Tots, toys and tinsel help one nonprofit achieve much

In Indianapolis, few things have a more natural connection than Christmastime and The Children’s Museum. The museum has capitalized on the obvious link between kids and Christmas in many ways over the years – the Ice Castle, visits from Santa and the giant Yule Slide, just to name a few. 

One of the most media-worthy and potentially lucrative ideas the museum has ever implemented, though, is the annual Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved toy test.

On one day in October, kids are invited to rip open boxes and test out toys in The Children’s Museum store, then rate their favorites.

A list of the top vote-getting toys is posted in the museum store and online, making holiday shopping easier for grandparents, aunts and uncles, and maybe even parents uncertain about what a child might enjoy (and whether a toy will be worth the money).

Strategically, this is a dynamite idea because:

1. It generates media coverage.
2. It offers opportunities for cross-promotion.
3. It’s a nice feel-good program to mention to potential donors.
4. It supports the museum’s overall educational mission, since nearly all the toys sold in the store are educational. 
5. It provides a lucrative revenue stream that helps allow the museum to offer free or reduced admission and other services to the community.

Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved toy test is a win for everyone, including the customer. What a rarity in today’s economy!
 

Topics: public relations , fundraising