I admit when I started teaching over 25 years ago, I was a frequent customer at Lakeshore. They have so much creative, fun teaching/educational materials. Mind you, items are expensive BUT they are quality. I still have plastic bins I purchased when I started teaching and are in tip-top shape, unlike bins you'd purchase at the dollar store. I now go to get end of the year certificates or to use the laminating machine. *I do have one complaint--I've walked in a number of times needing to laminate and the laminator has not been turned . Both times I've been in a rush and have had to wait for it to heat up--10 minutes. May not seem like a lot but it used to always be on and ready to go. read more

Helpful service as always. They let my kid play with their toys on display. They aren't as generous with coupons anymore but I still love to come in store to avoid their $6 shipping fee! read more

I LOVE THIS LOCATION!! I have been going here the past 10 years and always have an amazing time. This time I went I was beyond pleased and grateful. This year is the first year they have walls in the back portion of the store that are setup as examples of how you could do your boards!!! I loved this as a veteran teacher and for my brother who is new. The visuals were great to see other possibilities on how you can set your space up. I believe the young woman who did the boards was named Devany (sorry if I spelled it wrong). If you want the board as is or mixed around, somebody will pull all the supplies for you and laminate anything you need. We were offered water multiple times or checked on throughout our time. Highly highly HIGHLY recommend this location. read more

See all

Sales attendant are so helpful and cheerful. So many different educational toys on display for kids to play with. Monthly events usually occur on weekends-today's was Pete the Cat which consisted of book readings and arts and crafts. One star deducted for the small parking lot. It is also an outlet store with a lot of their mark downs below that include furniture. read more

Lakeshore Learning Store - Toy Stores Near Me - San Leandro, California

Coming here is such a treat. I always feel good about my purchases here. My 4-year-old son enjoys the items we pick out, and I feel good that it's contributing to learning, no matter what it is. I don't think anything here is the type of toy that will "rot his brain." When he was younger and struggled with speech, I was able to get some things here to help out. And now that we're working on reading, I can get things that I think will help in that aspect, too. read more

This store has ALL your educational needs. From books, to toys to kids furniture (chairs, desks, play kitchenettes). It can be overwhelming when you go there because the educational selection is so extensive, you want to purchase it all. The prices aren't Walmart, think of it on a Target scale. However they always have coupons. I see BOGO half off ads quite often. For a while i thought it was an educator's wholesale store, not open to the public. Wrong! This store is open to all! During the summer on Saturday mornings, from 11-2pm they have free crafts for kids. It's something my son and i look forward too. Each week is a different theme. They make all sorts of things, masks, paper animals, noise makers, always something different. read more

See all

Came here during the Black Friday weekend to find some learning tools for my daughter. Homeschooling during this pandemic is definitely a fun challenge. Lakeshore is definitely a teachers haven. They have so many tools and resources for learning from infants to older kids in middle school. There are lots of games, books, play items, arts and crafts, resources for teachers, furniture for the classroom. There is a huge clearance center in the black of the store. When I went it was an additional 20% off the marked down prices. Most items I believe are discontinued, maybe missing some kind of piece, damage but honestly there are a lot of gems that can be found. There is probably something for truly any learner! I would recommend it to any teachers or parents who need to find something to challenge or supplement with their learning. read more

Wonderful store to buy toys and educational tools to develop your child. The toys and games are very fun for our kids. And our kids don't even realize they are learning! The staff is helpful and courteous. A must visit for those of you which young kids. read more

Lakeshore Learning Store - Toy Stores Near Me - San Leandro, California

Marisol IS THE BEST!!! From the second I walked through the door until the moment I left the store- She made me feel as if I was her only customer!!! I came in for two things a rug and posters; and she helped me find the perfect rug and select the very best posters for my Preschool. Marisol mentioned they had gotten a new shipment of chairs and I should take a glance at it and I ended up buying two sensational chairs. I was so thrilled to find everything I needed I almost had tears as I left the store. Marisol gives world class customer service AND is a gentle yet phenomenal sales person. Marisol thank you for being an awesome human!!! You are appreciated. read more

Lakeshore Learning Store - Cutest Rug! - Toy Stores Near Me - San Leandro, California

So many options to chose from! Rather you're a teacher, daycare provider or a parent like me there will be something educational for your children. Staff is helpful! I visited for the first time and wanted to take my time to shop around and the ladies had no problem assisting me with whatever I needed. I took my time and they were super patient. I will be a returning customer!! read more

Well, ladies and gents, this place is all kinds of fabulous. I've been to several Lakeshore Learning Stores, and this one reigns supreme. I teach in RWC, and the only teacher supply store in San Carlos is going out of business. When I went in looking for fadeless paper, they were out of stock! I needed the paper desperately, so I looked for a teacher supply nearby. The closest one was this store (about 25 miles away). When I arrived, I wasn't expecting so. MUCH. STUFF. Wall to wall teacher supply goodies. Math, language arts, pre-school, arts and crafts, books, bargain bins, paper, borders, puppets...everything! This store is setup like a warehouse, so it's expansive and can be overwhelming. I think it's good to go with a list. Otherwise, you might end up with things you were expecting in your basket. "Ooooo! Pencils!" "EEEEK! Emoji borders!" "OMG! I need containers!" Slow your roll, Chandra. You're just here for fadeless paper. On this particular visit everything was 20-40% off. Yes! Lakeshore Learning isn't the cheapest spot, but they definitely have everything. Be sure to sign up for the teacher rewards and coupons. Oh, other things to note: 1. Top-notch customer service (multiple people checked in on me) 2. Things are organized by subject area/content 3. Check the bargain bins I'm so glad to have found this spot! read more

See all

The employees at Lakeshore were great. I got there 20 minutes prior to closing and there were quite a few people in line. Crystal, the cashier that helped me, was so patient with all the customers including myself. She is very helpful and knows their products. read more

I like this Lakeshore location the best! It is spacious, with a huge Outlet section in the back of the warehouse, and the employees are kind and great with kids. I love the variety of educational toys, and my kids enjoy doing the free art projects available on Saturday mornings. I get coupons regularly in my inbox as part of their rewards program and keep on eye on deals as prices drop on items I'd rather not pay full price for. Total inspiration for home learning and teaching though play. I am all about that over screen time! Lakeshore gives parents the tools and ideas to keep our kids interested, engaged and curious - love it! read more

I always go here over the summer for lack of better options. This location is bigger than others in the area, but it always seems chaotically disorganized, and way overpriced for what it's worth. Wait until they have their back to school sales and coupons to use because then it becomes slightly more palatable. I know as teachers, we're used to paying out of pocket, but it's just that great of pricing even with big coupons. The staff is hit or miss on being friendly or helpful, or even in the least bit knowledgeable. For what it is, it's fine. But LLS has a lot to learn from other chain teacher stores elsewhere if they want to start getting real rave reviews. read more

Great place to shop for school supplies and laminating items for the classroom. I only had 1 linear foot of laminated posters and after waiting in line was blessed to not be charged. As a school teacher you know how much of our own money we spend. This was great! Thank you Lake Shore'n read more

I cannot break the streak. This is unanimously a four-star establishment. I have come here only on Saturday mornings for their free crafts for the kids (11am-3pm every Sat). And I stay to shop for more fun crafty things. Just as they intended. The crafts (which you can see on their website) are generally pieces of card board that you paint and glue things on. Today we made Wish Boxes, which were alarmingly similar to the Treasure Boxes we made some time ago. We have also made picture frames and memo boards. The kids enjoy it. I also picked up several cool toys on clearance to donate the Christmas Toy Drive. Stuff marked down from $25 to $6. You can find some great stuff in the clearance bins in the back! read more

This is my absolute favorite place to shop for educational supplies and toys, be they for my own daughter or for birthdays and holidays. You are not bombarded with aisles of mass-market over-commercialized toys like you are at the big box toy shops. Whether you come to the store or shop online, you will find all kinds of educational toys and supplies from People Colors paints(crayons/markers/paints that capture the diversity of skin tones) to multicultural baby dolls to musical instruments. My favorite department? The enormous outlet in the back of the warehouse! You can find furniture, toys, books, at half the regular price(prices are higher than toys at Target and Toys R Us .) Teachers get a discount and free gifts during back to school season. I first began shopping here as a new teacher in my pre-parent days and it's a great place to grab art supplies, colored butcher paper, and bulletin board decor because of the variety that definitely beats most stingy school bookrooms. They also host free arts and crafts every weekend for kids. Haven't checked them out but will do so in the near future. read more

My daughter's Kindergarten teacher had listed a gift card from the Lakeshore Learning Store on her class wish list so I came here last Christmas to fulfill that wish. The employees are friendly and ever so helpful. They offer a ton of stuff from games and toys to stickers and learning books. I can spend the entire day in here with my kids. The location is out of my way as I do not frequent this area at all, but it's worth the drive for me. Check this place out if you have children! You will find something educational and fun for everyone. read more

I love coming here! Every summer I get summer workbooks for my kids! My son loves all the learning toys! They have all school supplies, you'll ever been looking for! And tons of different age group style of learning activities and books! I recommend this location read more

Lakeshore Learning Store - Free tote when you sign up for text coupons and deals.. - Toy Stores Near Me - San Leandro, California

We never knew about places like this before we had a child. As our child has gone from kindergarten to high school, Lakeshore Learning Materials store has always been a good to resource for a lot of school related challenges. We must have come here 100 times. Every time we've come here the customer service has been the best you can get in any retail store. The people who work here are friendly and helpful. Do you have a school project? Lakeshore has what you need most of the time. I appreciate the great customer service and friendly attitude I get when come in. read more

I love shopping at this store for educational toys! My review today isn't for the store in particular. It's a review of the disappointment I experienced when picking up my products (one of which was wrapped). This is the second time I've requested a wrapping. The first time was a similar scenario, so I thought I'd give them another try. But sadly, I was wrong. Hoping they teach their employees proper wrapping techniques because this was not impressive. read more

Lakeshore Learning Store - Uneven wrapping with bent corners. - Toy Stores Near Me - San Leandro, California

See all

Looking for a number of Christmas gifts for my grandchildren and decided to go to the actual store in San Leandro, CA. It's a very large store but organized into age group areas and interests, areas for teachers, classrooms and students, plus a large area of children's furniture. The staff was very helpful and efficient! They made shopping there a great experience. Exchanges or returns will all be honored without a gift receipt. The only blip in the experience was the parking. The lot is small and the store is in an industrial area. It was crowded when I got there so it took a bit to find some street parking. All was forgotten when I got inside and found everything I needed and more. It was a very nice store, good quality items, and an extremely competent, helpful and friendly staff! read more

I had to do some laminating today at Lakeshore, and I had great service. A clerk offered to do it for me, and the price was very reasonable. I have always had great experiences with customer service. Great store for education related material. read more

This is a wonderful place for teachers to shop, for parents to get tons of craft and art supplies if you want your children to have more than the usual markers and paint, and for people to shop for children's gifts that are different (you know the kid is already gonna get 27 Hannah Montana dolls). I love it as a rainy day activity with the children I nanny. We walk around deciding what craft items, puzzles or games they want. Then, if the rain continues for the next few days, there are lots of indoor activities to keep them entertained. Nothing cheers us all up from the rain than badly done face paint that they think is the most spectacular looking thing they've ever seen. I suppose it is a a bit expensive; I don't use my own money so I haven't paid a lot of attention. The back warehouse area has bargains although it is a little hard to maneuver through all the big crates and bins. read more

Wow, is this place nice. It's neat, tidy and well stocked...everything I'm not. Lakeshore has a lot of nice things. They don't skimp on their inventory, that's for certain. And they carry some super cool, needless little items that seem unnecessary for school academics when you first see them on the shelves, mocking you. Eventually you end up playing with them (and then realize how much you really DO need them, and that you MUST have them...evil!.) I believe this is the biggest Lakeshore store in Northern Cal. It seems like it because in addition to the main store, they also have a big "SALE" room in the back, which is pretty much just a dank and cold warehouse...why do they always make us poor people go in the ugly, unkempt back room to get our supplies? You'll find a bunch of stuff you don't really need in there, but you'll buy something anyway just because it's "cheap" and you just drove all the way to San Leandro to shop. But they're still pricey. I don't mean that they OVER price, I just mean they stock pricey, cool, new stuff that every teacher drools over, knowing they can't afford to buy it. That's a shame. I'd love to say I buy everything at Lakeshore Learning stores, but that would just be wishful thinking. I hope someday that I will buy my whole year's supplies here, but until then, I'll have to settle for cheap garage sales and Costco. Ranting sidebar: Someday, the public will see and appreciate the sacrifices and generosity teachers give every day for the sake of the children of this nation because we will rise up, unite and actively protest the terrible treatment and disrespect we receive from our districts, government, and president...oh, wait...we already do that...*sigh* read more

It was my first time visiting the store and the store and location itself was very spacious and clean - had lots of resources for teachers as well as the amazing clearance section near the back warehouse area. HOWEVER, the customer service at this location was unbelievable. I was standing in line with my toy poodle (10lbs) and my mother who was holding my dog's leash very close to both of us. As we were waiting in line, 4-5 kids along with one adult came over and started to pet my dog without asking for permission. Thankfully, my dog is very well trained and calm so he just sat there and my mom who does not speak English was startled and looked at me for help. I grabbed my dog and held him and told the kids but mostly directed at the adult who was standing there doing nothing "You should ask before you touch the dog, I don't want it to be surprised and bite you". The adult + kids walked away with no reply to what I had said and it was my turn at the cash register. I walked up, feeling a little annoyed at what happened and the women at the register says "Next time, if you don't want kids touching your dog you should put up a sign that says "don't touch" or hold him". At this point, I am outraged so I ask "So first of all, are you saying that dogs are not allowed to walk in the store?" She replies, "No they are allowed but this is a kid's store so if you yell at the kids, they might complain". First of all, I did not "yell" at the kids, if I have yelled at the kids, I do not think the adult who was with them would have just walked away. Now furious at what this women is saying I said "So, just because they are kids they can touch other people's belongings and that's okay?". I'm sure at this point, this women doesn't have anything else to say because the comments that she have made are outrageous and illogical. She shrugs and says "okay". No sorry, nothing. My dog was leashed and was walking right beside me throughout the entire store. We did not deserve this kind of treatment from this women. I am a kindergarten teacher so I know how capable the kids are to learn how to behave in a public space as well as how to talk to them. If you want to take your dog to this store, watch out for this women as she thinks the kids can do whatever they want because they are kids and dogs are just toys for them to play with! read more

I've been a bit MIA from the Yelp world since I've been trying to squeeze in as much fun & relaxation as I can in my last few weeks of summer break and I'm starting to get ready for the upcoming school year. It was my first time at Lakeshore and I LOVE IT!!! I spent 2 hours here and came out $150 poorer but with tons of goods for my classroom. I could have spent more time here if I looked at every single thing, but I tried not to because I knew I would be tempted to buy more stuff. This store is catered towards K-6, but I'd say most of the stuff is for lower elementary. Good and bad that I teach 6th grade because they didn't have as much grade-appropriate stuff, but that means there was less temptation! Tips: Check out the clearance section - it's not organized but if you ask the staff for help, they'll actually locate items in the clearance section and save you more money! Sign up for the Teacher's Club for extra savings. read more

Located at a commercial area in San Leandro. Large selection of toy and learning/ teaching material. Small inventory though. We came in with bogo coupon and wanted to get two of the same item. Only one is available in store and advised to get them on our own online. Hummm... what's the point to have a retail store?! read more

I didn't even know this place existed and it is huge. It's an outlet and the clearance section in the back was HUGE. I spent hour in here getting ready for summer school. I teach SDC and found a lot of useful things. Workbooks, toys, desks, etc. read more

Well Hey Yelp Peep's It's ya girl C!!!! aka Crystal We got some major Life changes. -I have a daughter now. Abigail. She is 1 -My son Gio was diagnosed with Autism. But rest assure all is well. Ok here we go. This place was recommended by Headstart Preschool were Gio goes. On Saturday Mornings they have a time where kids of any age (it says 3-10 on flyer and website) but the employees don't really care. I come and I bring my son. They do little art projects or crafts in whatever the theme of the month is! How cool is that? Now this store has a clearance section in the back. Ya Girl C is now a coupon momma. LOL no I don't want to be on extreme couponers, just trying to live big really cheap. Toys, Stickers, Puzzles, educational materials are marked down to 20-40% thats what I'm talkin about! SO Gio was obsessed with puzzles and cars for a while so we came here, Mind you that the things on clearance usually have something wrong, piece is missing, or broken or outdated. Just FYI so don't got up here and get all "Crazy" Staff is super friendly and always have kids music playing, almost makes me want to go buy what they're playing so Gio can rock out to Ol McDonald. If I had questions about stuff that I was required to buy for Gio, they help me out 100%. No pressure here. Also. They Sell Melissa and Doug Toys. but Go to Marshalls or Ross. They are like 40% cheaper there then here. read more

Simply love this store. I buy material for my sons to enforce what they learn in school. Awesome

In search of chalk for a blackboard I have at home led me to Lakeshore Learning Store. This store is amazing! Though highly ideal for elementary school teachers, this store is also great for the general public of all ages. Here you will find an extensive assortment of educational and learning products such as books, puzzles, games, and countless other stuff! Aside from the regular store, there is also a clearance/outlet section in the back filled with selves and bins of discounted merchandise. Additionally, this Lakeshore Learning Store offers free craft activities for kids on the weekends. Thinking it was going to be a quick shopping trip at Lakeshore Learning Store, I ended staying for a few hours just checking out all the incredible stuff they sell here! It is absolutely a great store for finding unique educational and learning gifts for children that enjoy science, math, reading and/or drawing. And the staff here was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! read more

We love the arts and crafts offered Saturday from 11-3! Always a great option when looking for an activity for the little ones. The parking lot is small, but there is also street parking available; I have never had a problem finding parking, even when it's busy. The front of the store is on the expensive side; the warehouse in the back is where it's at! I usually walk around the warehouse to see what they have while my little artist works on a masterpiece. We love books and there are so many discounted books back there(both casual and academic), as well as developmental material, classroom decor, and games. If you are a teacher, there is a discount membership available. It cannot be used with sale items though. read more

I debated between three and four stars and decided on four. This store is amazing for teachers! It has so much more to offer than any other teacher store I have ever been to. I got the best easel there a couple of days ago. With that being said, their stuff is expensive. Noticeably more expensive than items of equal quality at other stores. The only difference is they have so much to choose from. Being a teacher, I am too busy to search around for things. i like going to one place that has everything I need and a variety to choose from. It is worth it, to me, to pay more, but save time and get what I truly want. read more

I love this store! Okay yes the music is a little cheesy but what do you expect from a teacher store? In my ten years of going to this store I have never come across an employee who wasn't smiling! I went in to buy supplies for the following school year the week after I finished my current school year. I spent about $75 on borders, charts, math supplies and a set of caddies. When I got the back to school flyer in July I noticed that the caddies I bought were greatly reduced so I went on their website and started searching for their policies on honoring sales prices on previous purchases. I got onto Live Chat instantly and chatted for a couple minutes with Heather and she was able to bring up my transaction from the San Leandro store and honor the new sales price on the set of caddies I bought in June. I am really impressed by how easy it was to get help with this and how quickly I got a credit for the difference in price. I just had to write about my positive experience at Lakeshore because I have had several bad experiences with long waits, getting the runaround and having my requests denied. Thank you Lakeshore for helping an underpaid teacher save a little bit of money on supplies and for having excellent customer service online. It is much appreciated!!!! read more

Usually, Lakeshore can be an expensive place, but because this is a special clearance store, one can find many great deals on teaching supplies, furniture, and learning toys. I went the other day to buy playing balls for my baby, but found myself looking through the shelves for more than an hour to get a whole bunch more teaching supplies and toys. Staff is always helpful as well. That always feels reassuring especially when teachers are stressed out getting their classrooms together at the beginning of the year. read more

So, I bought these dot stamper things, which are great for kids with special needs and OT issues, but the red one was cracked in the grooves from the get go, and the paint oozes out. Fine, I just tell the kiddos that red is broken. We're learning to be flexible. Then, after a few more months of use, the same thing happens to the yellow. Now this is a bit much. I mention it to the people at the register in passing and they say I can bring it back for an exchange, no receipt needed! OMG! I did, and it was hassle free. Marvelous. I still love digging through the clearance section in the back and get so excited when I find great discounted treasures. I think i'd stay even longer, but it's always so HOT in there! read more

Amazing customer service from the male associate today. He helped me laminate my printed items and was super helpful. I didn't get his name but he was the cashier today. I will go here for all my laminate needs read more

Moira Celario thanks for your help this evening! The school is not doing enough where multiplication is concerned. Those multiplication materials she found for me will do the trick. She was very professional welcoming, very helpful and very knowledgable about what books and materials will help my child with his multiplication. She also recommended other products that I can purchase in the future in this subject. Anyone looking to help their child in school should visit this store. The simple way in which things are explained and broken down versus the convoluted way in which my child's school approaches this subject matter. This store also has fun games on many subjects that help children learn while having fun at the same time. I highly recommend this store to all parents and caregivers. read more

We really love Lake shore, but the prices have gotten so expensive. You can always find so many great teaching materials, and our speech therapist has strongly recommended lake shore for their variety of books educational toys and sensory materials. We really like the store in Campbell, and this one is good too, but I would've expected the prices to be a little better considering it's an outlet store. Make sure to sign up for the teachers club, as well as their text messages, because they frequently have sales and great coupons! read more