Let’s be honest. Shopping for kids can be pretty darn difficult at times. It feels like there are about a million toys out there on the market, and it can be nearly impossible to find the products your child will actually want to play with. Everything is overly stimulating, and it’s pretty much all guaranteed to break within a few uses. If you are looking for a more mindful way to stock up on toys, you need a specialty toy shop. Yes, they are going to be stocked with the very latest products on the market, but they will also be staffed by passionate employees who know how to match you with exactly what you are looking for. Lucky for you, we have quite a few amazing toy stores in Bloomington, IL that will make sure you always leave with the best products for your needs!
Find Your Family’s Favorite Toy Stores In Bloomington, IL
As a milestone photographer near Bloomington IL, I adore working with clients to find all the best hidden gems. Here are the toy stores in Bloomington to check out with your crew!
Gingerbread House Toys
915 E Washington St #3, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Gingerbread House Toys has been around since 1972, providing imaginative toys to kids all across Central Illinois. The name comes from the original shop building. When Tami Jarecki first had the idea of opening up a toy store, she decided to just set things up in her own home. Families would swing by her charming Victorian gingerbread-style home over on Hannah Street and shop for high-quality toys made to boost cognitive development while lasting for generations. After nearly 50 years, the store changed hands and was bought by three local sisters who had grown up shopping the shelves. They moved out of the original building in 2017 and have been operating on Washington Street ever since!
These days, you can shop for both classic brands and current favorites. You can find LEGO sets, Corolle Dolls, and Jellycat plushies. Don’t quite know what you are looking for? The employees have you covered! They can ask you questions like age and interest, and from there, they’ll find exactly what you need! This team also loves working with families to discover the magic of playtime. They will work with you to find something guaranteed to spark your child’s sense of imagination. The shop also has an amazing reward program that will let you accumulate points each time you swing by!
The School Shop
1224 Towanda Ave, #25, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Right from the beginning, The School Shop was established to nourish kids’ cognitive development. The store was opened over 20 years ago as a way to help educators find toys that made their lessons a little more memorable. The place was such a success that people started to drive in from all across the state (and sometimes even country!) to find their new favorite thing. The store was sold in 2017 to Charmaine and John Ringer, but the mission remained the same. To this day, both parents and teachers have made this their number one shop for finding ways to boost kids’ critical thinking skills.
If your child just can’t get enough of STEAM, this is your spot! This shop is stocked with items that have been designed to equip kids for the modern world. Not only are their products some of the best on the market, but they have quite a few perks to enhance your experience. You can sign up for a personal shopper who will figure out your needs and hand-pick the perfect item. They also offer product personalization, and they have convenient gift wrapping.
Nozlen Toys
3005 Gill Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, Illinois 61704
Since they first opened their Bloomington, IL toy store doors in 2013, Nozlen Toys has been completely dedicated to selling affordable toys ready to go the distance. Their goal is simple: to provide nothing less than 100% customer satisfaction. They put tons of research into every item they sell and will ensure you leave with something you are going to love. The store also frequently uses their social media pages to host giveaways, so be sure to follow along!
When it comes to their actual products, you can find some of the hottest brands on the market. You can select from Barbie, Baby Alive, Marvel, Disney, V-Tech, and Hasbro. While I know your child is going to love pretty much every item in the shop, they also have a pretty great selection for those who are young at heart. They have Funko Pops, specialty plushes, and action figures, so you can build up your collections. Additionally, this is the best place to find items to share with the entire family. From books to games, they have the best things to elevate your time together!
Go! Toys & Games
1615 E Empire St, Space 1140, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Go! Toys & Games offers a shop inside the Eastland Mall where you can shop for the very latest toys on the market today. This national shop started out over 30 years ago as a family-owned toy store. While their customer base might be a little bigger today, it remains dedicated to personalized service for everyone who walks through their doors. When you come here with your family, you are going to be treated to wall-to-wall products your child will love for years to come. They even have interactive displays so you can try before you buy! From the huge variety of stuffed animals to carefully selected games, there are so many memories just waiting behind the doors. You can also find an amazing selection of infant toys that are about to make tummy time so much more bearable. Regardless of your age, there’s something here for you!
I Love Visiting These Fabulous Toy Stores In Bloomington, IL
If you have been on the search for your new favorite toy store, I just know you are about to fall in love with these toy stores in Bloomington, IL! Plan your visit soon so you can find the best products for your little one!
Are you looking for more ways to make some memories with your family? Then I would love to connect! I am a milestone photographer near Bloomington IL, and I adore working with parents to plan sessions so they can make the most out of every moment together. If you would like to see if I’m the right photographer for you, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
