Need a little help with your holiday shopping for kids? These local toy stores in Seattle are here to help
The holidays are right around the corner, and for many parents that means finding gifts for your kids. That’s no easy feat when there are so many amazing gifts for kids to choose from out there. That’s where our favorite Seattle toy stores come in. Not only do they have the toys your kids want, they’re staffed by folks who are in the know so you don’t have to be. If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, try one of these shops that offer all kinds of interesting and unusual toys, games, books, and more that you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Snapdoodle Toys & Games
The original Snapdoodle Toys & Games opened in Kenmore back in 2008. Now this local toy shop that could has six different locations across the Seattle metropolitan area. Kids love visiting because of the play tables and trial games, and parents love the expert suggestions they get from staff when they need to find the perfect gift. For quick ideas you don't even have to head to the store to find, check out Snap Picks, curated gifts sorted by age. You'll find everything you need, from babies thorough big kids, including books, at this local favorite.
Good to Know: The Seattle location also has a kid's salon for the next time you need a haircut.
Locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kenmore, Redmond & Totem Lake
Online: snapdoodletoys.com
Related: 7 Great Seattle Bookstores for Pint-Sized Bookworms
2. Magic Mouse Toys
You'll find this whimsical shop in the heart of Pioneer Square. It's filled from floor to ceiling with so many colorful options, even parents will feel like a kid in a...well...toy store when they walk through the doors. You're bound to find that just-right gift for whoever is on your list with two floors of educational toys, games, puzzles, and dolls to choose from. And while they definitely carry your favorite toy brands, expect a few you haven't heard of yet. The store takes pride in the humorous, witty toys and books they carry that adults may appreciate more than their kids do. Once you've shopped 'til you've dropped, head outside to climb and jump around the Occidental Square playground.
603 1st Ave.
Seattle
Online: magicmousetoys.com
3. Clover Toys
Self-described as "Seattle’s Most Charming Toy Store," this Ballard shop is a favorite of little and big kids alike. Creaky wood floors and big front windows surround a slew of giftable toys, games, and costumes. Clover also boasts a bunch of pint-sized instruments and a large selection of natural items, including colorful stacking shapes from Wooden Wagon. Filled from floor to ceiling with unique products, and lots of local brands too, it's a great place to shop for kids no matter what the ocassion
Insider Tip: Want to make your shopping a bit easier? Order online and pick up in store when you've got time.
Good to Know: Clover Toys will be moving from their current location into the Ballard Blocks Building sometime in late November or early December of this year. But have no fear, both stores will be open as they make the transition so you can always find what you need.
5333 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle
Online: clovertoys.com
4. Red Wagon Toys
This adorable little toy shop in Madison Park opened its doors back in 2009 and has been charming shoppers ever since. For parents its location is ideal. Because not only will you find the cutest toys around, including great brands you love, but the shop is close to play date favorites like Madison Park playground and the nearby beach on the shores of Lake Washington. Throw in a trip for ice cream at the Scoop Du Jour or a cookie from Madison Park Bakery and you've pretty much got a perfect shopping excursion planned.
4218B E. Madison St.
Seattle
Online: redwagonmadisonpark.com
5. Curious Kidstuff
One of two local toy stores under the Calico Toy Shoppe brand, Curious Kidstuff has been a favorite with West Seattle families since it opened. Once you walk through the doors you'll realize why kids are always begging to visit again and again. Many toys are out to "test" and there's something new and exciting lurking around every corner. All toys, books, music, art supplies, and other fun stuff are non-violent and geared towards infants through tweens. You’ll find "green” toys as well as some toys that are still made out of wood and still just as much fun as you remember.
Insider Tip: Curious Kidstuff has great art classes for kids too. Sign up soon!
Good to Know: The other shop is on Bainbridge Island and it's just as cute. Be sure to stop in the next time you visit Winslow.
4740 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle
Online: curiouskidstuff.com
Related: 3 Ways to Spend the Day (& Stay) on Bainbridge Island
6. Blue Highway Games
If it’s a game, Blue Highway has it. Located on Queen Anne, this shop carries all kinds of games that are appropriate for families and kids. From thought-provoking strategy games to the silly, and from classics like Boggle and Bananagrams to new ones like A Fistful of Penguins and Click Clack Lumberjack, you’ll find them here. Psst...you'll also find lots of vintage and card games, too.
Good to Know: We love the kid and family game events held at the store. In addition to the Family Game Day (second Sunday of each month), kids will love the Preschool Game Hour held monthly that includes a story.
2203 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: bluehighwaygames.com
7. BobaKhan Toys & Collectibles
Pronounced “Bo-ba-kaan,” this Everett store is named after Boba Fett from Star Wars and the evil Khan from Star Trek. While most kids won’t truly understand why they love this store so much, bigger kids (and parents) definitely will. Expect to find a selection of new toys, action figures, and pop culture icons in addition to vintage antique toys. So, while some may come in looking for toys to play with, others will be looking for obscure characters to collect. Psst...don’t be surprised if your kids end up dragging you out of the store to go home.
500 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Ste. A 1
Everett, WA
Online: bobakhan.com
8. Lakeshore
Popular in different parts of the country, the only Lakeshore store available in Washington state is located in Bellevue. Since 1954, Lakeshore’s goal has been the same: providing innovative education products "that spark young imaginations, instill a sense of wonder and foster a lifelong love of learning.” Their toys and games are designed for children as young as infants all the way up to 6th grade.
3924 Factoria Square Mall S.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: lakeshorelearning.com
9. Archie McPhee
While you can shop Archie McPhee online, why would you want to? You’ll want to see the odd and strange finds up close and in person. Where else are you going to find the Nancy Pearl Librarian Action Figure, a Punching Nun puppet or The Crazy Cat Lady Game? Since 1983, Archie McPhee has proudly sold some of the weirdest stuff out there, and while younger kids may not "get it” you can be assured that your older kids will.
1300 N. 45th St.
Seattle
Online: archiemcpheeseattle.com
10. Math 'n' Stuff
Who would have thought a store dedicated to inspiring kids to love math would become a staple toy store for north end families? Whether you're looking for a LEGO set or an educational game or puzzle, this is your spot to find it. It's the place to go for brain teasers, building toys, and other fun items that make you go "hmmm..." The fact that it's just up the street from the Maple Leaf playground? Well, that's just a bonus.
8926 Roosevelt Way
Seattle
Online: mathnificent.com
