Shopping at these Portland-area toy and book stores helps keep dollars in our local economy, and provides great gift finds for your kiddos.
This has been a tough year for retailers, with a few beloved kids’ stores even closing their doors. Your holiday dollars could have a big impact on our community if you shop at local, independent stores this holiday season. The other bonus? Helpful owners and staff really love matching parents with great picks for their kids. Here we highlight a few fantastic local shops — and get some staff recommendations for this holiday season.
Books with Pictures
The place for graphic novels, manga and comics, Books with Pictures is a great spot to shop for your tween or teen. Knowledgeable clerks can help you find just the right pick for your big kid. And there’s excellent representation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors in the store as well. “At Books with Pictures, we know the balance that comes with wanting to read books with more intense feelings and complexity, but also not being ready for all of the adult material quite yet,” says owner Katie Pryde. “We’ll help teens find their new favorite for this year, next year, and create future, lifelong readers.”
Pryde recommends the following graphic novels and manga for tweens and teens: Flip by Ngozi Ukazu, Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen, Evil-ish by Kennedy Tarrell, TheSummer Hikaru Died series by Mokumokuren, Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui and The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy At All series by Sumiko Arai.
Bricks & Minifigs
LEGO fans know that those bricks can be a foundation of imaginative play — but they aren’t cheap. Master builders of all ages can save some money by buying previously owned sets and pieces at Bricks & Minifigs. This franchise resale store was founded in Oregon and now has locations across the country, including five in the Portland-metro area. Families can make their own minifig; scope out rare minifigs or accessories to complete their collections; buy used bricks in bulk (including Duplos!); or find completed vintage sets or the latest sets new in box, like the adorable Bluey Beach & Family Car Trip set (pictured above). It’s a LEGO lover’s dream. Pro tip: There are locations in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Canby and Vancouver, Wash.
Oodles Kids
The new, large, two-level location of Oodles Kids also houses the Bull and the Bee baby gear and Queen Bee Soiree party supplies in addition to toys, activities and books for kids of all ages. So you can find everything from Brio train sets to cute bibs to decorations for a wizard-themed birthday party all under one roof. Store staff says that one of biggest sellers has been the Earth Grown KidDoughs Play Kits, which contain sensory dough, shaping or molding accessories, and fun, themed bits to mix in. A recent hot seller is the Mini Pro Wonder Sphere, which lights up, hovers and does other tricks.
Kids at Heart
If you’ve got a stuffed animal aficionado at your house, head to Kids at Heart. When my kids have had very specific stuffy requests, I’ve been able to find just what they wanted at Kids at Heart. Owner Sarah Green says they carry many types of plush toys and particularly recommends Douglas Cuddle Toys. “They make things for babies and toddlers, such as Lil Snugglers and Sshlupmpies,” she says. “For older kids, they do Sassy Pet Saks and more realistic animal plush; as well as fantasy things like unicorns and axolotl mushrooms.” And their stock extends far beyond plush toys to include craft kits, books, stickers, baby toys, games and much more.
Red Castle Games
The game selection at Red Castle Games on Southeast Foster Road is top-notch, but it’s more than a board-game shop, it’s a community hub. Red Castle hosts events such as release parties, figurine-painting contests, role-playing game demos and tournaments, and fundraisers for the Oregon Food Bank. And if you need a giant D20 die or the official Catan cookbook, they’ve got you covered. New family-friendly arrivals include Splendor Kids, a strategy game for ages 6 and older in which players deliver food across the kingdom and Agent Avenue, a spy card game for ages 8 and older in which players strive to uncover each other’s identity through bluffing, deduction and card collection.
Thinker Toys
Thinker Toys has been around for over 30 years and is a family-friendly fixture in the Multnomah Village neighborhood. Their toy selection builds imagination, creativity and a love of play. You’ll find a great mix of costumes, games, DIY kits, STEM activities and much more in the store. A few staff picks include the DIY CAP Space Rocket by Djeco (pictured above), a great, gender-neutral “doll house” in the shape of a rocket ship that kids build, and Wigglitz, fun, 3-D printed wiggly fidgets.
Beanstalk Children’s Resale
You never know what treasures you’ll find at either of the two locations of Beanstalk Children’s Resale. Shopping for kid’s holiday jammies or heirloom-quality wooden toys is not just easy on your wallet at this consignment store, it’s easy on the planet, too. At either of their two locations, you’ll find a great mix of imaginative-play sets, books, games, puzzles and clothes. “Shopping at Beanstalk is not only fun, it’s meaningful,” says owner Carmen Ripley Wilson. “Every purchase supports local families, keeps great items out of the landfill, and helps our community celebrate the holidays in a sustainable way.” Ripley Wilson says some hot sellers include: wooden dollhouses, fire stations and play kitchens; Calico Critters and American Girl sets; Green Toys; Hot Wheels; and dinosaurs.
MudPuddles Toys & Books
An incredible selection of toys and books, and stellar customer service are the hallmarks of MudPuddles Toys & Books in Sherwood. You’ll find gifts for toddlers like PlayTab Tiles, a modular sensory toy; or for bigger kids, the My Robotic Pet Coding Chameleon, a DIY robotic reptile buddy that responds to commands and touch, changes colors and more.
Owner and toy hunter extraordinaire Kate Noreen expects The Incredible Soccer Ball to be a big seller this holiday season. It’s a 7-inch soccer ball with an inflated core and squishy exterior that makes it silent — and suitable for indoor play.
If want even more places to shop local, check out these Portland-area consignment shops.