Trying to find the perfect toy? We've rounded up the best toy stores in Vancouver (along with a few honourable mentions a short drive from the city.)
Photo: Courtesy of Dilly Dally
If you’re looking for something a little different than what you'll find at the big box shops, Dilly Dally is the place. The store carries an impressive collection of educational and wooden toys; as well as, pretend play items like dress-up costumes and kitchens. Inspired by their son, the owners put in tons of research—so you don’t have to—to curate a selection of toys your kids will love. 1161 Commercial Drive, dillydallykids.ca
Photo: Courtesy of Camelot KidsEstablished in 1995, a visit to Camelot Kids on Granville Island shouldn't be missed. Toys cater to all ages, from infancy to the end of early childhood, with a focus on products from around the world that have won awards. The owners are big supporters of local "mompreneurs" like LouLou Lollipop, Mally Bibs, Annette's Keepsakes and Mitteez, and offer a number of products that are hand-crafted exclusively for the store. 1496 Cartwright Street, camelotkids.com
Photo: Courtesy of Toys"R"Us VancouverWhen it comes to toys, this store has it all. There’s a pretty good chance that most of the products on your kids’ wish list are on the shelves at your local Toys"R"Us. Make sure to check out their website for their special holiday promotions and a list of the most popular toys. 1154-1174 West Broadway, toysrus.ca
Photo: Courtesy of The Disney StoreWalking into The Disney Store will immediately bring a smile to your face, regardless of whether you’re young or old. From Frozen to The Avengers, stuffed animals to costumes, you can find exactly what you’re looking for—and then some. 701 W Georgia Street, shopdisney.com
Photo: Courtesy of Granville Island Toy CompanyWell-known across Vancouver, The Granville Island Toy Company is loved by locals and visitors alike. The Main Street store offers a wide selection of eco-friendly, educational toys, games and puzzles for kids of all ages, that are engaging and will provide a high level of play value. In 2010, the store became home to Vancouver’s only specialty Playmobil shop, carrying the entire Playmobil collection, including Granville Island Toy Company exclusives. 3298 Main Street, toycompany.com
Photo: Courtesy of Kaboodles Toy StoreEstablished in 1980, Kaboodles carries a collection of toys, games and puzzles that have all passed the Kaboodles “fun-quotient;” every toy on their shelves, has been subject to a Fun Test. You’ll also find big name brands, such as Lego, Playmobil and Brio. Various locations, kaboodlestoystore.com
Photo: Courtesy of Knotty ToysFor 30 years, Knotty Toys has been the spot to shop for all wooden toys. They offer puzzles, games, play furniture, dollhouses, building blocks, model kits, musical instruments, traditional rocking horses and wheeled toys. If you’re looking to gift something that has a classic feel, look no further than this shop. 1496 Cartwright Street, knottytoys.com
Photo: Play and Learn ToysWith the success of their North Vancouver location, Play and Learn opened its second store in the heart of Canada Place. They offer classic toys, board games, card games, wooden toys, stuffed animals and novelty items. You can also find well-known brands such as Melissa and Doug, Calico Critters and Lamaze. 1055 Canada Place, playlearntoys.com
Photo: Courtesy of LegoIf Lego is on your list, the iconic Lego Store at Oakridge Centre is the place to go. Here, you will find exclusive sets only available in Lego stores as well as a wide variety of sets for all ages. If you’ve got questions about a particular product, ask one of the super-friendly staff—they know everything about Lego! 650 W 41st Avenue, lego.com
Photo: Courtesy of IndigoIndigo isn’t just a book store, it’s home to one of the best toy stores in the city, Indigo Kids. Along with puzzles, games (and many of the most popular toys of the season), you’ll find an impressive collection of STEM products. What truly sets Indigo apart is their American Girl boutique, located at the Granville Indigo. This shop-in-shop has clothing, accessories, doll furniture and even a doll salon! 2505 Granville Street, indigo.ca
These toy stores are worth the trip outside of the city!
Photo: Courtesy of Toy JungleLocated in North Vancouver, the owners of Toy Jungle believe that every child has their own way of learning, so they select toys with kids’ personalities in mind. Focusing on quality, toys cater to all ages under the belief that having fun has no age limit! Did we mention the store is jungle-themed? Even if you don’t get everything on your list, the shopping experience will be a memorable one. 2022 Park Royal S, West Vancouver, toyjungle.ca
Photo: Courtesy of Mastermind ToysOffering more than 10,000 top-quality toys curated by the Mastermind team, this store is a safe, fun and inviting environment where kids and grown-ups can wander, poke and discover. They also offer complimentary gift wrapping—a plus for us busy parents! Stores are located in Coquitlam, Tsawwassen, Langley and Abbotsford. Various locations, mastermindtoys.com
Photo: Courtesy of Toy TradersA Langley favourite (and a frequent destination for many families coming from Vancouver), Toy Traders boasts impressive floor to ceiling displays stocked with thousands of new and vintage toys as well as a wide variety of collectables. Fun fact: just as the name suggests, Toy Traders lets you trade-in your gently used toys or collectibles for an in-store credit. 19880 Langley Bypass, toytraders.ca
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