You should shop at these 5 mom and pop toy stores in Houston

HOUSTON – Buying gifts is difficult. Buying gifts for children can be even more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t waste time reading reviews online or trying to flag an employee down the aisle of a chain store. Instead, visit one of those local toy stores, where the staff are knowledgeable and therefore very eager to help. Because if it is better to give than to receive, it is even better when your gift is the preferred one.

Toys to Love owner Katie Meeks poses outside the store with a donation. (KPRC)

1. Toys to love

Toy store testimonial: “A really cool store for just about anything you could possibly want for young children. The staff are friendly and super helpful. Really cool place to find educational toys, but still fun. They carry a lot of toys that I haven’t seen in other stores. It’s a fun place to walk around and play with it all. – Darla W.

Address: 1715 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, Texas 77056

Website: www.toystolove.net

A d

Children play with unique toys at the Houston Big Blue Whale store. (KPRC)

2. Great blue whale

Toy store testimonial: “It is obvious that the owners strive to provide a wide variety of interesting and quality toys for all ages. Competitive price. Help support this neighborhood gem to stay there. – Bradley B.

Address: 237 W 19th St, Houston, Texas 77008

Website: www.bigbluewhaletoys.com

Colorful interior of the FUNdamentally Toys toy store in Houston. (KPRC)

3. FUNDAMENTAL toys

Toy store testimonial: “This place is beautiful! They have gifts for all ages of children. We went there just two days before Christmas and it was far from overcrowded. They checked us out and wrapped our gifts within minutes. – Antoine S.

Address: 2401 Rice Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005

Website: www.fundamentallytoys.com

A d

Interior shot of the large Imagination Toys & Shoes selection. (KPRC)

4. Imagination toys and shoes

Toy store testimonial: “I easily find unique and inexpensive toys for my children here. I like the way things are organized and grouped according to interest and topic. The staff are friendly and helpful with the toys… I have bought a lot of gifts here and have never had a problem with someone who couldn’t return or exchange. Small businesses are the best! – Kaia K.

Address: 3851 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77025

Website: www.imaginationtoysandshoes.com

Kids load up their fun shopping carts at Tomfoolery Toys & Books in Houston. (KPRC)

5. Tomfoolery toys and books

Toy store testimonial: “Very nice toy store! The staff are so friendly and helpful! My wife and I never know what we need when we get home, but always leave with great gifts that our nieces and nephews love! ” – Travis H.

A d

Address: 4844 Beechnut St, Houston, Texas 77096

Website: www.tomfoolerytoys.com