The countdown to Christmas is on! We love shopping local, so here’s a roundup of the best local toy stores in the DMV area to satisfy every Christmas wish.
Toy Stores throughout the DMV
Child’s Play – Locations in Arlington and Mclean, VA and Washington, DC.
A popular local chain store, this toy store has plentiful options for all ages, from infants to pre-teens/teens. Bonus: they offer free gift wrapping!
Lil Thingamajigs – Locations in Rockville & Ellicott City, MD; Annandale, Centreville, and Herndon, VA
This store has the best toys that involve Asian pop culture, from Hello Kitty and Pokemon to K-pop, including stuffed animals and collectibles.
Squishable – locations in Tysons Corner Center in Tysons, VA and Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD
This toy store is dedicated to Squishmallows and squishy stuffed animals.
LEGO Stores – various malls (including Lego Discovery Center at Springfield Town Center, as well as stores in Tysons Corner Center and Pentagon City Mall) and standalone stores in Washington, DC.
If you’ve got a LEGO fanatic, get them what their heart desires at one of the many LEGO stores in the DMV area.
Mindgames and Toys – locations in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and Dulles Town Center in Sterling, Virginia
This toy store specializes in games, puzzles and card games, but also has unique toys like FUNKO figurines, craft and DIY kits cars and ROKR models.
Virginia
Doodlehopper 4 Kids – Falls Church, VA
Doodlehopper doesn’t look like a big toy store from the outside, but it has a huge selection of toys, games, arts and crafts items, children’s books, and stuffed animals, which range from popular, known items to more unique finds.
CAMP – Tysons Corner Center, VA
CAMP is a special kind of toy store inside the Tysons Corner Center mall: not only does it offer a plethora of toys by age category (baby, toddler, bigger kids) as well as a variety of science and STEAM kits, it also has a slime bar and various interactive plays you can buy a ticket for. Encanto is its current theme, and it also has special interactive plays during the holidays, like Santa’s Magical Meet and Greet.
Go Bananas! – Ashburn, VA
Flip through this store’s online catalogue and gift guide before venturing to the store in person. This place also offers arts and crafts kits in addition to slime, games and puzzles, STEM toys, dolls and stuffed animals.
Bricks and Minifigs – muiltiple locations in VA
These stores, located several places across Virginia (Herndon, Woodbridge, and a new location just opened in Falls Church!) where kids can buy lego sets, but also sell and trade their own lego sets that no longer spark joy.
Pippin Toy Co. – Alexandria, VA
This cute toy store has everything, from baby and toddler toys to toys up to 10 year olds! Books, arts and crafts, puzzles, dress up toys, games, STEM kits, even bath and water toys can be found here.
One Two Kangaroo Toys – Shirlington, VA
Located in the cute area of Shirlington in Arlington, this store has your standard Melissa and Doug and Playmobil toys, as well as high-quality sensory toys, games, puzzles, books and puppets among other items. Gift-wrapping is complimentary as well!
Whistle Stop Hobbies – Alexandria, VA
This store is great if you want to reminisce about toys while your kids play – look at the giant train display, drive a Ferrari and build a model B-52 bomber plane. Train sets, Lego sets, remote-controlled cars, die cast cars, planes, helicopters – find those here. They even offer a Santa Train if you’re looking for a different, unique Santa experience.
Tosche Station – More for older kids and teens, Tosche Station and its Echo Base outpost carry new and vintage comic books and graphic novels, collectible card games like Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons role-play games, and a bounty of action figures, toys and collectibles to choose from.
The Toy Nest – The Toy Nest is a unique cross between a used (or “pre-loved”) toy shop and an indoor play space. Families can try out toys before they buy them in the in-store play space (pay a drop-in fee or purchase a membership) and can borrow toys from the toy library to play with at home and return the following week. If your child finds something they love, pay the “love it or lose it” price and it’s yours to keep.
Kinder Haus Toys – If you’re looking for charming dolls, books and wood toys by brands such as Haba and Melissa and Doug, look no further. A small play area is available for kids to play in if adults need to spend more time picking out toys – or even children’s clothes, which the store also carries. And if you need to get out of the house with your little, a storytime program is offered every Tuesday and Thursday.
Maryland
Dancing Bear – Frederick, MD
Dancing Bear has a great selection of toys, games, and crafts with plenty of emphasis on fun, creativity, and imaginative play. The store regularly hosts events including free craft activities, make-your-own-slime sessions, game nights, and tie-dye days.
Build-a-Bear – Westfield Montgomery Mall, Bethesda, MD
Build any kind of stuffed animal your heart desires, not just a cute teddy bear! Dress them up, add a heart that beats, or record a message your stuffed animal can say. And on birthdays, you can build your own bear and just pay the birthday kid’s age.
Washington, DC
Three Littles – Union Market
Three Littles is a beloved small, local boutique with strollers, curated toys, clothing and a fun atmosphere. If you are looking for a unique gift, this is the ideal place to go! Plus, it is woman-owned and they offer special events throughout the year.
Fair Day’s Play – Takoma Park
This woman-owned store has a variety of high-quality toys – Lego sets, educational toys, axolotls, figurines and dolls, and more.
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles – Capitol Hill
If you have kids who love games or you’re looking for more for family game nights, Labyrinth specializes in games, puzzles, and hands-on activities with no screens – in fact, the toy store was created because the owner couldn’t find a Mancala game. The shop also regularly hosts board game nights and tournaments.
Tugooh Toys – Georgetown
Looking for eco-friendly and educational toys? Look no further than Tugooh Toys. From Brio train sets to Melissa and Doug play sets to Montessori climbing domes to jumbo stuffed animals, this cute toy store has been a neighborhood staple since 2007.
Did we miss any of your favorite toy stores? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our Gift Guide for ideas on what get all your loved ones!
