3.5 - A solid spot, but has potential to be so much more! This has taken up as the only toy store toy on the main street of Truckee. Do expect quite a lot of kids roaming around perusing legos, sunglasses, coloring books, puzzles, game, stuffies and more. No sales or discounts here, these are all straight retail and for such a small store, they do have quite the inventory. No rhyme or reason on layout and definitely the old-school aesthetic of a variety store, that some may call tired. It's a little bit in between. Staff isn't the friendliest, they are mainly high schoolers, seemingly. They do have some old candy? But how great would it be if they updated and had a "penny candy" section where kids could fill bags with candy? I'm imagining this spot has been around for a long time and has it cornered for toys and odds and ends in town. It has a lot of potential, but a solid spot for when the grandparents come to town and want to buy the kiddos something. read more

I put the stars in the middle because I'm unsure, however my son is adamant that the 9 mega evolution Pokemon packs he just opened had been resealed. He showed me but I don't know what to look for. He's opened cards for over fours years from Japan, and from NY TO FL to SANDIEGO, San Francisco and most states in between. He's never said that. Plus this is the first time he's never pulled at least one or many nice cards. And they sold them at $9.99 a pack!!! We won't be going there again. If you're reading this now you have a bit of info read more

Looking for a variety of gifts, toys, tee shirts, and other stuff? Variety has it. It's always fun to stroll through. It is pricey even for a touristy souvenir shop. Staff runs hot and cold. read more

Truckee Variety Co - Toy Stores Near Me - Truckee, California

A kid's toy store that is not kid friendly. I had 3 children with me that picked up a toy that lit up and made sounds. They each tried the toy for no more than a minute or two when the man working there came over and asked them sternly "who is going to pay for the batteries?" (for them trying it). I thought toy stores were the one place kids could touch and feel for things that give them joy. Unfortunately this store does not welcome that. read more

My friend Mr. Rogers once said, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." drop You'll feel like you stepped back into the 1950s. I've never tried the candy from the candy bar. It looks really old, but I don't think candy spoils as it was never fresh in the first place. They also have some cheesy tourist souvenirs. But the real deal here, are the games. They may not have everything you're looking for, but they have enough. They have slingshots, most of the traditional games and some of the new ones. It usually crowded but worth it. read more

I've been here 4 times since Christmas and the people who work here are awful. They're very rude. We won't be returning, since they've taken the magic out of walking into a toy shop. It's unfortunate because I have memories coming to this toy store as a kid. However, it's just not worth it anymore. Thankfully there's so many other great spots in Truckee! read more

This mark up in this store is insane . Barbies are 50 dollars . Tiny cars are 17.99. I know times are tough but I can't help but feel like it's a big F U to tourists and non locals . I went to cvs and rite aid and paid normal price . If they were remotely nice I would have said screw it and spent the money but the man working there just looked me up and down and was very unhelpful and unwelcoming . read more

Nothing fancy about this store, but I like to stop by whenever I am in Truckee. Jam-packed with things for kids of all ages! I always see something new or an item with a twist on something I remember from my own childhood. Found some good stocking stuffers. read more

Long live the general store! I was thinking today of the joys of the quirky little general stores that seem to have a hodge podge of everything you are looking for and a bunch of stuff you didn't think they made any more. This is one of my favorites and a must stop destination in Truckee, especially if you have kids. Lots of toys, games, clothes, keychains, postcards, craft items, etc. Everything to keep the little ones entertained (or bribed) during your vacation or that long drive home. Prices also seem reasonable compared to many other 'boutique' stores in the area. This place is jam packed with lots of little goodies and I am always in line behind a kid or two excitedly paying for their purchases with a handful of quarters, nickels and dimes. Good times. read more

Being local, we've been frequenting this store for years. I stopped by over the weekend to grab a few last minute birthday gifts. Upon walking in (right after the store opened Saturday morning) two young girls behind the counter, both look right at me, neither say hello or welcome in. Browsed around, another employee (Middle Aged) was stocking items, walked passed me multiple times in between the tiny isles, I moved out of her way so she could pass, and she never said excuse me once. Lastly, 2 of the items I purchased broke within the first 15 minutes of the kids playing with them, and the board games were extremely overpriced. Not to mention $4.50 for 4 sheets of tissue paper. Unfortunately based on the cold customer service and the value of the products, we likely won't return. read more

Went in for a quick glance around after lunch at a nearby Alibi Brewery (this place was fantastic by the way ) but ended up buying a bunch of stuff. The store had good merchandise at reasonable prices but the guy at the cashier counter was extremely rude. Looked very annoyed when we were being a bit indecisive. It wasn't like there was a long line of customers waiting behind us - as a matter of fact there was no one behind us. Didn't say a word to us the whole time and basically threw my card back to me after. I feel like s**t after spending my hard earned $s. Will never set foot in that store again. read more

Love this toy store. Unfortunately, they are not following mask protocol for kiddos under 12 or monitoring how many people are inside. Kinda sad since this we love this place. read more

This is a pretty good toy/general store with a lot of random stuff that you typically won't find at most stores in popular cities. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a store like this anywhere near a metropolitan area. I think in general this place is worth visiting if only for the atmosphere and ambiance because this is what America used to be like ... this whole area sort of reminds me of the whole westward movement and migration. This is also a great place to take your kids ... there were about 3470241 kids in this store when I went. read more

I wanted to buy a couple of postcards and magnets with Lake Tahoe on them and this was the perfect place to buy them. They have an incredible selection of the most random stuff that you don't need but totally want. You could easily spend 20 minutes in here looking at everything. The aisles are narrow and when there are a lot of customers you are definitely having to slide past people. read more

Four stars for great selection of things, with a decent selection of toys that aren't just plastic junk you use, break, and toss. On the other hand, Zero stars for the terrible service from the hostile staff who work there. Two of us went in and spent about $160 between us, but you'd think we were interrupting a session of Congress to ask questions about items in the store. No eye contact, no smiles, no recognition that the customer is a human being on the other side of the counter. Me: where are bubble wands? Her: adklfja;lkjfda;lskjfd Me: I'm sorry, where? Her: kweljrwel;kjrw Me: Here? Her: (eyes rolling, looks to another woman behind counter, speaks slowly to help me in my sheer stupidity) on the wall in the doorway. Me, in my head. Right, because that was easy to understand. Two doorways later, we found the bubble wands. Three people being the counter, one of which could have walked herself around and helped us (since bubble stuff is, in fact, in at least four places in the store). It's been like that every time I've ever shopped in there (and my parents live in Truckee, so it's frequent). I'm done. You want to spend some money with people who hate you, have at it. read more

Such a fun little shop full of whimsy and old school entertainment. You got kitsch, you got toys, you got souvenirs, you got candy, you got lots of bright and colorful things that puts a smile on your face. There is absolutely nothing you can buy here that you really need, but lots to buy here that you really might want! A must stop whenever I've got knee-biters around. read more

So disappointed to leave a local store a negative review. We recently spent the weekend here and rewarded (ahem... Bribed.... Cough!) our children for good restaurant behavior by giving them an end-of-trip $10 allowance to buy toys. We purchased a paddle ball, a cap gun, a toy fuzzy pet and a rotating multi color pen/crayon. So far 2/4 items are a disappointment. :-/ The cap gun wrapping was bent (on all dozen store models). Realized in the car ride home the gun's 8 Included caps are missing. As this was right under a sign warning about open packaging... And they are ALL bent open... I believe they knew the caps were missing and sold it anyway. Sad kiddo ridding home with a worthless plastic gun and $5 to Amazon to order caps. The crayon pen required my disassembly and repair to correctly work. Thankfully now it appears to be working but if I had not been so handy it would have been one more toy in the landfill. Bottom line- this store is not expensive (but not cheap!) and so I expect a better track-record than 50% working as advertised. We will not be going back with the kids if we can help it. read more

Reminds me of the 5 & dime that I frequented as a kid. Lots of fun stuff to look through and play with. We always go here when we pass through Truckee! I have to minus 1/2 a star because they sell smelly stuff that gives me a headache so I have to limit the amount of time I spend strolling the aisles. Minus another 1/2 star for the fact that you can buy most everything here cheaper somewhere else. read more

Toys = fun Books = great for kids Other stuff = got plenty of it A trip down nostalgia lane! Weee, let's go! read more

Great store! This truly is a "Variety Store" -- these guys have everything. My daughter got one of those hand buzzer/zapper gag toys. It broke after about 5 minutes, but what can you expect from a cheap-ass toy? Don't tell her, but I was glad the thing broke. read more

I was born and raised in Truckee, and some of my earliest memories were going into Truckee Variety. As teenagers my brother got a job, and then shortly after got me a job at the store. We both worked their throughout high school and anytime we came back to town on break after graduation. Working there was like being a big kid. We played with toys, had dress up days, and got to talk to little kids and visitors everyday. The team there is really family. To this day anytime I go back I go to my parents house, and Truckee Variety. The owners and staff put a lot of love into that store, and every trinket from a "goofy gag" to the perfect stocking stuffer is selected with care with the hopes that it will brighten up someones day, and remember Truckee fondly. Highly highly recommend to locals and visitors alike. read more

It's been about a year since I came here, but thinking of my visit still infuriates me. Came here with my family (step-mom, dad and little sister) and we were treated like criminals from the moment we walked in. The lady at the register looked at us in horror as we stepped in and instantly leaned over to another woman at the register and began whispering and pointing at us. Next thing I know the second woman comes out from the register and starts following us throughout the store. With all the people in here (kids, teens, parents, etc) I can't help to wonder why she selected us to be followed. Nothing about us indicated that we were going to steal...I was in my university sweater, had my designer bag, my family was well dressed and also displaying my university colors. Unfortunately, based off how she looked at us, the only thing I'm left to think is that this woman's decision to follow us was purely based on prejudice. If that is truly the case then shame on this store, shame on that woman and shame on anyone who works here and participates in this practice. I will never set foot in this place ever again. How dare you make anyone feel less, and how dare you expose my little sister, A CHILD, to the notion of prejudice...especially in a TOY STORE. read more

Great store with everything under the sun to be found. Needed some art supplies and they had everything I needed. Staff was knowledgeable and extremely nice. read more

Reminds me a lot about Gidget's Gadgets in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Neat store with a lot of things that would normally be a rare find anywhere else. read more

Lots of toys, LEGO's, dolls, stuffed animals, puzzles, tea sets etc... I appreciated how they had lots of small fun toy items too. My toddler was content just picking out a little doll fairy. I also noticed wooden toys, which is a great choice for parents trying to minimize plastic. read more

This was a pretty cool toy store. They have some crafts and souvenir items as well but you MUST stop by for the toy selection. They have joke gifts, interesting games, and all sorts of fun diversions to make time at the cabin go faster for little kids. The staff was relatively worthless ( 2 teenagers who talked to each other and never said anything to us) but you don't need much help there. Prices (like everything in Truckee) are a little inflated because where else are you going to go. They even had a Bacon wallet! read more

We stop by the Truckee Variety Company whenever we visit Truckee! The place is choked full of reasonably priced craft kits, toys and games. I've not only been able to feed two great imaginations in my kids shopping here, I've also checked my nieces and nephews off my list months before Christmas. While it would be easy to get lost in this store for hours, you can't afford to. In recent years Truckee moved to paid parking. I find this fact so annoying, I've brought it up in every one of my reviews of a business in Downtown Truckee. I've been visiting this area for more than 30 years and my family has alway enjoyed the laid back attitude of the area. The last thing you want to do when you get away for the weekend is have to worry about feeding a meter! Also, after you've shelled out for lodging, lift tickets and food as well as gas to get there, there's not a lot left for parking! I love the Truckee Variety Company and I still enjoy my visits to Truckee, I just don't linger as long as I used to. read more

Great store! We go here every time we visit Truckee. There's something for everyone, it's the best place for fun gifts to bring home.

This place was truly random at its very best there were so many different varieties of products to chose from. I think you could find just about anything you might want here. Whenever we travel or go on mini adventure I look for unique postcards to send my penpals. This place had some really unique ones that resembled vintage stamps. There was a good variety to chose from which was nice. It has become harder and harder to find postcards when I travel so I was glad to hit the jackpot here. They were very reasonably priced and located right at the front of the store. I did a brief walk thru the rest of the store, it is a bit claustrophobic with the amount of merchandise packed in and the walkways quite narrow. Luckily, I was only inside for a few moments to check out before I was in my way. read more

Omg! We love this store which has now become a fun routine every time a go to Truckee. It is filled with wonderful toys and dodads for all ages. Watch your wallet and the tidbits add up but super fun to indulge and explore. read more

I agree with a previous poster... 4 stars for a great selection. Hard to believe you'd find this store in such a small town. Maybe that's why the staff acts like they are doing you the worlds biggest favor by ringing up your purchases. If there's no competition in town, I guess they think they can get away with their 'who cares' attitude. I've been going there for years, same attitude no matter who works there. Shame, such a cute store. Giving this store 1 star based on customer service, is 1 star too many. :-( read more

This is a real old-fashioned store operating today that covers all the bases for kids, tourists, artists, crafters, game players, and gift seekers. It's the dime/variety store that brings back memories of Orange Tree Imports in Madison, Wisconsin where I grew up and loved to visit very Saturday, spending my allowance on stickers and tiny toys. Truckee Variety, similarly, is simply a fun store to be in, with surprises at every corner. In the last month I've been here a couple of times to scout out art supplies and a Halloween costume for my niece. They have a surprisingly diverse and affordable selection of quality art materials towards the back of the store. My Dad liked the art supplies so much I made a return trip to get him some Faber-Castell watercolors and colored pencils. There are a plethora of toys, games, souvenirs, and fun stuff from magnets to crazy notepads. It's always an adventure to see what new interesting items are available at the Truckee Variety Store. A must-stop when you are in historic downtown Truckee, for both kiddoes and adults. read more

Incredible selection of games, craft kits, toys, and gifts. My young kids loved this store!

This store is my father the eternal prankster's favorite store. He grew up reading too many mad magazines and here there is a cacophony of gag gifts, kick knack, paddywacks and chackolas. He is a particularly big fan of the classics like whoopee cushions. Seriously, there is nothing too tacky, too mean, or too cheesy for this store which is why it is wonderful. You must stop here on the way back from skiing. read more

On my visit here there was only one person working which seemed crazy on a holiday weekend. I waited for like ten minutes to buy two small items. I ended up setting them down and walking out. They had a lot of cool stuff though and I will probably come back here. read more

Best store ever! Guaranteed to find the most random and fun things in this store. Beware of crowds of little kids--this store has tight spaces and lots of merchandise. But its all worth it just for the experience. read more

I love coming to this place. I always feel like a kid in a candy store here by here is something for everyone. They have super cute little kitschy items, toys for kids, puzzles, candy, tourist paraphernalia, you name it they got it. It's hard not to spend an hour or do here. read more

I love this place. I stop by this store every time I visit Truckee. I remember buying toys here as a kid and it still has the same feeling of 'they've got a little bit of everything' as it did back then. Great store and friendly customer service! read more

This was my absolute favorite shop in Truckee growing up (we used to spend HOURS there) and still the best shop downtown. They have a great selection of old-school toys and candies that will make you smile. Plus, where else can you buy gag-gifts like fake barf? My only warning is careful when taking kids into the store because you may be stuck for hours. read more

This store has the worst service i have ever witnessed. every single time i go in there. period. The owner should really think about this. read more