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Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Sporting Goods Shopping Fashion Swimwear Toy Stores, Sporting Goods, Swimwear [Edit]
526 Waverley StPalo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-8555
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World
Review Highlights
"I was also able to pick up two very cool art crafts."
(in 3 reviews)
"This is our go to spot for gifts."
(in 8 reviews)
"Their customer service is wonderful, time and time again."
(in 5 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from R. O.
Palo Alto, CA
12/23/2011
My wife and I just discovered this place after being in PA for years. The name of the store is somewhat offputting, and the storefront suggests hole-in-the-wall, but in reality this is a big and wonderful place! They have quality toys for all ages, including the classics, and the prices are excellent, which I didn't expect in downtown PA. Plus they have a wall of dirt cheap trinkets that you can buy either for birthday party goody bags or just for your own little kids to reward good behavior!
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Review from Jen K.
11/19/2011
Great all-purpose toy shop, with bonus points for a large swim section upstairs. It is a traditional toy store and not a fancy boutique. Located just a block off University and staffed by teens, it is a fun and relaxed place to visit.
In addition to your basic toys, we were fascinated by Air Swimmers, these cool remote control flying fish. I might have to add this to my own birthday wish list: http://airswimmers.com/ -
Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
It seems this place has a history. Love the old b/w photo of it's past.
I was looking around town for Ultraswim and everyone seems to not have it in stock. A little Google map search and I gave this place a call and they say they have it and other brands.
I come in and it looks like a toy store so was thrown off a bit. I was directed upstairs where there is a whole section on swimming items.
I buy 3 types of shampoo and conditioner for chlorine removal. They have dioptic googles so I was encourage to try them on and the nice lady also assembled it for me. And they are wonderfully clear and I joke I'll be wearing it for driving too.
Very nice service, great history of a store. It's like going back in time where your parent says "you don't get this kind of service these days". I will honestly support this great find of a place in Palo Alto for swim gear! -
Review from Jing T.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a lifesaver! Granted, I was in and out of here in about 10 minutes and didn't purchase a thing, but I'm compelled to write a review to commend the excellent, friendly, and accommodating customer service here.
Long story short, I needed to gift-wrap a large 36'' x 21'' x 10'' baby shower tub for a baby shower (even bigger in its original box). I searched high and low in SF for gift-wrap services and was in a case rudely turned away over the phone because I was thinking to bring an outside-purchased item in for gift-wrapping. Wow. Really?? I found this place on Yelp - where reviewers mentioned of the striped red and white signature wrapping paper. I'll just give them a call, what's to lose? I thought. And to my surprise I was told that yes, they will be able to wrap up the large item!
I drove over and dragged in the giant box. The son of the owner (?) started working on the wrapping immediately after getting some directions. Two large pieces of wrapping paper were necessary to cover the tub, but he (I think his name is Cameron) did a wonderful job!!! While I waited I glanced around and found the shop charming and full of neat toys, collectibles, and interesting products. If I weren't in a hurry I would have definitely walked around a bit more.
So yeah! Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World saved the day!! My gift box was no longer brown and ugly with a big "http://amazon.com" printed logo on it. Thanks for being so accommodating and nice! We need more businesses like this one for sure. -
Review from Elena A.
Palo Alto, CA
5/12/2011
I love coming here because it feels like a classic toy store, with tons of product stashed in every corner, not a sterile mega-mart with homogenized products. The family and staff are really nice and the prices are decent.
If I'm downtown, this is a great place to kill some time browsing through old Klutz toys, models and toys from my childhood. This is my first stop for easy gifts and it's always easier to find something perfect here than a place like Target. -
Review from Dan B.
6/24/2010
This has to be my 2nd favorite toy store in the bay area (after Talbot's in San Mateo). And it's not just a toy store - they have sports equipment (soccer, softball, volleyball, and football) plus a large assortment of swimwear upstairs.
They don't offer a huge inventory of toys, but they do pack a good cross-section of what I consider "the good stuff" into this relatively small space. And another plus for us: They can gift wrap your purchases (especially handy when I've discovered the birthday party for my daughter's friend is only an hour or so away). The staff has typically been friendly and knowledgeable.
On a recent visit I spied the following items during my browse: collectible figurines, board games, Japanese toy erasers, various science toys, a large selection of Reef brand flip flops, water inflatables and pool toys, kids' sun hats, tiny knick-knacks (useful for party bags and piñatas), backpacks, yoga mats, "Life is good" apparel, puppets, hobby rocketry supplies, rollerblades, Klutz crafts, art supplies, Girls dress up clothes (ages 2-5), and kites.
When I step into a Toys R Us I sometime experience a sense of dread; Not so at Palo Alto Sport and Toy; I always enjoy shopping here!Listed in: Oh the Places You'll Go in…
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Review from Carly G.
Stanford, CA
2/17/2011
(This review is really mainly for the swim shop upstairs)
The swim shop/toy store combination is a bit bizarre, but I can't say it's a bad thing. Able to pick up a new pair of Swedes and buy a couple decks of cards on my way out? Awesome!
I don't know where else I'd go to get goggles on a moment's notice. The internet is great and all, but not when you need goggles NOW. They don't gouge you on the prices, either, even though they should because, well, they're in downtown Palo Alto! Their selection of swimsuits/gear/goggles is one of the best I've seen in a physical store (as opposed to tents at a swim meet) and though it isn't by any means a discount store, you pay fair prices. And as long as they keep those $4.50 Swedes in stock, they've got a loyal customer in me!
Added bonus: all the 90's Speedo/Nike posters and autographed pictures they have on the walls/in the stairwell. As a former national team-er of that era, it always makes me giggle :) -
Review from Ann L.
11/18/2007
I went to MOAH again for their Toys in the Attic exhibit, and they had coupon to get 20% off on any one item except Xootr scooters so we decided to check this store out.
They have tons of toys, ones I recorded:
Transformers toys
Lego's
stuffed animals
dolls
pogo stick $30
Lego Star Wars $50
Mylar balloons $2.99 w/ helium
Playmobil
Dinosaurs
Tomy wind up toys $3.49 ea: frogs, bees, tigers, chicks, etc.
Mr. Potato Head & Darth Tater, Spudtrooper
Razor scooter
scrabble $45
Pictionary $40
Taboo $40
There is also an area for dolls
Upstairs are Speedos & kids clothes -
Review from Esther T.
CA
8/13/2008
This place has been around FOREVER! I bought the first thing I ever bought here (a 5 cent die) and have been coming back ever since. They have great toys and games for all aged kids so it's a nice place to stop before Christmas and gift times.
My favorite part now is the 2nd floor swim section. They have a great variety of swim suits, especially great competition and race suits. They have giant swim parkas, wet suits, awesome goggles, kick boards, pull buoys, a few pool toys, chlorine shampoo, flip flops... I would hit this place up every year right before swim season would start. A little pricey (okay a lotta pricey), but definately more personal and high quality feeling than your chain Sport's Authority. -
Review from Dukester L.
San Jose, CA
6/27/2011
My first non-pet related review, because....WOW, the service here is fantastic! I ordered three hats that happened to be on sale through their http://swimtowin.com website, so not only were their prices better than those at REI or Orvis, but they also shipped them to me an hour or two after I placed the order! I've never had an order ship so quickly after I placed it, and I order A LOT of stuff online. The shipment arrived the next day, and a full week earlier than what http://REI.com promised me (and way ahead of the July 4th weekend, which is when I needed the hats). I am so impressed with their awesome customer service and responsiveness, as well as their ultra competitive prices, that I had to immediately write this review...yes, they are THAT good! =)
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Review from Phil K.
San Mateo, CA
12/17/2007
This is a great *non-chain* sporting goods and toy store in downtown PA, glad I happened to see it after trying to visit FiveTen Gifts next door.
In addition to lots of sports equipment and shoes, they also have a healthy selection of toys and games. I liked the variety of board games they have in the back, including quite a few that you won't find at Target or other big box stores. They had a couple of dozen games that I had never seen before, including some neat stacking games made from bamboo. I'll actually have to go back and do some more looking around when I'm looking for gifts for myself :) -
Review from Anna W.
Menlo Park, CA
8/31/2007
I have been going to this toy and sport world since I was a little girl. It worked for me then, and it works for me now. They have everything, and they have a great selection of toys.
Example 1: Our dog ate the nerf football of our neighbor. The boy burst into tears and I quickly said, I WILL GET YOU THE SAME ONE! I PROMISE. (he told me I should also get the same dual color combination that he had-ahhh!)Only later did I wonder how and where I would buy it. So, I go to my trusty neighborhood toy and sport world, and yes, they have it. Anna does her victory dance; relations patched up with the neighbors.
Example 2: Anna decides to take a "swimming class" but she only owns bikinis. And no, I don't have a swim cap either. And where do I buy that special shampoo that doesn't ruin my hair color? You GOT IT! Palo Alto Toy and Sport has a full array of swim suits and swim gear. And, if that were not enough, if your son or daughter belongs to a special team, with a special suit, you can get it here! They know which suit you need. Pretty cool.
Example 3: I needed some new running shoes, and let's face it. The Nordstrom sales people, while very nice, work on a hefty commission package. You could walk home with birkenstocks for running shoes if they get their shake on the deal. Plus, not all feet are made the same-hello, pronation anyone? Go to Palo Alto Toy and Sport. They will help you find the right shoe for your tootsies.
Example 4: I was left to babysit for a niece and nephew. What the hell do I do with them all day? Well, we managed to kill an hour at P.A. Toy and Sport and then go next door to Prolific oven for some cake. Niiiiice. Needless to say, I am the "cool" aunt. Slam dunk, thank you, here all week.
Oh, and for gifts and such-they do free gift wrapping with the cutest red and white striped paper, so when running late for that b-day party, you don't have to worry. Its a mow, blow, and go! -
Review from Min L.
Stanford, CA
8/29/2008
Hands down -- impressive choice of swimsuits and gear, probably the best I've seen in the area. Looks like they also have occasional swim sales.. sweet :)
AND! Very nice selection of Reef sandals. Seriously -- how can it get better than that? -
Review from Leah A.
Palo Alto, CA
7/20/2008
I love this place. When you have a kiddie birthday party, it's a great place to pop in and out of in a hurry. They wrap for free and with a smile on their face. Although, the stripes on their paper almost cause me to pass out when I look at it too closely. ;-)
Their customer service is wonderful, time and time again. The staff is all very helpful and pleasant. It's a great place to stock up on swim, soccer, and baseball gear as well.
No AMEX so 4 stars... -
Review from Donna S.
Mountain View, CA
2/27/2011
I love this place. Family owned, very diverse store. I never go to Walmart or toys r us. EVER. Keep family owned stores alive!!
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Review from Jaime L.
12/29/2009
LOVE this shop. I needed some reasonably priced gifts and small prizes. This shop has everything. At the front there are bins with small trinkets that make for great small prizes or stocking stuffers - ranging in price from $0.50 to $3. I picked up a mini colored pencil set, mini paint set, a unique crayon set, and some super cute erasers to use in a treasure hunt (total was around $4). The recipients of these goods were pleased.
I was also able to pick up two very cool art crafts. One was a hand held mirror that came with beads to decorate and personalize the mirror's outer edge ($6). The second craft was a plain mini tea set that included paints for decorating/personalizing ($7).
There are many other unique items in this shop that range in price from reasonable to outrageous, but there is something for everyone. I was most impressed by their selection of do-it-yourself arts and crafts for children and because of this I foresee myself frequenting this little gem in the near future. -
Review from Eric G.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2009
I used to really enjoythis store when I was a kid. And I'm glad to see it's still around, because it's quite possibly the only charming/useful thing left in ritzy downtown Palo Alto.
Forget Wal-Mart, forget Toys-R-Us. Take your kids here. The toys are waaaay better and you're supporting your local economy. -
Review from Julia Y.
Palo Alto, CA
2/23/2010
We have toddlers and seem to attend a birthday party every other week. In fact, this weekend we have two parties on the same day, back to back! Craziness. This is our go to spot for gifts. We are always able to find the perfect, age appropriate toy for the occasion. And they will wrap it for free in their signature red and white striped paper. What more could you ask for?
Yeah, you could make the drive to Toys R Us for something cheaper, but then you wouldn't be supporting your local neighborhood toy store. -
Review from Karen G.
Palo Alto, CA
1/2/2009
We've bought toys as well as swimwear from Palo Alto Toy and Sport, and thought their service was great. You don't have to feel embarrassed letting your kid play at the train table for hours at a time.
If you're a swimmer the selection is unrivaled by most places in the Bay Area. What's great is that they carry all the major styles and prints from the big vendors (e.g. Speedo, TYR.) Plus, unlike you're generic sporting good store, their staff is knowledgeable about which suits would best suit your needs (durability, styling, modesty!)
Their prices are a bit of a drawback, if you search online, you can find some of the same suits for a bit less, and if you resort to the sale bin, the sizes and prints get limited. Besides that, they are great. -
Review from Maura F.
Mountain View, CA
1/17/2011
I love coming here for my swim gear. The folks here HAVE standard gear that swimmers need. Their collection of goggles is awesome and they let me try on various types so I could get something that's the right fit. The folks I've worked with have always been awesome about helping me out. In fact, I had a zipper disengage on a new suit and they took it back immediately (no questions asked).
I come here for all my swim gear no matter what. Truthfully, I hate buying anything that need a good fit on-line. Because of that, it's really important to me to be sure I always have a local place to go and "try on" what I need without having to order and hope that it'll be the right fit. It's worth the couple of extra bucks on my suit to support a local business. -
Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
10/17/2009
I do water aerobics during the week and during the summer months didn't mind wearing an old pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt over my Speedo and water shirt. Now the weather is changing and I just don't think I can stand to be soggy and cold during the winter months. Menlo Swim's small shop has TYR Swim Parkas but they are full price ($102); why not shop for a bargain, eh? After the glowing reviews about PA Sport Shop & Toy World I was genuinely excited to drive over and check out their selection of all things swimming. First, though, I checked online to see what they offered, and saw the TYR Swim Parka for $70.95. WOW! That made me want to visit the shop in case they had bargains there, too.
I walked in and was greeted by a young woman working the main floor register. What a place - toys galore - and I'm sure kids love going here. I'm all for supporting local businesses and would have been happy to buy my parka and Speedo suits here, too.
I then went up to the second floor where they have an extensive and dedicated swim apparel and gear area. Impressive. Customers were being assisted by a woman (not the younger one who greeted me on the first floor) so I browsed a bit, making note the that Swim Parkas were full price. No problem. Once the sales person was free I stepped up to the counter. After a few seconds of mumbling to herself about the last customer and the cost of what they wanted, I waited for her to finish, acknowledge that I was there and that she was ready to help me, and begin our conversation. She said, "Question?" (no greeting at all) I said, "Yes, I do have a question." From there I told her what I was looking for and wondered if the prices were in fact online only and if there is a shipping charge. She didn't know for sure and brushed it off as something the "online" department determines. In my mind, if the same TYR Swim Parka that I buy online comes from the store, why not see if I could order and pay online and then drop by to pick it up. If not, then I'd be curious of the approximate shipping fees. It was obvious that I was wasting this woman's time with what I was attempting to do. It's no problem if she doesn't know the answer, but would it kill you to at least pretend that you give a darn? She picked up the phone and called someone, asking my question in her own way, and it wasn't exactly what I had asked, all the while just dripping in attitude. She had a paying customer standing there anxious to walk out of the store with merchandise. Gee, maybe you could give me a deal on one of the parkas in the store just to get the immediate business? In the end, I got no further after talking to her than I had been when I walked in the store.
You have lost a customer as I will never set foot in this place again. Even if I didn't leave with a parka, or anything else for that matter, except for some good old fashioned customer service, I would have been happy. But no, she was rude from beginning to end.
Great toy selection = Five stars
Service in the swimming merchandise area = Zero stars -
Review from Katharine A.
San Jose, CA
12/23/2008
Again, as I did my search for the perfect x-mas gifts for my niece and nephew, Palo Alto Toy & Sport came through. They are a great local choice for finding cool, educational, or creative gifts for kids of all ages.
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Review from Sophia Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2010
this place should feature TOY more prominently in their name
they are quite a find of cool toys
they have HABA (and it seems only the products from HABA that are made in germany. NOT the ones that are made in China) for ok prices.
they have stickers
they have nice mylar ballloons
free gift wrap - though slow and I could probably wrap just as well and I am not that skilled -
Review from rhonda c.
Palo Alto, CA
12/7/2006
This a great local toy store with good selection and service. They also have an extensive swim department upstairs for kids and adults. They offer free gift wrapping in distinctive red and white stripe paper
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Review from Maryanne R.
Cupertino, CA
3/25/2007
Really good selection of toys - nice mix of imagination inspiring toys (that we wish our kids were more interested in) and the kinds of toys that get advertised on tv and your kids beg you for. I love that they carry lots of little "treasures" that are affordable, right up to the pricey big LEGO and Playmobil sets. They also have a good selection of outdoor toys and sports equipment - best array of swim gear for miles around, and also best lacrosse selection I've come across in the Bay Area. The people who work here know their stuff and are very helpful.
Listed in: playtime!
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Review from Andrew W.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2006
They have all the signatures from the Stanford Swim Team... and they sold my Mom this $400 swim suit for my brother... which in itself... is kinda funny. I hope it fits. lol. Also, we bought like a billion goggles and then they gave us a fatty discount.. I guess its good not to be greedy. Thanks, man.
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Review from Rachel M.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2006
Good selection of toys for kids of all ages - also a bunch of knick-knacks for party favours. Staff seem very knowledgable and helpful, and they have a variety of toys, from creative things to build to princess costumes in the back. Worth a visit if you have a wee one to shop for - your definition of 'wee' is your own.
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Review from Dana C.
11/2/2009
I've never been here in person but I am an faithful shopper/member on http://swimtowin.com. I've found Reef and Keen sandals for men and women at the BEST PRICES here and they always arrive quickly. Shipping to Texas usually only takes about 4 days. I'm a huge fan and will continue ordering from http://swimtowin.com!
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Review from Jason S.
Menlo Park, CA
7/20/2010
Sporting good for swimmers is AWESOME! Website prices are less expensive but A++++ service.
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Review from Rachel s.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2008
This is a review for the swim suit section.. I'm yet to reproduce, so the toy section has less appeal (hey! i'm playful, i just don't need action figures these days). But for a high quality speedo and even cute bikinis that wear well for a fast masters workout, this is your place. Sure, it aint cheap, but long lasting suits never are. I also got a rash guard here for the noon swim that doesn't leave you sun cancered!
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Review from Wesley W.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2005
They have essential stuff for swimming. Dont know where else to buy this stuff.
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Review from John G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2010
This little spot has great people and great goods. It's pricey (but so is everything else in downtown PA), so be careful. This is the best place to get sporting goods like competitive swimwear, roller blades, skateboards, toys, and countless other stuff.
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Review from scott P.
Half Moon Bay, CA
12/22/2009
Great service quite a varied selection parking in back of store, lots of everything - went if for a swim suit and could not believe the selection
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Review from Mama J.
Los Altos, CA
8/12/2008
Grrrreat year-round selection of swimsuits & flotation vests & wet suits. The toy selection is also a refreshing change from big box toy stores.
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Review from Hairy G.
Mountain View, CA
5/27/2010
Returned a slightly defective swim product and Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World replaced it right away. Excellent customer service.
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Review from Vicki J.
San Jose, CA
2/18/2009
Toys R Us is way too big for me! If you are in the area, I highly recommend Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World - it is small and easy to find wonderful and unique gifts for your friends and family.
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Review from Azar P.
Atherton, CA
2/22/2011
Great customer service. I went to buy shin guards for my skinny little preschooler and didn't know which size to buy so the owner just GAVE me one pair of the XS as I was buying a pair of small ones. Always love their toy selection as well as swim stuff for kids which is otherwise only available online.
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Review from ab c.
Stanford, CA
4/17/2007
Great selection of swim wear. Very competitive prices in spite of being in Palo Alto where everything is usually costlier than surrounding areas.
I went in probably just 10 seconds before the store closed. Even then I got great service. -
Review from Colleen C.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/8/2010
Great place to take the kids to choose their own gifts. They seem to have all my favorite toy brands (like, they stock a lot of Eeboo, and good things from Melissa and Doug). Lots of fun to browse and nobody seemed to mind my son running around, leaving cars in the aisles, and being extremely loud.
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Review from Charmaine M.
Fremont, CA
7/3/2009
this has to be one of my most favorite places in palo alto / east bay. all the toys and games that i have trouble finding at the big chain stores i easily found here (bananagrams, automoblox to name a few). they definitely have a fun selection of toys, games, kites, you name it here.
in addition, i was absolutely ecstatic to find they had a swim shop upstairs!!! being both a swimmer and a kid at heart i was in heaven here. i was able to pick up a few pairs of swedish goggles for me and a few of my other family members who are swimmers.
the staff in addition has always been very friendly whenever i come in here during my lunch breaks to further spoil my nephews and nieces.
