The best local toy stores in the Bay Area to shop for one-of-a-kind toys, books, decor, clothing, and more
Who doesn’t love to shop local, especially during the holidays? What sets these small local businesses apart from big box chains is that everything that goes into the shop is thoughtfully selected, and more times than not, includes hard-to-find or toys and gifts you may have never seen before. This holiday season, check out some of the best toy stores in San Francisco and give a gift that is not only more meaningful, but also helps support your local community in the process. And in the spirit of supporting local businesses, don’t forget to shop at our favorite local Christmas tree farms, these 29 women-owned businesses in San Francisco we love to support, our favorite Black-owned businesses across the Bay Area and of course, our favorite AAPI owned businesses nearby.
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The Best San Francisco Toy Stores
1. Mapamundi Kids
Mapamundi Kids is a boutique bursting with coolness and creativity. The colorful, light-filled shop is stocked with books, toys, clothes and accessories from around the world for lucky kids and their design-minded parents. And as the owners state on their website, "We are designers, makers, shopkeepers, neighbors, citizens of the world and most importantly parents." And in true SF fashion, the toys are organic, sustainable, and fair-trade when they can be.Â
1306 Castro St.
San Francisco
Online: mapamundikids.com
2. Tantrum
Tantrum offers a unique carnival-themed shopping experience from books and clothes to toys with a vintage slant. You'll spend hours browsing their brilliantly-curated selection of local artists as well as hard-to-find European brands. You might find yourself walking out with a little something for yourself and your little one.Â
248 Clement St.
San Francisco
Online: shoptantrum.com
3. Jeffrey's Toys
What began as a Five & Dime store in 1938, has blossomed into the oldest toy store in San Francisco. Jeffrey’s Toys has been a family-run business for over 60 years. Conveniently located off of Maiden Lane pop in here to find that that LEGO set you’ve been looking for all over town. Pro Tip: For any Stan Lee fans out there, bring your comic-book obsessed child to relish the "comic corner."
45 Kearny St.
San Francisco
Online: jeffreys.toys
The Best Toy Stores in the East Bay
4. Mr. Mopps
Opened in 1962, this longtime institution is known and beloved all over the Bay Area. The owners boast that they are a unique toy store that does not carry TV or movie licensed products, but instead try to remain more old school. Mr. Mopps is a truly magical place—filled to the brim with toys, stickers, books, every stuffed animal of the under the sun and even party supplies. Pro Tip: Voracious readers can pick up more books just four doors down at Mr. Mopps' annex bookstore.
1405 Martin Luther King Dr.
Berkeley
Online: mrmopps.net
5. Montclair Toyhouse
Nestled in the cute little neighborhood of Montclair is the oldest family-owned toy store in the East Bay. Since 1969, they’ve been showcasing their exotic plush toys plus free gift wrapping to win over the young and younger at heart patrons. MonclairToyhouse prides itself on its extensive selection of classic and current toys, and the staff is always warm and welcoming. Bonus: they offer free gift wrapping and free assembly.
6115 La Salle Ave.
Oakland
Online: montclairtoyhouse.com
6. Toy Safari
Located in Alameda, Toy Safari is a paradise for the whole family. Besides offering the very latest and greatest, Toy Safari also buys and sells toys and collectibles. The back of the store is a stroll down memory lane with displays of Transformers, LEGO bricks, and other 90s favorites. You might be tempted to finally complete your collection of action figures. Family-run for over 25 years, this is a must-shop kind of place.Â
Good to Know: They also buy and trade new, used, and vintage toys—a great way to recycle toys in great shape.
1410 Park St.
Alameda
Online: toysafaritoys.com
The Best Toy Stores in the Peninsula & South Bay
7. Cheeky Monkeys
This toy store has been bringing joy to the little ones, winning awards and supporting the community of Menlo Park since 1999. From bath toys to school supplies, travel toys, collectibles and little critters, there isn’t much more a kiddo could wish for here. If Menlo Park feels too far, check out their website, which also has an impressive selection.
Good to Know: Family-favorite Adventure Toys is now a part of the Cheeky Monkeys family. Same location as before at 173 Main St. in Los Altos.
640 Santa Cruz Ave.
Menlo Park
Online:Â cheekymonkeytoys.com
8. Wooden Horse
When owner Sloan was a little kid, she used to run through the aisles of the original Wooden Horse in Old Town Los Gatos, wishing she could buy the whole store. Her wish came true when she and her husband decided to do just that and now they run their shop with love and care for every kid that crosses their threshold. They even host free workshops for parents, teachers, and students to learn about the value of play. Check out their extensive collection online for the holiday season.
796 Blossom Hill Rd.
Los Gatos
Online: woodenhorsetoys.com
The Best Toy Stores in Marin & North Bay
9. Five Little Monkeys
Bring all of your monkeys to this sweet little toy store in the Corte Madera outdoor shopping mall. They have everything from LEGOs to Bruder to Fat Brain to the ever-popular Melissa and Doug. Pro tip: Still need to let the wiggles out? There is a play area in the shopping courtyard.
Good to Know: There are now eight locations of this store, so if the North Bay is inconvenient for you, there's definitely one nearby.Â
131 Corte Madera Town Center
Corte Madera
Online: 5littlemonkeys.com
10. A Child's Delight
Since 1994, this toy store has been bringing smiles to children’s faces with their wonderful collection of toys, games, books, puzzles, or anything else their hearts’ desire. Known for their personable customer service and for having lots of toys out for the kiddies to try before you buy, if you run out of time, or your kids lose interest too soon, fret not, they have an extensive website to shop from. Free gift wrapping is available on all orders.Â
105 Corte Madera Town Center
Corte Madera
Online: achildsdelight.com
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