The Thinking Cap is a locally owned, independent retail outlet for classroom supplies and specialty toys.

Owner Carol Reed opened this unique shop in 1996, located in a small stone house on New Castle Road in Butler Township. Fast forward to 2004 when The Thinking Cap packed up the huge logo/beanie-copter and moved about 1/8th of a mile south to the Point Plaza.

Today it is the largest such store in Butler County. Stocking thousands of items, The Thinking Cap draws teachers, parents, students, home schoolers and grandparents from many surrounding counties.

Although we have a well-developed sense of humor, we are serious about helping teachers and parents educate children with the best products on the market. We seek to challenge your mind and help you think outside of the box. Our toys and games are chosen carefully to strengthen or develop a skill with a fun-loving spirit.

Family Game Nights are one of many events we host. Bringing busy families together to spend quality time and reinforce basic skills in a relaxed and fun atmosphere is the goal of the evening. If you haven't attended a Family Game Night at your school, call to schedule one soon or stop by the shop for information.

In 2005 we did some brain-storming and came up with Wacky Wednesdays, a free kid's in-store activity program every Wednesday during June and July. By popular demand, we repeated the program in 2006. In 2007, we've added Silly Saturdays once a month until June when Wacky Wednesdays will return for the third year.

Kids ages 3 to 10 may drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on those days to do a craft, learn something new, take home helpful information about that day's theme and leave with a treat too!

Priority Days have been a highlight for hundreds of teachers. Featuring lots of homemade goodies, among other perks, these events gave birth to our own cookbook. We gathered all of our best no-fail recipes into a book that sells for $6.95. The staff of The Thinking Cap made the commitment to donate $4 of each sale to the Children's Services of VOICe.

To date, with your help, we have sold more than 250 books to provide food, clothing and shelter to children.

The Thinking Cap has become a favorite place for birthday presents. Our knowledgeable staff will help you choose age appropriate toys, puzzles and games for kids ages birth to 104 and gift-wrapping is free.

So, whether you have to dress a bulletin board, create a center, tutor a child in math facts, track and reward good behavior, or just bring home some fun, The Thinking Cap is your store.

Now you can shop our online catalog 24/7. Go to www.thethinkingcaponline.com and check it out. Orders can be shipped anywhere in the contingent United States or picked up at the store in Point Plaza, Butler Township. Although some of our toys and games are not listed in the catalog, customers may e-mail us or call with their request.