Imagine a child’s imagination during the holiday season, and chances are you would picture something close to Whistlestop Toy Station. Add the fact that the store is local and caters to shoppers’ personal needs, and it quickly becomes an adult’s dream as well.

The family-owned store is packed with all of the season’s must-have toys. On the right side is a haven for girls — floor to ceiling is stacked with dolls, dollhouses, arts and crafts packages, and sparkly dress-up clothes. The left side caters to the boys, complete with train tracks, LEGOs, and soaring toy airplanes.

One common theme throughout the shop is quality. “We like to keep toys in our store that are original and unique and that help us compete with the bigger box stores,” says owner Andy Fansler.

Fansler and his wife, Kim — both young-at-heart toy lovers — opened the shop in spring 2004, along with Jason and Jeannie Felton. (Andy and Jeannie are siblings.)

“We decided to open Whistlestop because there was not a specialty toy store in Winston-Salem and we really saw that need,” Andy explains. The concept took off and the store soon moved to a larger location, allowing for a greater variety and stock of toys.

“We offer a great experience,” Fansler explains. “We have free gift wrap and provide that personal kind of service that customers appreciate. People often call ahead and we’ll have their present all ready to go when they get here.”

With new items coming in daily for the busy season, Fansler says he gets a firsthand look at what’s hot and what resonates with the children. And thanks to his expertise, we have an inside look at the Top-Five toys for 2009:

1. Star Wars LEGOs
2. Darda Race Tracks
3. Puzzles
4. Arts & Crafts
5. Dolls

Whistlestop Toy Station is at 3270 Robinhood Rd. For more information, call 336-723-4931.