Kids go through toys like candy. Donating or tossing out toys they outgrow or get bored with means it’s toy store time. Once the kids notice that their stash of beloved Matchbox cars and Barbies has been depleted, they’ll be on the hunt for the next greatest plaything to hit the market. Trolling the endless aisles of big box and chain toy stores just won’t cut it for L.A. kids and parents who know there’s more out there. Take a nostalgic trip to the city’s best toy stores for a trip the whole family will love.

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Kidsland
3807 Wilshire Blvd., 100
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 487-9090
www.kidslandusa.com

Kidsland is the premier one-stop-shop for kids of all ages. For infants, Kidsland stocks everything from car seats and strollers to crib bedding and layette sets. Items such as learning toys for all ages, books, CDs and DVDs abound, and it offers arts and crafts items as well as ride-on toys for the preschool set. Take advantage of maternity wear and supplies, gift registries and an authorized Maclaren and Stokkie repair service.

Related: Top Arts and Crafts Events For The Family in Los Angeles

Photo Credit: thegreenbeangoods.com

The Green Bean
5060 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 739-0870
thegreenbeangoods.com

For the parent searching for a place to barter old for new, The Green Bean offers the perfect solution. Both resale and new products are offered at The Green Bean. Gently used items in good condition can be either traded for cash or store credit. A 90-day consignment service lets parents go 50/50 on resale profits with the shop. Best of all, The Green Bean is much more than a retail outlet: It also features live musical performances, classes, support groups and storytimes – all under one roof.

Photo Credit: theacornstore.com

The Acorn Store
1220 5th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-5845
www.theacornstore.com

Eco-friendly families will love the offerings at The Acorn Store. With selections from the popular Plan and Haba toy lines, parents are sure to find durable, safe playthings for any kiddo. Toys here are designed to support children’s various stages of learning and skill sets. While the products may be pricier than chain retail stores, they are an investment that can be passed down to younger siblings, designed to last for generations.

Related: Education Resources Parents Can Use

Photo Credit: 3 Cheeky Monkeys/Facebook

3 Cheeky Monkeys
10800 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 271
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 470-7060
www.3cheekymonkeys.com/

A favorite among Westside families, 3 Cheeky Monkeys delightfully brings an end to the stereotypes of mall toy stores. Minus the constant clatter and overwhelming nature of chain toy retailers, 3 Cheeky Monkeys provides a peaceful shopping experience with the ideal educational toys for any developmental stage. Customers rave about its service with free gift wrapping and appreciation play dates at the park where refreshments and toys (to borrow) are provided.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Tom’s Toys
437 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 247-9822

Tom’s Toys gets right down to business, offering a taste of nostalgia mixed in with the popular toys of today. Located near the famed Rodeo Drive, Tom’s Toys stocks a great selection including dolls, hard-to-find Playmobil items and an impressive collection of rocking horses. Board games and puzzles are plentiful, as are educational toys. If the kids get indecisive, there is a train table to play with, and friendly staff willing to help corral excited tots.

Heather Gill was born and raised under the ubiquitous sunshine of LA. An admitted tabloid enthusiast and shopaholic, she is always on the prowl for the latest Los Angeles has to offer. Heather is an avid writer and blogger and her work can be found on Examiner.com.