The 15 Most Magical Toy Stores You Have To Visit

As the holidays approach, toys are on the minds of kids (and their parents) everywhere.

You can shop at a basic toy store near your home or maybe even buy gifts online. But if you really love toys, a smart shopping hack might be to visit a famous toy store and wander the aisles.

So, if you have a chance this holiday season, check out one of these awesome toy stores.

FAO Schwarz is one of the most famous toy stores in the world. Its flagship store is located in the legendary Rockefeller Center in New York City.

The store includes plenty of toy favorites and stations where you can style and personalize your own Barbie or make your own race car.

And yes, you can buy a Giant Dance-On Piano Mat from the store so you can play the piano with your feet, just as Tom Hanks did in the movie “Big” when he visited FAO Schwarz.

Hamleys is one of the oldest toy stores in the world. It started in 1760 and continues to today. It even operated after being bombed during World War II in London, making sure kids still had access to toys.

The store currently has five stores and several locations at airports, but you’ll want to visit the flagship store on Regent Street if you get the chance. That location features seven floors of toys to explore and plenty of displays to entice shoppers.

Omotesando Road in Tokyo is home to luxury brands, high-end shops, and the toy store Kiddy Land.

The renowned store packs its five floors with plenty of toys, including Japan’s own Hello Kitty.

The store also has plenty of other characters on its floors, such as toys from Star Wars and Marvel and Japanese favorites Pokémon and Studio Ghibli.

Lego began in Denmark in the 1930s but has since spread worldwide and built a large base of enthusiasts.

Check out Lego stores across the U.S. and around the world in countries such as Belgium, Bahrain, and Brazil.

The stores feature plenty of Lego sets. Some locations also have a Legoland Discovery Center with Lego-themed rides for kids to enjoy before shopping for their next Lego set.

The Disney Store has many locations where you can pick up the latest Disney merchandise.

You can grab Disney princess outfits, other clothes, plushies, and more. The stores sell typical Disney toys and toys related to other franchises under the Disney umbrella, such as Marvel and Star Wars.

If you want a big Disney shopping experience, check out the retailer’s flagship store in Times Square in New York City. You will find toys from different Disney movies and shows, including authentic cosplay costumes for adults.

Pain d’Epices is located in the Passage Jouffroy in Paris. The toy store is best known for its unique dollhouse small pieces.

You can find everything from tiny living room furniture and little beds to bathroom sinks and kitchen ovens.

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is home to American Girl Place, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained as you shop for American Girl dolls and accessories.

Check out the salon to get a hairstyle that matches your favorite doll, enjoy tea time with your doll at the store’s restaurant, or find extra special activities to enjoy with your favorite dolls.

Steiff began in 1880 and is best known for inventing plush bears. Today, it still makes bears and other friendly stuffed animals to enjoy or add to your holiday shopping list.

Check out the Steiff Museum, located in Giengen between Stuttgart and Munich in southern Germany. You can see how bears are made there or learn more about the company’s history.

Make sure you end your visit in the Steiff Museum Shop, where you can pick out your own bear or other toy to take home.

Detsky Mir is the largest children’s retailer in Russia, with more than 1,100 locations throughout the country catering to kids.

Browse the Detsky Mir aisles for toys and other goods for children. The retailer also sells clothing, food, and more for kids to enjoy.

Lark Toys is in Kellogg, near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border in southern Minnesota. It is a beautiful gem of a toy store.

The store offers hand-carved toys for children. Some designs date back at least 30 years.

In addition to toys, you can also ride a carousel during your visit to the shop or play mini-golf during the warmer months. Check out the workshop so you can see how your toys are made.

A trip to Walt Disney World can be an exciting experience for any kid. You also might want to set aside time to head to nearby Disney Springs for some shopping.

Disney Springs is like other malls, with various shops to appeal to everyone in the family. But the true magic here is in all of the Disney-themed stores along the way.

Start with the World of Disney and the world’s largest collection of Disney merchandise before heading to Star Wars Trading Post and Super Hero Headquarters for themed toys.

Model train enthusiasts will love the Charles Ro Supply Co., which bills itself as America’s top train dealer.

The company has been in business since 1972 and features plenty of trains and accessories from various manufacturers, including Lionel. Wander the aisles to find train cars, tracks, and other accessories to boost your model train collection.

Dig into Kid’s Cavern in Macau for a wide selection of toys and other items that you’re sure to need.

The store, located in the shopping section of Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, includes stacks of toys for kids as well as clothes and other baby items. You can also pick up strollers, car seats, and even baby skincare products while you’re there.

The Doll Hospital is less of a toy store and more of a toy hospital: Shop here to make all your broken toys new again.

The hospital takes in toys that need to be restored or repaired. You can also ask The Doll Hospital to create new outfits for your existing dolls and other toys.

Sometimes, you have to go somewhere big for something small.

The Little Dollhouse Co. in Toronto specializes in miniature items. You can also get in the festive spirit by picking up holiday-themed decorations for your dollhouse.

If you visit The Little Dollhouse Co., bring a credit card to help you earn cash back or other perks.

Toy stores can be great places to shop. But if you're trying to save money shopping, know these stores can be expensive.

So, set a budget or create a list before you go so you keep your spending in check.