Wigglish Toys & Gifts in Heber City is bustling during the holiday season, catering to last-minute gift shoppers. Owner Amy Schulthess emphasizes the importance of quality and unique toys, aiming to provide items that can be cherished for generations.
As the holiday season draws to a close, Wigglish Toys & Gifts in Heber City is experiencing a surge in customer traffic, as families seek the perfect gifts for their children. Owner Amy Schulthess expressed astonishment at last-minute shoppers who frequently enter the store looking for urgent gift solutions. "I can’t believe people don’t shop earlier," Schulthess remarked. "We'll get people who come in and are just like, ‘Anything for a 4-year-old? I don’t care about anything but getting it wrapped because I’m on my way to their house right now.’"
Schulthess, together with her team of four employees, works tirelessly to accommodate these last-minute requests. The store offers complimentary gift wrapping services and aims to match the right toy with the customer’s specific needs. Schulthess believes that conversations with clients can reveal essential details, such as specific preferences or aversions children may have towards certain toys.
The store's name, inspired by Roald Dahl's "The BFG," reflects the unique, high-quality toys it offers. Schulthess describes "speaking Wigglish" as finding toys that stand apart from the conventional market. "There are so many good toys out there, so why carry the cheap ones that break easily?" she stated.
Among the store's top sellers this season is the ZipString, a toy that combines elements of physics with fun, registering sales of about a dozen on a single day. Other popular items include Foosbots and Hands Craft kits, appealing to children’s creativity and interest in science.
Schulthess, who first developed her passion for quality toys during her family travels in Europe, emphasizes the importance of sourcing special items. Wigglish Toys & Gifts, founded in 2012, focuses on providing heirloom-quality toys that can be passed down through generations. Despite operating an online store, Schulthess notes that most of their sales come from local foot traffic.
Currently, December is deemed as a critical month for the store, accounting for roughly 80% of annual sales. Schulthess has faced challenges in attracting customers throughout the year, expressing hopes that more residents of Heber City will discover the store’s offerings beyond the holiday season. "People have to want to buy a nice toy in order to pay for it," she added, highlighting the allure of high-quality playthings that bring joy and nostalgia to all ages.