Which parent doesn’t love to visit a local toy store once in a while to buy a few more toys for their lovely tots?
Well, if you’re in San Francisco, the city with the Golden Gate Bridge, this doesn’t have to be such a hustle.
Here’s a list of the local toys stores you should check out in San Francisco area.
By Lilian.
Mapamundi Kids
Mapamundi kids is a gorgeous independent kids’ lifestyle store located in Noe Valley.
It’s one of those stores that, immediately you walk in, you can’t help but notice how the colorful, light-filled shop is so thoughtfully curated and the items so gorgeously displayed.
The store has a wonderfully curated selection of kids’ games, toys and books, just about anything kid-related, including kids’ décor.
The store was opened in 2014, by the famous Petit Collage founder and CEO and her husband.
Website: https://www.mapamundikids.com/
Tantrum
Tantrum’s combination of a timeless playfulness and a sophisticated style makes the store as fun for adults as it is for kids.
I loved the unique carnival-themed shopping experience with lots of toys with vintage slant.
The store was started in 2012 by Amanda Weld, an illustration major in art and design with a taste for mid-century graphics.
Her objective was to have a store that mirrored her children’s circus-themed birthday parties.
She got it just right!
Website: https://shoptantrum.com
Jeffrey’s Toys
After you’ve been shopping the whole morning or afternoon and your kid – the ever-present companion – deserves a break (even you, honestly), this is the toy store to visit.
It’s the perfect place to stroll.
If your little one is obsessed with comic books, they’re gonna have fun relishing the “comic corner”.
Don’t forget that this is the oldest toy store in this golden city, having commenced operations over 60 years ago.
Website: https://www.jeffreys.toys/
Ambassador Toys
If you’re looking for an award-winning specialty toy store that’s packed with toys that teach kids about the world around us, this is the place to be.
On several occasions, Ambassador Toys has been named the best toy store in SF.
The proprietor, Linda Kapnick, set up the store in 1997 and currently has two branches – one in West Portal and another in Embarcadero.
Website: https://ambassadortoys.com/
The LEGO Store
This is the store you go to for all the rare, hard-to-find LEGO sets you would never find at other toys stores.
The wide variety of colorful building sets, figurines and toys is irresistible.
Website: https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores/store/westfield-san-francisco-centre
Macy’s
Macy’s is the kids’ toy store for all baby essentials, be it a baby shower gift or shopping for your child’s stuff.
The 3-floor Union Square branch has loads of toys, and is the new home for the famous Toys R Us who are back to business once again.
I love that the store has demonstration tables for customers to try out and play with the toys.
Website: https://l.macys.com/union-square-in-san-francisco-ca/kids-clothes
Gator Games and Hobby
This is a must-visit gaming store for the widest range of war games, collectible role playing games, collectible card games and dice.
For miniature supplies and any types of games and accessories, run here!
It’s located in Silicon Valley and has been in operation since 1991.
Website: https://www.gatorgames.com/
The Game Parlour
For both kids and adult games, this is the place for you.
They have a wide collection of the latest board games and card games. The stock keeps changing every month.
I loved that besides the expansive collection of board games, the Parlour also serves some delicious food!
The store was set up in 2018 by Brian Lew, a native and board game aficionado.
Website: https://www.thegameparlour.com/
Photo: Joshua.
