Looking for a unique item, an original gift, a special toy? Nothing beats a locally owned shop with helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Check out these options in the DMV!
Gift Guide Favorites
Doodlehopper 4 Kids
Falls Church, VA | doodlehopper.com
Originally starting as a children’s clothing store in Springfield, Virginia, in 1992, this beloved, locally owned store has prided itself on offering an impressive selection of award-winning toys, games, books and baby gifts. It carries some of the newest and hottest trends like KLUTZ Make Your Own Loom Animals.
Go Bananas Toys
Ashburn, VA | gobananastoys.com
From build-a-fort kits, to plushies, to fun with science, technology, engineering and math,
this store has fun for every occasion, like Luki Lab’s Flat 2 Fast Speed Card Racers. Come in two weeks before your child’s birthday to fill up a special gift basket.
Lakeshore Learning
Alexandria, VA | lakeshorelearning.com
The focus is education at Lakeshore, with toys and games that pair fun with fine motor development, balance, coordination, logic and more. Enjoy picks like Over the Rainbow Enchanted Castle here.
Wonderland Books
Bethesda, MD | wonderlandbooks.com
This independent bookstore in the heart of Bethesda opened only a year ago. It offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books for all ages, as well as cards, gifts and toys.
The owners and staff often share their favorite book recommendations throughout the store, which also offers readings and storytelling by award-winning authors. You can order books such as “Meowy Christmas to All!” for in-store pickup.
Find or order more of this year’s gift guide options including Loveté Girls’ Activity Night Shoe Styling and Melissa & Doug’s Wooden Gingerbread House via local Target and Walmart stores.
More to Explore
Here are some more great local picks for family shopping during the holidays.
One Two Kangaroo Toys
Arlington, VA | one-two-kangaroo-toys.com-place.com
Known for: Wooden toys and educational games; brands such as Hape and Haba, Melissa & Doug and Playmobil
Kinder Haus Toys
Arlington, VA | kinderhaus.com/index.html
Known for: Proudly declaring, “The toys are, for the most part, powered by imagination — not batteries;” wooden toys, doll lines like Corolle and Madame Alexander, Uncle Goose block wagons or the beautiful life-like Folkmanis Puppets
Bonus: Kinder Haus also holds many free family events such as arts and crafts activities and story time on Mondays and Fridays.
Child’s Play
Locations in D.C and Virginia (McLean and Arlington) | childsplaytoysandbooks.com
Known for: Classic toys, board games, pretend-play items and books
Bonus: This popular local chain also hosts weekly game nights at the D.C. and McLean stores.
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
D.C. | labyrinthdc.com
Known for: Specialty games, puzzles, mazes and hands-on, screen-free activities
Bonus: Regularly hosts board game nights, game club meetings, tournaments and more
Whistle Stop Hobbies
Alexandria | whistlestophobbies.com
Known for: Alexandria’s only family-owned, old-fashioned hobby shop, with extensive collection of model trains, remote-controlled cars, die-cast cars, planes, helicopters and more. Don’t miss the huge window train layout!
Bonus: 19th Annual Santa Railway Express Train in December, where Mr. and Mrs. Claus are on board to greet children with a special holiday treat
Fair Day’s Play Toys & Games
Takoma Park | fairdaysplay.com
Known for: Independent, woman-owned toy and game store featuring toys made of 100% recyclable materials. From Hula Hoops to puzzles or Pokemon, it’s also home for clever craft kits and quality art supplies.
