Lindquist Lane

I hate toys that don’t last.

During Christmas, I wrote a whole guide to toys that can survive real play, and maybe even get passed down one day.

So I was genuinely excited to find Lindquist Lane, a toy retailer with roots in Republic, Mo., that focuses on high-quality, long-lasting pieces.

Think smooth wooden puzzles, unpainted trains and logging trucks, and darling kids' kitchenware.

The owner, Erica Lindquist, is a local SPS teacher and has a wonderful entrepreneurial story. She’s also my very first sponsor for Dear Springfield Mama.

If you’re trying to buy fewer, better toys (or just want to support a local mom doing something cool), I’ll drop her shop in the comments.