Palo Alto Toy Stores: Where To Buy The Best Birthday Gifts

It’s Friday evening. Your kid just reminded you that you have a birthday party tomorrow morning, and you haven’t picked up a present yet. Eek! Sound familiar? Luckily, there are several Palo Alto toy stores (or nearby) that can help you grab a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift in no time—many with free gift wrapping to boot.

As a family photographer that serves the Bay Area, I put together a list of the best Palo Alto toy stores. Here are my favorite spots to shop for birthday gifts (and maybe a little something for your own kids while you’re there):

Books, Inc. (Palo Alto toy stores)

While primarily a local bookstore, Books, Inc. has a sweet selection of puzzles, games, and picture books that make perfect birthday gifts—especially for preschool and elementary-aged kids. It’s a great option if the birthday child loves to read or if you want to give something a bit more educational. Plus, it’s right in Town & Country Village, so you can do a little shopping for yourself while you’re at it. My personal favorites are Evereve, Paper Source, and Marine Layer. Or, stop by my favorite ice cream place, The Penny! Read more about Books, Inc. here.

Diddams Party and Toy Store (Mountain View)

Need to grab a card, balloons, and a gift all in one go? Diddams is your spot! This place is packed with everything from small fidget toys and slime kits to LEGO sets and craft supplies. They also have a large selection of Melissa & Doug toys and Jellycat stuffies. You can find gifts for children of any age here!

Diddams is also perfect for stocking up on celebration essentials. They have a huge assortment of party supplies, and they even stock products from Meri Meri, whose products are absolutely adorable. To read more about Diddams, click here.

Gamelandia (Palo Alto toy stores)

Tucked away in Palo Alto on California Avenue, Gamelandia is a hidden gem for kids (and adults) who love… you guessed it: games! Their curated selection of board games makes it a go-to for unique gifts you won’t find at big box stores. The staff is super knowledgeable, and they’re always happy to recommend something based on age and interest.

Game sales is just one of their many offerings, Gamelandia also has Open Play where you can play any of their 600+ games they have in store! They also offer kid’s programming and events. Read more about Gamelandia here.

Cheeky Monkey (Los Altos and Menlo Park)

Cheeky Monkey is my absolute favorite place to buy birthday gifts. They have a huge assortment of toys for all ages—from baby teethers and plush toys to science kits and pretend play sets. I even had my toddler “buy” my husband a Father’s Day gift there (he used mom’s plastic, but the sentiment was there!). The staff is incredibly helpful, and the best part? Free gift wrapping. It’s truly an all-in-one solution for last-minute gifting. To check out Cheeky Monkey, click here.

Bird in the Nest (San Carlos)

Bird in the Nest is a thoughtfully-curated children’s resale store, offering high-quality, gently used toys, books, and gear. If you’re looking for a unique gift that’s both budget-friendly and eco-conscious, this is the place to go. Shopping secondhand not only keeps toys out of landfills—it’s also easier on your wallet. Their inventory changes frequently, so it’s always a bit of a treasure hunt. To check out Bird in the Nest, click here.

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No matter which store you choose, all of these local Palo Alto toy stores make last-minute gifting way less stressful—and even a little bit fun. Happy shopping!

Since you have kids around the greater Palo Alto area, you might find these other articles helpful:
6 Stroller-Friendly Hikes Near Palo Alto
Best Children’s Bookstores on the SF Peninsula
5 Drop-In Play Spaces Around Palo Alto
Where to Take Photos Around Palo Alto