The Best Local Stores in Calgary to Shop for Kids This Christmas
December is here, and, if you’re like me, you’ve only just started to think about all of the Christmas shopping you have left to do. While it can be hard to decide where to even begin, the Christmas season is the perfect time to support local businesses while checking off everyone on your list. We’ve rounded up 10 gems in Calgary, and 1 each from Airdrie and Okotoks that are must-visits while doing your Christmas shopping this year.
Steeling Home
1010 17 Ave SW, Calgary
This store on 17 Ave has long been one of my favourites. It’s full of everything from home décor, books, and jewelry for grownups to stories, toys, clothes and knick-knacks for kids. On a recent trip to Steeling Home, I managed to find stocking stuffers for my one year old and my toddler, and also picked up the perfect gift for an upcoming baby shower. Although the space isn’t huge, it is full to the brim with treasures that everyone in the family is sure to love, and it’s easy to spend an hour just browsing around!
Reid’s
710 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Even though it’s technically a Stationery Store, Reid’s is so much more than just that. Whether it’s art supplies, toys, books, or balloons you’re after, Reid’s has it all, plus the perfect paper you’ll need to wrap it all up when you get home!
Purr Petite
1812 4 St SW and 118 10 St NW, Calgary
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If you’re looking for the best place to find adorable clothes and unique, ethically made toys for kids, Purr Petite is your best friend. Little ones are sure to go crazy for items like super sweet dress-up stuffed toys by Maileg, gorgeous dolls, animals and rattles by Moulin Roty and more.
Castle Toys
101 5718 1A Street SW, Calgary
Castle Toys has been a Calgary staple for over 30 years. Located across McLeod Trail from Chinook Mall, this toy store boasts tons of popular brands like Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, Etch a Sketch, Green Toys, K’Nex, Melissa and Doug, LEGO and more!
Monkeyshines
2215 33 Ave SW, Calgary
Monkeyshines is a cute little bookstore located in Marda Loop. They specialize in children’s books, including those written by local authors, as well as Canadian toys, travel games, teaching aids and more. They also support local businesses and carry goods from brands like Little Cheeks!
Heritage Park Toy Shoppe
1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
The Haskayne Mercantile Block is located before the park gates in Heritage Town square and has five beautiful retail stores that you’ve got to check out whether you’re planning to enter Heritage Park or not. The 1930’s-50’s décor is worth a visit in itself, but the unique gifts and toys inside are the icing on the cake. Raggedy Anne and Andy, Tiddley Winks, trains, cars, and vintage-inspired toys are just some of the gems you’ll find inside. Parking is free for 90 minutes, and a reduced evening rate of $3.00 is offered after 5 if you decide to stay a little longer.
Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys
1124 Kensington Road NW, Calgary
If you’re searching for one-of-a-kind toys like Matreshka dolls, pick-up sticks, pedal cars, toy soldiers and steam engines, this shop, founded 25 years ago by two museum professionals, is exactly what you’re looking for. Everything inside this store is guaranteed to appeal to kids and kids at heart. Head down to Kensington and relive your own childhood while browsing their beautiful, nostalgic toys!
Gummi Boutique
205 10 St NW, Calgary
If “The Biggest Gummy Bear in the World” made the top of your child’s Christmas list this year, don’t sweat it. $53 and a visit to the Gummi Boutique in Inglewood are all it will take to make your kiddo’s sugar-fueled dreams come true! If something a little smaller is more your speed, this store has almost anything you can imagine, from candy-coated bugs to Christmas candy, chocolates, and lollipops. They also carry treats of the non-edible variety, like finger puppets and board games.
Games People Play
#1679, 1632 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Fun is the name of the game at this store (see what I did there?). Games People Play has Western Canada’s largest selection of jigsaw puzzles and carries an incredible collection of board games and card games. Items like plush animals, heat changing mugs and science kits are also available and being restocked daily!
The Discovery Hut
Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary
They aren’t kidding when they call themselves Calgary’s coolest toy store. This shop, located in Chinook Mall, is positively mesmerizing whether you’re a kid or an adult. Board games, stuffed animals, science projects, action figures, video games, Chia Pets, baby toys, and even unique games like Kendama are just a few of the things you’ll find at The Discovery Hut. It’s definitely worth a trip through the packed Chinook Mall to pay this shop a visit!
The Store Upstairs
209 Centre Ave SW, Airdrie
Plush animals, train sets, costumes, Schleich figurine, and playsets, adorable mittens and toques, and LEGO are just a few of the great things you’ll find at The Store Upstairs in Airdrie. This store has been an Airdrie favourite for over 25 years and also carries great items like women and men’s clothing, unique gifts and home décor. It truly is a one-stop shop!
Monkey Mountain Toys and Games
30 McRae Street, Okotoks
Located in Okotoks, Monkey Mountain Toys and Games carries pretty much anything you can imagine and is every kiddo’s dream store. Cars and trains, dolls, retro toys, books, items for pretend play, science and magic, wooden toys and board games just scratch the surface of what you can find at this awesome store. They also offer online shopping, with free shipping on orders over $100, and $9.99 flat-rate shipping for orders under $100.
