New toy store gives Trussville Entertainment District a sprinkle of magic

By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer

TRUSSVILLE, Ala.–The Gateway welcomed its newest business earlier this month–Hattie’s Toyland–filled with colorful charm, laughter and giggles, and bound together by family.

The “magic place” as it is called by owners Taylor and Kelsee Philpot was opened in memory of their daughter, Hattie Ruth, who they lost in 2020 during pregnancy.

The family had just moved to Trussville to raise their growing family when they learned of their loss and after being comforted by the community in their time of grief, the Philpots wanted to give back.

“We wanted it to be fun and life-giving and whimsical and thought it’d be cool to have a toy store in her honor,” Kelsee said.

“We’re very grateful to be here in Trussville,” she added. “Now we get to celebrate their happy moments in life.”

“It’s a toy store so you anticipate the kids coming in and being excited, but what’s really fun is to see all

The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the opening of Hattie’s Toyland with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 13. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune

the adults that are having fun and being excited,” Taylor said.

“I think the number one statement that we’ve heard is that ‘Trussville needed this, our community needed this.’”

He continued, “It’s been really magical to see people’s faces light up and kids running around not knowing which toy to pick and adults having fun at the same time.”

Kelsee added, “I feel like every day someone’s coming in–it’s their birthday or they have birthday money or they’re headed to a birthday–so I feel like we’re getting to celebrate a lot of those special moments.”

Hattie’s also plans to start hosting story time read alouds for kids age 5 and under on Thursday mornings, which will include a craft and a snack, along with other community events

“We’re really excited and grateful for the team that we have around us,” Taylor said.

“And not only our team members but the community that’s helped us get this store open and just so many hands that went into this magic place.”

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune