The 5 Best Toy Stores Around Lake Tahoe Region

Toys have long been a gateway to creativity, learning and joy. In a town like South Lake Tahoe — where families often blend outdoor adventure with cozy community living — local toy stores offer more than just retail. They become part of family traditions. The Best of Tahoe shines a light on the specialty shops helping kids (and nostalgic adults) connect with wonder, one toy at a time.

Toy Maniacs

Step into Toy Maniacs and you'll find a shop that leans into both play and passion. With over 30 years in business, this locally owned store stocks a broad range of new and vintage toys — from Star Wars collectibles to Barbie, Hot Wheels to Pokémon. It caters to both hardcore collectors and curious newcomers, offering a selection that blends nostalgia with novelty. Beyond the merchandise, Toy Maniacs thrives on conversation. Staff members are enthusiasts themselves, ready to help a customer find a rare edition or explain the quirks of a board game. In an era of online algorithms, it’s a store powered by actual human curiosity.

The Gifting Tree

At The Gifting Tree, toys are part of a broader mission: thoughtful gifting. Located in Heavenly Village, this boutique focuses on curated treasures for children and adults alike. The toy selection emphasizes imaginative, screen-free play, and includes eco-conscious brands, puzzles, and sensory-friendly toys. What ties the collection together is intention. Owners Kelsey and Lindsay — both mothers and educators — emphasize meaningful items that create connection. Whether it’s a plush bunny from a woman-owned brand or a storytelling set designed to spark bedtime chats, the shop treats toys not as clutter, but as tools for memory-making.

Will & Ivey

While primarily known for its ethically made children’s clothing, Will & Ivey offers a considered collection of toys that align with its minimalist aesthetic. The brand, founded by a mother-daughter team, extends its commitment to gentle design into its playthings. You won’t find blinking plastic gadgets here — instead, think of wooden toys, soft rattles and heirloom-quality pieces that grow with a child. Every item in the store supports Will & Ivey’s values of slow fashion, simplicity and social impact, including its partnership with the Nevada-based Foster Change network. It’s a shop where the toy aisle feels more like a love letter to childhood.

Thanks, ChatGPT.