Big Fun is home to a plethora of games and gadgets, making it a go-to destination for gift-seekers
Story and photography by Michael C. Butz
Sure, you can buy Chanukah gifts online. But what fun is that? It certainly isn’t Big Fun. Steve Presser’s bricks-and-mortar store in Cleveland Heights’ Coventry neighborhood has been synonymous with toys for 25 years. It’s become a Northeast Ohio institution, in part because it provides a toy-shopping experience that’s hard to match. And what better time to stop by than Chanukah? Follow the Oz-like yellow-brick road into the store to find gifts big and small for kids of all ages – including nostalgic adults who are young at heart. js
Star Wars
Anticipation is high over “Sta
r Wars: The Force Awakens” (in theaters Dec. 18), and while big box stores will duke it out over merchandise tied to Episode VII, Big Fun has the droids you’re looking for – and many other vintage Star Wars toys and collectibles.
Superman
Big Fun features many superheroes, but Presser’s favorite is the hometown hero: Superman. It then comes as no surprise that Presser is involved with the Siegel and Shuster Society, the nonprofit dedicated to commemorating Superman’s creation by Glenville natives Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
Ice Cubes
Presser carries a wide range of themed ice cube trays, which he described as conversation starters that are great for parties. His favorite set? “Gin and Titonic,” which includes partygoers with history-recreating Titanic- and iceberg-shaped ice cubes.
Cleveland
Big Fun both makes its own and buys Cleveland-themed items, including T-shirts, mugs, greeting cards and postcards, all of which help display Forest City pride.
Old School
Take a trip back to your childhoo
d or introduce youngsters in your family to all-time classics like Slinkys, gyroscopes, spirographs, Etch A Sketches and Magic 8-Balls.
Chanukah
Looking for something a little more traditional? Between Chanukah-themed books, mugs and even magnetic poetry kits, there’s something for almost everyone at Big Fun.js