I'm not gonna' lie...I was really sad when Toys 'R Us closed. I also know a lot of other parents…read morewho were sad right along with me. But, I get it...the prices were high and online shopping destroyed toy shopping in general. Now that my kids are older, I haven't thought much about toys, until tonight when I happened to be in Party City and decided to check out their brilliant new addition--Toy City! Walking past the Lego sets, I fully admit to getting choked up, wanting to take one home, but I moved on (because my kids are at that age where they would rather go get their teeth cleaned than spend time with me). Oh, I forgot to mention, Lego sets over $50 are 20% off. The good news, is if my kids decide they like me again, Toy City is here to stay at this location. Some other locations are short-term pop ups. The selection overall is nicely curated, and there's a little something for everyone, including older kiddos. You'll find a giant slime selection, bath toys for toddlers, lots of girly crafting kits like making bangles and quilting, Alex brand toys, sparkly plush pillows, and...OMG a Baby Alive! I had a Baby Alive when I was a toddler. For those parents who might not be digging the smaller selection of toys at Target and miss Toys 'R Us, you can thank me for this review. Your birthday party shopping just got a little bit easier. And, you can pick up wrapping paper while you're at it!

I bought a hacky sack, and two squishies. After two days the hacky sack was completely empty, and…read moreone of the squishies had a hole in it. eventually the other one got a hole in it too. The hacky sack was 10$, and so were the squishies.

The Wild Child continues to bring amazing toys into our homes during Covid-19...and they make it…read morealmost as easy as walking into the store. Sunday night I texted Gretchen.. Me: Hi! My son's friend is turning 7 tomorrow. Any good ideas for gifts? Gretchen: Yes! Is this gift for Asher? Their customer service is that good that they know the bday without you even telling them. Minutes later she had sent me suggestions that she thought Asher would, my son chose one (a robotic spider, obviously), I paid by credit card....and the gift was waiting at Asher's door about 30 minutes later. Oh and I even received a text that it had arrived. Based on customer service like this it's easy to see why 98% of gifts at bday parties (way back when we had them) are from Wild Child. Please support this amazing local toy store during this time for your own toy needs...and gifts for others. Thank you Gretchen & co for all that you do!

What a fun stop for unique gifts. I really liked the crafting section as well. All kinds of holiday…read moregifts and fun activities.

Great selection of toys, games, and crafts! The staff is helpful and they provide free gift…read morewrapping.

Beanstalk is the kind of toy store I wish is around when I was a kid. They carry a variety of toys…read moreand educational activity games. The store is clean and organized and I must mention the friendly staff on duty this past Saturday morning who offered to put a ribbon on a stuffed animal I purchased. There are plenty of street parking in front and around the store. It's a unique treasure for kids of all ages. Instead purchasing toys from of big box stores or Amazon, give Beanstalk a try!

This is an adorable toy store for the under 10 set. I am not in company with many youngsters…read moretheseadays, but I imagine this store is the kind of place they'd love. There's a train track that runs above the store with a train toddling along. I saw moms sitting on the floor while their kids explored. I was looking for newborn stuff, the store is more geared to toddlers and up, although lots of baby gear here too. I didn't stay long as I was looking for infant stuff but I imagine I'll be back when said newborn gets a little older.

The Wild Child Toy Store in Wilmette, is a wonderful Toy Store. They have always met my needs as…read morewell as great Service and Quality Products. I will truly tell my friends and neighbors of my experiences and plan to come back when my Grandkids need gifts or just a treat.

I walked in and said I need a stuffed monkey and a great gift for a 10 year old girl- The sales…read morelady had the most perfect softest chimpanzee, and knew exactly what every 10 year old girl wants, I was all wrapped up and out in less than 10 minutes! This is my new go to for every birthday party!

The selection to start off with insane! It was one of the best collector shops I've ever been in!…read moreWhen I first walked in the was greeted with amazing customer service by the cashier and found out he was the owner! I had a very personal experience while buying the items I bought and will be back for sure! Price was also responsible!

We cannot say enough good things about SMASH Toys…read more They took our order over the phone, then came in on a day they were closed so someone could pick it up. And as if that wasn't already incredible, they wrapped the gift for us, too. All of this was done with one simple goal in mind: to help make a kid's Christmas dream come true. Mission accomplished. Thanks to their kindness, flexibility, and genuine care, we are officially the coolest aunt and uncle on the planet, and that's a title we don't take lightly. This is what a local business looks like when it's run with heart. SMASH Toys didn't just sell a toy; they delivered joy, generosity, and a Christmas memory that will last forever. If you're shopping local and want service that goes so far above and beyond it feels unreal, this is the place. The Eagle Has Landed!

I went in looking for a gift for my friend's nieces. Rudest staff! Did not event greet me or offer…read moreany help of any kind. I would not recommend.

I refer to this place as Snickerdoodles bc it always gets a fun reaction from my kids…read more Overall, big selection of toys and nice curation. I really like that they wrap toys for gifts. It's worth any full price or mark up to me to have it wrapped. At times the sales folks have made me a tinge uncomfortable. Kind of comes off as overbearing and I get some stares. I still drive an hour to Naperville to another locally owned toy shop whenever possible bc I tend to feel more welcomed there. Here, there is a bit of a weird vibe. Still, nice to have as a local option.

What a fantastic small business!! Allison was able to help me select wonderful learning and…read moreinteractive toys for my nephew and nieces. She asked me what their interests were and their ages. She showed me a great variety to choose from and I almost wanted to buy them all. Additionally she offered to order some STEM toys for a future gift. Highly recommend going here for the great customer service and wonderful selection.

I needed a gift for a kids birthday party and stopped in to Sage Explorers yesterday. Allison was…read moreso helpful. She pointed out several great options for a girl turning 8. She even demonstrated some games for me. They have a unique assortment of educational toys and brands that I had not seen anywhere else, including Seedling crafts and MudPuppy puzzles. They have a great selection for babies too. I picked up two items for the gift and she wrapped them beautifully. They just started doing kids birthday parties, too. I am so glad to have a toy store in town again, as I am usually grabbing a gift on the way to the party!

Offering exclusive drops of the newest viral squishys, this place has it all! With friendly…read moreservice and a wide variety of options, Parkway is our favorite toy shop on the Northshore.

I was very disappointed with my experience at this store this evening.. Unfortunately, the owner's…read moremanner was rude and unprofessional, and I did not feel that I was treated with the level of courtesy and respect I would expect as a customer. Our bday shopping experience was unpleasant. Also heard her complaining about another customers who was coming in to exchange a present, as if why are they exchanging them. As an owner you should be greeting people and making every customer welcome, regardless if they are buying or exchanging. Also a smile goes a long way, but the owner would like to roll eyes instead and make you feel like she is doing you a favor. this business lost us as customers.

"For here Am I sitting in a tin can…read moreFar above the world Planet Earth is blue And there's nothing I can do" Au contraire, Major Tom! There is so very much to do at Playoddity! Activity sets, classes, sets for the family. It is a bit confusing as this is a large open space. Lots of fun items.

Amazing, one of a kind concept. Very unique interior and products for special gift or if you are…read morelooking for something to do with your kids. Everyone at the store is super friendly and helpful. I also heard the birthday parties are awesome, we plan to schedule one for April.