I walked in here today because I saw that this place sells those viral Grabie acrylic pens with those coloring books with it. I got one and it's the forest set for about $28. Is it worth it? Yeah, if you're a stationery lover. This place even sells sets you can use to grow flowers for butterflies, Venus fly traps, peanuts, and even bananas. read more

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A cute store with a huge inventory and we really should support small stores...but....customer service is NOT something they specialize in. All the floor employees are there to watch you and their merchandise. Clearly they must be ripped off frequently. We bought a kids book for a newborn grandchild and asked if it could be gift wrapped, as the store was not busy at the time. Flat out NO, you have to spend a minimum of $10. Our purchase was $9.69. How about asking if we would pay an additional 31 cents? Lousy way to run a business. Since everything they sell can be bought at Amazon do yourself a favor and shop online and save yourself from their attitude read more

My friend Ronnie and I were waiting, for a reservation at a nearby restaurant. We entered this place, and it was like entering a child's toy chest, and existing within its wood and whimsy, for long enough to know that a good childhood is wild with things and trinkets, and that Lance Bass wrote a children's Halloween Book. I will say that this type of toy store is fit to answer the question: What do you get the toddler or tween that has everything? I am not burden with such a question, so I just wondered through the place, imagining what I would do with all the toys and children's choice stationary, if I had the time and space to just play and enjoy the experience as its own reward. But now, even if I play, I think about the purpose of the toy's wheels--- are they spinning like a hamster wheel or are they spinning like workers on a treadmill? Because for me, and others who think and have heads that are full of thoughts, a wheel just never spins for fun. The store is bigger than its storefront would lead one to believe. As Ronnie and I wondered the aisle's we found toys that might suitably for our age group: table top games, like Uno. The store did offer a version of Uno that she and I had never seen- Uno with customizable cards. In college, I played Jenga Truth or Dare. Some of the Dares and Truths were provided by the toy makers, while others we can right down. Playing this game allowed me to understand that liquid from a belly button tastes both fun and like sweat on skin. I can imagine that if people get to write their own rules for drawing cards, eventually someone will have to pick up a shot for every blue card they get. Near the Unos card was also a Rubix card, so if one is prone to solitaire, then there are games for them too! What I really appreciate about the store, is that it held its own identity with pride. They were a toy store that not only sold toys but the concept of play as pure pleasure. For instance, when one walks around they see a mid-size plush of The Cat in the Hat sitting all casually on the corner of a bookshelf. The presence of the Cat in the Hat reminds us that joyous mischief is the right of children. He sits atop observing that the mischief begins and always remain fun and never crosses to a territory where children can sustain an ouch or a strong boo boo. Like Mary Poppins, the Cat in the Hat, induces adventure that only the innocent can enjoy with their eyes wonder filled eyes, but the adventure is always comically absurd, the absurdity never costs blood, bruise, or emotional baggage. And that is why adult supervision is important when kids play--- they can help the wonder build to the tallest heights of fun, but they can never allow kids to fall and bump their heads as they climb to that tier of joy. Was that the motto of the Cat in the Hat all along? The place also has a clothes section that read to me a little bit old fashioned, like I could see people home on a prairie wear them. I am not a fashion conscious person so my word in this matter should be taken with a marble (hehe) of salt. As I reviewed the picture I saw a lot gray, white, and muted blue and I guess I assume that color should be present in clothes meant for play. I mean, I would rather be young and play in mud in an orange shirt and short, then in a white ensemble. But again, my closet is basically a hanging garage sale, so please judge the clothes by yourself. As Ronnie and I walked the store, we pointed out the famous toys in the store. For instance they have a Mr and Mrs. Potato head available. In Spanish the toy is called Mr. Potato face, which definitely changes the image of the toy. In this case one cannot say, potato pota-toe, something was changed in translation--- a woman having a face of makeup can be beautiful, a woman having a makeup head makes her a possible candidate for a freak show. In the final tally, this place is a great and wide toy story. It is not as huge as Toy's R Us (may they rest in financial liquidation) but it definitely has a al lot to view and wonder about, and if you do have a toy to buy for a child, rest assured that you will likely find something, but I will say I did not see Pogs in this place. read more

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Ok so I go to the Orange Circle quite often, normally just to eat, but I'm in the home stretch of my first pregnancy and her nursery is about 95% complete. I'm a huge reader, and her nursery is filled with books. My best friend recommended coming here and OMG it was SO CUTE. Nostalgic as well, since a lot of the games/ toys were from when I was a kid lol I bought some books and the girls helping out were super kind too. I'm coming back next week cuz I can't wait to show my fiancé this gem read more

My favorite toy store! They have such a variety of toys for every age and also have a good selection of Jellycat! Staff is always super kind and helpful!! read more

What a perfect little toy shop. It feels so nostalgic inside and its location in Old Towne Orange gives it an extra small-town feel. Great variety and reasonable prices. Lots of helpers during the holiday season and they even wrap items for you as a complimentary service. read more

My favorite toy store to shop at! From toys to books, baby items... Excellent selection - you can tell the owner or management puts a lot of through into the selection. They have a lot of mainstream toys there but also unique findings. Great selection of science and STEM, toys, awesome art supplies, some Pokémon, board games, goodie bag fillers... Highly recommend! read more

My girls and I went to this store for the first time and did not like the customer service at all! All the sales associates, old and young, acted like my young girls were going to steal their merchandise and run. Their demeanor seemed annoyed if we asked to see something behind the counter. Did not seem genuine to help. We went to three other similar stores in the area and this one left a bad taste coming from out of town. Really left a bad impression of Orange. read more

Great classic toy store. Nothing like it anymore. Always an enjoyable visit for the kids or to pick out a unique gift.

This was really disappointing. The owner is not kind. She made my daughter cry. My daughter wanted to see a Maileg Mouse and the owner was very uninformed. She did not know the difference in sizes of the toys that she was selling. Then she kept scolding my daughter when she was not doing anything. It was a disappointing experience to have the joy taken away from my daughter at a toy shop. I used to like this store, but I would recommend going to Fashion Island. There is a wonderful toy shop there and all the staff knows how to treat children well. read more

When we asked if they had any books with same-sex parents, we were told by the owner that they don't carry them because the content is "too sensitive" and she hoped we understood. I understand: the owners aim to make homophobic people comfortable at the expense of families like ours. I haven't experienced prejudice like that in any other family retail establishment in Orange County. I'll be taking my business elsewhere unless we get an apology and a change of policy. [edit below to respond to store owner's comments] I hope you are being honest about looking for merchandise that reflects the diversity of families, because you are lying about what you said to me and my husband. You were very clear that the subject matter of the books was the problem, and you did in fact say it was "too sensitive." Jeanie, trust is hard-earned. When you toss a group of people under the bus because it is politically expedient to do so, you do not regain them as customers just because you realized it was a bad business decision after all. Your response is not a serious apology until you acknowledge what you did wrong and rectify it meaningfully. Start with a post on social media sharing a storytime featuring the new diverse books you say you're going to buy. read more

I absolutely LOVE this toy store!!Been shopping here for over 10 years and it is my go to for gifts and games. Whenever we go in, they have always been so helpful and pleasant. I am a mom of 3 and a primary school teacher, the owners and employees always have taken time to share the latest trends in toys and games. When my daughter was little her favorite things to buy here were Calico Critters. This is my favorite store to buy games for the family and my classroom. They have unique and fun games for all ages and the employees are always ready and willing to help you find the perfect item! Make it your first stop for gifts, I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

An awesome toy store where you can find unique toys & a lot of learning toys! my favorite toy store in all of Orange County!

yesterday at 4:58 PM with my 2 year old granddaughter by the hand the door was rudely closed and locked. I have shopped in this store many times at both locations and support small business in Orange. Terribly bad form. If the employee had a pressing appointment which would not allow her to let us in while locking the door or any new shoppers an explanation would have been appreciated. Literally slammed the door in our face while reaching for the handle with a "were closed" very disappointing read more

I typically don't like writing reviews like this because I know a business can have their "moments" but Christ. I don't know the name of who attended me, but her attitude was disrespectful, condescending, overbearing, and overall unprofessional. I walked in with my friend, and she asked if we needed anything. Off to a great start but we were just browsing. As we kept looking, she practically followed our movement around with her eyes. A bit strange but oh well. I'm not new to this type of attitude from shop owners unfortunately. She then asks again -- if we needed something but rather aggressively. We both say no and continue to look. My friend points out to me that she was checking the camera footage, reviewing our time in the store. Now, I don't like saying it was racially motivated, but both of us are Mexican. We tend to experience this kind of treatment and know there's a difference between good customer service and blatant paranoia as a result of prejudice. When it came to payment, I tried helping out by placing my selection on the counter (also to review what I was buying,) and she immediately interjected by interrupting me multiple times and snatching the items from my hand. The other cashier there finished up the transaction and was phenomenal so it seemed like this older lady had a problem with us in specific. This is why I give the place 3 stars. The store was clean, maintained, and reasonably priced, but that older associate was downright rude. read more

The store is nice, I've shopped here many times over the years. The lady that runs the counter is not so much. She kept watching us like we were stealing. I had my arms crossed just standing and she kept staring me down. I finally uncrossed my arms thinking she thought I was hiding something and she stopped staring at me. Also we came for mailegs and they are so high you can't even see what's there to buy them. And they don't tell you until after you already ran your card that whatever you bought is final sale. I watched her do it to two people in front of me and then us. Would be nice to know before you swipe your card in case you had hesitations. Maybe it wouldn't have left such a poor taste in my mouth if they were nicer but the lady running the store seemed irritated we were in there. read more

i'm sad to give this place a one star, because i love the orange circle and it is a really cute store, however, it has to be done. I have been to this store twice, and both times i've felt more than unwelcome. And by reading previous reviews, i see i'm not alone. i'm not sure if this lady is the manager (i hope not) but as soon as my friend and I walked in, we could just tell the energy was off. We've been here once before but wanted to just browse around to see if there was anything we didn't see before. This woman pretty much followed our every move. Obviously I don't want to bring race into it, but I just read a previous review of someone saying the same exact thing. She is very rude, condescending, and i really believe she does not care about the wellbeing of this store. It actually blows my mind that this mean woman works at a CHILDREN'S store. I think having a toy/book store for kids in the circle is an amazing idea! But honestly, she needs to GO. Oh and i got charged twice for my order and when i brought it to her attention she told me she couldn't do anything about it, and that she would "email me". I have yet to hear back from your company and im very displeased and disappointed. I truly hope you give me my refund, or you will be hearing from me again. And i would not recommend your store to anyone i know until you change your attitudes and actually maybe care about your customers? read more

Madison is a sweetie pie! Love this store and her. She is so knowledgeable about toys!

Shout out to my favorite store in the orange circle !!! I always have to stop in to see what new cute stuff they have. The employees are always smiling and happy greeting me at the door read more

Had such a great 1st experience here today! I was on the hunt for a piggy bank & I had been striking out at the 3 previous stores I went to. I needed a gift for the next day! I was greeted when I walked in & asked if I needed help. The woman who helped me was nice & also quick which I appreciated. The store is so cute inside, feels like you were transported back in time. They also sold kids/baby clothes! I got the cutest piggy bank & the woman even offered to gift wrap it for me! I was so grateful bc Im terrible at it & I was also pressed for time. I would definitely shop here again. I love being able to support small local business read more

Tiddlywinks - Complimentary gift wrapping - Toy Stores Near Me - Orange, California

Do not attend story times here. Having a story time the morning of the street fair opening was awful planning. My 2 year old and I had to walk almost a mile in the heat only to be turned away (incredibly rudely might I add) by someone (based on reading other reviews that the owner is rude I'm guessing it was the owner) before I even reached the door. She yelled at me from across the parking lot instead of allowing me to get closer and talk to me in a normal volume like a human being. I explained how far I had just walked with my daughter and she basically told me too bad while continuing to yell. No where on the advertisement for the story time did it say there was a capacity limit either. When I said it should have been posted she just walked away from me and hid inside. When she thought I was gone she started to come back out, I'm assuming because she heard me trying to explain to my daughter that we weren't allowed in and we had to go home and when she saw me still outside she immediately turned back around and went back inside. Moral of the story, don't attend these story times and if you do, get there at least 30 minutes early read more

Tiddlywinks makes all my holiday, birthday or any occasion that I need a toy or game better. Coolest toys and games, super friendly staff and just an overall amazing vibe that makes you want to hang out and look at everything! Thank you Tiddlywinks!!! read more

Wonderful spot to pick up high quality toys! They also have a great "prize wall" with items under $5 that are really fun and a bit unusual. Great shop - love to support! read more

Everything is this store is so cute and they have so much variety ! I've been multiple times now and each time I've walked away with at least one super cute and fun item read more

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!! I went in today at around 3:30pm looking for jellycats because this store had been recommended to me. My mother and I were the only ones in the store and I had found the LIMITED selection of jellycats next to the register in a case. I was looking at them and the older lady waiting at the register had seen me and asked if I there for jellycats and I said yes. Then a young girl came in with her family and came behind me also looking for jellycats, and then another family came in for the same thing. At this point we were all crowded next to register and the older lady told us that the summer collection was limited. I had asked her how often they got stock so I could come back maybe another time and she RUDELY responded saying this is all they had and they don't have more. I simply was asking a question and she did not seem like she wanted to help me so I stopped asking questions. The young lady then came to attend everyone asking what we would like to look at. Since I had been there first and was waiting, she helped me first. I asked specifically for the sandcastle and the bunny to show my sister and see which she had wanted. As she attended the other customers I had decided I wanted the sandcastle and was holding onto it the entire time, especially because they had said they only had these. I further asked if I could see other ones and she said yes. The other families picked their jellycats and I had decided to get the sandcastle and coconut. I believe the other families wanted the ones I had and so then the girl said they had more in the back, which contradicts what they said in the beginning. One of the families had asked for the sandcastle since they "had more in the back" while they were checking out. I was going to pay and stood in line when the young girl came to me and said she had to hold it behind the register, acting like I was going to steal it when I'm obviously there to provide my service. I hand them to her and am waiting to be cashed out while both the families were being helped. I'm the last to pay and she says she has to check in the back for the sandcastle. Mind you I had held it the entire time because I knew they had limited selections and was there first so you would think they had it waiting for me. The older lady comes back saying they don't have anymore !!!!!! The young girl had sold the one I was going to purchase to the other family before even checking if they had more !!! I couldn't believe it and she didn't even know what to say to me. The older lady wasn't helpful either she was just sitting there staring. Next time make sure the customers that are there first get what they picked and actually check when you have the stock !!!!!! Never coming back here and there are far better stores to get jellycats. read more

Wonderful children's shop full of great toys, dolls, books, and clothing and other items for babies. It's a small business and the owner is very sweet and friendly. It's hard to find these adorable shops now.. so I try to support it as much as I can, and my children also love visiting this store! read more

very vibrant and fun little toy store that's a must-see for anyone passing through old towne orange! the staff are always willing to lend a hand and they give great product recommendations if you're looking for a gift ;) read more

we have been going for years. We love the location and the selection of toys and crafts. Jelly cats and calico critters are great!

Boo! I come to this store often. This time I was buying toys for both of my kids. When I asked for two bags so each kid could carry their own toy out of the store, the girl at the register charged me an extra .50 for the extra bag! Mind you, you couldn't get all the toys in one bag anyways! (Unless you but then in a larger bag) I spent $65. So I wasn't buying cheap toys or something on sale. Poor customer service. What should have been a positive experience left me feeling ripped off. If I would have made two separate purchases, I would have been given a bag with each purchase- and they would have been charged an extra transaction charge from their credit card company! read more

Tiddlywinks - Beware- extra bag charge. Might want to bring your own bag to this store! - Toy Stores Near Me - Orange, California

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The new America we live in I'm blown away on the experience I went thru with our family I'm a long standing Orange County resident and let me tell you I'm so DISAPPOINTED on the experience here at this store and the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER By a STORE MANAGER BY NAME OF TORI and STAFF SO about a week ago our family walked into this store to buy a cute doll so we thought for our newest granddaughter to our family we seen it was in a box and we bought it we didn't think nothing about it it looked like a doll a (GIRL DOLL) so without any thought the family bought it some cute little doll clothes to make it more beautiful for our Granddaughter But hold in behold no sooner did we give it as a gift our daughter called us and told us did you realize what kind of doll you have gave us We're yeah a cute doll she said no it's a little boy we said NO your wrong No she said as soon as you take the clothes of it has a boys private part we're like no it's impossible But she return the doll back to us and we're blown away Because the little doll we thought was a cute little doll was a boy doll with a mold of a Penni's ‍ So we told her no worries will go back to the store and return it WoW!! We're we WRONG when we went back to the store and explained it to the staff they said NO and the MANAGER who's suppose to be a problem solver had the worst attitude ever and worst attitude to solve the issue and the more amazing part was that even the staff there couldn't tell the difference between the doll and even after that they still wouldn't return it was a DISAPPOINTMENT like a doll would turn there sells upside down I'm a business owner myself and the way this manager took care of this issue would not be allowed in my business And issue so small could of been taken care of in such a quick and positive matter but it was was not The questions you should ask yourself as a BUSSINES is who's making the decisions on your merchandise Make sure you have more clarity if your selling girl dolls or boy dolls so the products gets to your customers house the little kids aren't asking what is that on the doll Who's training or have they even had any formal training in customer service problem And as read more

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FIVE STARS for the store itself as it has a wonderful selection of unique toys! THREE STARS (and that's being generous) for experience and vibe of owner. Simply put--she comes across as rude, inconvenienced, and even a bit miserable. We took our daughter in for an unlimited shopping spree for her birthday. My daughter spent around 45 min in the store picking things out and thankfully...she had the time of her life. Us on the other hand, were disappointed with the attitude of the owner. She behaved as if we were bothering her and inconveniencing her shopping at the store. It was almost like she didn't believe we were actually going to buy the things our kid picked out. Some of the items our kid picked out were even put back which was super disappointing as we didn't realize it until we were home. As other lower star reviews here indicate, the owner does in fact come across rude and not welcoming in her store. In several of her responses back to other reviews, she states that is not her intention. Perhaps that is the case.... But I would just say...maybe try to smile a little bit and practice pretending to appreciate your customers. It will go a really long way! You have a really nice store and it's just a shame you come across so miserable and unfriendly. read more

Unfortunately we had a horrible experience today . Iv been to this store multiple times and this isn't the first time but it will be the last . I have twins that do not walk I myself am disabled so I can not carry them both . We came in today to shop for Christmas for my kids , both doors were open and the store seemed inviting. When we came in with a friend and her stroller we parked it inside off to the side as the owner seemed to be on a ladder doing something a little off to the door way . My friend suggested I can look around and she would watch all three babies . While walking around the owner got off the ladder and shut one of the front doors . When I came to check on my babies she was standing close by and said , something on the lines of your not going to fit ( I have a wagon for my twins ) and then proceeded to say we are busy it's Christmas time in a rude tone . My friend and I were really put off . I set the toy down I had in my hand and we left the store . We will not be returning. *** edited to add for the owner the dimensions of my " oversized outdoor wagon " as she claims it's oversized compared to a front to back double stroller . I'm sorry my children that can't walk inconvenienced you . An apology was never given . As I have a witness that was there . ** we loved this store it was my daughter's favorite and now I need to explain to her why we can't come back and it's heart breaking.. good luck with your store have a nice day . read more

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What a cute store to hangout at just prior to reaching Afters ice cream. Strolling with the nephew and caught this cute store that we couldn't resist to skip over. He made sure to check out every single toys and games before he picked this cool kaleidoscope! He was so intrigued by the variety of stuff they had. Don't miss the store and definitely go in to check out what they have! pricing was decent, worth it to see! read more

Tiddlywinks - kaleidoscope - Toy Stores Near Me - Orange, California

Rude customer service and we will not be returning. We were enjoying a nice day out and decided to take our daughter in to pick out a birthday gift. She wanted to check out the slimes as they have different themes but she accidentally dropped the slime and the cap came off. The employee came and grabbed it and quickly also said "I'll hold those at the front too" (referring to two small dolls my daughter had brought in that were already her own). I was instantly not happy with her assumption that we were going to try and take these dolls that she assumed were the stores property. We continued to browse the store and my daughter found something else she preferred to use her birthday money and as we went to checkout and told the employee we chose a different item she so rudely said "well this one already broke" (since the plastic wrapper had come off the top of the slime). We told her she just chose a different item and decided to go with that instead of paying $20 for some slime anyways. Her tone was so extremely rude and we could see other shoppers noticing the confrontation which is so embarrassing. I told her this is a kids store clearly they want to look at items. I am so disappointed with the rude way her tone was and in front our little child in a children's toy store. We will never be returning again and on top of that they are lucky anyone gives them business with such high priced toys. read more

We love tiddlywinks and it's where my son chooses to use his spending money. As a mom who tries to stay away from loud obnoxious toys I know coming here we don't have to worry about what he will pick out from here. Pricing is fair for the Brands and types of toys of available but you aren't going to find "deals" like you would at Target - which isn't a knock on them, you are going to get better quality for the most part from the toys you get here. I also think this is a great place to get more unique gifts for baby showers and children's birthdays. They have super cute swaddles and books, and dolls that are superior quality. Service is always top notch and the cashiers are always so patient with my 3 year old as he pays for his toys himself. read more

I can't believe I've never reviewed Tiddlywinks! This is our go-to spot for birthday presents (love the free gift-wrapping!), stocking stuffers, and games! We always spot something fun and unusual that we haven't seen anywhere else. My daughter is 10, and even though she's starting to outgrow a lot of toys, she still finds plenty to interest her here with the games, craft kits, science projects, etc. - it's a great place to come and find something to fill a rainy afternoon! The friendly staff is always helpful (but not pushy), and we feel good supporting a local business where the items are so thoughtfully curated. read more

Good luck to others who are on the hunt for the lovable Schleich horses and animals! I love this little charming toy store! It's friendly and has something for everyone young and old! Thank you for the amazing experience! :) read more

Tiddlywinks - Amazing Schleich selection!!! I picked up the newest 2022 Belgian draft Mare and Icelandic mare! Loved looking at all of them. :) - Toy Stores Near Me - Orange, California

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My favorite small business toy store! They have unique gifts that I absolutely love for my own kids as well as gifts for others. The owner is so sweet and always helpful. They offer to wrap gifts for you when you check out which is such a nice touch. I drive 20 + minutes just to come to this shop each time I need a special gift. read more

Such a great small business with friendly and helpful staff. Get kids unique gifts (not found on Amazon or at Target) and support a local small business! My kids' favorite tradition is buying each other Christmas gifts from there and I love that they carry gifts for newborns as well. Plus the area is so cute and charming! read more

Love this store and all of the unique cool things. But what I really love is that the owner strives to make sure her staff is well trained and knowledgeable about the products, ages they are intended for as well how they are used or played. Additionally, Jeanie participates in numerous community and school events, providing donations and materials for these great programs. This store and it's team are such an asset to Old Town Orange! read more