Mass produced, inexpensive and sometimes unsafe toys are readily and easily available in all sorts of stores all over Seattle, but if you are looking for toys that are a little out of the ordinary, the independent toy stores of Seattle have what you want. From unique and handmade toys to classic wood toys and dolls that are not made out of plastic, these stores carry it all in locations throughout the city.
Planet Happy
2914 N.E. 55th Street
Planet Happy in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle is a store committed to non-toxic, natural, safe, fair trade toys. Many of their products are made by companies owned by moms and many are made locally. The store features craft stations, classes, lots of plants and its own small menagerie of pets, including a pygmy hedgehog. Toys and games are available for kids of all ages. The store is open every day of the week and online shopping is available.
Top Ten Toys
104 N. 85th Street
You won’t find Barbie dolls, toy guns or much in the way of electronic toys in this toy store with a mission in the Greenwood neighborhood. The mission is to provide educational, unique, classic, non-violent toys to people who are looking for more than mass produced entertainment for their children. Wood toys are prominent here, as are games, child sized musical instruments, handmade toys and unique items the big box stores don’t carry. Open every day.
Magic Mouse Toys
603 1st Ave
Kites, trains, puzzles, Legos, games, wood toys, cars, plush toys made by internationally known toymakers and much more fill the two stories of Magic Mouse Toys in historic Pioneer Square. With big windows, old wood floors and a long history in Seattle, this is a magical toy store frequented by as many adults as children. The store is open every day of the week.
Clover Toys
5335 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Walking into Clover Toys in Ballard is a bit like stepping into an old fashioned European toy store. Mostly for the younger and youngest set, you will find lots of old fashioned dolls, stuffed animals, wood toys and toys suitable for babies. Puppets, tea sets, dress up clothes, games and ride-on toys line the floors and walls and arts and crafts kits are prominently featured. The store also sells children’s clothing and is open every day.
Izilla Toys
1419 12th Avenue
1815 North 45th Street
With two locations, one on Capitol Hill and the other in Wallingford, Izilla Toys offers the newest, most modern toys from around the world. Old school toys are also represented, as well as a nice line of children’s bicycles. Toys here stretch the imagination and are all non-violent. The stores offer free drop-in music classes, a family game night, crafting sessions, and are open every day.
Market Magic
1501 Pike Place #427
Underneath the main thoroughfare of the famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is a realm of unique shops. One of them is Market Magic, the oldest magic store in the region. Stuffed with card tricks, illusions, juggling supplies, ventriloquist dummies, practical joke toys, clown supplies, books and much more, this store is a must-see for anyone who has ever been fascinated by magic.
Sources:
Planet Happy
Top Ten Toys
Magic Mouse Toys
Clover Toys
Izilla Toys
Market Magic
