Updated for 2024
When you’re looking for a gift for the kids in your life, and you want to experience the fun of seeing the toys in person instead of online, you’ll want to visit one of these terrific independent toy stores in Los Angeles. Because everyone has fun when they shop in a toy store!
Whether it’s the holiday shopping season or the next round of birthdays in your kids’ class, shopping at a local store is a great idea. You’re more likely to find a unique gift, and you won’t have to worry about shipping delays. Most of these stores will even gift wrap at no extra charge — just be sure to ask first.
Related: Holiday Gift Guide for LA Moms and Dads
Best Local Toy Stores for the Best Gifts
While we believe that online shopping has its benefits, we do like to support local small businesses, whether you go on Small Business Saturday or any other day. And there is just something so delightful about seeing the toys and games right there! We dare you not to smile!
The other wonderful thing about shopping at a toy shop here in SoCal is that the people who work there are experts. They’ll be able to answer questions about how the toys work, how difficult the games are, and what the popular options are for kids of all ages. That kind of personal attention is something you’ll never be able to get online.
Try one of these local, independent toy stores in Los Angeles for all the kids in your life who need a gift for Hanukkah, Christmas, their Birthday, or any other reason. Enjoy shopping!
Toy Stores in Los Angeles and SoCal
HUZZAH! Toys
2122 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
HUZZAH! Toys describes itself as having “neat toys for kids newborn to 90.” You’ll find a large selection of items including books, puzzles, and eclectic items you may not find anywhere else. Customers speak very highly of the friendly service there. They also offer free gift wrapping.
As You Wish Toys and Books
16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436
As You Wish Toys and Books is quite popular with families in the Valley because they offer a wide variety of toys for children of all ages. You’ll find toys, games, costumes, dolls, instruments, and much more.
Kip’s Toyland
Inside the Original Farmer’s Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Ste. 720, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Kip’s Toyland is a special store for many reasons. It is family-owned and operated, and has been since 1945, making it the oldest toy store in Los Angeles. The store was founded by Irvin “Kip” Kipper after World War II.
After seeing the atrocities of war, Mr. Kipper knew he wanted to bring some joy to people’s lives. You’ll find classic, retro toys here as well as new selections. However, you won’t find anything that plugs in.
Miracle Mile Toys and Gifts
452 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Miracle Mile Toys and Gifts has a loyal following among neighborhood families as well as those who travel to this special shop looking for just the right toy. They offer “a selection of classic toys and unique board games, card games, gifts, stuffed animals, books, and unique novelty items…”
This store does not have “boy” and “girl” aisles which are commonly found in larger toy stores. They also host birthday parties and special events.
Related: Birthday Party Guide
Puzzle Zoo
2910 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Located on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this terrific toy store has been around since 1993, finding super cool toys for SoCal kids to enjoy — no matter what their age!
Shop Merci Milo
6017 Echo St., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Shop Merci Milo is a family-owned business that was founded in 2015. This unique shop showcases “handmade unique toys and accessories for children from local artisans, traditional toy makers, creative mamas, and global brands.” You’ll find books, wooden toys, dolls, cars, and much more.
The Acorn Store
1220 5th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Acorn Store is where you can find “natural toys and treasures.” This specialty store carries toys for early childhood years. You’ll find books, wooden figures, dolls, dress-up clothes, and arts and crafts supplies. You’ll find wooden toys here, but nothing requiring batteries.
The Game Chest
Multiple locations including:
Del Amo Mall, 21540 Hawthorne Blvd. #537, Torrance, CA 90503
517 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
400 S. Baldwin Ave., Ste. K7, Arcadia, CA 91007
These stores are filled to the brim with toys and games, and we dare you to run out of cool things to play with! They offer tabletop gameplay to demo new games, and for rent so groups can play in a safe space as well. With four locations you’ll be able to visit from most of SoCal.
Tom’s Toys
Multiple locations including:
2281 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
437 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tom’s Toys strives to be the neighborhood toy store we used to visit as kids. They’ve been in business for over 50 years and have three locations (San Luis Obispo, Beverly Hills, and Montrose).
All locations are open seven days a week. They offer toys and games for all ages and are always happy to provide free gift wrapping.
Toy Crazy
Two locations:
Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Ste. 46, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Malibu Country Mart, 23410 Civic Center Way d1, Malibu, CA 90265
“Toy Crazy’s focus and goal is expanding your child’s imagination through games, puzzles, creative play, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities and more.” You’ll find games you remember from your own childhood as well as great new discoveries.
Tom’s Model
501 E. 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Originally, Tom’s Model sold toys to retailers across the northern U.S. However, after Tom Yip’s son, Tommy, took the reins of the company, they now sell to retailers as well as to the average hobbyist or consumer.
Yolk
Two locations:
3910 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029
3191 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039
You can find toys at Yolk that can’t be found in other toy stores. In addition, they have toys for all ages — from babies to older kids. And if you’re trying to watch your budget, they have toys and gifts that are under $20.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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