, being the good sport that she is, Peony narrowed down her choices and shared her top five must-buy picks from her shop:
1. Usborne Books – “We love these books. They are so informative and easy to read and remember.”
2. Tangram and Jigsaw Puzzles – “Anything that would stimulate the kids’ cognitive development and mathematical skills, I would recommend!”
3. Joan Miro Art Kits – “These are ready-to-do kits. So easy to present to the kids for last- minute activities or if you ran out of activity ideas.”
4. Dinosaur Fossil Excavation Kits – “Role playing lets children act out real-life roles. We find this toy really cool! Even adults enjoyed playing with this.”
5. Jenga Farm – “It’s interesting because it’s slightly different from the usual Jenga. Stacking the logs already develops fine motor skills in kids.”
This May 4, 2019, Rooke + Reese will have its first ever workshop through a blooming collaboration with Fleurs du Jour, Davao’s premier flower bouquet provider. Kids (ages 4 and up) will learn how to make one basic bouquet and one flowers in a box. This is a tribute to all the moms as a pre-Mothers’ Day special. To register, drop by Rooke + Reese or DM Rooke + Reese. Limited slots only.
To know more about Rooke + Reese, follow them on Instagram @rooke.reese and their Facebook page Rooke + Reese. Contact them at +639452995046.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.