Kids’ birthday parties are an event. No matter what, you’re going to need to get that perfect toy, and you’re going to want something that’ll last and bring joy to your child — or to your new niece or nephew! 

The 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Five Little Monkeys (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Toy Store picks see below.

Our 2025 Shopping category sponsor is Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine. View the rest of the shopping category here.

We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin.

Southern Marin

Games People Play

Sausalito

Part of the Sausalito Ferry Company, this hidden gem amidst the boutiques of Sausalito features a full collection of childrens’ toys, books, and arts and crafts. If you need to keep your child occupied for a while, try one of their many different puzzles or nanoblock building sets. Their plushie selection cannot be beat, with options such as Jellycats and original Beanie Babies. The store can get a little crowded, so if you want to really take your time and linger, consider going on a weekday.

695 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.4151

Tantrum

Mill Valley

Tantrum is a whimsical toy store offering a curated selection of toys, gifts, and children’s accessories from around the world. With a mid-century carnival vibe, they provide unique, design-oriented items that capture the joy and innocence of timeless youth.

129 Miller Ave Ste 100-B, Mill Valley, 415.888.8450

Central Marin

A Child’s Delight

Corte Madera

We have to recommend Child’s Delight for, well, everything. Books? Hundreds of ’em. Arts and crafts? Got them in spades. Novelty lava lamps? Yep, those too. If you have multiple kids, are on a tighter budget, or need Christmas stocking stuffers for all your nieces and nephews, Child’s Delight is the one-stop-shop for all your needs.

1506 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, 415.945.9221

Fairfax Variety

Fairfax

Eclectic and whimsical, this store offers a glimpse into a more classic and old-timey toy shop. Take your first step through the doors to smell warm, old wood and let your eyes feast upon the display of novelties that can be found within. Fairfax Variety has been dazzling kids for generations now and it holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

61 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.457.2580

ToyCrazy

Larkspur

Photo courtesy of ToyCrazy

Located in Marin Country Mart, ToyCrazy provides high-quality specialty toys with an educational flair. The staff are used to parents coming in with their kids, so while you are encouraged to not let your kids knock over a display stand, you can give your kid one of the special miniature shopping carts and keep them distracted while you make your purchases. They boast an impressive selection of baby toys as well as things for kids a bit older.

2211 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, 415.925.1775

Northern Marin

Five Little Monkeys

Novato

Established in 2001 by Stephanie Sala, this independent toy store has taken the hearts of readers before (with the Readers’ Choice accolades to prove it) for their specialty in creative educational toys, puzzles, books, games and plush.

852 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.898.4411

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