Courtesy of City Sprouts
If online shopping feels too impersonal, and the malls are way too crazy for you, try a locally owned toy store. These shops offer friendly service without the hassle of navigating an overloaded parking garage. They’re great places to find toys that are eco-friendly, creative, educational, and—most of all—fun.
This shop carries a range of toys for babies. You can find anything from wooden doll house furniture and super hero capes to microscopes that clip to your smart phone. 10980 Sunset Hills Plaza.
One of St. Louis’ best creative toy stores for over 30 years, this shop has toys for kids of all ages from puppets to Snap Circuits. They’ll also wrap your gifts for free. 9737 Clayton.
This boutique has all the creative toys and books you’d expect from an independent toy store—plus cute clothes and children’s furniture. It's truly a one-stop shop for everything a kid needs. 8807 Ladue.
In 2013, this toy store was saved from bankruptcy by loyal customers. Now it’s the perfect place to find whimsical toys for every age and stage. Find old classics, new tech toys, art toys, and more. 8107 Maryland (Clayton); 6654-A Edwardsville Crossing (Edwardsville).
Do you want to shop local without leaving your car? This shop goes above and beyond with free gift wrapping and curbside service. You can order a toy online, or call the shop, and a friendly elf will help you find the perfect gift. 1050 Schnucks Woods Mill Plaza.
Cotton Babies is so much more than a cloth diaper store—they also have a great selection of eco-toys for babies and toddlers. 1200 Town and Country Crossing.
This shop has everything your little engineer needs to complete his or her wooden railroad, from realistic Amtrak cars to a grinning Thomas the Tank Engine. 24 Front.
Denise Bertacchi is a mom on a mission to find all things fun for kids to do in St. Louis. Read more at stlmotherhood.com, or follow her at @stlmotherhood on Twitter and Instagram.
