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Category: Toy Stores [Edit]
1410 Park St
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Endless Birthday continued. I dragged my 3 lunch buddies here after eating at Burma Superstar. But as soon as we walked in the door I felt like the characters in the Twilight Zone episode, "Kick the Can"; where the seniors from a senior home play the game "Kick the Can" and are transformed into kids again.
We all were shouting, "Ohhhhh look at this!"
luckily the store is too small for running--because we were all so revved up and excited.
Each of us bought toys, "ostensibly" for some kids we know.......
but that cute lion finger puppet is all MINE!
I'm pretty sure I made 3 new fans of Toy Safari
Can I move into this store? Andy R. told us about this place at the Therapeia Elite event ......I… Read more »
When we arrived at Toy Safari last Saturday you could barely see carpet, there were so many toys on the floor. My boy played at the train table for a short while, along with four or five other children. We, unfortunately were the last to leave.
I ventured out the door, with my baby in one arm, my toddler clinging to the other. That was when a worker with the girth and charm of a rhino came charging out from behind the cash register.
The pachyderm, Mariam, chased us down the street, her nostrils flaring, yelling, "Are you done with the train table? I'll just get on cleaning that up then!" She then proceeded to yell about how my children had trashed the store. I was mortified.
Note to the owner: you have a nice store, but be more careful about who you hire.
Toys and Toys everywhere, to the ceiling and in all directions sideways! This is a great toy store, that can easily give Mr. Mopps in Berkeley a run for its money.
My son has known about Toy Safari for years as its one of his first choices to spend his allowance money. Which is why we why we wandered in recently. However, he came up empty handed on this trip as I wasn't about to shell out $60 for a toy set that he just had to have! I was ready to make a deal for a different toy at a lower price, but even his counter offer (give him half credit for coming in today and then buy the desired toy the next time) didn't fly. Dads can be easy marks, but not this time!
OMG!! I love this place. I wish they had more of these types of toy stores around.....or is it that I'm not looking at the right places??
I wish I had more time to look around. My girlfriend and I were strolling around with our kids on Park St.. I stopped in and purchase a toy for my son that was cheaper here than at Target. Both kids were about to cry so I didn't get to look at everything/and every part of the store. I love the vintage toys too!
I definitely want to go back, look around and I'm sure purchase things for my son....or is it for me?? haha
Absolutely love this place! My 4 year old son and 9 month lil guy have a grand time checking out some of the new toys and giving appreciation to some of the older vintage stuff. Prices are very reasonable with a very helpful and courteous staff. I am hoping my little boys will be able to bring their kids here one day. Yes, its thats kind of place!
Great store, great selection. Very friendly staff. I bring in items quite regularly to sell/trade. They always take the time to look over your items, and give you fair prices.
They have great collectibles, every era. My kids love this store, as do I! It is a nice break from the chain toy stores, they have very unique and educational toys. I will do all of my holiday shopping at this store! Highly recommended!
OH WOW! This is the most amazing store ever! Wall to wall, floor to ceiling, completely packed with new and vintage toys! They have not one, but TWO Pee-Wee's playhouse playsets! The original easy back oven. Amazing.
True, some of the big brands (Hasbro, Mattel) might cost a little bit more than Target, but the big companies charge them more so they have to be priced more. But its sooo worth it!
They also have a great selection of puzzles, and some of the cutest, coolest art kits and awesome science kits!
As for the workers- top notch. The owner is a social woman with a great knowledge of the vintage toys and a former teacher. The younger employee's ( mostly late teens and early college students) are amazingly helpful. The last time I was there I was helped by a really sweet, pretty redhead who had the most amazing customer service skills I've ever seen! She was friendly and answered all my questions, showed me some awesome art kits and offered her own advice, and on top of it all, earnestly complemented my shoes! Later on I saw her complement a woman on her shawl, and the poor mean woman glared at her! Poor red head.
Once I made my selection I was wrung up by a really awesome person named Mariem or Marion, I can't remember, but she was remarkably friendly and seemed to be helping fifty people at once. If I were her boss I'd be paying her 25 bucks an hour!
This place is magical!
This place makes me feel like a kid again!!
With all the cool vintage toys they have!!
but then I realize when i brought my daughter here..i felt old..
and i'm only 25!! =P
Best toy store so far!!
Things I have learned over the years when shopping at Toy Safari:
1. You can actually find a toy there that the kid 'who has everything' actually doesn't yet have.
2. Lincoln Logs have a competitor called "Frontier Logs." Who knew?
3. Hula Hoops come in at least 6 different sizes. Apparently, Wham-O, the makers of the popular toy staged a national competition in the US in conjunction with the National Parks and Recreation Network. The National Hula Hoop Contest grew in scope from 500 U. S. cities in 1968 to over 2,000 cities in 1980, with two million participants.
4. Hmm, Lite Brite or Stirograph set? Which one would I most enjoy playing with when the kid owner isn't around?
5. There is on average, one child meltdown every four minutes during weekend business hours since the wailing child is being forced to leave the store. You'll notice that the accompanying grownup typically has to also carry the kid out physically by force.
Shop locally. Toy Safari will bring out the kid in you as well.
They by far have the BEST FAKE TATTOO'S EVER!!!
My daughter picked out a book of butterfly temporaries. Not so temporary. She was 2/12 at the time and wanted the put them all on one arm.
She had a full sleeve of butterfly's for over 3 WEEKS!
I thought it was awesome, I have a full sleeve myself(real tattoo though, duh), her mother freaked!
Huge selection of probably almost any toy you could think of. Even the TalkBoy or whatever it was called from Home Alone!!
If you've ever wondered what happened to all the cool toys you had as a little kid that one day vanished from your parent's basement, they were all stolen by the toy fairy and taken to this store.
Screw adulthood. Dear Santa, please get me this store and put it under the tree. Thanks.
I realize this place gets a lot of great reviews from tons of loyal Alameda natives who shop here, and i must admit, they do have a pretty large selection of toys! But there a few things that rub me the wrong way about Toy Safari.
First of all this place has been around a long time, and for as LONG as i can remember(even dating back to when i was a kid) the employees have always had a slight attitude toward the customers(by customers, i mean me). Maybe because i'm not a 40 year old soccer mom buying a gift for my sons friend that they don't feel the need to help me- but i swear it's always been a hassle for them to show me a toy in the glass case.
And speaking of the toys behind the glass case, i don't think they ever sell. For as long as i can remember(again) those toys haven't moved. PROBABLY because the prices are way to high for any serious collector. I collect early WWF action figures, and once wondered how much an Andre the Giant figure cost that they had behind the glass. Now on places like eBay you can buy them for about $7-$11 shipped. Here at Toy Safari it'll run you a cool $65, if my memory serves me correct. Not exactly a deal.
I have to admit though, i have bought things from here before and been satisfied. My living room would not be the same if it was not for the 13 inch Incredible Hulk figure i bought from Toy Safari, lol. And another great thing, Toy Safari opens up super early, like... 8 or 9 am on weekdays. It's weird, but it's helped me in the past get a last minute gift... i guess they know Alameda shoppers pretty well.
In the end, a lot of cool toys- prices are kinda high- service is so so.
Came here after going to La Pinata down the street. I was amazed of the old and new selection. I am still eye balling that Starblazer ship that I saw. Talk about nostalgic. When cash is more free flowing I will be back!
Talk about a blast to the past when it comes to toy shopping here. Not only do you get the "newer" toys but more importantly you can actually find some of your childhood favorites. I was blown away looking at a case of toys that took me about to when I was 5 years old! They were even selling old video game systems and games. They also have a really nice board game section with some wicked puzzles.
The only downside, it gets pretty cramped in there so fighting your way around can be a pain.
So helpful.
I recently went to a, get this, 1960s Craft Night that a friend was throwing (I know, I've got GREAT friends, huh?). And I'm, like, "Geez, I was born in the 60s, what we're people crafting (waaaay the hell) back then?"
So, I figured I'd head down to Toy Safari, they've got a great crafts sections, they'll have something. Lo and behold, I found it...
...a potholder loom.. Remember making those?! Easy to transport, won't make a mess and I can go home at the end of the night with a completed craft: Perfection!
Needless to say I was the hit of the party. Oh, and don't go by to get your own. At least not the extra bags of loops. I've bought them all out.
Guess what everyone in my family is getting for the holidays?
Me: "Hi, can I see that figure at the top of the pegs?"
Clerk: "It's a little pricey, are you looking to buy it?"
Me: "I'd like to look at the card and paint before I buy it!"
Clerk: "Sure."
Whoa, whoa whoa.... was this lady judging me? Was my money no good here... for a toy store? Was I mistaken for a snot nosed kid with barely enough money for bus fare? LOL! I didn't get this blond lady's name, but I felt a bit like Julia Roberts walking into that Rodeo Drive shop trying to buy a dress (I would make for an ugly drag queen by the way). This shopping experience only happened once, but it left a pretty bad impression on me. If it wasn't for this lady, my review would've gotten an additional star.
The store itself is pretty cool. They have a wide array of toys from enough generations to possibly time-line anyone's childhood. If you're looking for loose items, they have tons of bins with a variety of toys. If you're looking for something specific, it can be like hunting for a needle in a haystack. They're carded wall is roughly organized. What you see at the edge of a peg isn't necessarily what's in the back. In addition, the pegs go up really high, unreachable without a ladder. Hence, asking that clerk for a figure! =P
Prices are pretty inflated here. Figures you would normally find at Toys R Us, Walmart or Target are marked up 20-30%+. You'll find cheaper alternatives on eBay. Here, you are paying for the convenience of not dealing with shipping and the satisfaction of walking out with your intended purchase in hand.
Customer service is questionable. I'd expect similar treatment from a comic book shop, not from a place like this.
Are there any good toy stores left? Why, yes there are. Toy Safari! Crazy packed with anything you're looking for! Good service, friendly staff, new and used items, good educational toys too. Two thumbs up!
Lots of cool toys. Wooden toys which are my favorites are here and present. Lots of neat puzzles and boardgames.
Lots of used toys (but maybe they're disappearing a bit).
I really recommend a stop here.
This place brings back such great memories of growing up!!
They have a wide selection of toys, new and old, some maybe even YOU played with as a child.
It's a child's Heaven. They also give a good price if you're trading in/selling toys.
Who doesn't like shaved ice with lots of sugary syrup on top?
Since my daughter turns 4 this weekend, we had to visit the best independent toy store in Alameda to get a sno cone maker that was at the top of her birthday wish list.
See her friends are already a big influence in her life ... and her friend Blair has a sno cone machine ... so naturally, we need a sno cone maker too. Why not?
We got lucky at the Toy Safari because they had a sno cone maker shaped like Spongebob. Now everyone in the family is happy.
Sno cones for everyone. Now that's a PARTY!
PS. I would have given Toy Safari 5 stars since they are so great ... but they gave my in-laws bad advice saying they were out of sno cone machines. Boo Hoo. Luckily, I saw Spongebob staring at me as I was leaving the store, it would have been sad to have missed him. Tomorrow we will be on a sugar high ... again.
This is a dope toy store. Lots of old collectible and vintage toys mixed in with the new, and reasonably priced for an indie toy store (I hate the big boxers and am willing to spend more at an indie). The owner is sweet too. Once, my daughter got a duplicate Webkinz for her birthday that I knew came from another store. I took it in and told her that I knew this, and she let me (Zoe) exchange it anyway. She recognized me from purchasing there before. That is pretty awesome...
This is the weirdest Sybil-esque Toy Store I've ever encountered. There's the new section, which has a less impressive collection of children's toys and eye candy that makes the little ones come in and whine and beg.
And then there's the section that has the old crap you thought you'd never see again, boxed, and in perfect/not-so-perfect shape that makes the adults whine and beg. SCORE.
What a find! They have literally everything my mom threw out of my closet when I moved out of the house.
And my therapist tells me I need to let that go. Happy place, happy place...I'm a kitten, you're a kitten...
Thank god it's not Target! A good selection of actually fun new toys and games and a great selection of vintage stuff too. I bought my 3 year old niece a toy piano and boxed set of maracas, symbols, and a triangle for Christmas - it was a hit!
Too bad the nosy big-mouth in line behind me tried to make me feel shitty about my choice of gift. Scripted Review Warning:
Big Mouth: Are you buying that for your kid?
Me (stupidly): No, it's for my sister's kid.
Big Mouth: Oh, you're THAT aunt, huh?
Me (still not getting it): THAT aunt?
Big Mouth: Don't you know never to buy someone's kid things that make noise?
Me (finally getting it): Well, no, so I guess I am THAT aunt. I thought this was a nice gift for a kid who likes music.
Big Mouth: Well, maybe your sister's lucky and has a nice, quiet child.
Me(whopping helping of sarcasm): And I'm sure you have a nice, quiet child too. Yes, I'm sure your child is absolutely silent. Probably hard for it to get a word in edgewise. (under my breath) bitch.
p.s. Thank you to the clerk who smiled sweetly and knowingly at me during this exchange.
I love toy stores. I use my occupation as an excuse for frequenting them, when in fact I'm a big ol' kid who'd rather race slot cars than go to work.
At first glance, it looked like a normal, small-townish toy shop with requesite impulse buys near the front and the usual Barbies, balls, puppets, and such. The shelves are stacked high and deep with plenty of back stock. Back stock, as in 'back-in-time' stock!
Delve a little deeper and you'll find yourself in toy heaven. Literally. Many toys from the 70s and 80s that you loved and thought had passed on are happily here with their peers and the newbies, too.
Is that what I think it is? A Sizzlers set with gas pump style 'Juice Machine'? Col. Steve Austin doll with the telescope-eye? Friggin' Evel Kneivel Stunt Bike! Wow! There's half of my 'red-stripe' Hot Wheels collection! Holy Snoopy Electric Toothbrush, this place rules!
They even had that crappy 'Space 1999' spaceship my aunt gave me when I was gunning for a 'Millenium Falcon'. They didn't even print eyes or hair on Martin Landau's head.
The the store is arranged by category, so the classic stuff is right along side contemporary iterations. E.g. 70's Mousetrap is right alongside Mastermind and a dozen versions of Monopoly.
The really rare, small and package-free(deal!) items are safely contained in cases. The larger ones are right there on the shelves for your perusal and reminiscing. The prices are not nearly as high as the vendors you find at shows. Screw the collectors, this place is for players!
The best part: Finding out those boxes and boxes of my old toys in the storage room are actually worth more than a hill of beans. Sorry, BART- I'm taking my 'Big Trak' to work!
(+) it's right next door to a comic book shop to keep hottie busy while I play.
Wow. "Safari" is a good description: new and exciting surprises around every corner.
All manner of toys and games for all ages. I was impressed with the lack of such shoot-em-up types of games, too. While everything there was not explicitly "educational," there were certainly some interesting items. Where was all this stuff when I was a kid?
There was a rather large collection of action figures in glass cases. We weren't sure if these were for sale to collectors, or just for display, but we didn't ask.
You'll find tons of "old fashioned" model cars and airplanes. I say "old fashioned" because I didn't think "kids these days" still found WWII German Panzer models interesting.
PlayMobil had a sizable market share in one corner. All sorts of action scenes were available like "gardening" and "day at the beach" and "airport" seemed to be more current.
Let's not forget about board games. While not occupying as much shelf space as other toys, there was still a considerable selection here. Some old favorites as well as some new items as well.
Come in and shop for some kid you know, or just your inner child.
A great variety of toys, games and books, reasonably priced. A real toy store, which is rare enough nowadays, unique for the following:
Independently owned.
They have a small train table set up with those wooden Brio/Thomas train tracks and cars and you don't get any looks from the staff for letting your kids spend time there.
They have a museum-sized collection of vintage toys and action figures (mostly used and out of package, which to me is much more fun). Very fun to browse, even if you're not a collector.
It's easy to be awed by the shelves and cases of old toys, but don't forget to look up. You'll be treated to the sight of a giant Papa Smurf, Ernie, Bert and the largest zebra's head I've ever seen.
Finally, be sure to check out the used toys in the front entrance way. That stock changes rapidly.
Some reviews are easy, but when you like a place this much you really want to think things through. I can't believe today was only the second time I've been here in 12 years. What's wrong with me?
If the kid inside you isn't dead yet (Wait. That sounds like you eat children, and you eat them whole...you know what I mean, smart ass), you will not want to leave Toy Safari.
Ever.
I mean it! (punching you in the shoulder really hard)
You'll forget all that silly stuff like bills, commuting, unanswered emails, relationship troubles, those kids you made with that spouse you really don't like anymore. Go ahead. I dare you to walk in one of the two entrances and not spend at least an hour or two in here, in awe of the rubber snakes, the old action figures in the glass cases, new action figures near those, the board games, books, temporary tattoos, swords, heart models (with 29 pieces!), Legos, race cars, trains, boomerangs, puppets, rubber band guns, the odd Japanese import, pocket telescopes, old video games, stuffed toys, ninja costumes, fake parrots, colored pencils, stained glass kits, Hula Hoops (I didn't notice the 6 sizes like Susan S. points out), and so many things that you haven't seen before especially if you only shop at places like Target or Toys R Us or, God forbid, Walmart (Sorry Norm). Get me a paper bag; I'm hyperventilating! Maybe I didn't think that through...
Just go already! I went and I live in Vallejo, so distance is not an excuse. You'll love it. You'll buy something for yourself and/or for someone you know. Toys for everyone!
This place has to be oriented to the big kid. With a huge selection new and used games (travel scrabble for 5 bucks!) and an immense collection figurines from He-Man, Star Wars and even the McKenzie Brothers, its a trip down memory lane and will have you kicking yourself you still don't have that X-wing fighter you won betting your friend from California his tongue would stick to the guardrail (I shit you not, it was just like a Christmas Story).
They have all the stupid little things one needs to help turn an office into an alternate reality when you need an escape. Now they just need that Johnny Cash action figure.
Now this brings back memories. I used to come here with my friends when we were teenagers without knowledge of the bottle and its power. This place has toys from before I was a fetus and a few after that I would love to get my hands on. Unfortunately the hippies that work here don't always sell the good shit, but they do sell some of it.
Aside from that one disappointing fact, this place is still pretty cool. they have tuns of board games, I can't quite recall....but I think they sold video games here as well. This place owned back in the day. If you have a spoiled child....bring them here.
schoolhouse rock dvd 30th year aniversary for $5.95!
awesome bargain along with other used toys for under $10
super nice staff, so very helpful and pleasant.
owner helen, also very sweet, no doubt she loves what she does.
hard to leave 'cause we just wanted to play.
I visited this place twice during a frantic Christmas shopping week. Unfortunately, I ended up having to use Amazon in order to get my gifts back to east coast in time without having to deal with shipping them myself. That said. I love this place. They have toys and games that will jog all kinds of long-forgotten memories from your childhood....regardless of your age. A call to my mother while in the store revealed that they had games from HER childhood....I guess I just like nostalgia and old shit.
GI Joe, Star Wars, He-Man...all the major prizes of my youth were represented. Cool selection of newer toys and games too...too bad I didn't get to buy anything...but I'll surely be back.
I love this place. They carry great used and new toys. They have all of the best; Thomas the Train, Kettler and Radio Flyer at competetive prices. I also think that it is important to support local businesses. We are being overcome by Walmarts, Targets, and Toys R Us. Thank God there are still a few independently owned businesses around. You can find great toys and gifts here. Another reason to avoid leaving the Island.
Awesome place. A great, small, independent, local toy store. They don't always have all of what you are looking for - although that is part of the deal when you shop small and local. The place is a little crowded, but I am splitting hairs. Overall this is an amazing place. Great toys, great games, most of everything your geeky self would need.
Toy Safari is the instant cure for a bad day. Nostalgia doesn't even begin to cover the feelings evoked by browsing the awesome selection of new and vintage toys in this store. If you are looking for a superstore of cookie-cutter rows of toys painted and packaged in China and sold under buzzing fluorescent lights this is not the store for you. Toy Safari has a wonderfully chaotic mix of puzzles, wooden toys, Legos and Playmobils, dolls, and board games, dress-up costumes and hats, mad scientist experiments, old Atari games... the list goes on and on. They also carry many collectors items in glass cases for browsing. If you need to find a Chewbacca or vintage Barbie they likely have it. It's a great spot to find stocking-stuffers too.
There is something for everyone here. It works to come with kids - or without :)
I am so glad they are now in a larger space.
Awesome. That's what this toy store is be. It has something for everyone. I've been visiting this store ever since I moved to Alameda about 6 years ago and since my son was 2 years old. They have a section of cheap used happy meal type toys (also cars, trucks, trains, action figures, etc) that are excellent "rewards" or treats for kids - we're talking $1-5 range - perfect for kids allowances or parental "indulgence". As well they have more main stream toys and good old fashioned toys like we all used to play with growing up. The staff is awesome as well, letting you browse at your leisure without hassling you. Just watch out for the kids running around everywhere - but hey it's a toy store, the kids get a pass on the whining ok?!
I'm 16 years old (at time of review) and I love this place! They have some stuffed animals from Japan. (Couple Mario plushes and a Pokemon puppet plush) They have a wide variety of things such as some used video games (though I won't play them) I also like their expansive car and doll collection (some of them were pre-owned, but in good condition) They have a small section dedicated to trains. (I should get something for my neighbors there) and they have a small variety of halloween costumes.
I love this place! So does my nine year old brother, who looks at the pokemon items.
This is a wonderfully nostalgic place to visit and to take your kids to find all the latest and greatest toys, puzzles and stuffed animals!
We had to walk off our large dinner, so I took the kids to this toy store. they had a good timejust looking at the large selection of traditional type toys and some of the electronic games. The two women working there were very nice, let them look and touch the toys. My niece got a stuffed penguin doll and my nephew got a golf club set. I got two big smiles. If at all possible, I shop at stores with a real person as an owner instead of a corporation. It felt good to give this business my money. I promise to be back in DECEMBER!!!!
It's so nice to have a local toy store to go to, rather than a chain, especially when you're in a pinch to find a last minute gift. Plus, they have a great train set to occupy youngsters, and a very friendly staff. I've bought sand toys, games, art supplies, and birthday cards so far. The place makes you wish you were a kid again.
Neighborhood: Fourth Street
Category: Toy Stores
Albany, CA
Category: Toy Stores
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Category: Toy Stores
Neighborhood: Elmwood
Category: Toy Stores
Alameda, CA
Category: Toy Stores
