The best toy stores in Chicago

Go for: The curated collection and stellar book section. “We really try to pick exactly what we think our customers would enjoy,” says owner Ann Kienzle. “You don’t need 12 stacking toys. We picked the best two or three for you to choose from, to keep it manageable.”

Who’s it for? You don’t need a little one to frequent this precious Logan Square storefront. “We definitely have groups of twentysomethings coming in after brunch and spending a good hour looking around and touching everything and playing with stuff and remembering their childhood,” says Kienzle.

Look for: Fun gadgets and gizmos at the counter. “We just got this tiny piano that rolls into a little cube and plays like a regular piano,” says Kienzle.

Go for: A thoughtful mix of educational playthings and the essential toys of the moment.

Who’s it for? Shoppers who crave guidance (and extra effort) from a knowledgeable staff: “We really are so in the shoes of our customers [that we] can anticipate what they want and what they need before they even tell us,” says owner Katherine McHenry. “We take pride in jumping through all the hoops to make sure needs are met.”

Look for: The book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. “100 bedtime stories about 100 extraordinary women. My daughter’s favorite story in there is [about] Coy Mathis,” says McHenry.

Go for: Designer toys, pop-culture collectibles, and local and national art.

Who’s it for? Parents may enjoy this modern play mecca more than their kiddos—but rest assured, there’s something here for the youngsters too. Stocking vinyl figurines, blind boxes, Mermicorno backpacks and plush toys, Rotofugi has garnered attention for its expansive inventory.

Look for: Vinyl Artist Gacha. “They are small toys that are either in capsules or mystery boxes and they’re all based on bigger toys by well-known artists, usually from Japan,” says owner Kirby Kerr. “It’s a great little series and they’re really inexpensive at $7 to $8 apiece.”

Go for: Quality pieces for the younger set. “We really focus on ages 8 and under,” says shopkeeper Scott Friedland. “We’re known for having toys that you can’t find in your big-box stores, things that will last you a long time.”

Who’s it for? Parents and kiddos who love super personalized service: “Our staff knows all the kids that come in here by name—and most of the parents by name as well.”

Look for: Lux Blox. “You can click them together to make these sheets that flex and bend, or you can make solid structures as well. There are so many possibilities,” says Friedland.

Don’t go looking for any Barbie Dolls in this classic, European-inspired toy shop. Head to Geppetto’s for its collection of wooden toys from responsible manufacturers. The shop stocks puzzles, building toys, craft sets, books and more to please parents and kids of all ages.

With three Chicagoland locations and a robust e-commerce website, Toys Et Cetera puts more th an 10,000 toys at your fingertips. Shopping local has never been more convenient—we're talking complimentary gift wrapping, free shipping when you spend over $199 and pickup at any store location.