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!

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!

A big thanks to the whole team at The Wild Child. I learned this morning that I need to buy some…read moresolar eclipse glasses and that you were the only store locally that had them according to my wife and her Facebook friends. You were smart enough to have the inventory, yet your pricing was more than competitive with online retailers. You had an opportunity to pad your profits and raise prices, but you did not take it :) And your store was beautiful! The next time I need a children's gift I will be sure to visit your store. Thanks Gretchen and team.

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!

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!

Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and girls,…read moreCome with me and you'll be, In a world of pure imagination..... Walking into Smash Toys made me feel like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and I had the Golden Ticket. Every toy I remembered as a kid is in here. You will be overwhelmed by the nostalgia of your youth. From old toys to new, Smash Toys has it all. But seriously Johnathan has a great shop filled with new toys everytime I have come in. The store is a awesome treat and I have a blast talking to him about the toys from the 80s... Also If you have toys to sell skip the ebay hassle and outrageous fees cause you will get a good deal on your stuff. Trust me I know. Don't give you money to a greedy corporation... And if you are from out of town make this a place to visit and take some time to relive the glory days we had as kids.

I came in from out of town and had several toy emergencies. The team at Snickkelfritz bent over…read morebackwards to help me pull together great options! In fact, my gifts were the hit of the party. Patronize this good old fashioned customer service focused place. It's a gem!

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!

This store so incredible. The variety and selection are unparalleled and they cover such a wide…read morerange of ages. They have a great eye for bringing in high quality, interesting and unique things. We are so lucky to have a store like this in our community. It was my first time visiting today and I will be back many, many more times!

What a sweet little gem in our community! I wandered in on a weekday afternoon while my husband was…read morefinishing up his eye exam next door. I wasn't sure I was going to buy anything - I'm generally on the lookout for gifts for the kidlets in our lives. The store is bright and easy to navigate. The displays seemed to be arranged by age, which was really helpful as I looked at things for four kids ranging from two to thirteen. And because the emphasis is on screen-free play and interactive play, I knew I would get the parents' seal of approval on anything I picked out. If I can get their faces away from a phone or Nintendo Switch, even for 30 minutes, I'll be aunt of the year! The staff were warm and friendly, asking me a few times if I needed any help. Before I knew it, I had some holiday gifts selected for the littlest friends in my life. They'll be pleased with the crayon rings and books and fidget toys, and I can be pleased that I was able to support a local shop in our community. I'm looking forward to coming back as the kids' interests and ages change. And, let's be honest, I had as much fun there as I expect the kids will.

"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.