The Twin Cities does indeed have many big-box retailers selling children's toys. There are also many smaller and independent toy stores selling more interesting toys. Here's the pick of the best children's toy stores in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
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.Choo Choo Bobs, St. Paul
Toys for young and adult train fans. A huge selection of Thomas, Brio, and other children's favorites.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.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.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.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.
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.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.
