
There's nothing quite like seeing the joy in a child's eyes when they receive a Christmas gift they really love. When you choose to skip the big-box stores and support local instead, you'll help keep the shopkeeper's dreams alive as well.
If you're ready to start your holiday shopping soon, you'll be glad to know that there are some great locally owned toy stores in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Here's a look at some of our favorites.
986 Medina Rd. Suite A, Medina, OH 44256
If you're looking for fun and educational holiday gifts, you'll definitely want to pay a visit to Smartickles Toy Store. This family-owned and operated business has been around since 1976. They carry all of the most popular developmental toy brands including LEGO, Colorforms, Melissa & Doug, and more.
Everything is priced very affordably and they carry a huge inventory of items. There are also lots of cool options for "big kids" too, so you may want to pay a visit even if you're not shopping for little ones.
30789 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124
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PLAYmatters Toys was voted Best Toy Store in the 2021 annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards — for good reason. This specialty shop sells premier-quality toys, dolls, games, and puzzles from some of the best toymakers around the world.
Not only will you find some great gifts here, but they also offer free gift wrapping with a selection of fun papers, so you can present the special child in your life with a beautifully wrapped gift without any hassle.
Do you want to make gift giving easy for family and friends? You can also go to PLAYmatters and create a wish list for your child. This takes the guesswork out of it and you won't have to worry about returning gifts that aren't quite right!
238 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266
At Your Toy Connection, you'll find a huge selection of both modern and vintage toys. They have everything from toys that were popular in the 1960s to current items. While the inventory changes regularly, you'll likely find lots of Transformers, Star Wars items, POP collectibles, and more.
You can count on Your Toy Connection to offer excellent prices and their friendly staff is always happy to help. Whether you're looking for a special collectible piece or you just want to look around and see what strikes your fancy, you'll love spending time here.
1180 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Sir Troy's Toy Kingdom is known for carrying high-quality, imagination-powered toys for both kids and adults who are kids at heart. This is one of the best places to get your hands on hard-to-find LEGO sets as well as items like MEGA BLOKS, Masterpiece Puzzles, the full line of Breyer Horses, COBI Military Sets, and more.
In addition to the North Canton store, you'll also find locations in Medina and Solon as well as a robust online store. This makes it easy to shop local for your holiday gifts no matter where you're located.
1239 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, OH 43240
Founded in 2011, Dreamland is one of the most popular toy stores in Columbus. They carry a large selection of toy brands like Disney, Ty, Melisssa & Doug, Mattel, Fisher-Price, and more. They also have a selection of Squishmallows and giant fidget pops.
Need a deluxe scooter with LED wheels, a 3D Harry Potter puzzle, or a giant stuffed T-rex? You'll find all this and more at Dreamland!
672 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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If you're looking for some fun stocking stuffers or vintage toys for a child who is into collecting, you'll want to check out Big Fun Columbus. They always have a super cool selection, and since they buy old toys all the time, you can find cool new stuff every time you visit.
6840 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
For rare and unique gifts for kids (and adults!), you can't go wrong with Coolest Toys on Earth. This shop almost feels more like a cool toy museum than a retail store. They carry a huge selection of rare and high-quality toys, outdoor games, puzzles, science items, building kits, toys for younger kids, and more. A gift from this store is guaranteed to be one that will get a ton of use.
7723 Five Mile Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45230
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Looking for a gift that will last a lifetime? Check out the high-quality wooden toys at Flying Pig Toys. They carry many unique brands and have a constantly evolving selection. In addition to toys, you'll also find a wide variety of stackers and tons of books ranging from educational to silly. They even have a selection of pop-up baby books.
Flying Pig Toys offers a rewards program and the ability to make a wish list. This makes them a popular choice among parents in the Cincinnati area.
834 OH-125 #310, Cincinnati, OH 45245
If you have a kid (or big kid) in your life who is into vintage or collectible items, then you'll want to check out House of Plastik. They have a great selection of action figures, Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Wars items, and more. If you need some stocking stuffers, you can also get some great candy here.
Since they buy used items, you can always find something new and exciting. And, if you need to clear out some space and make some cash, you might be able to sell a few old items before the holidays arrive.
Where will you shop for fun items to spread Christmas cheer this year?