- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Mr Mopps
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Toy Stores, Bookstores [Edit]
1405 Martin Luther King Jr Way(between Rose St & Vine St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
(510) 525-9633
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Sat-Sun 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Mr Mopps
Review Highlights
-
"Great place for party favors too." In 4 reviews -
"the new owners have done a lot, and spruced it up quite..." In 6 reviews -
"...place to shop for Christmas, stocking stuffers, and lots of..." In 2 reviews
Loading...
48 reviews in English
-
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 4/12/2012
Okay, I am never going to grow up. I know this not news to my close friends but the rest of the world should give up on me ever acting my age.
My heart still melts when I see stuffed (now called plush) animals. I have the annoying habit of straightening any shelf of plush animals that are upside down.
I think all those years of Disney cartoons have ingrained in me the notion that animals (real or stuffed) think and feel the way humans do.
i love to make the puppets and plush animals 'talk' to Mr. Rinky asking him if he'd like to take them home. Even though he groans and rolls his eyes I continue to torment him with my silliness. After all, someones got to stop him from being a stuffed shirt, right?
There is something so comforting, so magical about this store. It is the kind of store you dream about as a kid or as a "Big" middle aged kid too. The new owners have captured the essence of the former Mr Mopps and you'll find so many things you'll NEVER find at Toys R Us.
When you walk in the door there is a section to the right that has many many puppets-from finger puppets to hand puppets. I love the furry hand puppet animals from cats, dogs, lions, raccoons, skunks that all give you (or at least me) longing looks to be taken to your home (er, i mean mine)
There are puzzles; board games; costumes; Playmobil (I LOVE Playmobil!); magic tricks; musical instruments (i.e. kazoos, tiny cymbals, shakers,); Calico Critters
(cute animal families) with furniture, play sets, etc; art supplies; origami paper;
yoyos; wind up toys; books and a whole lot more.
There is an assortment of birthday party supplies from invitations to plates, cups
& napkins to bins of party favors for goodie bags.
I think the owner was at the cashier counter dispensing his enthusiasm.
It's hard not to get wrapped up on the glistening eyes of kids or most of the adults as they go up and down the aisles.
Heaven on Earth.Listed in: If They Only Had a…, BOOKS--Our favorite Indepedent…
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
12/21/2010
Yay! Mr Mopps is alive and kicking!
I did hear about Mr Mopps being bought by new owners but forgot… Read more »
-
-
Review from Toni M.
3/29/2012
Mr. Mopps' is a Berkeley institution. Nina and I came here today after lunch to look for birthday presents for her about to be 4 year old granddaughter. We walked in the front door and were immediately captured by the display of hand puppets. Dragons, sharks, raccoons, chefs, cops, all sorts of puppets. I ended up buying a flying squirrel. I remember buying puppets for my oldest nephew when he was about that age, a snowman and a monkey, which he named Bob Monkey. He named the snowman Blackie. That kid was always my favorite.
Nina bought a wonderful ceramic frog to put in her DGD's Easter basket and then we were both captivated by a giant rainbow colored plastic slinky which she also bought for her birthday. The owner was patient and friendly. He found me a box for the squirrel. I admired the box of marbles which are supposed to go in a pouch, but they're out of pouches. The marbles were beautiful, even more beautiful than my marble collection of many years ago. There weren't any steelies, but they weren't that beautiful anyway. As Nina and I left happily w/ our purchases she noted that we had barely made it past the front door. No question there is much more to explore, so I'll have to return. I just found this background information on the sale of the store about 2 1/2 years ago and the new owners: http://www.berkeleysid... -
Review from Chaya H.
Berkeley, CA
12/24/2011
I saw the review that mentioned walking in to find 'silence' instead of fun sounds etc. That must have been one of those meaningless moments in time, because the new owner couldn't be friendlier, and every time I've come in he's been chatting with a customer. He's helped me evaluate toys and other items, and even told me where to find a toy he didn't stock. I haven't had that happen often however, because Mr. Mopps has a surprisingly huge variety of kids' things.
It takes time to actually inspect everything, especially the one-of-a-kind specialty items that tend to be higher quality than the big stores but still super affordable. I've lived in Berkeley for a long time so am very happy this store remains alive. -
Review from Doug N.
Berkeley, CA
3/5/2012
They have a great variety and selection of toys. Locally owned! The staff is very helpful. Toys are grouped by types of toys.
Bonus: they have an awesome inside view of the store on Google maps! Take a look around the store and find the soldiers from a galaxy far far away!
http://maps.google.com... -
Review from Gaby R.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 4/14/2011
A few months later now, our Mr. Mopps' is doing swell
the new owners have done a lot, and spruced it up quite well.
The lion's on hiatus, but the clown can wave about
with brighter, cleaner colors - like the walls, inside and out.
A mural decorates the once-depressing wall next door.
New well-stocked wood displays leave space to walk around the floor.
A stroller or a wheelchair now can move around with ease
and the shop folks are quite helpful. Kids: remember to say "please!"Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/16/2010
For anyone who's been a little Berkeley girl or boy
chances are that Mr. Mopps' has brought you… Read more »
-
-
Review from Will A.
12/22/2010
I came here on Sunday, December 19th. I found parking within walking distance, and was impressed with all the "old school" items here. I am a bit intrigued to see how these gifts translate in the minds/eyes of 3 to 6 year old kids, but for this forty-something kid it was really cool.
There are lots of categories from which to choose (plush animals, science project ideas, wooden toys, etc.) is quite varied, and I think anyone will find something cool in the right price range.
Whatever it's future holds, it was great to experience Mr. Mopps in all it's glory. -
Review from David W.
Berkeley, CA
1/12/2012
Mr. Mopps is a great neighborhood toy store. Since the new owners took over a year ago, the place has come alive - the selection is great, ranging from little inexpensive items to the larger and well made items that cost quite a bit. The staff are always helpful and good with recommendations.
-
Review from s. j.
Berkeley, CA
10/31/2010
I couldn't have been the only one to shed a tear when Mr. Mopps', the venerable indie toystore in berkeley, closed its doors this year-- imagine my joy when I discovered that it would be reopening! Childhood heaven revived! they didn't pave paradise after all!
Disclaimer: as it turns out, I know the owners. But this only makes it better, because I could not have imagined a better team to take on the project. I look forward to spending my "allowance" there for many years to come -
Review from dale c.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011
I went to this store after hearing about it on the TV news. Wow, what an array of toys. Not just the violent or video game stuff kids are being sucked into.
I heard that the store was doing a grand opening on the 10th of April. I stopped by and saw a great party going on. Free popcorn, TOYS and entertainment. There were face painters, musicians, fairys making balloon animals and a grand Chinese Lion Dance by the USA Kung Fu Studio in Castro Valley.
Wow, this store really knows how to start things off right! -
Review from Eric B.
12/31/2008
IMHO, this is the grandfather of independent toy stores and wears its age, experience, and offerings very well. So much so I guess, that there are currently 2 separate Yelp listings for Mr. Mopps.
The store space is huge and with lots of nooks and crannies to explore and play. The selection and variety are equally impressive. Almost anything that you would want to buy is here from small little tschotchkes to things with larger shapes, sizes, and noises. There's also a modest book selection and a good choice of arts and crafts stuff.
Prices are fairly reasonable, especially for the variety. Staff is also friendly and helpful. Parking can be a little challenging, but this is Berkeley after all.
Best of all, this store is fun to be in. Mr. Mopps definitely throws off a happy vibe. And if you can't find the right toy here, the kid (of any age) probably doesn't need it. -
Review from Elle C.
Berkeley, CA
10/18/2007
People look at me in wonder when I recommend a visit to Mr Mopps( if I drag than there)..
" Why would I want to go to a toy store?? I don't have any kids" I know they are thinking.
Get over it! Toys are not just for kids.
The toys in this store are amusing, well made, aesthetic , or just FUN, FUN, FUN. You could roam around this large store for a long time.
Get your part favors here. What, you don't have party favor kinda parties? Start now.
I happen to love wind up toys. They are a great ice breaker. Try one at your next supervisor's meeting, or board meeting, etc! At a tense moment, take out your chattering teeth windup--- and let it GO!
You'll either get promoted or fired, but heck, you didn't like that job anyhow.
After you have petted the soft ties, amazed at the glittery dress up stuff for kids and presents, go across the street to Fat Apples for Iced tea and ollalaberry pie. -
Review from Chelsea P.
Berkeley, CA
10/12/2009 2 Check-ins Here
There's all kinds of crazy stuff in here, for children of all ages almost. I won't lie, you'll often find me in the bin section buying silly temporary tattoos, yo-yos, whoopie cushions, finger traps, fruit-shaped erasers and other silly trinkets for random occasions. Don't judge.
I'm a little unsure on the staff, though. The store has just so much merchandise, that sometimes they could offer a little more assistance to people who walk in the door looking a little overwhelmed. Also, I'll never forget the one time I came in after class, as a senior in high school mind you, and the clerk kicked my friends and I out! I told her we were seniors and we had an optional sixth period at Berkeley High School, but she continued to believe we were ditching class and told us we couldn't come back until 4pm. How rude! Otherwise, I'm now grown and can't hold that against them since this store is pretty cool. You'll find all sorts of trinkets perfect for party favors and goody bags, and also more substantial children toys, crafts and books perfect for gifts. -
Review from Courtney H.
Fairfax, CA
8/1/2011
Oh god... I haven't bought anything here yet, but after five minutes of playing with a plush hummingbird and a giant pink hula hoop, I think I know where I will now be spending entirely too much time/money...
-
Review from matthew c.
Berkeley, CA
2/21/2009
I like the idea of Mr. Mopps'. It's independent, it's big, it has lots of stuff. But, man, it was weird walking in there. Nearly silent. None of the staff look up or say 'Hi.' Instead I am greeted by the *tick tock* from the clock on the wall.
I looked around and was impressed by the type and variety of toys they had. Although they didn't quite have what I was looking for, I don't hold that against them. But, like I said, the place was silent. A toy store should be fun and interesting. Not silent. Not filled with staff reading newspapers. -
Review from Grace C.
12/21/2009
This is a Fail Safe, Sure Thing, Must Go Shopping Destination if you're buying toys for kids 12 and under.
I love the diverse selection of trendy, modern and classic toys.
My only complaint is that they don't have more Hello Kitty items, but I purchased 2 glittery evening purses and matching beaded bracelets and temporary tattoos instead for my nieces aged 3 and 5.
For my nephew, 23 months, I bought him "age appropriate" cars (he's not ready for Match Box yet). They had a terrific selection from cars $2.25 on up. Some of the plastic cars in the box seemed a little dusty, I suppose from being on the floor.
For kids who are Thomas the Train fans, Mr. Mopps seems to have all the trains.
The staff is overwhelmed by the volume of shoppers. However, they are glad to answer your questions if you catch them in between transactions.
I saw a toy that I used to have when I was five (35 years ago) - it was one of those push toys with a long handle and a popper at the end. When you push it, the balls "pop" up in the clear plastic bubble and make a popping sound.
Will get that for my nephew in another year or two. I loved that toy! -
Review from Hanson Q.
Berkeley, CA
8/24/2008
Mr. Mopp's is a fine place to stop by for a very large selection of toys, a lot of which you would not find at Target or any of the bloated all-in-one stores. This is mainly, I'm sure, because all the big toymakers aren't paying Mr. Mopp's to control what's on their shelves. Between Mr. Mopp's and Party Warehouse in El Cerrito, I'm able to assemble everything for either going to, or holding a party for any kid to which I'm obligated.
Mr. Mopp's is a pretty large toy store that carries a diversity of items for most every age group. Puzzles, kites, tiny party favor toys, Transformers, Pokemon, books, trains, games, science kits and even Sea Monkeys adorn their shelves.
Prices are fair, not as low as the big stores, but just try and beat the variety you get here. -
Review from Kym B.
8/26/2008
When I was a very little kid in Berkeley in the 70s, I remember tucking my small stash of pennies and dimes into a tiny leather coin purse and walking the couple blocks down to Mr. Mopps. The huge stuffed lion in the window (sometimes it wore a tiara) welcomed all children into its dark, musty interior. Bins upon bins of penny toys tempted us. From rubber pencil toppers to high-bouncers to stickers, those bins were the best! Perfect for an autonomous little 6-year-old to dig her fingers into and spend her precious pennies on.
Well, the bins of penny (well, not quite "penny" anymore, but less than a buck) toys are still there. So is that huge stuffed lion... although it's now threadbare and moth-eaten and frankly a bit abused-looking. The interior is as dark and musty as ever. Mr. Mopps hasn't changed in 30 years.
Sure, the toys have. You've got your Ugly Dolls and phthalate-free baby stuff now. You've got some electronic games (but no video games-- woo hoo!) and toy cell phones. But you've also got hula hoops and hobby horses (even a hobby DOG, which struck me as weird... like somehow a severed DOG head on the end of a stick is worse than a severed HORSE head?). Books galore. Stuffed animals to the rafters. Party supplies. Toys of all sort crammed into every last nook and cranny.
Mr. Mopps is a total throwback. You've gotta love it. -
Review from sara p.
Pittsburg, CA
1/26/2007
Great store. I grew up coming in here, the book room, specifically, off and on. And the art supplies were always awesome.
(For some reason I've never been able to divine, the owners/management utterly detest their customers, and this infects every season of staffers. There are sales folk who are very helpful and friendly on one visit, and then you go back a month later and it's like they've been beaten into submission or something. I've actually seen a manager dressing down staff in front of customers; very very bad form.)
I no longer have young relatives to shop for, so I don't frequent it but once every few years at this point. I always return to the book room.
This store is one of those places where you can tell they like to offer a little bit of everything, but try to limit the toy selection to things that spark intellect and imagination. It is great to find an old-fashioned holdout that refuses to stock video games. -
Review from Amelia R.
7/23/2007
I'm so glad that this was my neighborhood toy store. It was paradise for me growing up.
I used to go around to my neighbors and ask to take their aluminum cans. My dad would take me to the recycle center and then we'd hit the hundreds and hundreds ( okay, ther are only a few dozen bins, but when you're 7, it seems like hundreds) of bins at Mr. Mopps, the ones just past the registers.
I was allowed to get whatever I wanted, and if I knew how much everything would be (w/o tax) when I got to the register, I got to get a book, too.
My Dad, always making everything into a learning experience. SHheesh... -
Review from Noah S.
Oakland, CA
11/22/2011
another one of my all time favorites. used to come here with my allowance cause they had hella toys for like 10 cents (still do). new owners now with generous attitudes and better sense of cleanliness. very good experience!
-
Review from Christine M.
4/10/2009
Ok. My kid is 6 months old and I think there's something wrong with me - "So Claire, do you like this toy or that one? Hmmm.. Well, I'm guessing that the one in your mouth is your first choice". WHO ASKS A 6 MONTH OLD WHICH TOY THEY LIKE???
A very advanced mommy - that's who. And one who really likes small toy shops.
I loved this toy store. It has some really great throwbacks to when I was a kid - ,my husband found a top that we both had... There's a ton of selection and the prices aren't bad. I walked out with 5 things for under $30 (and yes, all but 1 had already been gummed).
They have everything from baby toys, train sets, classic wooden toys, marionettes, card games, board games, every type of bouncy ball imaginable, books, crafts, etc. It's really an eclectic mix.
Minus 1 star for the musty smell... I think it's the building. I hope... -
Review from J D.
East Bay, CA
Updated - 5/31/2011
I should say that my review was written under the old regime. I hear nice things about the new owners, though I've not been in lately.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/11/2009
Wonderful store. Weirdly unfriendly and unhelpful staff. It says a lot for the store's selection and… Read more »
-
-
Review from zara f.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2011
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! yay! My mom has been shopping here since my brother was little (1973). This place is theeee best.
My 3 year old nephew needed marbles for his new "marble racer". Where can I get a giant bag of marbles?? MR MOPPS! of course! Its that kind of place, and WAYYYY more PLEASANT than one of those corporate stores...
Great place for party favors too! -
Review from a b.
Los Altos, CA
11/27/2010
Glad the store was bought by someone who has an interest in keeping it alive. Nice staff. Lots of stocking stuffers. Was a little disappointed to not find any Dr Seuss books. But, lots of great selections.
03/22/11 - Haven't been back in since they've reopened...looking forward to checking it out!Comment from Devin M. of Mr Mopps 11/28/2010
Thanks for the review, A B! New reviews are helpful to us… More » -
Review from wendy m.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2011
I love Mr. Mopps! Interesting and unique selection of educational, crafty and mainstream toys. Super friendly staff. Lots of reasonably priced items. Nice book selection. Everything a neighborhood toy store should be! It is also my son's favorite toy store which is the most important part of the review.
-
Review from laura b.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2006
So my mom called to guilt me over not seeing my niece* in over two weeks. She informed me that, "you know, Jocelyn has changed a lot since you last saw her." Like how? She turned black? She grew some horns? What? I mean, what could possibly happen in two weeks?! But anyway, to appease my mother (and my slightly guilty conscience) I stopped by Mr. Mopp's a couple of weekends ago to get a present for my niece. I've been coming to here since i was an itty bitty adorable bundle of cuteness and it's like the magical kingdom of playtime. they have a good selection of the new fangled crap you can get at any toys r' us but they also have fantastic hand-made toys, dolls, puppets, train sets, marionettes and pretty much anything that makes up a kid's dreams. I picked out a few well crafted baby toys and a brain buster puzzle made for older teenagers through adult (she is but 10 months but VERY advanced for her age...a prodigy, if you will. she should have that sucker cracked in minutes).
If you have a kid or a kid to shop for, this is the place. Bonus points if you actually get to bring them in because you will totally rock their world. Next time, Jo Jo is coming with and she will realize that I am her coolest, smartest, best looking aunt then maybe I will steal her and run off to Mexico so that she is not raised by my delinquent of a brother. I'm kidding, Mom!!!!
*i know, i know, i look too young to have a niece. sit down, i have something shocking to tell you all. i am 21 years-old. okay, 23. i know, you are in shock. i look 13. maybe even 11 when the sun isn't shining directly on my face. -
Review from Paul P.
Oakland, CA
9/20/2011
I know it's been there forever but I went int he first time the other day, and emerged with a toy that proved to be a major hit at a birthday party for a little boy. And I saw some other good stuff. Lots of different categories, and lots of old time stuff
-
Review from jen a.
San Mateo, CA
4/22/2007
When Ate used to work here, this was a fun place to browse through. Albeit I haven't been here since Beanie Babies were en vogue, but I bet it hasn't lost its charm. They carry a lot of fun toys, crafts, and books... things you won't find at (blech!) Toys r Us.
Listed in: Mom and Pop Shops, Family- and kid-friendly, Born to Shop, Berkeley
-
Review from Ping P.
East Bay, CA
12/2/2008
I LOVE Mr. Mopps. I grew up with Mr. Mopps and I am 41 that tells you how long this great store has been around! The other one I liked and is now defunct was Pooh's Corner on Shattuck.
-
Review from Megan M.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2007
This place is huge! I definitely wasn't expecting such a large space when I first visited. I appreciate the fact that most of the toys they stock encourage thinking and creativity. I love their activity kits: build a sock monkey, the mini pottery wheel, make your own treasure chest. Wow, I was impressed! I shop here all the time for my nephew who is a typical hyper and over stimulated 4 year old. It's great to see him calm down and actually get interested and involved in activities instead of getting bored with them after an hour.
-
Review from Lisa G.
Oakland, CA
12/20/2010
Mr Mopps' is simply a great toy store. I just ran there on my lunch break and chose a great birthday present for a kid I know. The selection is so much more than just Barbies and Hot Wheels. There are science kits, puppets, craft supplies, games, and more. While I didn't seek assistance from the staff I did overhear them offering great suggestions to other customers. They seems to really know what is appropriate for certain age groups and interests, unlike those disgruntled masses at Toys R Us. Be advised, Mr. Mopps is the spot for toys, no video games and few electronics.
-
Review from Totoro O.
Oakland, CA
9/24/2006
I've gone to all the toy stores in the area and, for the most part, we've had fairly positive experiences. However, the service at Mr Mopps has been consistently adult and child unfriendly. We go back every year or two, and it's usually the same experience. Little assistance. Unwillingness to answer questions. Bad attitude. Sometimes rude. I know this is dependent on the people at the time of the visit. But we've reported the issue to them and have given up at this point.
-
Review from Lucie M.
Berkeley, CA
10/28/2009
Their hours are Mon-Sat 9:30am- 5:30pm
-
Review from Amy J.
Alameda, CA
4/5/2006
Now that TRU has closed in Emeryville, it's good to know that Mr. Mopps' is alive and well. They don't have the variety within each toy type that the megasuperconspiracy chain has, but they do have everything from kits to plush to party favors. Closed Mondays.
-
Review from Eddie L.
Manhattan, KS
9/11/2008
This might be the bestest, funnest toy store I've ever been to...and at 29 years old, I didn't feel at all creepy rummaging through the shelves; there's a nice friendly-to-everybody vibe. They've got toys of all shapes, sizes, and noises. I bought myself a yo-yo here and with every trick I teach myself, I will think of Mr. Mopps'.
-
Review from ananda z.
Augusta, GA
1/18/2006
What a shop! For all adults who are secretly kids on the inside... or for those who have kids. :) First its huge! And its perfectly organized in that way that you can find what you are looking for, but always run into something that you didn't know you wanted, but now you do! And you have got to respect a children's bookstore that doesn't have a simple "books" section... but a poetry, fairy tale, adventure, etc. sections, so kids can go straight to the genre they love. There are also crazy masks and costumes, all the silly little gummy things you could ever want, toys for new ones all the way up to adults, doll house items, coloring books, card games... its truly amazing!
-
Review from Pat T.
Berkeley, CA
1/20/2006
A great children's toy store - very good selection.
-
Review from trey b.
Lafayette, CA
12/22/2008
For a old school toy store, there's not much more you could want. Mr. Mopps as a great variety and tons of toys. Awesome place to shop for Christmas, stocking stuffers, and lots of stickers and basic art supplies for kids. Attached is a small book store with lots of coloring and activity books for the small fry. I found myself wandering the aisles, taking a trip down memory lane, and when I looked at my basket, I had way too much for my daughter and had to put half of it back. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, despite the place being a zoo three days before Christmas. A great store.
-
Review from Margaret G.
Oakland, CA
10/5/2009
Great selection of intriguing and unique toys that you can't find elsewhere.It 's been around forever, and hasn't changed substantially since my childhood. Would like a better selection of Steiff animals-- they used to have an excellent selection years ago. It's paltry now. Staff could be friendlier. I like the little baskets filled with odds (some very odd!) and ends in the central aisle of the store. These items make good party favors for kids and fun-loving adults.
-
Review from Jake C.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2009
Growing up in Berkeley, I lived two blocks from this place. It is an amazing store which mostly carries high quality toys. They also have an extensive children's book section. It's like a mini Barnes and Noble.
