When we’re searching to get the best gift for our child, local toy stores come to the rescue. We love how these small businesses offer a great environment for kids with train tables, book nooks and more to make them feel welcomed. Here are our recommended independent toy stores to shop all year round in Chicagoland.
Updated Nov. 28, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Best Toy Stores in Chicago
Building Blocks Toy Store
With two Chicago locations, Building Blocks Toy Store is a neighborhood staple, offering a great selection of well-curated toys and books. Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Call the store, tell them the price range and who you are shopping for and they’ll pick the perfect gift, wrapped and ready for you to pick up.
Cat & Mouse Toy Store
Address: 1112 W Armitage Ave., Chicago
Cat & Mouse is known for its puzzles, strategy games and one-of-a-kind toys that you won’t find at big-box stores. The store is friendly, warm and well-stocked. Parents like that there are no screens, and families who love games can get expert advice.
Kido Chicago
- Address: 1137 S. Delano Court, Chicago
In addition to offering some trendy clothes for your stylish littles, this Black-owned business offers an array of toys and curated collection books that teach little ones about diversity and race.
*play
- Address: 3109 W. Logan Boulevard, Chicago; 2462 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; 5311 N. Clark St., Chicago; 1112 W. Madison St., Chicago
With four Chicago locations, *play is the place to go for educational and imaginative toys. But rather than carrying various versions of the same toy, they carefully curate the top toys in each category.
Quake Collectibles
Address: 4628 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago
This old-fashioned toy store is full of action figures, Hot Wheels, dolls, comics and other fun things that will bring back memories. Kids love the messy shelves full of options, and parents love going back to their favorite childhood things.
The Red Balloon Co.
Address: 1940 W Roscoe St., Chicago
This Roscoe Village store is half children’s boutique and half toy store. It has cute gifts, dolls, crafts, books and accessories. It’s great for people who want to buy something cute, fun and ready to give as a gift.
Timeless Toys
- Address: 4749 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
This cozy, yet well-stocked Lincoln Square toy shop lives up to its name. The store has an old-time feel, packed to the brim with retro wooden toys, creative playthings, puppets, games, books and more.
North suburbs
Children’s Gift Shop
- Address: 310 N Happ Road #128, Northfield
Children’s Gift Shop stocks well-designed, safe gifts from trusted sources. Find games, classic and on-trend toys, puzzles and more for everyone from infants to teens.
Learning Express Toys
- Address: 315 S Rand Road, Lake Zurich
The north suburban location of this popular retail chain carries games, plushies, crafting and science kits and more with an emphasis on educational, creative play.
The Wild Child
With two locations along the North Shore, the goal of The Wild Child is to get kids unplugged and engaged in pretend play and interactive activities. The store features a unique selection of books, toys, dolls, clothes, stuffed animals, jewelry, artwork, crafts and science projects.
South suburbs
Learning Express Toys
- Address: 18 Countryside Plaza, Countryside
The south suburban location of this popular retail chain carries games, plushies, crafting and science kits and more with an emphasis on educational, creative play.
West suburbs
Anderson’s Toyshop
- Address: 111 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville
With over 30 years of toy buying experience, Anderson’s is one of the best resources around for hot trends and classic favorites. When you step inside Anderson’s you will find a wide assortment of specialty brands, not often stocked in larger stores.
Geppetto’s Toy Box
- Address: 730 Lake Street, Oak Park
Geppetto’s is a European-inspired toy shop filled with back-to-basics toys made from wood and natural fibers. These are toys that feel good, look good, and can withstand years of play and exploration.
Learning Express Toys
- Address: 19 S Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills; 1420 Commons Dr., Geneva and Baker Hill Shopping Center, 900 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn
Visit one of the three west suburban locations of this popular retail chain. Learning Express Toys carries games, plushies, crafting and science kits and more with an emphasis on educational, creative play.
MOORE Toys & Gadgets
- Address: 107 E. Front St., Wheaton
This charming store in historic downtown Wheaton has a wonderful selection of high-quality, unique gadgets, toys, games and puzzles that are fun and educational for the whole family.
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