Children and toy collectors regularly find amazing toy stores in California. From classic emporiums that stock your favorite LEGO sets and stuffed animals to Japanese specialty shops that offer hard-to-find models and anime figures, California is truly the place to go when looking for one-of-a-kind items. To make the search easier for you, we’ve put together a list of just some of the best toy stores in California, along with descriptions of what you’ll find there..
Do you love perusing special stores that other people aren’t familiar with? Then spend some time browsing through GiftYa’s list of shops, restaurants, and attractions to discover where you’ll want to spend your next GiftYa electronic e-gift card. These convenient electronic cards download directly into your debit card, providing you with a secure and easy way to make your next special purchase. Stock up on your favorite gift cards today!
Kip’s Toyland
Classic children’s toys for every generation at Kip’s Toyland
6333 W. 3rd St. Ste 720 | Fairfax/ kipstoyland.com
Looking for a vintage toy to please your child or a classic board game to share with the family? Kip’s Toyland has the special gifts you’re looking for. Introduce young children to the joys of a Slinky, Etch-a-Sketch, or View-Master. Or, if newer toys are your thing, Kip’s offers toy smartphones and stuffed animals of all your favorite cartoon characters.
Customers also appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always on hand to offer suggestions and gift wrap your toys for you. Located in the Farmers Market, this is the perfect store to drop into with your family to experience the nostalgia and fun of toys.
“This is BY FAR the best toy store I’ve ever been to.” — Yelp Review
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Tom’s Model
Discover a Toy Mecca at Tom’s Model
501 E. 4th St. | Little Tokyo, Downtown/ tomsmodel.com
Does your child love collecting FUNKO Pop! Toys? For that matter, do you love decorating your desk with these cute figurines of pop culture figures? Then make sure to come to Tom’s Model where you’ll find wall-to-wall displays of FUNKO Pop! Collectible figurines. From Power Rangers to Disney characters to superheroes and science fiction icons, if FUNKO Pop! created it, there’s a good chance Tom’s Model has it in stock.
Beyond collectible figurines, Tom’s Model also specializes in remote control toys, model vehicles, board games, and more. Having pleased customers since 1980, this specialty model shop knows what toys people like. Come in today and find that one-of-a-kind figurine you’ve been seeking for the last few years.
“The staff is very warm and welcoming and the entire showroom is just beautifully stocked with all kinds of toys and Funko Pops. Aisle after aisle, floor to ceiling. They have all kinds of pops — Disney, Marvel, DC, Anime, Cartoons, TV shows, latest movies, and music!” — Yelp Review
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Neo Happyland Co.
Model enthusiasts will be in paradise at Neo Happyland Co.
988 N. Hill St. Ste 108 | Chinatown
One great thing about shopping in Los Angeles — the Asian toy shops are stocked with all your favorite Japanese anime models. This is particularly true at Neo Happyland Co. where you’ll find multiple display cases containing models of Japan’s Mobile Suit Gundam Wing robots, Lupin the Third, and Haruka Amami from Bandai Namico Entertainment’s The IDOLM@STER franchise.
Located in Chinatown, Neo Happyland Co. specializes in Gunpla model kits that depict the vehicles and characters of Bandai’s Gundam multiverse. Model enthusiasts will be happy to know that this store also supplies the paints and tools necessary to assemble your models. You can find models from many other popular franchises, including Sailor Moon, Transformers, Dragon Ball, Evangelion — and of course a nice selection of Funko POP! models. Fanboys and fangirls will easily find their perfect model and accessories here.
“This place is your one stop shop for mainly gunplay and plamo. They also have some LEGO-like sets which are so cool!” — Yelp Review
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San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe
Fun and educational books and toys at San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe
2476 Huntington Dr. | San Marino/ sanmarinotoys.com
Delighting the local San Marino community since 1975, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe specializes in providing toys and books for younger children. You’ll find many high-quality picture books, stuffed animals, and finger puppets here that will entertain kids.
Other popular items include toy musical instruments, bath toys, train sets, and puzzles. Teachers can also find some popular preschool toys, including toy cash registers, flower beds, and kitchen equipment (including a sushi selection!). No matter what your child’s interest, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe likely has something to please them. Bonus: complimentary gift wrapping is offered on all purchases!
“This store is filled with beautiful books, stuffed animals, and unique toy options (saw some eco-friendly toys!) You can definitely find gifts here for newborns, toddlers, and kids. The store employees are so very friendly and provide excellent customer service!” — Yelp Review
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Puzzle Zoo
Puzzles, video games, toys, and more
2910 Main St. | Santa Monica/ puzzlezoo.com
Started with a single shop on the Santa Monica Promenade, Puzzle Zoo now has 7 stores in both California and Texas. You’ll find video games, anime toys, dolls, superhero action figures, and movie paraphernalia here as well as — of course — puzzles. Got kids who are big fans of Star Wars, LEGOs, Angry Birds, or Hello Kitty? Puzzle Zoo has what you’re looking for. There’s even a selection of McFarlane Toys for older toy collectors.
Whether you’re looking for some hard-to-find toys or just seeking a fun place to spend some time on the Santa Monica Promenade, Puzzle Zoo will add something special to your day. Find some great gifts and accessories for your kids everyday here.
“What an amazing store, a Santa Monica Landmark! Great selection. Highly recommended to all, especially tourists looking for hard to find toys.” — Yelp Review
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Wonder Emporium
Relive the joys of childhood at the Wonder Emporium
816 E. Whittier Blvd. | La Habra/ wonderemporiumtoys.com
Looking for a shop that brings back the wonder and joy of classic turn-of-the-century toy stores? Wonder Emporium provides an amazing selection of classic and specialty items, all displayed in wonderful window displays that bring back the memories of childhood.
You’ll find beautiful stuffed animals here, along with children’s books, educational toys, models, art supplies and more. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to offer suggestions and you can receive complimentary gift wrapping on your purchases. Be sure to drop in during the holidays — the window displays are amazing!
“Wonderful quaint store with unique toys and hard to find specialty items for kids.” — Yelp Review
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Pixie Toys
Beautiful and unique toys and books for children at Pixie Toys
3932 Atlantic Ave. | Long Beach
Specializing in toys and gifts for younger children, Pixie Toys is the perfect store for parents and teachers to find the books, science projects, and age-appropriate educational toys for a child’s healthy development. You’ll find plenty of fun puzzles, puppets, games, and costumes here to share with your kids. There’s even a baby section in the back for very young children and the staff is always available to help you find and select the best gift for your child.
If you want to shop at a local community store with friendly service and an amazing selection of unique toys, be sure to come in to Pixie Toys. Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower, birthday party, or just for fun, you’ll be amazed by what you find here.
“The owner always seems to have her finger on the pulse of the market and has the most creative and unique toys out there.” — Yelp Review
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The Wishing Well
Toys, candy, and other treats at The Wishing Well
6723 Greenleaf Ave. | Whittier/ thewishingwellshop.com
Part retro toy store, part candy shop, The Wishing Well has everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and gift giving needs. Find classic wooden and tin toys for your children. The baby section contains clothes, pacifiers, and teethers for your infants and newborns. Got older kids? Introduce them to classic board games, science kits, books, and dolls. There’s also a great selection of more recent popular toys like fidget spinners, anime accessories, and Funko POP! figurines.
Of course, it’s not only toys that attract kids to this shop but the treats. The Wishing Well offers a great selection of vintage sodas like Dad’s Root Beer and retro candies like bubble gum cigarettes and Japan’s Popin’ Cookin’ Donuts. Take a journey back to yesterday and experience what it was like to have all your kids’ needs met in one place!
“I came here looking for birthday presents for my daughter on a budget. I was able to get so many cute, unique toys and treats for her at a unique price.” — Yelp Review
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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