Top 10 Independent Toy Stores in Northern Virginia

There's something about a local toy store that strikes a chord more than the toy aisle at a big box store. In addition, I also believe in supporting local businesses, so I think it is fantastic there are several independent toy stores in Northern Virginia to visit.

Also, most toy stores on the list have an impressive selection of vintage toys that might stop you in your tracks as they take you back to your childhood. So, while the area is home to plenty of big box stores that carry an abundance of toys, it's fun to check out something new.

Without further ado, here's my look at the top 10 independent toy stores in Northern Virginia.

Kerbobble Toys

Kerbobble Toys is situated in the historic district of Manassas and offers a mixture of old and new toys. The family-owned business constantly changes its inventory as it searches for new collections and bargains.

The store has an array of books, stuffed animals, dolls, games, Pokemon cards, vintage toys from the 80s and 90s, comic books, puzzles, barbies, beanie babies, and more. Also, if you have superhero fans in the house, they will love the toy store's Marvel collection.

What I love about Kerbobble is while your kids will enjoy navigating through the store, you’ll love looking at the retro toys and taking a walk down memory lane. Don’t be surprised if you find your favorite childhood toy still in its original packaging.

Also, parents, Kerbobble buys toys! Yes, you can finally clear your house of all your kid’s unused toys and make a few bucks in the process.

Address: 9216 Center St., Manassas, VA 20110

Phone Number: 703-420-2180

Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

g. Whillikers

I stumbled upon g. Whillikers, as it’s a bit hidden in a shopping center off Lee Highway in Warrenton. The toy store has no shortage of arts and crafts, games, dolls, Barbies, STEM activities, science projects, dress-up, puppets, video games, collectibles, action figures, DIY kits, and more.

They also have a great LEGO selection, and I found a few sets there that I didn’t at local big box stores. You'll also find a fantastic teacher supply section in the back.

I find the prices comparable to other stores, but you probably won't snag any significant deals; however, it's an excellent opportunity to support a local business.
Address: 41 W Lee Hwy #63, Warrenton, VA 20186

Phone Number: 540-347-7563

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 - 5:00 pm

Doodlehopper 4 Kids

You can’t miss the storefront of Doodlehooper 4 Kids, conveniently located on W. Broad St in Falls Church. The fun-sounding toy store has books, baby gifts, LEGOs, outdoor games, educational games, board games, plush animals, cars and trucks, musical toys, and plenty more to peruse.

In addition, you’ll find a fantastic selection of STEM activities, which are a favorite at my house. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities are an excellent way to get your child thinking and challenge them to think outside the box.

You'll want to give yourselves time to walk through Doodlehooper 4 Kids because there is so much to see.

Address: 234 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Phone Number: 703-241-2262

Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Go Bananas

Go Bananas is located in the Brambleton Town Center in Ashburn and is home to games, puzzles, STEM & science toys, arts & crafts, books, trains, stuffed animals, baby toys and gifts, cars, trucks, LEGOs, and plenty more.

Also, if your child has an upcoming birthday, Go Bananas has a “Birthday Vault” where children can put aside their wish list. Guests can visit the store and know precisely what to get your kiddo.

While I have mixed feelings about telling people what they should get your child, it’s fantastic for grandparents or other family members who never know what to get. In addition, out-of-town relatives can call the store and purchase items over the phone.

Address: 42395 Ryan Rd, Unit 122, Ashburn, VA 20148

Phone Number: 703-327-1900

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

One, Two Kangaroo Toys

One, Two Kangaroo Toys is located in The Village at Shirlington and is full of puppets, books, STEM activities, puzzles, baby toys, board games, Magna-Tiles, logic puzzles, construction sets, trains and more.

Don’t let the size fool you. This quaint toy store, with a yellow awning, is packed to the brim with fun, and they even gift wrap for free.

You also can find toys that large retailers don’t always carry, which is a big selling point for me. The owner, Charlie, is hands-on and will happily help you find the perfect gift or treasure.

While One, Two Kangaroo Toys is pricier than your average toy store, but you supporting a small business with tough competition in today’s market.

Address: 4022 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22200

Phone Number: 703-845-9099

Hours: Closed Monday - Wednesday, Thursday - Friday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Kinder Haus Toys

Your kids will likely never want to leave Kinder Haus Toys because of the wide selection of toys and games available. For example, your kids will enjoy crafts, clothes, toys, books, dolls, plush, Melissa and Doug products, clothing, LEGOs, dress-up, and plenty more to choose from.

Kinder Haus Toys has been family-owned since 1982 and the current manager is the daughter of owner Sue Pyatt. Pyatt has written two children’s books, President Amanda’s Whistle-stop Trip and Call Me Madame President.

Something I love that they said is, “The toys are, for the most part, powered by imagination - not batteries.” Kinder Haus Toys specializes in wooden toys, like Haba, RC2, and Nilo.

In addition, there is a playroom at the store with cardboard bricks, a play cottage, a puppet theater, and hand-painted murals. The store previously held tots music classes and LEGO play days but they have been suspended until further notice.

Address: 1220 N Filmore St, Arlington, VA 22201

Phone Number: 703-527-5929

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Sunday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Child's Play

Child’s Play, formerly Barston’s Child Play, has three locations across the area: McLean, Arlington, and Washington, D.C. and has called Northern Virginia home for 35 years. The stores are currently owned by Rita Pin Ahrens, a long-time customer who continues the legacy of Child’s Play.

Child’s Play has an array of enticing products including books, puzzles, arts & crafts, fidgets, European brand toys, games, engineering kits, dress-up, baby toys and gifts, LEGOs, board games, pretend play, stuffed animals, and lots more.

The Arlington location is two levels, so you’ll want to make sure to keep an eye on your kiddos as they navigate past aisles full of dinosaurs, dragons, knights, building blocks, dollhouses, sporting goods, jewelry and more.

While Child’s Play has had a McLean location, they moved sites in November 2022. In addition, there are several events held at the various locations, including Game Night, Summer Crafts, Homeschool Book Club, and Magic Mondays.

Address: The three locations are:

5536 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C., 20015 (202) 244-3602

4510 Cherry Hill Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 522-1022

6645 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 (703) 448-3444

Hours:

D.C.: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Arlington and McLean: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

PLAYroom

The first time we visited PLAYroom in Middleburg, my kids didn’t want to leave; I didn’t either. To be fair, anything in Middleburg is appealing to me, but PLAYroom had such a positive, warm vibe when you walked in and the associates were so friendly.

PLAYroom offers various puzzles, games, DIY projects, STEM kits, costumes, doll houses, instruments, books, baby toys, clothing, plush animals, and plenty more. I appreciated that the store had a place for kids to color while I continued shopping.

Also, kids don’t just get to look at the toys; they can interact, too. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to grab drumsticks and hit the drums, and you do not worry about keeping the neighbors awake.

Plus, Middleburg is home to fantastic restaurants and wineries, so you can make a day trip out of it!

Address: 108 W. Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117

Phone Number: 540-326-8982

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fairy Godmother

Fairy Godmother has served the Capitol Hill area since 1984 and is tucked away in a small rowhouse in the Eastern Market.

The store full of books, costumes, dolls, games, puzzles, and crafts. While the store isn’t huge, it’s the perfect place to pop in and grab a last minute gift.

As a full disclaimer, you likely will pay a dollar or two more at Fairy Godmother, but you’ll have to remember you are supporting a small, local business.

On the plus side, they have a small play area in the back for kids, which is a nice distraction for little ones.

Address: 318 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Phone Number: 202-547-5474

Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, Friday 11:00 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Three Littles

Three Littles is a quant boutique in the Union Market District founded by a former nanny of three children, hence the name. The founder Elizabeth loved the kiddos so much, she named a store after them. As a parent, can I just say we need more Elizabeths in this world to love our children.

Either way, this sweet store prides itself on well-made toys and in her words, “toys should stand the test of time and be something we look forward to passing down for generations to come instead of just another thing that ends up in a landfill.”

Three Littles isn’t your typical toy store, but it sells the most precious dolls, clothing, crafts, books, accessories, and gifts. You'll also find unique toys that a big box store won't have, which makes the drive to DC worth it to visit Three Littles.

I think Three Littles is the perfect place to get a baby shower gift, birthday gift, or pick up something special for your little one. The store just oozes cuteness.

Address: 1260 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Phone Number: 202-733-7115

Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

That's a Wrap!

I think it's fantastic there are so many independent toys stores in Northern Virginia. Not only is it a great way to support local businesses, but it's something new and different to explore, rather than the traditional big box stores.

If I missed your favorite toy store, don't forget to drop a line so I can include it! Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing about your visits to the local toys stores!