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BAY AREA

Five Little Monkeys

VARIOUS LOCATIONS
5littlemonkeys.com
Five Little Monkeys is a community based, hands-on toy store providing high-quality toys for kids of all ages in a fun and friendly environment. The stores, in eight locations  around the Bay Area, come with a barrelful of Readers’ Choice recommendations and  specialize in creative toys that are educational, sustainable and offer exceptional play value. Online ordering is also available. 

SAN FRANCISCO

Growing Up Arts & Crafts 

(415) 661-6333  •  facebook.com/GrowingUpArtCraftsStore
Toys for all ages — books, blocks, puzzles, dolls, Lego kits, molded animal figures and, customers say, “friendly service and tons of craft items and a vast array of art supplies.” That’s Growing Up Arts & Crafts, new this year to Readers’ Choice. Greeting cards and gift wrap supplies are here too, all presented in “a compact, colorful space.” The shop opened on West Portal in 2010. 

EAST BAY

Mr. Mopps’ Toy Shop 

BERKELEY
(510) 525-9633  •  moppstoys.com
Mr. Mopps’ carries many toys that are not found in mass market stores, seen on television or associated with movies. “We tend to focus not on toys that are ‘hot,’ but on toys that are really, really cool,” the shop website says, “offering toys that provide open-ended play and inspire imagination and fun for all ages of kids, from newborns on up.” The shop opened in 1992.

SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA

Cheeky Monkey

(650) 941-6043 LOS ALTOS  •  (650) 328-7975 MENLO PARK  •  cheekymonkeytoys.com
Now in Los Altos as well as Menlo Park, Cheeky Monkey is a local, family-owned and operated independent toy store. Unsure what to buy for a beloved child? The stores specialize in helping you select just the right toy for children of any age. You can shop online, too, where you can check out new items and staff favorites, learn about the Loyalty Club and sign up for the monthly newsletter. 

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