I'm not a parent (being my own only child, not withstanding), but I am an uncle. You know what the…read morebest family roll is? Being an uncle. All of the fun, very little of the responsibility. Want to make it really fun? Be an uncle who lives in far-off San Francisco. By this I mean, the time you actually get to spend together is very special, because it is a rare treat. I have two nieces, currently both a little younger than 4 and 2, respectively. I wanted to get them something special and San Francisco-related for my last visit. Here's the rub: I know very little about children. I'm not sure what age kids start doing things, but I do know that things change quick in terms of development. What to do? I recommend Fiddlesticks to the clueless uncles of the world. My primary feedback about this store is about its service. The gentleman who helped me on my two visits could not have been nicer or more helpful. He has a background in education, and walked me through how toys and games relate to development. Left to my own devices, I would have missed the mark on a few items - so the help was very valuable. Instead, he walked around giving me a bunch of good options. And, the girls loved their gifts. They have a great selection of toys and games, definitely for the younger crowd. I would think that 7 or 8 would be about the high end for age - I may be wrong about that. They also have a lot of cute and high-quality clothes and shoes. (Although I'm a rube, so if it's clothes, the girls are getting Vikings, Twins and, to the chagrin of their U of M parents, definitely some Wisconsin Badgers gear from Uncle Adam... I might sneak some Giants stuff in when the Twins are better, I don't want them to jump ship on their hometown team. Although I almost pulled the trigger on a stuffed Lou Seal)

This was my first time at Fiddlesticks and I was quite impressed! Great selection of children's…read moreclothing, toys, and other items (stickers, temporary tattoos, hair clips, and lots more!); friendly, helpful service; reasonable prices; and complimentary gift wrapping! I will be back.

Some cool, interesting stuff. Some, but not all, overpriced…read more They really need to train their Gen Y staff to answer the phone with more than a surprised-sounding "hello" leaving the caller wondering if they got a wrong number and having to ask whether they reached J4F.

Looking for something and somewhere just for fun in San Francisco ? Summer isn't the only time to…read morehave fun in the city. There is a place in Noe Valley in San Francisco which you can find fun things all four seasons and the place is called " Just for fun ". This is the place to pick up last minute gifts. This is a gift shop/ novelty store located on 24th street. There lots of interesting items from books to games inside. Step inside just for fun or just for the fun of it. Noe Valley has good food like Fiorella Noe for pizza with slices of prosciutto and go to Saru for Sushi and Mamahuhu for noodles Walk down 24th street between the carriages and poodles then head inside Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles

San Francisco is a city full of character. I noticed there are lots of characters are all around…read moreSan Francisco all four seasons. Then there are characters on social media without any character being performative in SF at the restaurants and public spaces. It's interesting to see so many characters all over the city especially in the Summer time . There is one place which has lots of stuffed characters ( not from eating food) at a mall in SF. It's at the Japan Center Mall in Japantown of San Francisco and it's called Amiko. On a Japantown stroll I landed at Japan Center Mall West and entered Amiko. Inside you will see some interesting stuffed characters and other items usually from the land of the rising sun. You will also find different characters to fill a public trinket box. Inside you will find shirts and bags. You will also find hats and bracelets. This place has blind boxes and a Kawaii vibe. Amiko has a lots of character. Japantown has lots of good places to go and lots of places to eat and "shop" like getting some sushi with Tonkatsu the Japanese fried "pork chop" and then go to Amiko and see a stuffed bunnies that don't "hop" and grabbing an ice dessert treat with a cherry on "top" Go on a stroll in Japantown also known as a "crawl "you see lots of characters in SF during all four seasons Winter, Spring , Summer and "Fall" you will also see lots of stuffed characters and it's not from eating its seeing a stuffed character "doll"and it all takes place at the "Japan Center Mall"

I've been looking for Smiski and didn't want to risk buying a fake online, so I checked out…read moreJapantown. A few shops were sold out, but I eventually found some at this store. All Smiski items come in blind boxes. I chose the "Let's Exercise" series and ended up getting the Balance one. I also picked up a strap blind box and got a secret, which was a nice surprise. Customer service was great, and the prices were decent. This was my first time buying Smiski, glad I was able to find them here. :)

Amazing store, the cashier which i believe is the owner was very nice to us and even let my son use…read morethe restroom which is accessible for toddlers when most stores now a days just say no. They have an amazing selection for almost all ages but specially for around 4-12. They have licensed merch but also a lot of Montessori type toys which is great. I just want to incentivize the community to keep this type of stores running when we live in such an amazon world its still great that we can experience this kind of stores where we have a great selection of toys and also very competitive prices nothing was overpriced which is amazing considering there competing against internet prices. Keep it going!

What a gem we have in Pacifica! Such a great selection for…read moreall ages and prices. I ran in on a Saturday morning and the place was hopping! I found several nice toys for a birthday party I was going to that afternoon, and was pleasantly surprised when the friendly cashier asked if Id like them gift wrapped! The recipient was very happy with their gifts and I so appreciated being able to go home and not have to worry about finding wrapping supplies! Highly recommend stopping in!

This is a great pumpkin patch! You don't get the farm experience, but it's all worth it to see the…read moreteens and adults who are working here have a great time. Not only are there various sizes pumpkins, but they usually have tasty home made cookies the teens and adults baked and some pretty darling crafts you can take home to get in the Halloween spirit! The best part is that all the money you spend here goes directly back to their programs which include recreational, vocational, and educational programs. You should definitely check this place out!

REVIEWER # 5 I am a…read moreHUGE fan of Pomeroy Pumpkin Patch! Matter of fact, I am a HUGE fan of Pomeroy and the work that they do in general! The Pumpkin patch is sponsored by the staff and clients that work at Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation center. If you are not aware, Pomeroy provides a different variety of programs for children, teens, youth as well as seniors which include: Therapeutic Swimming Pool., Gym, Computer lab, playground, theater with stage and the amazing community garden. In this amazing community garden is where the Pomeroy Pumpkin Patch takes place. From October 1st-October 31st from 10AM-5PM (Closed on Sunday) the pumpkin patch is open to the whole community. The staff and participants in the center work super hard in putting together this wonderful event. There are pumpkins, face painting, they sale food and drinks, and great games and rides for all ages. They also have a bounce house that is $3. FOOD & DRINKS: The pumpkin patch does sale special food and drinks. Please note that the booth is usually participants of the Pomeroy center and are learning while on the job. They serve: Chocolate chip/ White cholate macadamia cookies which are $2. Infused water is $2. Wreaths are $15. They also sale fruit, chips and fruit snacks as well for a decent price. PUMPKINS: Come and get yourself a pumpkin at a decent price. Small pumpkins are $2 and the large pumpkins are $10. POMEROY PUMPKIN PATCH EVENTS: There are 4 big events that happen at the patch within the month that is open: -October 1st from 11AM-4PM there is a Family Fun in Wild West San Francisco. Come out to experience all the games and activities for all ages. There are many different games such as: Coloring contest, western karaoke, line dancing and bull ride simulator. During that day there is also a 21+ evening event as well (Check it out; I hear it's really fun). -October 8th from 12PM-3PM there is a Haunted House Grand Opening. Don't miss your chance to see the special live monsters performance. The event is for elementary school and up and cost is $4. -October 22nd from 6PM-8PM there is a movie night. The event is FREE! So bring your friends and family! This year they showed Charlie Brown and had snacks, drinks and pumpkins available to purchase. -October 29th from 11AM-3PM it's the HALLOWEEN PARTY!! Bring all the children and come out to enjoy a wonderful time! Pomeroy has the haunted house, pumpkin carving contest and entertainment! Games are also available and they also sale food, drinks and pumpkins. OVERALL RATING: 5 stars!!! How could I give this place any less?? What truly melts my heart is that the young adults gain vocational experience at the pumpkin patch by working at the patch! I think that is totally amazing and all the money that is saved from the pumpkin patch is used to continue the vocational programs that happen at the center. Come check this place out and experience all the wonderful events and excitement! I love coming here and seeing everyone has a great time! Truly something to look forward to every year. REVIEW 168/196

Kids love it. So many animals pets to interact with. Every…read moreother Saturday is free for public.

We have frequented the Mission Science Workshop over the years and this is the new expansion in the…read moreExcelsior. It's open every third Saturday from 10am to 3pm during the school year. This new location has a lot of great new tools and supplies for arts & crafts projects. It's an informal drop-in location that allows kids to discover, explore, and be hands-on with science experiments, small animals, or crafts/woodworking. The knowledgeable staff usually provides a couple of self starter, pre-configured fun projects at every session. Some past project examples have included sewing projects, building 9-volt battery based electrical circuits with switches, motors, & lights, dissecting a pig's heart, woodworking projects, and making mosaic designs with glass & mirrors. This is where I take my kid to make a safe, fun, and educational mess!

I brought two kids in and it was a very nice experience--I got work done at the tall adult tables…read morein the back and they had fun. It was a calm, clean environment and a great sensory activity.

My boys had an amazing time making slime yesterday! 10 steps to make it and the staff was so sweet…read moreand engaging.

Beautiful and cute selection of gifts, stationary and cards, home items and more! Very clean and…read morewell organized store Loved the card selection and picked up a unique birthday card. I liked seeing the pins and hair clips too Owner at the register was so friendly and welcoming

This souvenir shop is always my go to for gifts and somehow saves me every single time. Last minute…read moreor not it is the first place I think of. I have found baby shower gifts birthday gifts white elephant gifts ornaments and honestly something for every occasion you can imagine. The selection is always creative and feels thoughtful not generic. I especially love the Sunset District merch because it is always a crowd favorite and feels personal without trying too hard. The stationery is also dangerously cute and the wrapping paper and gift bags are truly top tier which honestly makes the gift feel even better. If you are looking for a gift whether you are panicking or just browsing this place is a must stop. And as if it needed another reason to love it one time a bunch of hummingbirds flew into the store and were just flying around. I do not know about you but I fully believe hummingbirds are a good omen so at this point the good vibes are confirmed