We all know of a few big toy stores of the large franchise variety where you can buy all the toys your kids want from watching those pesky commercials. But, if you’re searching for something a bit different for that special kid or kid-at-heart, support these locally-owned shops who offer something that you can’t find elsewhere. You’ll be helping to keep the local, independent toy store landscape alive.
Don’t worry, you won’t need to pay admission to get in here. The Telus World of Science gift shop is located right inside the main entrance. Every time I visit, I end up buying something really cool (like fake snow for a friend that moved to a warmer climate). The store obviously has an educational/science focus, but also carries a wide range of toys, puzzles, games, gleaming crystals and gorgeous sun catchers that appeal to people of all ages.
As the name suggests, Hobby Alley is a toy store for enthusiasts of the remote control car, helicopter, trains and planes variety. You’ll find all the gadgets and tools required to satisfy your RC craving. They also carry toys such as kites, action figures and educational games. Their website is comprehensive, so if you’re in need of a specific part, you can place your order online.
With one location at West Edmonton Mall and another at Kingsway Mall, Comex Hobby is the place to go if you’re searching for anime plastic/plush figures, build-your-own car models and a few educational toys, such as telescopes and mind puzzles. If you’re into cosplay, they also have a few accessories to pull together your outfit.
If you’re on a budget, or simply of the ethos that to buy second-hand is good for the earth, Gramma’s Toy Shop is for you. There is an abundance of gently-used toys, including retro Lego and Playmobil sets for the budding builder. The pick-a-brick deal allows you to select only the bricks you want from their giant inventory. They also have other popular toys from Fisher-Price and My Little Pony. All grandparents receive 20 per cent off every Tuesday.
If you’re a collector, the narrow staircase winding up to this second floor Whyte Avenue shop may be worth it. The stuffed-to-the-rafters store has enough vintage collectibles, games and comics to keep you happily browsing for awhile. You may feel a pang of nostalgia as you find action figures from your childhood or a lunchbox that you used to carry.
If you’re looking for a gift for a younger child (mostly the under six years old crowd), you’ll love the selection of wooden Melissa & Doug toys, books, stuffies and those pedal-less Strider bikes you may have seen around. This husband-and-wife operation also carries all the baby gear you’ll ever need.
For pop-culture lovers, Collector’s Edge might just have your favourite television/movie paraphernalia (Gremlins, Family Guy, South Park), and action figures. Remember when Beanie Babies were all the rage? This store carries a load of them, along with other stuffies.
Know someone who is crazy about superhero-action-figures? Located at the Super Flea Market (open on weekends), Heroes of Plastic has a booth jam-packed with current action figures from Marvel, Star Wars and DC, as well as retro heroes from He-Man, G.I. Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Can you say, “Totally tubular, dude!”