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    Geppetto's - La Jolla

    3.7 (51 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Geppetto's - La Jolla Photos

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    Yami K.

    Service // This toy store is nestled in a cute street in La Jolla. We were greeted when we walked in and saw that the staff members were assisting others so we did not have a chance to ask questions. Selection // I have seen some complaints on here regarding their selection and I can't seem to understand why there is frustration/confusion. This is a small store, which means they will have limited products. Overall I think they had a nice selection of toys for babies, toddlers, teens and yes even adults. Some of the most popular items right now are blind boxes from Smiski's, Monchichi and Miffy. I was pleased to see a variety of Snoopy products as well. Again, it is not a large toy store so if you are expecting a vast selection, maybe consider visiting Geppetto's at least for the experience. Value // I would say that this is subjective and will vary depending on each person. Yes, some of the items were a bit expensive and you can find them on "Amazon" for maybe a few dollars cheaper. But I would say if you value supporting local businesses & enjoy the experience of shopping in person, then you will see value in visiting this store. As for the quality of the actual toys, I would say again, that is subjective because the toys are made by different businesses (manufacturers), I would recommend doing research on a specific product it before you buy.

    Caroline Louise S.

    Kind employees and sells genuine smiskis for fair prices. Also has a great selection of toys and trinkets.

    David C.

    Cool old school toy store. Great leave to bring kids. They have a very wide variety of toys and hard to find items too. Wide variety of toys and comparable to online sales. But gives the toy store experience

    Tracee L.

    What an amazing shopping experience--in every good way possible. I just bought 3 toys on-line. One went to SFO and 2 to my home. They all arrived early. The shopping experience, SELECTION OF TOYS, and shipping speed were top flight. I asked for gift wrap. Guess what...They wrapped the boxes beautifully--like old days Neiman Marcus--and...they HAND WROTE gift cards for each. Hand written..it's amazing. What a beautiful mix of modern convenience with old school quality and thoughtfulness. Thanks Geppetto's!

    Appreciate the name of this store. I wonder is those who enter know the story behind this name.

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    9 years ago

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    So happy you enjoyed Geppetto's. Thank you for posting your comments

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    7 years ago

    One of our favorite toy stores. Just bought our second puppet for our youngest. Love it.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Geppetto's - La Jolla

    Review Highlights - Geppetto's - La Jolla

    Love the free gift wrapping and the selection of educational toys.

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    Little Locks - Kids hair cuts

    Little Locks

    4.1(294 reviews)
    2.1 miLa Jolla
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    Kim Luna is truly one of a kind. She has cut both of my kids' hair over the years, and she's been…read moreworking with my youngest since 2021. My youngest is on the spectrum and was nonverbal for a period of time, and haircuts have always been a very difficult and emotional experience for him. From day one, Kim has shown an incredible level of patience, kindness, and genuine care. She never rushed, never forced anything, and always met my child where he was at. That kind of understanding is rare--and it made all the difference for our family. Because of her consistency and compassion, she has built a strong level of trust with my son over time. On his most recent haircut on April 5, 2026, he didn't try to jump off, fight the haircut, or kick--something that used to be a real challenge. That progress meant everything to us, and it's a direct reflection of the safe and supportive environment Kim has created over the years. I've followed Ms. Kim from location to location because it's nearly impossible to find someone with her level of skill and heart. She is currently available at the Little Locks locations in Bonita, La Jolla, and Solana Beach, which just makes her that much more irreplaceable and accessible to families across the area. I've also recommended her to other parents of children with special needs, as well as my regional center coordinators, because she truly is a special human being who deserves to be recognized. If you're looking for someone who is not only talented but also deeply compassionate and understanding, Kim Luna is the person you want. We are beyond grateful for her.

    We've been going to this location since we moved here in 2020 and we lucked out with getting Sarah!…read moreWe've been loyal clients ever since. She's so good and patient with my boys and puts them at ease when they're nervous. She's so talented with the scissors and clippers. I don't trust anyone else to cut their hair. I live downtown but make the trek to Lajolla because it's worth it!

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    Little Locks - Perfect first haircut with Claire!

    Perfect first haircut with Claire!

    Little Locks
    Little Locks

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    Warwick's - Books etc...

    Warwick's

    4.4(248 reviews)
    0.0 miLa Jolla
    $$

    If you're in the La Jolla area and are looking for something to do this book store is great! They…read morehave everything you can image. Books, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, gifts, games, unique party supplies, toys, etc. you can literally spend hours in here. The unique gift ideas are great for people who are hard to find something for. The store is huge and the staff are very helpful. This store is also very dog friendly.

    Warwick's has been around for over a century, and they have the attitude to go along with that…read morestoried history. While the bookstore itself has a decent & varied selection of new books, and they'll order any book for you that they don't have, it is not the most pleasant place to shop. As a bibliophile and an English teacher, I really want to like and support Warwick's, but unfortunately, they've treated me poorly on multiple occasions which makes it challenging for me to give them more chances. There are many book sellers & employees, but they are not very helpful and they treat you like an inconvenience or worse. The right side of the store is book-centric while the left side of the store is mostly stationery & cards, writing utensils, gift items, and tchotchkes. Today, I purchased a book and a pen refill with a credit that I had at the store. I requested the pen refill from one counter, and I had to go to the book counter to pay for my book. Instead of giving me the refill so I could bring it over to the book counter and pay for both items with my credit, the employee brought the refill over herself and told a 2nd employee while pointing at me that, "that woman over there is also getting this pen refill along with her book." Then the 2nd employee handed the refill to a 3rd employee who stashed it behind the counter while I waited for my turn to pay. Keep in mind that the pen refill was a mere $6 item but they treated it like a precious gem that would surely compel me, if I held it in my own hands, to run out of the store with it without paying for it. Meanwhile, I'm holding the much pricier book that I'm going to purchase in my hands, but I rapidly felt like turning on my heels and vacating the store, and leaving the book behind, of course, because that moment was just so strange and uncomfortable. Over the past ten years, I have regularly patronized this store and I've purchased items here multiple times per year. However, there is no recognition, no friendliness, nothing to indicate that I'm more than just a tourist popping in on vacation. At the very least, a friendly greeting would do, but no such luck. Every time I cross the threshold, I feel a wall of snootiness that is just unpleasant and takes away from what could be a lovely shopping experience. As I'm sure you've figured out by now, items are definitely on the pricey side here. You can certainly find a better value and probably way friendlier service at other bookstores outside of LJ. I think Warwick's probably provides a different type of shopping experience for patrons depending on who the employees perceive them to be, even if they are way off the mark. C'est la vie. Just know that if you are a POC and you shop here, you may have an unpleasant experience, but I certainly hope that you don't! Peace.

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    Warwick's - Toy & game section

    Toy & game section

    Warwick's - Popular place to buy books.

    Popular place to buy books.

    Warwick's

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    Squishable

    Squishable

    3.3(16 reviews)
    4.0 miUniversity City
    $$

    I was walking around at the Westfield University Town Center (UTC). I came across a shop named…read moreSquishable. I love Squishmallow so when I saw Squishable, I had to walk right in to see what soft and fluffy plushies that they have in stock. At first, I thought they sold Squishmallow. They look very similar, but actually they are not the same. Two different brands. Their designs are different. Their plushies are indeed cute and soft. However, I didn't see any to my liking for me to buy one. They have lots of different selections. They also have themed plushies. They had a few baskets that contained plushies on sale... buy 1 get 1 50% off. The prices were a tad higher IMHO. If I saw a really cute one or two, I probably would have still bought them, but none resonated with me unfortunately. The lady working here was very friendly and helpful. I asked her if they had any frogs. She showed me a few. There was one that looked okay, but it didn't match the frog that my eldest daughter currently has. I wanted to buy her a smaller version of it. Oh well... the search continues. If you're into cute and soft plushies, Squishable may have what you're looking for. Come on by and check them out!

    Came here many times as my little yelper is a collector. Haha not sure if that's a good or bad…read morething. We have many of these characters hanging around our home from the gaming room to bedrooms and hallways. Love the set up, mainly all in what looks like ikea Kallax cubbies which make it easy to find what you want. Very well organized and set up Similar to squidhmallows but better I'd say as it has a larger selection and characters that appeal to boys and not just girls. Each time we've been here it's been a good shopping experience from selection to the staff. Love that there's air purifiers too specially considering everything is plush inside (think allergies!) Price wise be ready to drop some bucks because these aren't cheap. But they're also well made! Super plush and soft!

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    Squishable
    Squishable
    Squishable

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    Pangaea Outpost

    Pangaea Outpost

    3.8(253 reviews)
    3.6 miPacific Beach
    $$

    Always a fun gift shop to explore while in the Pacific Beach area. Lots of different vendors…read moreselling their wares under 1 roof. Street parking only. A real variation of goods...Jewelry,clothing, plant accessories, candles, beachy things, local books, cards, artists work, various gifts.. Good spot to bring out of towners to shop!

    Most stores might have a sign or two to let you know general stuff like they don't want food or…read moredrink or smoking inside. These guys take it to whole nother level, with literally nine signs on their door. And dozens more inside. -if you break it you buy it. -must leave your backpack at the front counter. -young visitors must be with an adult while in the store. -no food or drink. -you will be arrested if you shoplift. -all activities monitored by close circuit, television and undercover security -credit card processing fee 3% (Jackhole policy btw) -no pets within 10 feet of the front door -no smoking in the building - no public restroom ( so you want people to shop and spend money, but if they have to take a pee, they can't do it?! Jerks) -etc etc blah blah blah Many other stores in town appreciate business but don't leave such a horrible first impression with so many signs as you enter. Treating customers like this doesn't make them feel welcome. The kids and I quickly left. Can you imagine being one of the owners kids, and the types of dictator rules that they surely have in their life!??

    Photos
    Pangaea Outpost
    Pangaea Outpost - Our beautiful paintings we purchased for our anniversary to celebrate our being in our favorite place, San Diego!!

    Our beautiful paintings we purchased for our anniversary to celebrate our being in our favorite place, San Diego!!

    Pangaea Outpost

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    Barnes & Noble - Good Bookstore

    Barnes & Noble

    4.3(13 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I just came in here yesterday and didn't have high expectations. There are WAY more books than a…read morelot of B&N stores I've been to and nearly all the books in mint condition. Unfortunately I've been to too many B&Ns that had creases on the covers, nicks on the corners, and ruined bindings. Pretty sure a lot of these flaws come from customers who read the books in the store and just return them, ruining it for the rest of us who actually buy. Not only that I was able to find books I've been looking for such as The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Grey, Moonstone, The Woman in White, and War and Peace (War and Peace isn't a difficult title to find, but they had tons of copies of this book, which I almost never see!). I'm a little annoyed by some of the reviews complaining about the lack of Starbucks. I come in here to buy books; if you want to read go to the Starbucks upstairs next to Trader Joe's/Ralphs. Better yet, support your local library if you want to read for free and flatten book bindings at your leisure.

    It's nice to see a new bookstore of any sort! I was able to get a big chunk of last-minute holiday…read moreshopping done here, and I was generally pleased with the selection of books and related fare - vinyl, drawing/writing accessories, board etc. The staff were friendly in a helpful, yet non-intrusive manner. As others have noted... there doesn't seem to be a Starbucks and seating is rather limited. Some sections were a bit more limited in selection than what you can find at larger bookstores. But overall, it was a good experience. I'll be back.

    Photos
    Barnes & Noble - Storefront

    Storefront

    Barnes & Noble - Music CD section

    Music CD section

    Barnes & Noble - Went to Barnes & Noble after the movie

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    Went to Barnes & Noble after the movie

    The Lego Store - Building time

    The Lego Store

    3.1(41 reviews)
    4.0 miUniversity City
    $$

    THE LEGO STORE @ UTC LA JOLLA…read more Parking here is ONLY one hour... which is honestly one of the most outrageous things Westfield UTC has done. Parking already takes about 15 minutes because it's stressful, a lot of the structures are one-way, and it's just overall a hassle. So having only one hour feels kind of unrealistic. Just a heads up, after that first hour, it's $2 per additional hour. I'd definitely recommend going in with a plan of where you want to go so you're not rushing. My friends and I went on a Thursday evening and stopped by the LEGO Store, and it was actually such a great experience. It wasn't too busy (definitely better than weekends), and the staff were super friendly. My friend had been eyeing this pirate ship set forever, and they finally had it in stock but it was a whopping $400. They ended up getting it, and the staff even gave us a small free Easter-themed LEGO set, which was such a cute bonus. The store itself is on the smaller side, but they had a solid selection and a lot of items restocked. Overall, I'd definitely recommend stopping by if you're into LEGOs!

    Store for the most part is usually well stocked but occasionally will have some hot items out of…read morestock. And I usually come over here for Christmas and birthday gifts. The place is usually pretty neat but at busy times the build a minifig area is pretty messy. The staff is pretty knowledgable for the most part and if they can't tell you much they usually find someone who does. Which leads me to my one star review. The one worker there was pretty unprofesional, for the one worker named Leo, the attitude was like I was bothering him and he was trying to get rid of me, he was busy talking to a coworker and it seemed like I was getting in the way of his flirting which already made me feel like the atmosphere was unprofessional and seemed uncomfortable for me and I guess he didn't like me interrupting him. That is fine there are other Lego stores in SD like the fashion valley one you can go to instead

    Photos
    The Lego Store
    The Lego Store
    The Lego Store - What a deal

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    What a deal

    Geppetto's - La Jolla - toys - Updated July 2026

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