Looking to find some of the best toy stores in Arlington, Virginia? Here we’re diving into 3 of the best independent toy stores.
Here you’ll find more unique toys than the big box stores offer and in a more personable environment.
If you’re worried about last-minute Christmas shopping, we have got you covered!
Below are our 3 favorite independent toy stores in Arlington Virginia:
Toy Stores in Arlington VA
One, Two Kangaroo! Toys
4022 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 | 703.845.9099
Hours: All Days 11am – 7pm. Sunday Closed.
This store pulls you in with their lovely window displays. The small store is piled from top to bottom with toys, puzzles, games, cute kid umbrellas, and a limited selection of books.
NEXT: 29+ Things to Do in Arlington VA: Best & Unique Things to Do
You won’t find any video games here (which is exactly why you should go!).
It’s hard not to buy something in here because it’s a treasure trove of unique items like a puppet theater, scratch art, Ugly Dolls, Name Train (colored alphabet letters on wheels), and painted, wooden toys by Le Toy Van.
The staff is patient with kids like mine who like to touch and rearrange things. I couldn’t get my child away from the patch of pink in the back that was full of tutus, fairy wings and wands. Ah yes, everything a little princess could want can be found here.
They even have a Melissa and Doug medieval castle and Papo brand medieval figures of horses and knights.
While parking in Shirlington Village is a concern, free gift wrapping and dedicated customer service makes One, Two Kangaroo! Toys a favorite in northern Virginia.
Top toy picks: Doodle Cake Crayons, Brio Railway Cargo Harbor Set, and Quadrilla marble wooden construction set.
I visit this toy shop about 10x a year. When you walk in, it’s like you’ve entered a place of pure joy—like when the Beast shows Belle the library. That kind of joy. They have something for kids of all ages starting at newborn (I like the 1,000 piece puzzles and board games).
– Lindsey
The owners are great at providing suggestions based on a child’s age and even personality. On more than one occasion I needed to stick to a budget, so the owner helped me find the perfect gifts and stay within that budget. These are not gifts you can find in your local retail store. They are quality gifts, and because of that + small business, they can be pricey, so keep that in mind as you explore the shop.
A must visit when in Shirlington.
RELATED: Car Museums in Virginia (Antique Cars, History & More)
Kinderhaus Toys
1220 N. Fillmore St. Arlington, VA | 703-527-5929
Hours: Mon to Sat 10am to 7pm, Sunday: 10am to 6pm
This may be the cutest toy store in Arlington! You’ll find a lot of toys made in the USA like tinker toys, Pick-up Sticks, Tiddly Winks, Dominoes, etc.
John Deere also has a home here. Safe, wooden toys are in stock from German brand Haba, Plan Toys and American counterpart, Melissa and Doug. This is the first store where I have seen sign language blocks, blocks in different languages and German puzzles.
Imagination leads to creation with Magna Tiles, Perplexus, and the Hexbug Ant robot.
The kiddo was enamored by the play area dotted with several train tables and the fact that dinosaurs are represented well here.
They also hold events for kids including story time, lego play and tunes 4 tots music class.
They also offer free gift wrapping.
Top toy picks: Madame Alexander Annie doll, Roy Toy log building set, Kettler trike, and Bikerbrightz.
What I love most about Kinder Haus is that there just isn’t any other toy store like it anymore. No Target or other big retailer can compete with the feel of this place. They have an expansive selection of toys and books (a lot of really good Usborne books that we haven’t found elsewhere). Our kids also love going there to play with the train set and the little store.
– Arn
Child’s Play
4510 Cherry Hill Rd Arlington, VA 22207 | (703) 522-1022
Child’s Play actually has 3 locations in the area in the DC metro area:
- Washington DC,
- Arlington, and
- McLean.
The two-level Arlington store is literally overflowing with merchandise.
Child’s Play store is massive and carries the largest selection I have seen of my daughter’s favorite – Green Toys.
If you like knights, dragons, dinosaurs and the like, they have a plethora of little figures from Pago and Schleich.
Downstairs is divided into two rooms with a huge area stocked with children’s books and a cute book nook filled with you guessed it, books, a dollhouse and building blocks.
The other side has sporting goods like Beamo Flying Hoop, Ogo Disk and Pogo sticks. Girls will find an area right out of a Fancy Nancy book with dress up costumes, jewelry, and more.
As an added bonus, gift wrap is complimentary.
Top toy picks: Read to Me Tot Tower, Schoenhut Baby Grand Piano, and Groovy Girls dolls.
This is one of the best toy stores in the area and I’m so happy I found it. They have a massive selection of really unique toys and carry a lot of the European brands my kids and I love and there doesn’t seem to be a big markup at all. The lower level has an AWESOME book section with some truly beautiful books.
I could spend hours in this store. If you need to find a unique, and thoughtful gift for a kid of any age, this is the place to go. The staff was very friendly and not pushy at all which was great. So happy I don’t have to go to Target for kid’s stuff anymore! Will gladly continue to support this wonderful little local shop!
– Nesa A.
