The best toy stores in Chicago

With locations in Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville and the West Loop, Play offers a curated collection of toys, mostly from small companies, along with books, board games and puzzles. You’ll find everything from rattles and plush toys for infants to educational crafting kits. They offer free gift wrapping year-round and will assemble complex toys for you.

The knowledgeable staff at Building Blocks has been providing recommendations for shoppers for 26 years. With locations in Lakeview, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, the business celebrates the importance of play at all ages, selling craft kits, costumes, board games and books. The stores also help local schools and nonprofits with toy drives and “play it forward” days where they donate a portion of sales.

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, including designer toys, pop-culture collectibles, and local and national art.

A haven for kids and families since 1993, the Lincoln Square shop emphasizes the importance of play in a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. Their selection ranges from teethers for infants to toy cars for toddlers, dollhouses for preschoolers and Lego sets for older kids. Teens and adults, on the other hand, can pick up a complex board game or puzzle.

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 a Hyde Park store and a robust e-commerce website, Toys Et Cetera puts more than 10,000 toys from around the world at your fingertips ranging from puzzles to art supplies. Shopping locally has never been more convenient—we're talking complimentary gift wrapping and orders that can be placed online and picked up in person.