Be Super aware of the return policy. I purchased 5 items on Sunday. The baby wasn't thrilled by two of the items. Went to return two items on Monday and the they could not be returned because the box had been opened. One of the items was not even assembled and neither was played with. Tried to shop local ‍ read more

I grew up in Cville and have since moved to Waynesboro. I think often about how much less friendly things are when I return to Cville, and I had an example of this at Shenanigans recently. I brought my 3 kids into the store. They were well behaved, and I let them pile up maybe a dozen things to buy. At the register, I asked if the cashier could gift wrap one item, and she replied no - that they don't gift wrap sale items. I was purchasing more than $100 worth of both sale and non-sale items, and no one was in line behind me. I asked her if I could pay for gift wrapping, and she said no - that I could purchase a roll of gift wrap. I explained that this wouldn't work because I was on my way to a party (they also don't sell tape). I left with an unwrapped gift. This would never happen at Pufferbellies, where the employees literally fall over themselves to greet kids and make positive experiences for parents. read more

Bottom Line: Great toy brands and tons of variety. My husband and I went into Shenanigans because it has such high ratings, was located a 1/2 mile walk from out hotel and its holiday shopping season. I was impressed with the size of this toy store and excited to see that they carry many of my favorite toy brands like Folkmantis, Calico Critters and Ravensberger puzzles. They had a lot of fun sounding games I hadn't heard of as well. Aside from high quality toys and puzzles Shenanigans also had some really nice seasonal stuff like Advent calendars. My husband and I explored for quite awhile and finally landed on a Jellycat branded stuffed animal for a friend. For such a lovely store I would have expected there to be a little bit more in the way of service. For the fifteen minutes we spent in there the only acknowledgement we received was three words when we checked out - twenty-three seventeen. Maybe the employee was just having a hard day. read more

I love this little toy store near downtown Charlottesville. It has a small parking lot with just enough parking. They really packed in unique toys and games into every nook and cranny of the store. The only downside is that it can be a little bit pricey. read more

Great selection and friendly and helpful staff. We accepted a suggestion for our grandson and he was delighted. Kudos

Stopped in just to browse. I continuously build my children's library and Shenanigans carries a wide selection of children's books. I was able to find a few books to complete a series I have. I could have spent hours in this store. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Will be sure to pop back in next time I'm in town. read more

Shenanigans always brings out my inner child. They carry toys that everyone will enjoy and love. It's one of the few authentic businesses in Charlottesville. My 16 month old son is into pretend cooking and cleaning and guess what? They have toys for that! They have toys to help every child reach their milestone. They also have toys for the young at heart. One of a kind toys. Excellent customer service. Accessible from other downtown businesses. read more

This is an absolute gem of a toy store. Beautiful unique toys for all ages! I am especially impressed with their customer service as well. I purchased a toy for a friend's daughter and some pieces were missing- I let them know, and after a few months I brought the toy back to see if there was anything they could do but not expecting anything. They had the missing pieces waiting for me, I couldn't believe it. Thank you shenanigans for being the best toy store in cville! read more

This is a darling toy shop located in midtown Cville. It has a charming and unique selection of children's toys that range from traditional stuffed animals to more innovative games and creative projects. I really enjoyed browsing the shop for gifts as well as a few nostalgic games and activities. There are many interactive aspects of the shop that kids seem to enjoy, whether it be the trains or bouncy balls, there is usually something super kid friendly to play with here! I would definitely recommend checking this spot out for a place to find neat toys. read more

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Every single toy I have purchased here, has been a major success. The staff are all amazing and direct you to the right gift IN THE PRICE RANGE YOU WANT. I have been a fan for so many years of Christmas gifts and birthday gifts, I wouldn't dream of shopping anywhere else for children toys and books. read more

I've been shopping at Shenanigans since my kids were little. Now I have the joy of shopping for the Grand Girls, and rarely leave empty-handed. Coupons are great and I use them often. Even though they moved to Main Street, it's still not far (5 mi from Fashion Square mall, down John Warner Pkwy, a quick drive). There's always a parking space for me right in front. read more

This is my favorite local toy store. High quality and well curated selection of toys for many ages. We particularly enjoy the selection of baby gifts, puzzles, stuffed animals and sticker books! I wish the dolls, puzzles and books represented more races and cultures. I have seen improvement since the recent change in ownership so I hope this means they will continue to improve in this area to better serve and represent all of Charlottesville's kids. read more

We love Shenanigans! The people are kind and friendly. The toys are always a hit for birthdays! I love that they gift wrap anything you buy - it makes the gift so special. We also love their selection of brain game type toys...great "fidgets" for use while doing homework for kids young and old. read more

Birthday celebration canceled bc of Covid-19, but birthday girl got a surprise delivery from Shenanigans. This is pandemic miracle in my book. Now they can "play" a game over Facetime and pretend life is normal. Thanks, Amanda! read more

This is the best toy store in town and is independent and local owned. They have a great selection for babies up through teens and a range of prices, with a parking lot. I appreciate that all the toys are high quality and priced fairly, nicer than big box stores, but also that they are not all wooden toys that cost 50 dollars. My kids can take their allowance (the store clerks are kind and patient while they count every precious cent) and they always find something magical/cool that won't break on the way home. There are plenty of puzzles, books, games, costumes, stuffed animals, puppets, dolls, magic tricks, legos, playmobil, art supplies, journals, stickers, fancy pens and erasers, dinosaurs etc. Their website is good - last Christmas I made a wishlist on the site and my whole family ordered online. The store delivered everything to my kitchen door for free (we live about 10 miles away), wrapped beautifully for free. All I had to do was sip eggnog and put the stuff under the tree. That was a mama Christmas miracle. read more

Love this store so much. It has an amazing selection of toys for kids of all ages and the best part is that there are ZERO electronics and ZERO character toys. Just true, honest, educational, fun toys for children. Believe it or not, often times their prices beat out big box stores and online retailers. They're wonderful about letting kids play and check out everything in the store. Gift wrapping is always available so it's an awesome place for a last minute birthday party gift! read more

Fantastic toy store. Staff is very knowledgable and willing to help pick out the perfect birthday gift for Kid X who loves ponies but only likes them in these colors on these days when you have only have five minutes before the party starts. read more

Mixed. On the one hand, excellent help while browsing, good selections, but a few times instead of their slogan "Customers Rule!" (a bit much?), I have been "nickel and dimed" on small items. After a purchase, when asked if I could leave my car in the mostly empty parking lot for 1/2 hour, was told no, and when asked if they had a box to mail my large purchase, I was told to pick up one in a liquor store. Obviously "they ruled" there. read more

This store is worth stopping in. Unique items. I loved the book selection- usborne books are the best! Wonderful array of stuffed animals and gifts for children. It is pricey but its convenient and they put thought into what they sell. read more

I love this shop! They have an incredible selection of toys of all types and their staff is exceedingly well-versed in all of their products. I am particularly grateful that they, unlike many other toy stores, do not carry violent toys. I defy anyone to go in there and not find something they absolutely have to have, no matter what age! read more

A wide offering of toys! It reminds me of a toy store from my childhood in Arlington! :Warm fuzzy nostalgic memories!: I love coming in here for gifts. read more

This place is expensive. I spent more money than I needed to on a dollhouse because I wanted to support local business. When I brought back a broken piece today to ask for a replacement, the manager was incredibly rude and accusatory. Makes me want to buy online next time. read more

I bought a gift there on 12/24 for my son who removed it from the package and then realized the device must be connected to a computer to work. He wanted a portable one instead. 10 minutes later all parts were back in the package with only a 1 mm small separation in the cardboard box edge. Today 1/2 when I returned it with all packaging and the receipt they discounted my credit by 20%. The owner cavalierly said "We don't have to take it back at all.". Unless you are terribly short on time, buy somewhere else. Anything that they carry can be found on-line and probably for considerably less. If you must buy there take a pic of the package BEFORE leaving the store. This is probably how they pay for the huge overhead of their retail space at Barracks Road. Very very big let down since now I have less available for the right gift. read more