Though it’s easier than ever to point and click your way through a holiday shopping list, it hardly matches the adventure of wandering through a toy store. “It’s really fun to just explore a space and find something unique that people on your list would love,” says Matt Berical of Fatherly.com, a digital media brand for dads. Although big chain retailers such as Toys R Us have closed, independent shops still offer a sense of discovery. Berical shares some favorites.
Archie McPhee, Seattle
Wacky doesn’t even begin to describe this Seattle institution, which is the proud home to a rubber chicken museum and sells everything from fake cat vomit to librarian action figures. “This is the classic oddball, zany toy store,” Berical says. “It has a bunch of things you won’t find anywhere else, a lot of gifts that seem to have been transported from cereal boxes from the 1950s.” archiemcpheeseattle.com
Dinosaur Farm, South Pasadena, California
Forget extinction. Dinos still rule the roost at this temple to T. rexes and their lizard-brain buddies. Shoppers will find clothes, books, games, inflatables, backpacks and more. “It’s heaven for dinosaur-obsessed kids. There is always a healthy crop of new dinosaur toys,” Berical says. dinosaurfarm.com
Charles Ro Supply, Malden, Massachusetts
Even in an era of video gaming and electronic toys, model trains have a devoted following. For these engineer wannabes, this Boston-area shop is a must-see. Not only has the store long been the nation’s top Lionel Trains dealer, its showroom features a 32-foot by 16-foot operating layout with six trains running every Saturday. “It’s model train heaven,” Berical says. charlesro.com
Gods & Monsters, Orlando, Florida
Think of this shop as a comic book theme park with plenty of reading material, along with T-shirts, figurines and giant displays. The store has an adults-only bar open Wednesday through Sunday. “It caters to all ages, a fun place to walk around and discover,” Berical says. godmonsters.com
Mary Arnold Toys, New York City
This Upper East Side retailer claimed the title as the country’s oldest continually running toy store. It opened in 1931 and offers a personal shopping service, both in-person or on the phone. Staffers are quick to offer gift-giving advice to befuddled customers. “It’s a personal favorite, a really fun place to stop by and fall in love with the variety,” Berical says. maryarnoldtoys.com
Kappa Toys, Las Vegas
Despite its reputation, Sin City knows how to look after children. This two-location shop offers nostalgic favorites and contemporary playthings. It opened in 2014 in a shopping center made from modified shipping containers and expanded to the city’s glitzy Fashion Show Mall. Berical says it offers travelers a welcome break from slot machines and showgirls. “It’s nice to have a family-friendly store to step into and know your kids will find something to entertain themselves,” he says. kappatoys.com
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, Washington
It’s easy to get lost in the world of fantasy and role-playing at this store. Not only does it stock an ample inventory of games and supplies, but the shop also hosts events and workshops. Visitors might wander in to a Magic: The Gathering tournament, a Dungeons & Dragons get-together or even a club devoted to the Rubik’s Cube and other twisty puzzles. “They have a staff that can walk you through different tactics and games,” Berical says. labyrinthgameshop.com
Toy Safari, Alameda, California
Before a toy makes it to the shelves of this Bay Area store, it must pass a three-question test: Will a child relate to it? Will the toy inspire play and discovery? Does the style of play evolve as the child grows? Shoppers find everything from construction toys, such as building and craft sets, to collectibles such as vintage Star Wars and Disney figures. toysafaritoys.com
Rotofugi, Chicago
Toys show their arty side at this Lincoln Park shop specializing in stylish playthings and pop culture collectibles. “You’ll find a lot of original and special-edition toys created by independent designers and toymakers,” Berical says. Highlights include plush and vinyl figures and creations from Eastern and Western designers. Rotofugi often hosts pop-up stores and displays art exhibits in an adjoining gallery. rotofugi.com
Smart Toys and Books, Knoxville, Tennessee
Playtime is a serious business at this shop, which categorizes toys by the skills they promote, such as cooperative play, language and visual skills. “They focus on toys that stimulate learning and development,” Berical says. There’s still room for fun in a sprawling 2,000-square-foot indoor playground, complete with pirate ship and sand tables. smarttoysandbooks.com
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