St. Louis knows how to play, and these adorable, funky and bright toy stores are proof.
8807 Ladue, 314-726-9611
When founder Molly Curlee was pregnant with her first child, she struggled to find nontraditional items for her baby. She opened City Sprouts—first in The Delmar Loop and now in Ladue—to offer the kind of clothing, furniture, and other baby essentials she’d want to buy for her own family. Today, Curlee’s shop sells products for infants to children up to the age of 12, including clothes, décor, and baby essentials. Top toys include the ultimate dollhouse, outdoor toys, bath toys, and games and puzzles. The shop stands out for its “fun, playful attitude toward children,” Curlee says.
Top gift ideas of the season:
- Super Smile Dental Clinic, $47, ages 3 and up
- Mini Conductor’s Orchestra, $60, ages 3 and up
- Jellycat Amuseables Letter To Santa, $55, all ages
Discover fun things to do with the family
Subscribe to the St. Louis Family newsletter for family-friendly things to do and news for local parents, sent every Monday.
8143 Big Bend, 314-222-3053
What started as a pop-up toy shop has become a mainstay in Webster Groves. Its team believes in protecting “the magic of childhood,” and the store boasts arts and crafts, bath and body, clothing, and gift bundles, and bestsellers include sparkle capes and unicorn nail stickers. This spot has everything your kiddo needs to create imaginative play around just about anything.
Top gift ideas of the season:
- SmartMax My First Starter Plus, $69.99, Ages 1 and up
- Ice Cream Cart, $78.99, Ages 3 and up
- Mad Mattr Quantum Tool Box, $45.99, Ages 5 and up
9737 Clayton, 314-993-6288
One of St. Louis’ longest-running toy stores, Imagination Toys has a true history in the Lou of making kids happy. The shop has a mission of providing the “highest quality educational, developmental and creative toys that nurture imagination and encourage children to think and to have fun.” From personalized assistance to complimentary gift wrap, they “strive to assist each person who walks into the store to find that special item that will create excitement and joy during the holidays and throughout the year.”
Top gift ideas of the season:
- Magna Tiles Fire Station – 55 Piece Set, $83
- The Rail Cube, starter kit is $99, deluxe set is $199.99
- Toniebox2, $149.99
- Olympia doll and story collection, $59
10980 Sunset Hills Plaza, 314-821-5150
Born as a retail kiosk in a shopping mall more than 25 years ago, Circle of Knowledge is the place for children to learn through play. Toys designed to encourage development—with science, technology, engineering, and math at their core—are some of its bestsellers.
Top gifts ideas of the season:
- Spooner Born to Ride Surfer, $69, ages 2 and up
- Yeti Snowbrawl, $34.99, ages 6 and up
- Calico Critter sets, $19.99-$120, ages 3 and up
8103 Maryland, Clayton, 314-725-2455 | 6654 Edwardsville Crossing, Edwardsville, 618-656-9596
With two locations serving up smiles, Happy Up describes itself as “your source for unique and innovative toys, games, fidgets, and more.” Current highlights include games such as SlingBall Classic and the Screwball Scramble Level Up. Both stores offer online ordering with in-store pickup and free gift-wrapping and both locations pride themselves in being staffed by friendly toy experts.
Top gift ideas of the season :
- Krumples Bop & Pop, $22.99, ages 6 months and up
- Air Color Airbrush Kit, $39.99, ages 6 and up
- PAC-MAN Labyrinth Game, $69.99, ages 6 and up
24 Front, Valley Park, 636-529-1660
Calling all train lovers! The Frisco Train & Toy Store features the area’s largest selection of wooden trains and accessories, which makes it the perfect one-stop gift-giving shop for all tiny enthusiasts. Keep the kiddos entertained while you shop with the 16-foot, multi-level train table and kitchen play area.
Top gift ideas of the season:
- Portable Train Station Set, $69.99, ages 3 and up
- 30 Piece Pop-Up Christmas Express, $34.99, ages 3 and up
- Rail Cube Starter Set, $99.99, ages 3 and up
3730 Foundry, Suite 147, 314-451-1151
One of St. Louis’ favorite indoor play places is preparing for its next era within City Foundry STL, but in the meantime, owner Erin Prewitt has launched the boutique side of the business in perfect timing for the holiday season.
205 N. Kirkwood
Another Webster Groves hot play spot is Daffodilly, a baby and children’s boutique that offers enough teethers, bath toys, loveys, and press toys to keep your little one occupied all day. And while the young ones are busy with their new favorite plaything, parents can shop for the cutest clothes around.
4915 Macklind, 314-448-8207
Opened July 2025 as an extension to the neighboring Charm Me Sweet Candy Store, The Wonder Shop is a one-stop shop for all things unique and whimsical you won’t find anywhere else. They have something for every kind of kid on your list: books, puzzles, blind boxes, DND dice, and more.
Top gift ideas of the season:
- Squish Ball, $5
- Sticker Club subscription, $7
- Rolife wooden puzzle set, $10-$50
Illusion Shop at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis
3730 Foundry, Suite 168, 314-300-7147
Bring the magic of the Museum of Illusions home with you in the form of a gift from the Illusion Shop. The retailer–which you can shop after a trip around the museum or as a destination on its own–has brain teasers, puzzles, and stationary galore. You can even purchase miniature versions of exhibit features such as infinity mirror lights and kaleidoscopes.
Top gift ideas of the season:
- Mozi, $11.99, ages 6 and up
- Zip String, $29.99, ages 4 and up
- Escape 21, $14.99, ages 6 and up
