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 to find unique presents for kids of any age.
We’ve listed some independent toy stores around metro Detroit that offer dolls, trains, puzzles, customizable gifts and oodles more.
Macomb
Bricks & Minifigs
- Address: 15254 Canal Road, Clinton Township
Visit this toy store that specializes in new and used Lego items. It also buys and trades all Lego products.
FunkyTown Toys and Comics
- Address: 45249 Van Dyke Ave., Utica
Find action figures (vintage or new), comics, collectibles, statues and more.
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 items, dollhouses, model kits and other toys.
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
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.
Toy Box of Michigan
- Address: 13305 Hall Road, Utica
A family-owned toy shop that chooses toys specifically for safety, quality and originality. Find tons of board games, musical instruments, educational items and more.
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.
Oakland
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. 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.
hihi + LIFT
- 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. The other store at this location is LIFT, which has been open since 2006. It offers designer toys, lowbrow pop and surreal art, art books and anime toys for sale.
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 their Facebook page for upcoming “model build day” events.
Michigan Toy Soldier Company
- Address: 1400 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
This store founded in 1990 offers everything for toy soldier collectors and enthusiasts. Discover collectible figures, figure kits and much more here.
Rail & Anchor
- Address: 502 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Find plenty of unique gifts and items for the whole family. For the kiddos, there are books, games, plushies, wooden toys and much more.
The Friendship Factory
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
- Address: 200 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
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.
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 picking the perfect gift.
Village Toy Shoppe
- Address: 400 N. Main St., Milford
Relive your childhood as you take a walk through this veteran on our independent toy stores list. There’s a variety of products for babies, science and technology, clothing, dolls, puzzles, games and more.
Washtenaw
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
- Address: 2631 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
From maternity clothes to kids apparel (now up to size 12), 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.
Rock Paper Scissors
- Address: 216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
If someone you know is expecting, this shop has new baby gift boxes with different themes and filled with toys, plushies, books and other items.
The Rocket Candy and Novelties
- Address: 122 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
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.
Wayne
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. It features toys you grew up with and haven’t seen in ages!
hihi
- Address: 4240 Cass Ave., Unit 109, Detroit
Check out their newest location in Midtown. 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.
Little Dotte
- Address: 3122 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte
This local toy store sells baby and kids items including stuffed animals, books, toys and more.
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. It has a Lego building table, vintage video games and VHS tapes to watch while you’re there.
This post is updated regularly.
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