Local toy store brings their holiday magic back to West Ashley with miniature Coburg Cows
by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
The famous story series about Eloise, a young girl who grew up in the Plaza Hotel in New York has nothing on our local version.
Elizabeth “Schnookie” Darby, described how magical it was to spend her childhood surrounded by toys in the original Wonder Works store. She tagged along with her mother to work at the age of nine. Owner Christine Osborne made her feel so special, tying on a proper little apron, making her a name tag, and in between doing homework in the stock room, gave her tasks and rewards. Darby was officially on the payroll at fifteen, helped buy and manage and is now owner and Head Magic Maker at Wonder Works West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant.
It was a family business then and now, with her mother and sister Julia (French teacher at WAHS) having worked in the shop, her brother serving as CPA, and father chief supporter. She met her friend Amanda working together as high school students. They have remained fast friends through the years and are now raising their own young families. Family members still rally to lend a hand during holiday rushes.
We in West Ashley are obsessed with our Coburg Cow statue. We know that and we are proud of it.
My kids loved WonderWorks. Celebrating the West Ashley shop reopening in the Indigo Plaza on Savannah Highway after closing in 2020, I wandered in to be greeted by enthusiastic staff offering to help me. But I had come with a suggestion for them. I had found a miniature toy version of our famous cow that looked exactly like her and suggested it might be a good item to carry in the shop. I’d been staging silly photo ops with my mini Bessie for years.
The next time I popped in, there was a small scale cattle dairy set up next to the cash register. I posted a fun picture on social media that was shared and viewed over 7,000 times and the staff set up a waiting list to fill the demand. I envision tiny herds of cattle marching to Charleston.
They have run out and reordered mini versions of our Coburg Cow three times and have more on the way for West Ashley holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. One mini cow has traveled to Europe and another has been attending Elvis Tribute Artist concerts and posing for photo ops.
“I’m excited to bring the magic back to West Ashley!” As much fun as mini cows are, they are the least of the plans in place for the holiday season and beyond. Darby’s eyes sparkled with ideas to bring the magic back and has upcoming events planned for kids and us older kids at heart.
Clay Rice silhouettes are a Charleston tradition. Clay Rice is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning silhouette artist and children’s author. Darby had worked with Clay Rice for a year and she considers him family. He will be in the West Ashley location cutting custom silhouettes on Sunday, 12/22 from 1 – 4 p.m. For more information, visit ricegalleries.com.
Saturdays (Sundays in the Mt. Pleasant location) from 1-3 p.m. is Pokémon trading and battling time. The onsite Pokémon Master spends 10-15 minutes with each child.
The season of giving began in October. Thanks to a Buy One, Give One promotion, over 400 Barbies & Hot Wheels were donated to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
Stay tuned for a Lego Contest in January with judging and displays in the store. Winners will be announced by category and age groups up to adults and will include Facebook voting.
Birthday Bins are described as a “wonderfuntastical” spin on a birthday wishlist – a physical, interactive gift registry. Children fill a bin with any toys they would love to get on their birthday. Friends & family can shop right out of the bin, get a 10% discount, & complimentary gift wrapping. Birthday Bins are simple, fun, and FREE!
Check the website and social media for details on Fairy Hair (Moms included!).
For more information, visit www.wonderworkstoys.com.
