Interview with Eric and Candice Calderon, Owners of On the Park Toys and Candy - Kingwood

Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer, and how long have you been around? 
On the Park Toy & Candy Store has been a Kingwood favorite for over 25 years, offering a wide variety of high-quality, handpicked toys, games, and nostalgic candies and chocolates. In addition to shopping, we host weekly Mommy & Me Story Times, Lego play dates, birthday parties starting in 2026, and our popular Birthday Bucket registry, where kids can fill a bucket with their favorite toys to make gift-giving easy and fun. We’re also proud to partner with and support other local small businesses, and we’re excited to announce that helium balloons will be available in-store soon!

How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started?
On the Park Toy & Candy Store was originally started over 25 years ago by Mr. Fred, who wanted to create a place filled with joy, imagination, and community spirit. We were inspired to carry on that vision and bring the fun back to Kingwood, a place where families can make memories, kids can experience local traditions, and everyone can rediscover the magic of play.

Tell us a few things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?
We’re proud to be a place where families can slow down, play, and connect. On the Park is known for its nostalgic charm, friendly atmosphere, and thoughtful selection of toys and candies that spark joy for all ages. What sets us apart is our focus on creating experiences, from Mommy & Me Story Times and Lego play dates to our Birthday Bucket registry and community events, making every visit more than just shopping, but a little moment of magic.

What is your favorite part of running this business?
Our favorite part of running On the Park Toy & Candy Store is seeing the joy and excitement on kids’ faces when they walk through the doors.

Who is your ideal customer/client? Who do you serve best?
Our ideal customers are families with young children, but our candy section draws a big crowd, offering a wide selection of specialty candies that you won’t find at a typical grocery store, making On the Park a fun destination for all ages.

Can you tell us something about yourself as the business owner? What is your background?
We’re Eric and Candice Calderon, the husband-and-wife team behind On the Park Toy & Candy Store! Eric brings years of experience helping small businesses grow and thrive, and I (Candice) draw from my background as a nurse, where multitasking, organization, and a little extra TLC were part of everyday life. As parents of four, we know how special it is to find places that spark imagination and joy for the whole family. Our goal is to give On the Park a fresh burst of energy while honoring its 25-year legacy as a beloved Kingwood spot where families can laugh, play, and make sweet memories together.

Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you'd like to mention?
We’re always finding new ways to bring fun to our community! Coming up, we’ll have the local Nutcracker ballerinas on December 13th from 1–4 PM, pictures with Santa throughout December, letters to Santa, and much more. Keep an eye on our website for dates, times, and all the latest fun events!
 
Is there any other information you'd like your potential customers/clients to know about your business?
We’ll be starting birthday parties in 2026, offering a wide variety of themes, activities, and add-ons to make every celebration special. Visit our website for all the details!

How do you see your business growing and improving over the next couple of years?
Over the next few years, we plan to grow by expanding our events and experiences, including birthday parties with a variety of themes and activities, more community-focused events, and new ways to bring fun and magic to families. We’re committed to continuously improving our toy and candy selection to keep every visit exciting and memorable at On the Park Toy and Candy Store.

Fore more information about On the Park Toys & Candy, visit their website.