Interesting and Independent Toy Stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Peapods, St. Paul

Peapods sells baby and children's toys, mostly made from wood or other natural materials. The store also has a large range of natural baby supplies such as baby slings, cloth diapers, and breastfeeding supplies.

Lakeshore Learning Center, Maplewood and St. Louis Park

Often considered a teacher's supply store, Lakeshore Learning actually sells toys for babies and children of all ages, plus art and craft supplies as well as educational materials. They do have plenty of battery-operated plastic toys but their offerings tend to require more of the child than the big-name brand toys than often entertain but don't educate.

Baby on Grand, St. Paul and Hopkins

Natural toys for babies and toddlers, plus everything you could imagine for babies: cribs, strollers, nursery decor, clothing, and all kinds of baby gear with a focus on better quality, natural products.

Wonderment, St. Paul and Linden Hills, Minneapolis

Nothing battery operated in this store. The two locations have natural toys, games and supplies that encourage role-play, creativity, building, and inspire interest in science and nature. Both locations have a treehouse for customers to play in, and both hold regular craft workshops and storytellings.

Creative Kidstuff, Six Twin Cities Locations

There are six locations in the Twin Cities metro area of this ever-popular toy store. This store offers the best of all worlds. Creative Kidstuff stocks the pick of the cool toys, pocket money trinkets, natural toys, plastic toys, national brands, and independent toy company products.

Kiddywampus, St. Louis Park

The Twin Cities' trendiest toy store. It's a given than toys should be fun, but Kiddywampus' eclectic selection delights children and make adults smile too.

Enchanted Tree House, White Bear Lake

Mostly selling boutique brand children's clothes, there is also a large selection of natural toys in this downtown White Bear Lake store.

Essence of Nonsence, St. Paul

The quirkiest toy store in the Twin Cities. This old-fashioned store specializes in teddy bears, marbles and books, making grandparents and parents over a certain age very nostalgic.

Choo Choo Bobs, St. Paul

Toys for young and adult train fans. A huge selection of Thomas, Brio, and other children's favorites.

Museum Stores

The Minnesota Children's Museum, and the Science Museum of Minnesota, both in downtown St. Paul, have good gift stores packed with toys, puzzles and games.

The Bakken Museum and the Works Science and Technology Museum also have small gift stores with toys, neither is worth making a special trip, but take a look if you are visiting either museum.

All museum stores can be visited without paying for museum admission.

Non-Toy Toy Stores

These aren't considered toy stores by many, but these stores sell toys along with their other products, and are well worth a visit if you are seeking a gift for a little one.

• Twin Cities Green: organic baby toys, plus a natural baby items and cloth diapers.
• Saga Living: a small selection of Scandinavian natural toys.
• Bibelot: gifts for all ages at this Twin Cities favorite, with dollar toys, natural toys, and plenty for babies.
• Patina: like Bibelot, Patina sells toys and gifts for their younger customers, many with a humorous twist. And like Bibelot, you'll probably find a gift for a couple of other people on your shopping list too.
• The Walker Shop: attractive, trendy toys for artistic little ones.