I haven't been a kid in a Very. Long. Time. That doesn't mean, however, that I think toy stores should be difficult to find. To me, they're as integral a part of the Christmas season as decorations, sugar cookies, and Santa Claus himself. (He likely has a particular interest in toy store availability.)

Toy Stores

I believe that we can no longer enjoy Christmas as adults the way we did when we were kids. But we still enjoy the holidays, nonetheless. It's just in a different way. But toys, the Rudolph and Charlie Brown specials (and the Grinch), and candy always make the holiday special, even if those things are geared toward children.

When Towne Square Mall opened in 1978, we kids all made a beeline for Woolsey Toys. If I'm not mistaken, it was Owensboro's first major toy chain. Later came Kay-Bee Toys, and then, across from the mall (sort of), came Toys 'R' Us.

Toys R Us Comeback

In 2017, the iconic toy chain filed for bankruptcy, and we all thought that was the end. But here comes Toys 'R' Us again, and with different types of stores. And by that I mean there will be a handful of new flagship stores scattered across the country, but there will also be seasonal shops, as well.

Toys R Us - Tennessee Outlets

If you have a holiday shopping trip planned in, say, Tennessee, you are in for a treat. If you are going to make such a jaunt, then outlet malls are probably right up your alley. And Tanger Outlets are among the best. The Tanger locations in Nashville and in Sevierville will feature Toys 'R' Us seasonal shops. In fact, the one in Music City is already open.

And that Sevierville store will no doubt be a tourism home run.

In my neck of the woods, excitement is already at a fever pitch about the new Eastland Mall shop in Evansville. And now, two of Tennessee's best outlet facilities will deck the halls, too.

LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born

With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of iconic holiday gifts. Using national toy archives and data curated by The Strong from 1920 to today, Stacker searched for products that caught hold of the public zeitgeist through novelty, innovation, kitsch, quirk, or simply great timing, and then rocketed to success.

Gallery Credit: Jacob Osborn & Peter Richman

'90s Toys That Spark Instant Childhood Memories

This '90s nostalgia is sure to make you feel like a kid again.

Gallery Credit: Danielle Kootman

Remember These? The Fisher-Price Toys That Bring Back Instant Memories

Whether the farm life was your thing or you were more into castles and airports, these iconic Fisher-Price toys are guaranteed to bring back a flood of childhood memories.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

More From WBKR-FM