Is the child in your life celebrating a brag-worthy birthday, stellar work in school — or, mom and dad, are you just searching for that perfect holiday gift? Try independent local toy stores here in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor to find unique presents for kids of any age.
Here, we’ve listed some independent toy stores around southeast Michigan that offer dolls, trains, puzzles, customizable gifts and oodles more.
From cool collectibles to classic options to be cherished for years, there’s lots to discover, all with plenty more personality than the standard online or big-box store shopping experiences.
We’re sure you’ll find the perfect choice for your wee ones or even those who are kids at heart — and stave off that dreaded toy regret buyer’s remorse, to boot.
Diane’s Doll House
- Address: 102 N. Lafayette St., South Lyon
Doll lovers are in luck! This shop features dolls for all ages, including Madame Alexander, Corolle, Adora, Middleton and more. That selection pairs up with other great finds like Calico Critters, Melissa & Doug, Bruder trucks, Magformers, puzzles, games and more delightful toys.
Funky Monkey Toys
- Address: 5 N. Washington St., Oxford
Games, toys, magic tricks and more: This pick among Oakland County’s independent toy stores has something for every age and interest. Stop in and check out the board games, electronic robots, Lego and sock monkeys, too. Or start a family tradition and pick up an Elf on the Shelf.
FunkyTown Toys and Comics
- Address: 45249 Van Dyke, Utica
- Phone: 586-843-3684
Find action figures (vintage or new), comics, collectibles, statues and more.
Genuine Toy Co.
- Address: 550 Forest Ave., Suite 8, Plymouth
If you’re looking for engaging toys, this is the place. It has award-winning family games, science and craft kits, challenging puzzles and more. You’ll find pretend play items for tots. Mom and dad will love this store too: It features toys you grew up with and haven’t seen in ages!
Great Lakes Hobby & Toy
In business for more than 30 years, this Macomb County shop carries children’s play trains, slot cars, crafts, Melissa & Doug, dollhouses, model kits and various other toys.
hihi
- Address: 220 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak
If you’re looking for a super cute store full of all things kawaii, which means “cute” in Japanese, then stop into hihi. The store carries a large selection of plush toys, collectibles, candy and paper goods — not to mention touts the largest selection of Hello Kitty products in the state.
HobbyTown
- Address: Harvard Row Mall, 21770 W. 11 Mile Road, Southfield
This store, dedicated to helping you find that perfect hobby, is packed with RC cars, drones, planes, trains, puzzles, models and games for everyone. Check out it Facebook page for upcoming “model build day” events.
Lift
- Address: 228 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak
This spot has been open since 2006 and offers designer toys, lowbrow pop and surreal art, art books and anime toys for sale.
Michigan Toy Soldier Company
- Address: 1400 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
This store was founded in 1990 and offers everything for toy soldier collectors and enthusiasts. Discover collectible figures, figure kits and much more here.
Mudpuddles Toy Store
- Address: Kerrytown Market & Shops, 407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
The fun shop features award-winning games, creative toys, Klutz activity books and Folkmanis puppets. Find gifts to pique your child’s imagination at one of the staple Washtenaw County independent toy stores.
My Urban Toddler
From maternity clothes to kids apparel (now up to size 12 years), puzzles to dolls and books, this store strives to offer something for all the stages of your child’s development. Find imagination-powered toys and plenty more.
Rail & Anchor
- Address: 502 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Has plenty of unique gifts and items for the whole family. For the kiddos, there’s books, games, plushies, wooden toys and much more.
Rock Paper Scissors Junior
There’s so much to choose from here for your child. Items and toys for baby all the way to the tween age.
Sarge & Red’s Toys and Collectibles
- Address: 45157 Van Dyke Ave., Utica
Find vintage, retro and new toys; plus plenty of nostalgia at this local shop. Items on sale include Barbie, GI Joe, Marvel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more.
The Friendship Factory
- Address: 1659 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester
Have a crafty kid at home? Pick up a friendship bracelet kit, lanyard loom, photo button kit and more creative sets from The Friendship Factory. Call ahead for drop-in activities and ear piercing.
The Rocket Candy and Novelties
In addition to loads of novelty, nostalgic and bulk candies for sale, this spot stocks traditional toys like kites and books; plus vintage t-shirts, magnets and other accessories.
Time Blaster Toys
- Address: 38403 Joy Road, Westland
Your one-stop shop for all ’80s, ’90s and recent toys. They sell vintage and modern action figures, collectibles, trading cards and more. Has a Lego building table, vintage video games and VHS tapes to watch while you’re there.
Toy Box
- Address: 13305 Hall Road, Utica
A family-owned toy shop that chose their toys specifically for safety, quality and originality. Find tons of board games, musical instruments, educational items and more.
ToyLand
- Address: Fairlane Town Center, 18900 Michigan Ave., N319, Dearborn
Sells LEGO, Fisher Price, Melissa and Doug, My Fairy Garden and more.
Toyology
- Address: 6558 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills; 119 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 6389 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
This store has something for kids of all ages — from items for imaginative play to puzzles, board games, infant toys, plushies and more. It even stocks products for the special needs community. Stop in and see a “toyologist” for help on picking up the perfect gift.
Village Toy Shoppe
- Address: 400 N. Main St., Milford
Relive your childhood as your take a walk through this veteran on our independent toy stores list. Popular brands here include Lego, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug and Jellycat.
Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy
- Address: 21714 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores
A tradition since 1969, this store is filled with creative toys like Madame Alexander dolls, Breyer model horses, Brio train sets, Melissa & Doug toys, model kits, Lego, Playmobil, Lionel trains, large puzzle selection and much more.
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