Thinker Toys is such a gem of a toy store. It has quite a selection of everything you can imagine so you can always find the perfect gift for that kid or kid at heart person in your life. I'm kinda sad my kids are a bit too old for toys these days but I still make it a point to stop in the shop and support. I really appreciate their LGBTQ items too. Good on you for the representation in town, Thinker! We see you and appreciate you. read more

Surprisingly magical spot. Adult child in love! I walked into Tinker Toys expecting cute stuff, but got a whole experience. Giants Pusheen wall, cozy tents, toys, puzzles, cards, stickers. It felt like stepping into nostalgia with a modern twist. I was extra pumped to see queer stickers, flags, and pins. Big love for that inclusive touch. I left with some treasures: a pin for me, stickers, a puzzle, and a ridiculously cute teacup "porse" (for my wife's friend). The girl behind the counter was really nice and helped us choose a puzzle! Already planning my return. Next time I'm hunting for that perfect game or quirky gift. read more

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Quinn and Jazzys service knows no bounds. These knowledgeable employees were able to answer any question I had and even made recommendations for breakfast!! A lovely experience in a lovely store! read more

I bought an expensive Schleich dinosaur, $25, for an Easter basket this year. After owning it two days, my grandson dropped it on the floor and the dino's leg broke off. My grandson owns several of these dinos, as did my nephews. None broke. All received vigorous used. The legs did not break on any of them. And yet, when I called the store to ask for a replacement or a refund or for the manufacturer to be notified, I got nowhere. The owner was contacted by the store clerk, and he/she said no refund, no investigation of product quality with the manufacturer. Just "tough luck for you." I've been a customer of this store since my children were young, as has my husband. I told them that--to no avail. I will not ever shop here again. A store that does not stand behind its products is not a store to support. read more

First of all, they don't really have toy stores anymore. Secondly, they definitely don't make them like this! Such a fun store for children and adults alike! They have standard toys and some specialty toys made from different countries for all ages. I was able to find a fun wooden puzzle with Filipino foods and magnetic wooden blocks for him. They had so many puzzles, books, stuffed animals, and every kind of toy you could think of. The environment was also fun- a train table for the toddlers, a k'nex Ferris wheel in the window, hanging toys from the ceilings. It really sparked your inner child to play and have fun! Also, customer service was great- friendly and attentive. I feel like people don't mention that as much anymore but honestly, being polite and welcoming is just as important as the merchandise! read more

Not very friendly for a kids toy store. Maybe it's the young generation these days or managements poor training in customer service.

Horribly high priced toy store. The selection is not great. The location is great. Don't even think of trying to return anything. I had a bad experience even tho it was unopened. Avoid read more

Loved it so much! I hope to go back. It was a wonderful store and there was a huge collection of toys. Missing the store in Morgan hill

I visited the shop to purchase a puzzle for my mother in law, who was visiting. I entered shop and Quin greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I replied puzzles. I was quickly shown to the puzzles and given information on them. I chose one and was asked if I would like it "wrapped" for a gift. There was such great customer service and genuine interest from Quin. Thank you and keep up the professional, pleasant customer interaction! read more

Loveee this store! Super cute! Must visit if you have kids, they also have the little wooden toys.

Awesome toy store! Tons of games, puzzles and toys for kids of all ages. They have many of the latest board games and tone of ravensburger puzzles. read more

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A magical toy store nestled in the heart of Carmel. The shop is filled with an incredible selection of toys, stuffies, games, and puzzles for all ages - a wonderland for both kids and kids at heart. Quinn was absolutely fantastic--knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping me find the perfect fidgets. As a fellow sensory-seeking stim enthusiast, their recommendations were spot-on! Beyond their expertise, Quinn also showed so much love and kindness to my 105 lb pup, Picasso, who couldn't resist leaning all his weight on them--and they didn't mind one bit! The warm, welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful customer service made this visit truly memorable. We'll definitely be stopping by again on my next trip to Carmel! read more

Carmel by the Sea needs a bright, imaginative, clean, fun toy store! Thinker Toys is tired and understaffed... what staff they do have seems to hide distractedly behind the front counter. The inventory is limited and unvaried. Toys are poorly displayed. The floors often need vacuuming. The entire business feels neglected and depressed...not a happy place to shop for kids! This isn't the store I remember from years ago. read more

I've been a shopper of this toy store (and mall location before it closed) for decades. I'm extremely disappointed in how the new management has run this store to the ground. Selection is horrible. Who is buying now? What happened to the bread and butter of the business? Legos, trains, dress up, games. All a fraction of what they used to have. Makes me wonder. Please rethink what you're doing! I want to support small businesses and my last visit left me sad! Not the same Thinker Toys. read more

I've stopped into this store multiple times over the past 4 years while visiting Carmel. Each time I politely ask the staff if they have an any police related toys. The staff wanders around the store pretending they do and always ends up saying "sorry we must be all out." The truth is this store has never had a single police officer toy. However, there's dozens of toys related to firefighting, medical, construction, etc. Also, you can't turn in this store without bumping into a safe space flag or book on inclusion. I wonder how much the owners of this place donated to defund the police when it was cool to do so. I'm pretty sure however they'd phone up Carmel PD in a jiffy if someone stole from their store. This place has an obvious agenda and it's a rip off anyways. My suggestion would be to Amazon Prime it and pick up down the street at the Whole Foods. read more

Been coming to this store for the many years, but not anymore. A new male employee was highly inappropriate and rude.

Dirty and neglected place. Rude staff member either ignores customers or yells at them when he is bothered to help. Kids book selection has a clear political agenda, and is questionable at best. Amazon has everything they sell at this store at much better prices, so you'd think they would invest more into better customer service to differentiate. read more

I've been to this toy store many times because of its convenient location, but after my last visit, I won't be returning. The store truly shocked me, the completely inappropriate display of political messaging by an employee at the register. This person was openly wearing pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel symbols on their work attire. A children's toy store is no place for divisive political statements--especially ones that alienate customers. I don't know if the owner is aware of this or if they condone it, but it's unacceptable. Keep politics out of a place meant for kids and families. read more

Visit regularly, disappointed today. Bought several items, discovered after returning home the stuffed animal I purchased was DIRTY. Was asked if I needed a bag for my purchases? Last straw was reflecting on this sign at the register. A tip?! For dirty toys and no bag? Will think about another store next time. read more

Thinker Toys - Tip jar. - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

One of my favorite toy stores. In fact, my children always insisted we stop here on our visits to Carmel. Whether it was to buy a new kite, or to buy a new puppet, they always managed to discover something new here. Even I was impressed. A huge variety of games. And many puzzles to choose from. They have something for everyone. read more

We noticed the toy store because of the toy Ferris wheel moving in the window, and after we walked in, my toddler refused to leave. They have a great selection of quality toys and have fun tables where kids can play with magformers or the brio transit system. Staff are friendly and patient. I'm so glad cute, independent toy stores like this still exist! read more

Cute shop with unique toys. We stopped by this shop while visiting on vacation. The store had a great selection of plush toys, wooden pretend sets and even Legos. Customer service was great and felt the toys were priced fair. Ended up buying a kids drum for my toddler who loves music. read more

Such an awesome toy store in Carmel. It is nice to see that there's toy store still out there like this one I seen so many toys that I had when I was a kid. It was pretty awesome to see. You could literally spend a few hours in the store looking at everything. It is so well organized and very clean. read more

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What happened to one of the best toy stores around? Is it under a new owner. We live in California and visit Carmel all the time. On our last visit we went into Tinker toys and the staff was lazy, unfriendly and should not be working there. The staff sits behind the check out area ringing up items and nobody is out on the floor selling and answering questions on toys and games. Also, the place has no inventory. So sad to see this once amazing business go down the drain. They need new staff that cares about selling products. read more

Great place with a great variety of toys. My children loved this store. If you are looking for a place to go out and buy something for them, this is the right place. read more

Magical toy shop in the heart of Carmel. We were walking around Carmel after having a donut down the street, and the enormous Connects Ferris Wheel in the window caught our 19month olds eye. She'd never been in an actual toy shop, so we thought, "what the hell" and went in. The shop is laid out with plenty of room to walk around with a kiddo. The employees seemed to genuinely care about the toys and helping kids have a fun time. There's all sorts of great stuff from coloring instruments, balls, puzzles, and Legos, to baby toys and flash cards for bigger kids. read more

Thinker Toys - Inside the store. - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

I'm glad this toy store is hours away from home because otherwise all my money will go to it! Great array of toys, great space to play and reconnect with your inner child. You can find great gifts for every type of child and the staff is magical as well. Absolutely go in; but beware, you will definitely leave with something. read more

Thinker Toys - Entrance - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

Thinker Toys is a cute corner toy store in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea. This toy store has been here for years, ever since I was a toddler. I believe it is the last toy store in Carmel. The employees were very kind and very patient with my 5 year old. I also appreciate the store following Covid precautions by limiting the number of customers to ten people at a time. The line went by quick. We will return to Thinker Toys again for our next traditional visit to Carmel. read more

Thinker Toys - A cute selection of Calico Critters, even Holiday themed. - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

Not much to say other than it's a store with a variety of overpriced toys? Spent $60 on just four small items for the kids. (Pop it, slime, learning books and yo-yo) Four stars for convenience of location next to a variety of restaurants, clothing stores and beach down the street. Masks are not enforced if you're wondering. (It was posted on their door as OPTIONAL) read more

This was an amazing toy store. My kids are grown and I found toys for ME. I love the diversity of the selection, especially the focus on inclusion. I'm from Oakland, so that matters with my user experience. Came here on a weekend visit & I hope to retire to this area when I grow up so that I can come to this toy store on the regular! read more

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Great selection of toys and very friendly staff. Just wish service was a bit faster. We find ourselves waiting awhile to checkout whenever we visit this place, so we have to time it well. Otherwise we love this toy shop, and always frequent this business whenever in Carmel! read more

Just the best little toy store for our area. I enjoy the quality and uniqueness of the toys. Although there's a nice selection, I do remember a time when there was a bigger selection and it does start getting a little thin with choices during the Christmas season. read more

We came in here while waiting for one of the restaurants to open. They have a good selection of toys, board games, books, and other fun goodies. You will have fun shopping in here. read more

Thinker Toys - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

This place is a fun toy store to visit if you are in Carmel and are young spirited or a school teacher! Thinker Toys has lots of cool toys for pretty good prices! If I had a kid I would be both scared and delighted to take them here :) cause I might come out with loads of cool items! They had a good range of toys, books, stuffed animals and lots of cool magna tile blocks. read more

Thinker Toys - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

This staff at this store is ridiculous and rude. You would think they would be better focused on assisting their customers instead of enforcing mask rules with toddlers. Their prices are incredibly high, even for Carmel. The store selection is lacking and I would definitely look elsewhere. read more

This place has the best selection of children's books I've seen in a long time. Diversity, women, equality, inclusion. These are the books children today need to be reading. Well done to the owners for stocking this selection! read more

Thinker Toys - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

THINKER TOYS! They have a Curious George toy that rides a bicycle back and forth on a long piece of string that hangs a foot above your head. It's one of the only reasons I visit this store...well, that and the fact they have terrific toys. They take pride in the fact they don't carry Bratz or other hideously scary, brain-cell sucking toys like that. They have intelligent toys, which makes them a sort of anti-Toys R Us, which I absolutely love. And if for some reason you're in Carmel looking for models, train equipment or doll house furnishings, this may be your mecca. read more

Thinker Toys - Toy Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

As a collector I found some amazing items there especially handheld electronic games. Also employees there were really polite and helpful

They have soooo many toys. It's like heaven for my son (and husband). And thank you to the gentleman behind the Center who helped to wrap my gifts. Much appreciated! read more

I am so sad to write this review. I have been going to Thinker Toys since I was a child, and have been a steady customer during the pandemic. They were doing SO well until the mask restriction lifted in California on 6/15. To clarify, this means that VACCINATED people can stop wearing masks indoors. Obviously smaller (I.e., ages 2-11) children have not been vaccinated yet. Thinker Toys now has a sign in their door that says "masks optional" and then smaller type indicating that people should follow state mandates. While great in theory, we saw families with unmasked small children (think, grade school) wandering around, and an unmasked man coughing all over the place. Their store is small and you cannot avoid these people. I wish that the owners of Thinker Toys could remember that they are in the business of serving the small humans who are now most vulnerable to Covid. I will not be going back until my child is vaccinated, or they do a better job of making their store safe. Or maybe never, given their appalling lack of concern for others. read more