This is a 5 star , high quality toy store. Very nice wood toys, trains sets, Barbie, so much more. Many items, Micro Scooters. So much more! Very clean inside the store. If you want quality toys, this is the place. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Lakeview, Chicago. Excellent option for bday parties. Gifts for Welcome Presents. Located on the West side of Lincoln Avenue. Where Marshfield Meets Lincoln Ave. CTa options, pay to park options also. The price is comparable to the quality product offered. They had some very nice small toy options for kids as well. Very polite people. Starbucks is down the block. New LA Fitness across and Target as well. read more

See all

Come here and buy your gifts instead of going to Amazon, I'm so glad I did! The workers were knowledgeable and kind. They helped me pick out the perfect gift. The also wrapped my gift for me! There are also events that I can wait to check out! I am definitely coming back! They prices were comparable to Amazon or Target BUT you helped a small business instead of contributing to corporate businesses. read more

Building Blocks Toy Store - Schedule of events at the store - Toy Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I love this children's toy store as can count on the people who work there for advise to make sure I am leaving with a great gift . They have a good selection of toys and craft projects. I love the free gift wrapping with purchase. Prices are fair and frankly even if I end up spending a little more than if I'd purchased on Amazon, it feels good to support a small business. read more

What an amazing and FUN store. Highly recommend. They have a wonderful inventory. You will not be disappointed.

I don't know how I've never noticed this shop nestled between businesses along Lincoln Ave in Lakeview, but I recently did one late night and stopped in today to check out their toy selection. I walked in, and was warmly greeted by the team. I noticed - immediately - that I would need a good amount of time in this store bc of the vast selection of items. I was immediately impressed by the selection of toys, books, and stuffed animals. They not only have cute and fun toys for kids, but they had MANY unique items that I had yet to come across in the countless other toy stores I've recently frequented. I spent 45 minutes in the store just browsing the baby section. I found fantastic toys and games, train sets, bath toys, plush stuffed animals, and books! This is my favorite toy store in the greater Chicagoland area, by far! I cannot wait to return for more items soon, with my boy. Luckily, there's a Lincoln Park location, as well! Excellent in customer service, quality of items, and variety of toys! read more

See all

Drive by this place on my way to and from work. The Squishmallows in the window (along with other toys) always looks so cute, so I've always wanted to stop in. Today, my 10-year-old son and I finally did. We went in to look for gifts for my son's classmate, who is in the hospital. We wanted to get her somethings to help pass the time. So many things to choose from, and for all ages! We settled on a couple of things, and of course my son wanted something too. I started talking to the employees, asked them a couple of questions, and mentioned what we were shopping for. They affirmed us in our selection, but then went above and beyond! They asked if I could sew. I said yes, but skeptically, not knowing where this was going (were they going to try to get me into some crafts that I don't have time for?? ) She grabbed a medium-sized Squishmallow, flipped it over and showed me where part of the seam had come undone. It was ours if I didn't mind sewing it! Done! We got rung up, and was handed the bag. My son reached in to get his single item out and said, "What's all this other stuff?" They threw in a couple of mini Squishmallows, some Pop-it's, and a couple of other things for our friend's "Get-Well" care package! So so so so sweet! Thank you, ladies! I realize I didn't get their names, but I knew I had to write a review to rave about their kindness! My heart is so full! Thank you!!! read more

This place is awesome!! Lots of toys to choose from and locally owned. Great experience and money well spent

If I could give this place 1000 stars I would. Noon Christmas Eve walk in by toys for everyone and they wrap them there and I was out the door in I swear 12 minutes. The younger gentleman that was there was so knowledgeable about everything that they had and the gal behind the corner was the fastest rapper I've ever seen. #Respect read more

Super cute local toy store with friendly staff. Stopped in on a whim while we were walking and ended up buying several toys for our niece. They have the big brand names (Lego, Brio, etc.), as well as tons of other stuff at all price ranges. The staff was great and helped us to find a few things in the theme we wanted, and they wrap the gifts for you in any type of paper you want (birthday, Christmas, Hanukah, etc). read more

A tiny toy store packed to the rafters with playthings. On a mission to find toys for my three nephews (6 mo., 2 & 4 years old) for Christmas , I struck out all over the city. A friend suggested Timeless Toys, so I packed up and made my way here. On the plus side, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I described what kinds of toys my nephews liked, and they showed me several options. There's also a wide selection. Mostly interactive and throwback toys. If you're looking for something wooden, it's here. Old Fisher-Price record player(!) - check. Playmobil sets - check. Toddler trampoline - check. Puzzles - check. On the down side, many of the items don't have price stickers. And the place is so crammed, it can be really overwhelming and hard to find what you're looking for. You may even have to move several boxes to find the things you're seeking. But the salespeople can jump in to make that process easier. Also, free gift-wrapping is an amazing plus. I'll be back every Christmas until my nephews become dour teenage punks who only want to stare at their phones. read more

The BEST toy store in Chicago! Awesome toy selections! My nephew and niece enjoyed the store! Had TONS of fun! Always have the latest and greatest toys!! Totally recommend this place!! read more

See all

Have been a customer here for years. Went in and can't say I want to return. Felt I was unnecessarily watched and no one offered to help. When I asked a couple of questions I got a next to nothing response. read more

This store has amazing toys, and I go here frequently. The staff is friendly to customers, and the Lakeview store's employee Greg is always very helpful and has a great attitude. He has a lot of knowledge about different toys and always knows just where to find what I am looking for! I believe he is a great representation of the fun and friendly atmosphere Building Blocks offers! Kudos to having great staff AND great products! read more

Great unique toys. I just picked up the cutest little face masks for some friends' kiddos!

Shopping for a two year-old. No, I don't have a two year-old. Rather, I "adopted" one for Christmas. Bereft of my own tots, I don't particularly know what one would like (or, more importantly, what would kill one - swallow-able small parts? Lead paint? That bad chemical-leaking plastic? Oh my.) The salespeople at Building Blocks were quite helpful. I ended up with a small toy xylophone (noisy!), shape-stackers (educational!), and a multi-color stuffed monkey (aww!). I kind of want to keep the monkey for myself, but that's not very Spirit-of-Christmas, is it? Alas. Two year-old toys collected, I wandered through the store. Building Blocks is full to the brim of all kinds of toys from classic wood to electronic; plush animals to puzzles. I may have to come back for these wee jumpy bugs that my cats would love/destroy. I ended up picking up several more small items for other people on my list (I'm such a giver). Tots or not, I love Building Blocks. read more

I love this toy store! I always find little dodads for myself or as gifts. Such a wide age range, so there are things for everyone in the family. I love that when you shop here, you are supporting an independent business person who is a community member and gives back. She does great sales events and if you check the facebook fan page you will find give a ways and other deals. Liberal return policy, so no problem exchanging something and they gift wrap for free! Great customer service. If your looking for something, they will make an effort to find it for you an order it. read more

Amazing store with so much packed in to small space. The people who work here are amazing. They wrap for free and are great at helping find the perfect gift. If you call and tell them what you want, they can wrap it and you can pick it up as you drive by on your way to the party. read more

I like board games, ok? And the dude who works at this place REALLY likes board games. His enthusiasm for Anti-Monopoly, in particular, convinced me to purchase the game. The game is basically Monopoly, but with players alternately playing as regulated competitors and free market capitalists. There are different rules depending on your role, but the game is mathematically weighted so your chances of winning are even. NERDY. But Awesome. Thanks Building Blocks Dude! I've also picked up a decent Backgammon set at this store, and a Hello Kitty change purse for my friend. There was a sale on Hello Kitty merchandise, ok? The kind woman behind the register offered to gift wrap it, but no need. I've got no problem walking out of a toy store with a pink Hello Kitty change purse. read more

With the days inching closer and closer to the big day, tons of tasks remain. One of the more fun tasks includes getting gifts for my two year old nephews. I stumbled upon Building Blocks a couple of weeks ago while exploring Lincoln Avenue near Paulina before my knitting class. Building Blocks is a happy discovery as toy stores can be hard to come by outside of the chain stores. Yesterday, I decided to stop in and search for gifts for those two cute, adorable ringbearers of mine. Yeah, I'm an Aunt, can't you tell! The employee kindly greeted me and asked if I needed any help. I told him who I was shopping for. He's extremely enthuasistic and recommended the coolest toys a two year old could ever want: a rubber remote control car. The employee demonstrated how the product worked and even demonstrated other toys. You could tell that this guy loves children's toys and knew his clientele well!! I searched around the small store filled with wonderful toy goodness. They had everything from beautiful, wooden toys to finger paints to costumes. Building Blocks is a great independent toy store. Just another wonderful little gem on Lincoln in North Center! read more

Fantastic neighborhood mom owned toy store. Ok, the prices aren't as great as Amazon or Target or Toys R Us, but you get the satisfaction of helping out a small business, really great service from people who care about toys, free gift wrapping, a generous return policy, and occasional super sales along with support for your local schools or charities. The stores hold a surprising amount of inventory - its stacked to the ceiling and if you are looking for something specific, just ask or you might waste" a lot of time looking for the item. I'm a fan! read more

This store never disappoints! Any toy I am looking for can always be found here. The employees are always willing to help me find something if I can't find it on the shelves myself and, if I need guidance, they use their expertise to help me pick out the perfect toy. The store is packed to the brim with toys so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming when I first walk in, but that's why the awesome staff is so vital! My son is almost 2 years of age and loves to run around and play with all the toys. Many other stores in the area frown upon such actions and don't want him to cause a ruckus. It's always nice to be in a store that encourages play! But, above all that, if I had to say what really makes this store stand out, it's the way it gives back. Any parenting event I go to has a donation from Building Blocks there as part of a giveaway or raffle. The owner is extremely grateful for all the community has done for her and it shows in the ways she gives back. I can't say enough good things about Building Blocks! read more

Building Blocks Toy Store is one of the best local toy stores in the country. Not only do they stock an amazing selection of toys, but they also have some of the most knowledgeable and friendly staff I've ever come across. I usually go in there with a list of birthday presents and presents for my kids to buy. I simply tell the salesperson the age, gender and price range, and then let them show me the best toys available that fit my needs. I always get something great that is also in my budget. Plus, they gift wrap for FREE! I recently went there to buy some toys appropriate for airplanes and restaurants. We took our 3 and 4 year old girls on an 8 hour plane ride earlier this month. Their staff picked out a great array of small toys that were perfect for planes and restaurants. Hours of entertainment were had. My husband and I (as well as the other passengers on the plane) thank you for your great suggestions! read more

Lots of toys to pick from. The worker that helped me pick a birthday toy was very knowledgeable and made shopping simple. Will come back again. read more

Love this place - there is no way you will walk out of this store without a gift for that birthday boy or girl, the selection is so large. Let them know what you are looking for and they will give you lots of suggestions. Free gift wrap too - love that since you can go on your way to the party. And no hassles when it comes to returning a gift, they make the exchange process so easy, it makes you want to shop there more :) read more

I love Building Blocks Toy Store. I purchased a huge majority of my Christmas presents here online, specified how I wanted them to be wrapped (complimentary, of course), and picked them up the next day. It's like pressing the EASY button! I bought all but one gift for my children here, and I am certain I could have had it ordered through Building Blocks had I allowed more time. They have an excellent selection of the best toys on the market, and I always have a pleasant exchange with the people who work here each time I visit. I used to live in Lincoln Park, which made visiting Building Blocks a cinch, but have recently moved to the suburbs. Despite this, my loyalty to this shop is unwavering! I will continue to make the effort to come here because everything about it is so worth it. I love that this independent business is so awesome! I can't help but love supporting it. For the record, I love both locations equally! read more

This part of Lakeview is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Within a five minute walk are my gym, train station, dry cleaner, grocery store, bakery, coffee shop, church, dentist, liquor store, and numerous restaurants and bars. There are also two other Brown Line stations and four CTA bus lines within a stone's throw, so you can go anywhere in the city, but everything you need is already here. Building Blocks gets in on the action as the friendly neighborhood toy store. Bourbon-scented uncles like me don't need to trek to Target or some godforsaken suburban mall for Christmas and birthday gifts; everything a kid wants can probably be found in this well-organized little store. I stopped in on a Saturday morning about two weeks before Christmas, and naturally it was jammed. Still, I was able to get in and out in about fifteen minutes. A very friendly staff member noticed my hung over state of confusion and quickly suggested a number of toys appropriate to my nephew's age and interests. A few minutes later I was in line and almost ready to go back to bed. Did I want a complimentary gift wrap? Hells yes. Complimentary gift wrapping was created for folks like me, those who somehow have to use an entire roll of paper to wrap a CD. Friendly and helpful staff, excellent selection, and none of the price gouging that you might expect given their excellent location. I'll be hung over and shopping here again on a December Saturday soon enough. read more

Best toy store in the city. So many unique things to choose from that you aren't going to find at Target or Toys R Us and lots of common, big box toys as well! The staff is wonderful and I can't imagine them working anywhere besides a toy store :) Thanks for always having something for my kiddo and all the other kiddos we get to spoil! read more

Great source for quality educational toys. While I found that they have toys for all ages, they certainly have a specialty with preschoolers. I found that they carry a lot of wood toys. For those in the know, they carry a lot of Melissa&Doug stuff, which I happen to love. The majority of the items in this store will have years of mileage before breaking, fading or becoming irrelevant -- and any parent knows how rare this is with toys today. The guy working there was enthusiastic and really seemed to know his stuff. He knew the store well and generally seemed to enjoy working there on a Saturday afternoon. My only complaint is the dust. I didn't mind the clutter because it gave way to a wide selection. However, it all needs a good daily dusting. read more

This is a really great independent toy shop. They have SO much merchandise, in some places it is almost a little too packed in. I was immediately greeted at the door by an employee who was very friendly and helpful and knew more about toys than any other full grown man I've met. It is definitely pricey, but the toys are high quality, so it is worth the occasional visit. Also, as a teacher-in-training I was impressed by the amount of educational toys that they had. read more

Shopping at the Building Blocks Toy Store locations in Lakeview and Wicker Park is such a positive experience that I go out of my way to patronize them. They have knowledgeable employees and an excellent selection of toys. I especially appreciate that I can call ahead to set aside a gift and it will be wrapped and waiting for me when I stop by. The prices generally comparable to other independent toy stores, if not better. read more

What great customer service. I'm in town entertaining my sisters family with a 5 year old. This was the closest toy store I could find. What a gem. They have EVERYTHING!!! So helpful in helping me decide what to get for a 5 year old boy. If you're looking for a gift. This is your place to go. read more

Aside from being the best toy store in Chicago :), the owner and team at BBTS truly care about the customer experience. Excellent selection of unique toys, great locations, and fantastic, super helpful (and not pushy/overbearing) customer service. I've even heard from many other customers the team there will shop, wrap, and provide curbside pickup - awesome, especially for those times when you've got 1-3 or more kids napping in car seats on the way to a party and every minute of sleep counts :). So thankful to have this excellent business in our neighborhood. They're opening a new location soon too! Very exciting. Thanks BBTS for being a vital part of the Chicago small business community! You rock. read more

Building Blocks has great, quality educational and not-so-educational toys. They made Christmas shopping for my 2 nephews and 3 nieces a breeze! They carry quality brands you can't find at your local toysrus, plus it's always a bonus to shop at local stores rather than national chains. They're a little more expensive than those chains, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality and selection. read more

I had an emergency need for toys (due to the rapidly approaching third birthday of a young boy I know). I knew roughly what I wanted, but on-line orders wouldn't arrive in time for the birthday. Luckily I came across Building Blocks Toy Store. I was able to order on-line and picked up the four items the next afternoon. Wonderful service, excellent communication. Reasonable prices and wonderful quality, including toys made of recycled plastic. Best of all was the selection: everything I was looking for!! I will be back!! read more

like a trip down memory lane... although pricey, it's nice to find classic non-video gamey toys that are also sturdy enough to pass down. i go to building blocks for all my "melissa and doug" needs for my niece and other kids in my life. even though i know exactly what i'm looking for (so i had thought), i always get caught checking out all the fun stuff and the staff always tempts me with great new "must haves" :) free gift wrap too! read more

Super cool Mom And Pop toy store! Its a bummer that there are not more personalized toy stores like this... Ran into this place while on an extended delay for a flight with my 2 year old , they left us with some extra free gifts while blowing some time in there choice toys ... thx read more

This toy store has the best toy selection in the city. The store is filled with toys for age zero to the young-at-heart. Best of all, their sales associates are very knowledgable. I have visited their store at both locations (Lakeview and Wicker Park) to purchase presents for kids of all ages. I am rather clueless about what kids like these days. But they will always give me very good recommendations base on my price range. read more

I love both locations! They have unique books and toys you will not find at your average chain store. They are friendly and helpful as well. They have choosen some of my sons favorite toys out for me. Things I would have never thought he would like. I like to go there for gifts. They will wrap them for you!! yeah! My dentist is right down the street, so we always pop in after or before an appointment. read more

Non existent customer service. I went here to buy a gift for my one year old nephew's birthday. I had no idea what to purchase and was looking for some guidance. I walked into the store and I was the only person in there. There were two salespeople up front that didn't even acknowledge my existence. It's a small store; they knew I was there. I wandered the store aimlessly for ten minutes. Nobody asked if I needed any help. I even let out some exaggerated heavy breaths to give the sales people a clue that I needed assistance. The one salesperson continued to eat her Jimmy Johns sandwich while the other continued to complain about something. Take your business to a place that cares about potential customers. read more

I can honestly say I love this business. The selection and staff are great and always know the perfect gift. The selection of frozen merchandise is also amazing. Recently, I needed to restock the children's selection and asked them to help and have loved the choices they made! I find the store is addictive for both me and children!We are so incredibly luck to have shops like building blocks in our neighborhood. read more