My grandchildren, like most children whose age is a single digit, think that every store should sell toys and that more is better. They have a point. Grocery stores stock toys at kids' eye level. Target has several aisles stocked with toys that have their own television shows. Best Buy displays toys next to the checkout line. Gepetto's in Carlsbad is a small store stocked with top-quality toys, and in my experience staffed with people who are always eager to help and often able to help. The place is insane during the week before Christmas, but the staff somehow copes. I try not to go there at Christmastime. Shopping with a child for toys in a store whose inventory is not advertised on television is much simpler and more satisfying than taking the same kid to Target. Trust me, I've done both. Since in general the toys at Gepetto's are unknown to the child, there is far less of the "gimme gimme" that happens at Target. And whether a toy is still interesting and unbroken the next day is unrelated to its advertising. A 5-year-old in my family was astonished that there were no Minecraft toys at Gepetto's, and asked if we could go to the nearby bookstore because it would for sure have Minecraft toys. I find Gepetto's selection of child-compatible art supplies to be superior to what's in stores like Michael's, but they cost more. I don't mind. read more

I am a great fan of Gepetto's. It is not a toy store but it is a magical world of creativity. It is my first time here at the Gepetto's Forum. There are ample parking spots in the Forum. The shop is spacious and well organized. They have a lot of great merchandise to explore. For example; puzzles, board games, Legos, gel pens and other stationary items. In addition to an amazing collection of toys,stuffed animals, dolls, arts and crafts. The staff were very nice. The service was efficient. It is just an awesome place to shop at or buy some gifts. read more

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The two closer tonight were amazing! They had so many gifts to wrap and helping everyone in the store. Thank you girls for keeping the store clean, safe and working harder than Santa's elf! This was our first time and we came from Arizona read more

Geppetto's always has a great selection for various ages. The staff is always so kind. Love supporting a local, family business instead of the big box corps. read more

Great selection of special toys! Love that we get to shop in person and they offer gift wrapping!

Manager (I think her name is Kim) at Carlsbad location has seriously put me off from shopping at this store ever again. I wanted to buy something for one of my kids as a Christmas present, who was with me at the time. My husband is deployed, daycares are closed, and Christmas is around the corner. Back to the incident...I placed the item on the counter(to the side so he wouldn't see) and gave he my card. Tried to distract him. While distracting him, I found another toy he really liked. I did the same thing by placing it onto the counter without him noticing. I go to sign the credit card receipts and saw a sign, "spend $40 and get XTY puzzle toy for free". I said was almost at that almost so I told her that I would get something else to hit the amount and get the free puzzle. She said that I couldn't because it was rang up in separate purchases. I told her I could just return it and buy everything back at once to hit the $40. Her: "your kids are too young for that toy anyway" Me: "I have an older one at home who would really love it!" Her: "well you have to get something else Bc you aren't at $40." I look around for 20 more mins for another item and can't find anything so instead decide to buy a gift card to make up for the amount and get the free toy. I stand in line again with my two tantruming kids and she tells me that they don't have anymore. It's like she did everything in her power to try to prevent me from getting the free gift with purchase and I have no idea why. They have cute things, and I will look in the store but only to get gift ideas to buy cheaper on Amazon or at other big box stores. I actually scanned it and bought the items online at target for about 30% cheaper. ‍ No one that treats me like a second class citizen (because I want to take advantage of their offer) will ever get a penny of my money. read more

Lovely toy store with so many games, crafts, legos, and imaginative play toys for all ages. While on vacation in Carlsbad my family visited this store and my kids ages 5, 9, 13 and 15 all found items they loved there. The staff there was very friendly and helpful. Definitely with a visit! read more

Bottom Line: A boutique toy store with unique and fun toys. Gepetto's is a great boutique toy store located in The Forum shopping center in Carlsbad. When you want a special toy that isn't a run of the mill item that you would get at Target or Toys 'R Us this is the place to come. Many of the toys sold here foster creativity and learning. Also, the staff is helpful at suggesting gender and age appropriate toys. Some of my favorite toys I've purchased from this store over the years are sensible Wow! Trucks and artsy sticker mosaics. read more

Need a puzzle for a gift. Found lots of options. Staff is friendly. Store is nice, clean, and organized.

I am so sorry - but I do believe some people do take advantage of these wonderful and unique toy stores. I first used Geppetto's when my son was 1 yr old, for their books and educational toys, and that was 40 years ago. Now I am using them for my grandson. He loves all the toys I have purchased there. And I am sure that I will be going there until he outgrows their toys and books, which won't be for many years. Thank you for creating such wonderful stores. Sometimes I need to use the online service to get something that the store doesn't have in, at the moment. read more

Liberal bias and pushing it on kids. They select their toys carefully and are offering Biden and Harris dolls but refused to check availability of a Trump doll. When my wife asked about this she was treated very rudely. We've purchased many items over the years at Geppetto's - never again! read more

It's a nice little toy store. More expensive than Target or Walmart but also more exclusive stock. I was pleased with my first visit until I went to check out. I took my purchases to the register and paid. When I received my change back ($2.33) the cashier only handed me 33 cents. When I told her she didn't give me my $2 she was adamant that she did. I wasn't going to argue over $2 so I hope that $2 was worth losing a customer and this unsatisfactory review. read more

What do I know since I don't have children but for what it's worth, I love this store. I find myself coming here when I'm in need of finding birthday gifts for the nieces, nephews or for our friends children. They carry a variety of toys here for newborns to toddlers and the staff is always helpful whenever we have questions with their product or need recommendations with what is popular with the kids these days. I also appreciate that they have a large selection of educational toys which I'm more drawn to instead. They even gift wrap which comes in handy and they're really quick for those in a hurry. I'd recommend Geppetto's over Toys R' Us any day. read more

This is an uncles/godfathers dream store since they have stuff for the little brats in my life that I'm suppose to spoil and buy toys that I never had when I was a kid. You want a Wii!? PS3?! Dream on buddy! I played with spiders, worms and a tin can when I was your age. You're digging into my flat screen TV fund. I'm buying you something that's suppose to be edumacational. Tell the staff what age the brat you're shopping for is and they'll point you to the proper section. Pick out an item and they even wrap it for you for free! Fooking awesome! Great store for picking up gifts for birthdays, christenings, bar mitzvahs, circumcisions, bachelor/ette parties, etcetera, etc. Did I mention they gift wrap for free?! read more

They have a little bit of everything here. Nostalgic board games, hula hoops, jumbo jenga, fidget spinners, YES, FIDGET SPINNERS IN STOCK! LOL., legos, little instruments, baby dolls, Pokémon, capes, dress up clothes, arts and craft supplies, just too many to list. Which is a good thing! Fun store to go in whether you are a child or adult. A little something for everyone. The two girls that were working there when we went in were very helpful and patient with my kiddos. Kids had a fun time and so did we. Win win! You should check it out! read more

The Geppetto from the German Fairy Tale may have been a depraved pervert, but the good people who work here are clearly wholesome and to be trusted around boys, both human and wooden ones. While in this store, I heard two employees assist customers. These people are truly passionate about toys, knowledgeable, and can relate to how children play, and what kids like. It was cool to hear them talk about the products. This palce has some good quality toys too. Lots of hand-made wooden toys, and stuffed animals and puppets. They also carry the popular Star Wars Legos and board games that kids love. They also have a nice book selection. They even had one called Yoga for Kids, which I thought was cool. The toys are pretty expensive though. The games and computerized bugs are much cheaper at Target. read more

I love this store. Every time I shop here the manager Kim and her employees are very helpful and kind. They always offer age appropriate suggestions for gifts. It is wonderful to support a smaller business and shop in person. I also appreciate that they have followed the masking rules. Thank you for caring for others' health and well-being. read more

What a great selection of awesome, unique toys and gifts. Lots to choose from...dolls, trucks, games, crafts, stuffed animals & books - something for every kid! read more

Wow -- bought an item, returned it day later, and was accused of it being "USED" (it wasn't)! Then, refused to return funds on a gift card because I had a receipt. What? I'm giving a gift here, so wouldn't I want to give a gift card? To be used at their store? That the staff were rude -- Melissa and Laurie -- only made it more bizarre. Brian, you're pushing us out the door to Amazon. read more

Went in with my five nieces and nephews to purchase toys for each of them. They had all picked out toys which we planned on purchasing and the old lady with glasses came out and said they needed masks. I had told her that 2 of them were exempt due to medical issues and the other ones were under the age requirement. She proceeded to ignore me and hand them masks anyway. This made me LIVID. I kept my cool because my nephews were there. HOWEVER, if I said no, DO NOT IGNORE ME and hand them a mask anyway. Then she kept following them around telling them to pull their masks up and was being so crazy when their giant masks would slip off their tiny faces. I would have rather been asked to leave. She got up in their faces when she is supposed to be six feet apart and she touched both sides of the masks that she gave them. DO NOT EVER IGNORE A GUARDIAN and hand anything to a minor after I clearly said no. We left and took them to target instead which was double the price but worth every penny. I refuse to spend a dime there. read more

I love this store so much they always have something cool or interesting to buy whether it's for your own child or for an awesome present. The people are always really nice, plus they will wrap your gifts for you! The girl that helped me today was super cool and patient, helped me to find a gift and wrapped it quickly as I was in a rush. It was very much appreciated! read more

I go here after eating at Casa de Bandini. Every visit I find myself meeting another parent who has great kids. Their kids get along great with my kids. We have some good conversations. The kids run around and have a great time playing with toys. My kids never want to leave but we eventually have to. I'll usually pick up something educational and fun. My kids and I can't wait to come back next time. This isn't a Toys r Us. This is a small, intimate shop. The employees are very friendly. All around, a great experience every time. read more

We are regulars and like this store. Although the prices are a little higher, we find the quality of the toys, AND the good customer service from the staff to be well worth it. However today, on Sunday, March 1, at 1:30 pm, the attitude of the female staff member was absolutely repulsive. She was rude, and confrontational, to us, as well as other customers (practically got into an argument with a parent who accidentally dropped a toy). The other employee did his best to be polite and courteous, but this woman ruined the whole gepetto experience for us. Hopefully management reads this and makes appropriate changes so that next time we can have our regular, pleasant experience. Updated: went back and much better experience. read more

I have found Gepetto's to be a delightful little toy store with a unique selection of toys and friendly, helpful staff. My kids love going here and the quality of the toys, which seem to have been carefully selected, make it a great place to shop for last minute birthday presents despite its smaller size. The store has a great, whimsical atmosphere and I highly recommend it. It strikes me as someone's labor of love, and I am a fan of patronizing smaller, non-chain (which I believe it to be) stores. read more

My experience wasn't great! I showed up to see if it truly had unique toys.... Since I'd been browsing everywhere for Xmas shopping I feel I'm somewhat aware of what's out there for kids and prices. They have nothing special. Other stores offer the same stuff. However, You could go to target or Walmart and you'd save at least 25/30% for the same toy. MY INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES: There was NONE! I was interested in viewing two items. There was about 3/4 people working they looked busy wrapping n such, so I decided to keep browsing until I viewed everything in store (as its small in there) Unfortunately everytime they just walked passed me saying nothing! two employees walked by so fast I didn't have time to say " can you please bring down these two items " (they have tall shelves) anyways they'd walk right past me and walk up to other people in the store and asked them if they needed help after 2/3 times of this I felt invisible and slightly offended. Maybe because I was the only non white person ( its where my mind went) so I left. Employee at Target down the street offered to help as soon as I arrived in the toy section. TIP: Parking is a challenge/ tight spot parking. Maybe bring the smaller car read more

Our entire family loves this store - its as much as an amusement park as a toy store. No, no rides, but lots of sample toys out to play with, and as long as your kids are fairly well behaved they dont mind you coming in just to play. The employees know the inventory well and are great with suggestions. They gift wrap for free and even have a rewards program. Stop here for gifts and toys, for people big and small. read more

I went to buy fidget spinners for my boys easter baskets and the associate set the basket out in front of her on the employees counter by the cash register. I asked to see one and she let me hold one. I thought they were ridiculously expensive for what they were- 24.99! But my teen boys wanted some and so I decided I would buy two for their easter baskets. I asked to see the basket so I could pick my colors and she wouldn't let me. She said she couldn't put the basket in front of me. She moved them around inside the basket and asked if I could see them that way? She said people had been stealing them. She said their policy was not to put them up on the counter. I was the only person in the store. I'm a 40-something mom of 4, I was so insulted. I said- you think I'm going to steal these right now? She said it's just our policy. That is so insulting! Use your brain! Don't have a blanket policy that doesn't allow employees to use their brains and make judgement calls. I told her I will buy them somewhere else and I left. So insulting to call me a thief. I found a 2-pack on amazon for 21.99 with 500+ 4.8 star reviews. I was also going to buy a stuffed bunny for my daughter and some other easter basket fillers, but they lost my sale and drove me to online stores. read more

Carlsbad store unwilling to mail gift cards for Xmas. What a shame. They lost money to a big chain because they were unwilling to put an envelope in the mail. From the other reviews, it looks like this store has problems with customer service and an inability to be flexible enough to create a positive customer experience. read more

I buy most of my kids' gifts here and most of their friends' gifts too. The selection is great and the staff is friendly and knowledgable. Several years ago, when I needed toys for my autistic son's classroom, they donated tons of fabulous toys. That is one reason why I keep giving them business over Target or Toys R Us. My kids also just love going into the store. read more

Love this store! It is a little crowded but that is only because they hav so many great toys. Give this place a try.

This Geppettos is awesome! There kind employees are very helpful, they even ask if you're looking for something in particular!

Need a birthday present for a three-year-old boy that is under $25? Don't think that hard and just ask the people at Geppetto's. They know their toys. No hesitation, no doubts. They know their inventory like the back of their hands. They can even gift wrap the present for you as well. The prices are retail (full price) and only go one sale a few times a year - usually 50% off. I have seen on occasion specials on certain brands or lables. I love the fact that kids can try out the toys without getting scolded by the sales associates. They like the fact that kids can hang out and play while the parents shop. It's a win-win game. I never see a bored kid or a bored parent for that matter in this store. Highly recommend. read more

The store is clean and has friendly service. I will advise all that if your package is open they don't do returns. I bought a toy that said 3 years and up fir my 5 year old and he could not push in the plastic to make the ball pop out. When I told this to the lady I was returning it to she said "we don't normally return open packages just because your son can't push in the plastic Dino to make the ball pop out. " I pointed out he age on the package and told her my sons age to help her understand. She ultimately returned it. It will most likely keep me from buying here in the future. read more

This place is usually great. Friendly staff, good selection of toys. Got here at 9am this morning, when they supposedly open... It's now 9:15 and the doors are still locked. Not very professional to open late when there are at least 5 groups of people with small children waiting for the doors to open. I drove here from San Marcos, 20 min away, which makes it even more frustrating... read more

VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS STORE AND ITS EMPLOYEES. I needed many of a particular item for birthday party gifts and they refused to bring them in for me. Stating that their Customers deserved to be able to buy them. Excuse me, am I not a customer? I'm so confused and bewildered as to their treatment of me, a very willing to pay customer. Won't go back or support their snobby way of doing business. read more

Great toy store they even wrap your gifts Do many great toys to choose from to . The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and very helpful thank you for making it easy read more

Great San Diego county chain of toy stores. Great mix of products for all ages / boys & girls. Nice to see a local chain still around in the days of Toys R Us & Amazon. read more

Love this store! They have a toy for every child at every age. We go in to browse and I take notes about what my kids like. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to choosing gifts. They do a beautiful gift-wrap for free and also make returns easy. It's a family run chain and they are very good at maintaining a high quality selection. Thank you on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary. read more