Shopping: Precocious Cargo

Seward Park resident Monica Coulter likes staying close to home. That’s why she opened her toy shop, Precocious, on a sunny corner in not-too-far-away Madrona last October. The brightly painted walls are filled to the 12-foot-high ceiling with pleasurable pastimes, such as painting kits, radio-controlled helicopters, costumes, solar-powered robots, sparkling play jewelry, puzzles and party supplies. Finding a stuffed animal for a toddler or a board game for all ages is no problem, with accessible prices (marbles for a dime to $275 for a vintage-inspired tricycle) and the help of Coulter’s 14-year-old daughter, Ronnie, and friends. Precocious is a hot spot for the after-school crowd; there’s nonstop fun in the blackboard and hoola hoop area, where kids can test-drive toys while parents shop. On the first Thursday of each month, the whole family is invited to engage in friendly rivalry during Game Nights (5–7 p.m.).