With the holiday season upon us, we are all on the hunt for creative and inspiring gifts for the kids (and kids at heart) on our gifting lists. While there are endless options for shopping experiences this time of year, some of the best finds can be found right in your small independent local toy stores.
Supporting local businesses is an important value for us at Twin Cities Mom Collective. We are lucky to have many amazing family-owned businesses right here in our community with incredible selections for children of all ages. Studies show that even moving 10% of your shopping to the local businesses can bring millions of dollars to your community. So add these stores to your shopping days this season to give back and find great gifts while you are doing that.
Air Traffic | Burnsville, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Roseville
A great family-owned business for all your outdoor games, like disc golf and kite flying.
Brickmania Toys | Minneapolis
A great location for the LEGO and other brick building enthusiasts, now moved out of their former Mall of America location and back into NE Minneapolis.
Games by James | Burnsville, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Roseville, Edina
Games by James specializes in games but also carries hobby items and some toys. If you are looking to add some fun to your family game night, this is the place for you!
Good Kids | White Bear Lake
GoodThings Kids offers “Play Experts” to help you find the perfect gift for any child.
Heroic Goods and Games | Minneapolis
A store that carries “goods of heroic proportions” you’ll find comic book, video game, board game, and puzzle inspired fun.
Hub Hobby Center | Richfield, Little Canada
Hub Hobby Center claims the title of the largest hobby shop in the midwest. They not only carry anything you could need in the traditional hobbies (model trains, radio control, model rockets, plastic models, etc.), but their merchandise now includes games, puzzles, toys, science projects, art and craft kits, and a whole host of other items too numerous to mention.
JM Cremps Adventure Store | Bloomington
Check out this toy store for fun family adventure when you’re visiting the Mall of America.
Kiddywampus | Hopkins, Chanhassen
Created by a lawyer and mother of three, Kiddywampus aims to provide a selection of the most unique toys, books, and accessories for creative, imaginative, and curious kids. They also offer weekly classes, summer camps, and year-round special events.
Kinoko Kids | Minneapolis
Kinoko focuses on classic, quality toys, books, art supplies, decor, gifts, and vintage finds for kids ages 0-10…and beyond.
Legacy Toys | Bloomington, Minnetonka, Edina
Legacy Toys strives to be an experiential toy shop. They encourage families to laugh, play, and grow together because they believe that making the world a better place for our kids is the best legacy they can have.
Mischief Toys | Saint Paul
Mischief Toys is a family owned store that grew with their family. Once Peapods, selling natural baby toys, now they gear their products towards bigger kids.
Owl and Octopus | Wayzata
Relatively new on the Toy Store scene, The Owl and The Octopus opened in November of 2018 in Wayzata. They combine small-town charm and a friendly, knowledgeable staff with an extensive modern inventory.
Pacifier | Minneapolis, St Paul, Edina, Wayzata
Pacifier carries a selection of merchandise for the “cool” parents who want snarky tshirts and other unique and fun gifts.
Pinwheels and Play Toys | Minneapolis
This place is packed full of fun in multiple rooms. Also just around the corner from the beloved children’s book store Wild Rumpus if you want to make it a multi-stop shopping trip.
Something Safari | Excelsior
Small but mighty toy store in downtown Excelsior.
