You: We’ve been robbed! The family jewels are gone!

Officer: Actually, ma’am, we found them in the perp’s toy box.

You: My daughter’s the thief? Oh, no, where did I go wrong?

Officer: Don’t worry, ma’am. Just give Bead Bus Betty a call before the kid’s next birthday. She’ll straighten things out.

You: Who? What will she do?

Officer: Betty’s the little orange Chevy from Beading Dreams. She comes to your house, or wherever you throw the birthday bash, fully stocked with brightly colored beads and materials for partygoers to make their own jewelry.

Everyone leaves with at least one gem; additional pieces cost a few extra bucks. It keeps little hands busy and there’s no mess to clean up after.

You: No crime in that.

Bead Bus (214-366-1112 or beadingdreams.com).

SUPPORT
Art & Soul Anniversary & Benefit
What: The art consignment store celebrates its second year with a silent auction featuring paintings and sculptures by artists around town.
Why: Proceeds go to Kidd’s Kids, the local nonprofit that sends kids with special needs to Disney World.
When: Thurs., 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Art Is Art, 2811 N. Henderson Ave. (214-823-8222).

SHOP
Romper Runway
What: An upscale consignment sale with kids’ clothes, toys, and gear with special hours for DailyCandy Kids readers.
Why: Déjà new.
When: DailyCandy Kids exclusive, Thurs., 8-9 p.m. & Fri., 8-9 a.m.; regular hours, Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 118 Parkhouse St. Info at 214-215-0389.

EXPLORE
Tag Along with Tom
What: An imagination-filled tour of the farmstead (kids learn to milk a pretend cow) loosely based on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Why: Plenty of (organized) mischief for kids ages 3-6.
When: Fri., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano (972-881-0140). Registration required.