Family Shopping
Toy stores, bookstores, educational supplies, kids clothing, and consignment shops.
Discover the Bay Area's best family shopping destinations, from beloved independent toy stores and children's bookshops to educational supply retailers and consignment shops for gently-used kids clothing. Many stores feature play areas where children can try before you buy, making shopping a fun family activity rather than a chore. Find unique gifts, educational toys, and great deals on kids gear across the region.
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Can't Make It to the Store? Top Picks Online
Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Magnetic Tiles, Clear 3D Building Blocks for Kids 3+
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Grarain Busy Board for Toddlers - Montessori Educational Toy for 1-3 Year Old Boys & Girls | Travel-Friendly Sensory Learning Activity | Ideal for Kids with Autism(Busy Board v2)
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VAVOFO Clip On Book Light for Bed Kids, 7 LED Reading Light with 9-Level Warm Cool White Daylight, Eye Care Lamp with Power Indicator for Bookworms (Blue)
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Dr.meter EM100 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids Adults, Ear Muffs
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Kids Shopping FAQ
What are the best toy stores in the Bay Area?
Independent Bay Area toy stores include TANTRUM on Clement Street in San Francisco (also in Mill Valley), Mr. Mopps' Toy Shop in Berkeley (open since 1962, skips TV and movie-licensed toys), Montclair Toyhouse (the oldest independently owned toy store in Oakland), Toy Go Round in Albany (new and recycled toys since 1976), Five Little Monkeys on Burlingame Avenue and in downtown Novato, Cheeky Monkey Toys in downtown Menlo Park, and The Wooden Horse in Los Gatos.
Where can I find Japanese bookstores and shops for kids in the Bay Area?
In San Francisco's Japantown, Kinokuniya Bookstore carries Japanese children's books, manga, stationery, and character goods, with toys, plushies, and Studio Ghibli merchandise upstairs. Maido Fine Stationery & Gifts, on the 2nd floor of Japan Center next to Kinokuniya, sells pens, notebooks, stickers, and erasers imported from Japan, and Amiko Kawaii Goods is an authorized Sanrio and Tokidoki seller. Outside the city, try Daiso in Cupertino and at Serramonte Center in Daly City (craft supplies, stationery, small toys) and Sanrio Cupertino.
Where is the IKEA in the Bay Area and is it kid-friendly?
The Bay Area IKEA in our guide is IKEA East Palo Alto, on the Peninsula, and it is kid-friendly. Its supervised play area, Smaland, takes potty-trained kids ages 4 to 10 while parents shop. Spots are limited, so sign up early on busy days. In the cafeteria, the affordable Swedish meatballs are a family tradition. Check IKEA's website for current hours before you go.
Where are the educational toy and learning supply stores in the Bay Area?
Lakeshore Learning Store in San Jose stocks educational toys, STEM toys, games, and classroom supplies, and runs a Saturday craft station from 11am to 3pm with no purchase required. Reach And Teach in San Carlos specializes in multicultural toys and diverse children's books. For craft materials, East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse in Oakland and SCRAP Creative Reuse in San Francisco (the nation's oldest creative reuse center, founded in 1976) sell reused art and craft materials at low prices.























