Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages

Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
12/5/25 - By Rebecca Matheson Ortiz

Picture it: bright aisles and shelves packed with baby dolls and rocking horses and bikes and slime kits and colorful blocks and wooden toys and games and RC cars and stuffies and, well, basically all the things kids’ dreams are made of. For little ones, there’s nothing quite like the experience of walking into a toy store. Whether you’re taking your child to spend their birthday cash, get some inspiration for their Christmas lists, or just for fun, these Houston toy shops will transform your errand into a moment of magic.

If you’re searching for presents for Houston kids, browse our gift guide for ideas for everyone on your list. Then, set out for a personalized shopping experience and unique finds at these local Houston toy stores, where you’ll see everything from vintage toys and handcrafted hobbies to the latest trends your kids have been begging for.

Tips for Toy Shopping in Houston

  • Follow your favorite Houston toy stores on social media or subscribe to emails so you can keep an eye out for great deals. From holiday sales to birthday events and more, you can usually time it right so that you can enjoy discounts on the toys your kiddos want most.
  • Whether shopping online or in-store, you can narrow down your options by browsing for toys set for specific age ranges or interests.
  • It may be convenient to shop at big-box stores during the holidays, but when you shop at your local toy store, you'll get personalized service, unique and vintage finds that you can't get just anywhere, and a chance to keep that toy shop magic alive by supporting your own community.
  • If they offer a rewards program, join the club! Special perks and birthday deals are available to members of many Houston toy shops.
  • In many cases, members get discounts when they shop at the toy and gift shops located inside museums. Consider a museum membership if you plan to visit often!

 

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The tempting selection at Big Blue Whale. Photo by Nan Ross.
The tempting selection at Big Blue Whale. Photo by Nan Ross.

Top Toy Stores in Houston

Tomfoolery Toys & Books

Meyerland and Braes Heights
From toddlers to older kids and those who are young at heart, Tomfoolery Toys and Books serves up both classic and unique fun. The Houston toy store encourages interaction and exploration and offers free gift wrapping on all purchases.  READ MORE

Big Blue Whale

The Heights
Take a step back in time at Big Blue Whale for a truly unique toy store experience. The store focuses solely on innocent playtime through toys instead of educational experiences and learning activities. Curbside pick-up is available. READ MORE

Toys & Candy On the Park

Kingwood
Sister store to Big Blue Whale, Toys and Candy On the Park is your quintessential neighborhood toy store, filled with all of your childhood favorites and toys that are sure to become your child's childhood favorites. Curbside pick-up is offered to help make shopping easy.  READ MORE

Toys To Love

Uptown
For over 25 years, Toys To Love has been providing children of all ages with toys that support emotional, physical, and social well-being. The store sells classic toys, dress-up clothes, games, and collectibles. READ MORE

Learning Express Toys & Gifts

Rice Village and Memorial
Learning Express Houston has all the latest toys and most-wanted gifts for kids of all ages. Find everything from arts and crafts supplies to fidget toys, stuffed animals, scooters, books, bath toys, and even an in-store slime bar. READ MORE

Why Not Toys

Spring
This boutique Houston toy shop in Old Town Spring brings out your inner kid and thrills actual kids. It's home to one-of-a-kind toys like puppets, puzzles, unique stuffed animals, musical instruments, outdoor activities, and more.  READ MORE

Super Happy Incredible Toys

The Heights
Super Happy Incredible Toys offers an incredible selection of vintage toys and collectibles. You'll also find art, pop memorabilia, and modern action figures at this independent Houston toy store. READ MORE

LEGO Store Houston

The Galleria and Baybrook
Stack, build, create, and play. The LEGO store has bricks in every color and kits to entice any young builder. Design your own or pick a character build when you shop at this Houston toy store. READ MORE

Build-a-Bear Workshop

Multiple locations
This interactive workshop lets you choose, stuff, fluff, and dress your own stuffed animal. You can build special memories along with a new friend at Build-a-Bear. READ MORE

Seasonal and Specialty Houston Toy Shops

Papa Ben's Train Place

Bellaire
If you're into trains, roll on into the station at Papa Ben's, where they have model train sets, engines, accessories, and so much more. There are children's trains, too, to get your budding model train hobbyist started on their collection. READ MORE

Fiddle Sticks Toys at Children's Museum Houston

Museum District
At Fiddle Sticks Toys, the gift shop inside Children's Museum Houston, visitors will find tons of toys and books with an emphasis on education. Thanks to the museum's SECRET Spy Game, there's also a large selection of spy gear! READ MORE

Houston Museum of Natural Science Museum Store

Museum District
The HMNS Museum Store is the specialty gift shop located inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Shop toys and novelty items featuring insects, gems, and dinos as well as science kits, books, and plush toys.  READ MORE

Holiday Market at Houston Toy Museum

The Heights
The Houston Toy Museum hosts this annual holiday pop-up event with photo ops, discounted museum admission, and fun each December. Local vendors offer an array of goods, including vintage and current toys. READ MORE

Gulf Coast Toy Show

Pasadena
Said to be Houston’s biggest toy show, this family-friendly event is held at the Pasadena Rodeo and Fairgrounds and features tons of vendors buying and selling toys, comics, and other collectibles. Face painting and costume contests enhance the fun. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
Rebecca Matheson Ortiz is a mom of two, a proud Aggie (2013—Whoop!), and a seasoned writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She’s the editor at Moose May and has worked with top publications like Vacations Magazine, Travel 50 & Beyond, and Where to Retire. Based in Houston, Rebecca loves exploring the city’s family-friendly gems with her kids. Writing for Mommy Poppins lets her share their favorite discoveries while staying on top of the latest hot spots.
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