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Boulder City Today
By the People, for the People
Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys Keeps Childhood Memories Alive in Boulder City
The toy shop blends nostalgic brand-name and vintage toys with handcrafted wooden creations made by owner Ruben Valdez.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:37am
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Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys celebrates the enduring appeal of handcrafted toys and the power of nostalgia to create lasting memories.Boulder City TodayRuben's Woodcraft and Toys in Boulder City, Nevada, is a toy shop that offers a range of toys, from major brands to smaller manufacturers, as well as handmade wooden toys crafted by owner Ruben Valdez. Valdez learned the craft from his father, who made wooden toys after retiring. The shop attracts returning customers and offers opportunities for children to create their own toys, with the goal of creating positive memories for visitors.
Why it matters
In an era of mass-produced toys and digital entertainment, Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys stands out as a unique, community-focused business that celebrates the timeless appeal of handcrafted toys and the importance of fostering childhood memories. The shop's blend of nostalgic and modern toys, as well as its hands-on activities, make it a destination for families seeking a more authentic and engaging toy-shopping experience.
The details
Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys features a range of toys, from major brands like Barbie to lesser-known items from smaller manufacturers. The shop also carries vintage toys, such as a Boy George figurine. Ruben Valdez, the owner, learned the craft of making wooden toys from his father, who took up the hobby after retiring. Valdez, a retired mechanical engineer, opened the shop almost 14 years ago and works alongside his wife, Dixie. The shop offers opportunities for children to create their own toys, and Valdez says creating positive memories is part of the shop's purpose.
- Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys opened almost 14 years ago.
- Valdez learned the craft of making wooden toys from his father, who took up the hobby after retiring.
The players
Ruben Valdez
The owner of Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys, who learned the craft of making wooden toys from his father and opened the shop almost 14 years ago.
Dixie Valdez
Ruben Valdez's wife, who works alongside him at the toy shop.
What they’re saying
“Everything is expensive these days and we want people to be able to come and have a good time, enjoy their families without it hurting their pocketbook so much.”
— Dixie Valdez, Co-owner
“You have to create a memory for them to have as they grow older. We had a young man come in the other day to did a Derby car and he's 22 years old and I recognized him and he just said he came in because he remembered us and it was a fond memory for him.”
— Ruben Valdez, Owner
The takeaway
Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys is a unique, community-focused business that celebrates the timeless appeal of handcrafted toys and the importance of fostering childhood memories. By blending nostalgic and modern toys, as well as offering hands-on activities, the shop provides families with an engaging and authentic toy-shopping experience that stands out in an era of mass-produced toys and digital entertainment.
