It's a GREAT time to start shopping for the holidays, with this amazing sale on one of our most popular toy lines!!!

PLAYMOBIL EARLY BUY SALE

25% Off on All Regularly Priced* In-Stock Playmobil Toys

LIMITED TIME ONLY September 6-28, 2025

*Clearance/reduced/discontinued items excluded

An eventful evening a week ago has left a heavy cloud over our heads. We’ve taken time to consider the situation in our heads and hearts.

Last Thursday afternoon we had two men enter our Erin store and engage our staff in helping them look at some larger items.  They then proceeded to collect and walk out with these items (valued at roughly $1100), with no intention of paying for them.  This understandably left our staff member, our entire team, and the customers who were in the store at the time, uncomfortable and rattled.

We would like to thank our local OPP Officer who responded as quickly as they did, and who continues to work with us to ensure they have as much information as possible, including video footage of both men, their vehicle and a clear image of their license plate.
We are sharing this for a few reasons.

1. To raise awareness that situations like this are happening in both of our communities. We are so thankful that no one was hurt. No value of product is worth putting yourself in danger.
   
   
2. To encourage our customers and supporters to remove some of the power from criminals like this and put it back in the hands of small businesses, like ours. Please consider the source of your purchases, particularly online where it is easy for anyone to setup a shop and sell. We understand the convenience of being able to shop after hours and from the comfort of your home, which is why we have invested time and resources into enhancing our online presence. When you see an item that is discounted online, consider where it came from, and more importantly what may you be getting. When you choose to spend your money with legitimate businesses, particularly small ones, you are empowering real people. You are supporting real families who own and are running those businesses.  You are supporting owners who are trying to do right by their employees and support their communities.
   
   
3. The “Brighter” light! We don’t want to dwell on what was taken from us, because they cannot take what is most important to us - our passion, creativity, and commitment to serving our communities. We love being a part of both Erin and Fergus and helping to create memories for you and your family that will last a lifetime. We recognize our community partners who we are proud to support;
   
   
   1. Our Toy Drive and Pictures with Santa program, which with your support and help has collected over $75,000 of donations for local families through East Wellington Community Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington over the last 13+ years.
      
      
   2. Our valued annual community events including Rotary Erin Family Day, East Wellington Chamber of Commerce Home Show, Fergus Lions Home Show, Cox Creek Winery Games Nights, Pictures with the Easter Bunny, Pictures with Santa, In Store Play Days, STEAM Camp, Erin Summer Jam, Erin Hometown Harvest, Erin Fall Fair, Fergus Fall Fair, Erin Rotary Canada Day, Erin Agricultural Society 175th Anniversary Celebration, Spirit of the Hills Family Fun Day, Erin Rodeo After Party, Trick or Treat Main Street, Fergus Kidstock, Erin Witches Walk, Erin Window Wonderland, and many more over our years in business.
      
      
   3. The dozens of the community groups and organizations we partner with through sponsorships or donations, including Wellington County Libraries, East Wellington Community Services, East Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Erin, St. John Brebeuf Catholic School, Hillsburgh/Erin Skating Club, Caledon Townhall Theatre, Town of Erin Economic Development Committee,  Caledon Ski Club, Curl for a Cause, Heart and Stroke, James McQueen Public School, Belfountain Car Club, Kerri’s Place Autism Services, Highland Rugby, St. Josephs E.S., Wellington Pregnancy Care Centre, Emmanual Christian High School, Barrie Hill United Church, Salem Public School, Alton Public School, Victoria Terrace Public School, Centre Wellington Optimist Club, Art by the Pond, Centre Wellington Pride, Erin Pride, Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and other local schools and educational partners

A final thought. Sadly, this type of situation has not been limited to a few large items. Theft in our businesses, especially in smaller, everyday items, has been climbing drastically in the past few years. We frequently find open packaging in the store with the contents removed.  These little “freebies” add up for our business. We understand times are challenging, but please take this opportunity to chat with your kids about honesty, responsibility and respect. These will be the values that direct them throughout their lives. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey for this last 13 years. We are looking forward to continuing to 'Brighten Up' your lives!

Grab your friends, grab a drink, and grab a seat at the table. Let the games begin!

Join Chris from 'Brighten Up Games' as he walks you through an assortment of fun, interesting board games. He'll have a diverse arsenal of games available all night and you'll be sure to find something new and interesting to play. Chris will be hands on all evening teaching, guiding and assisting in games.

All free tickets include:
- Access to LOTS of games supplied by Brighten Up Games.
- Instruction and assistance from the Games Master himself (Chris)
- Comfortable indoor seating overlooking the orchard and vineyard.

Details:
- Indoors inside our tasting room loft, with outdoor access to our patio (you can play games out there too!)
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available for purchase
- Wood fired pizza will be available to order all night long
- Charcuterie boards can be pre-ordered in a variety of sizes
- Kids are welcome! Recommended for kids ages 10 and up.
- Come alone or with friends. We'll help you find a game to enjoy.
- Games night runs from 6:30-10pm on select Friday nights. There is no strict arrival time, join us when you can and we'll get you in a game right away.
- Feel free to bring your own snacks! Outside alcohol is prohibited.

Link to register:
https://www.exploretock.com/cox-creek-cellars-guelph/event/539646?date=2025-10-03&size=1&time=12%3A00

Full details below, to purchase your team's ticket CLICK HERE.

Piece your way to victory at the THIRD ANNUAL Brighten Up Puzzle Competition! Assemble your puzzle team, choose your challenge, register at Brighten Up Toys and Games in either Fergus or Erin, practice and PUZZLE!

Sunday October 26, 2025

Registration Time: 12:30pm
Competition Start Time: 1:00pm

Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex

550 Belsyde Ave E, Fergus

Sponsored by: Cobble Hill Puzzles and Ravensburger Puzzles

Your team registration fee includes: 

• Participation in this exciting competition as teams race to finish their puzzle first!
• Take home the puzzle your team completes (one per team)
• Light refreshments catered by Fergies Fine Foods, Fergus
• BONUS: There will be special “Some Assembly Required” Puzzle Deals on Select Images for Cash and Carry available at the Puzzle Challenge only!

Chose your challenge from four options:

1. Ravensburger 1000 piece puzzle (up to 4 team members, $30+HST per team)
2. Ravensburger standard 500 piece puzzle (2 team members, $25+HST per team)
3. Cobble Hill 1000 piece puzzle (up to 4 team members, $30+HST per team)
4. Cobble Hill Family pieces puzzles (1 Adult and up to 2 Children, $25+HST per team)

Prizes:

• The WINNER in each 500 piece and 1000 piece challenge category will receive a voucher for one free 1000 piece puzzle in their chosen brand for each team member
• The RUNNER UP in each 500 piece and 1000 piece challenge category will receive a voucher for one free 500 piece puzzle in their chosen brand for each team member
• The TOP THREE teams in the Family Pieces challenge category will receive a voucher for one free Cobble Hill Family Pieces puzzle for their team
• BONUS PRIZES for best dressed, team spirit and puzzle cheer!

Register Your Team:

• In store in Erin or Fergus
• By phone 519.843.8887 (Fergus) or 519.833.9258 (Erin)
• By e-mail ask@brightenuptoysandgames.ca
• Your registration fee must be paid in store, online or by e-transfer for your registration to be finalized. Your team’s spot will NOT be secured until payment is received.

Rules, Tips and More!

• Practice with your team! The images which you will compete with are a secret but you can practice on a variety of images to get your puzzling strategy pieced together.
• Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to register and get yourself settled.
• Brighten Up will provide the puzzle, tables and chairs, but anything else you want for your puzzling and comfort you must supply.
• You may use any puzzle sorting methods you would like but you MUST remain contained to your allocated table space (no putting extra sorters on the floor, chairs, etc.

https://www.exploretock.com/cox-creek-cellars-guelph/event/539646/games-night-at-cox-creek-cellars

🚀 Calling all young explorers! 🌠 4M STEAM Camp is officially open for registration at Brighten Up Toys & Games! 🎉

Don’t miss this hands-on, fun-filled learning experience where kids explore STEAM through interactive activities and experiments.

How to Register? 🌟 Sign up for FREE in-store and secure your child’s spot for these mind-blowing activities awaiting your curious kiddos!🌟

Parent/guardian supervision and participation is required

Buzz Wire: Erin: July 10, 3-5pm and Fergus: Jul 11, 3-5pm

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Friendship Bracelets: Erin: July 17, 3-5pm and Fergus: Jul 18, 3-5pm

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Maglev: Erin: July 24, 3-5pm and Fergus: Jul 25, 3-5pm

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Origami Zoo: Erin: July 31, 3-5pm and Fergus: Aug 1, 3-5pm

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Salt Powered Robot: Erin: Aug 7, 3-5pm and Fergus: Aug 8, 3-5pm

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Don’t miss out on this adventure.
#4MSTEAMCamp25

STEAM means...

Science: 🔬Understand the natural world.
Technology: 🌐 Innovate for practical purposes.
Engineering: 🔧 Solve problems through design.
Arts: 🎨 Express creativity and aesthetics.
Math: ➗ Apply logic to numbers and shapes.

Our friends from Makin' Faces are BACK!

Tania and the crew are ready to wow you with their incredible free-hand face painting. If you can imagine it, they can (almost certainly) paint it!

Off-the-face painting is still a great option, too! Many kids - and adults - prefer a fun arm or leg 'tattoo'.

Visit Brighten Up in July & August for FREE FACE PAINTING
by Makin’ Faces
Thursdays in Erin
& Fridays in Fergus
3pm to 6pm

It’s our way of saying THANK YOU! for supporting your Local Toy Store!

https://www.instagram.com/makinfacesinc/

https://www.facebook.com/makinfacesfacepainting

https://www.exploretock.com/cox-creek-cellars-guelph/event/539646/games-night-at-cox-creek-cellars

Easter is just around the corner!

We are celebrating with a special promotion on CreArt Paint by Numbers by Ravensburger! 

25% OFF ON ALL IN-STOCK CREART!

April 1st-17th only!

Unleash your inner artist with CreArt, our Painting by Numbers sets!

https://brightenuptoysandgames.ca/search?q=CreArt+by+Ravensburger

Sets include a high-quality fine-point paintbrush and thick acrylic paint to help budding artists create a fantastic result. There are three different levels of difficulty: from simple images with a few large areas to paint, up to images with lots of really small spaces for the more experienced.

Sets include everything needed:
• Painting board, pre printed with outlines
• Water based acrylic paints in individually numbered, resealable pots
• Cardboard palette for the paint pots
• Fine point high quality paintbrush for detail painting
• Easy to follow guide sheet