When it comes time to pick out a new toy or game for your kid, consider shopping local! Local toy stores and bookstores in Charlottesville are a favorite destination for Cville families looking for a birthday present, holiday gift, or new activity for their kids. The Charlottesville community has a long tradition of producing small, family-owned shops.
Each local store is a little different, and each has so much to offer. No matter whether you’re shopping for toys, books, or art supplies, you’re sure to find something to love at an independent store in Charlottesville.
Why Shop Local for Toys and Books?
When you support community-owned stores, they in turn give back to local schools and nonprofits. You also receive the benefit of developing a relationship with the store owner and employees. They get to know you and your kids, and you can receive personalized service, gift wrapping, and curated selections. Many stores have local rewards programs, as well.
Our local stores choose high-quality products that they would want in their own households. Sustainable and long-lasting toys reduce waste compared to mass-produced options.
Make a day of it! Charlottesville has many family-friendly shopping areas. This can make shopping a fun, family event. The Downtown Mall, Barracks Road Shopping Center, and the Shops at Stonefield are all walkable and close to restaurants and coffee shops.
For small-town shopping, downtown Crozet has plenty of spots that kids will enjoy. The library, shopping, ice cream, and pizza are all within the same few blocks. Make a day of it—including stopping in the library for one of the popular local storytimes!
Charlottesville Independent Toy Stores and Hobby Shops
Shenanigans
601 W Main St
This toy store is a Charlottesville institution, beloved by local kids for the past 50 years. You’ll be able to find something for any kid: dolls, games, books, cars, and much more.
Bricks & Minifigs
2050 Bond St. Unit 110
This magical store buys and sells LEGO. Find complete sets, unique pieces, minifigures, and individual bricks of every shape and color.
The End Games
390 Hillsdale Dr.
A great place to shop or stop and play a game. The End Games sells tabletop board games, popular trading card games, and role-playing games.
Sabre Games & Cards
108 4th St. NE
Sabre Games & Cards has a wonderful selection of miniatures as well as tabletop, role-playing, and card games. They offer one of the most extensive rpg and zine collections in the country. Gift cards available.
Rail Tales
705 Dale Ave. C
This store specializes in model trains and railways, but also sells a variety of things for model-making hobbyists, such as model rockets.
University Dive and Hobby Center
510 Westfield Rd.
This small shop has been around for decades. While it sells lots of diving gear, you can also find radio-controlled vehicles, boats, and planes.
Local Bookstores in the Charlottesville Area
Bluebird & Co.
5792 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet
If you’re looking for a toy store near Crozet, then check out Bluebird & Co. You’ll find books, toys, art supplies, stickers, and children’s gifts with a literary focus.
The Beautiful Idea
411 E Main St
This bookstore on the mall doubles as a LGBTQ+ community space and sells books, artwork, jewelry, and more from local queer vendors.
Commerce St. Books
499 W Main St.
Located in the Gallery of the Doyle Hotel, this curated selection of books ensures you’ll find something great.
Daedalus Books
123 Heather Heyer Way
You can go into this used bookstore every day and find something new. Alongside fiction, collectibles, academic, and art books, you’ll also find an extensive collection of children’s books.
Hello Comics
398 Hillsdale Dr. & 211A West Main St.
Both the downtown and Seminole Square locations are a comic-book reader’s dream. You can find old and new comics, as well as manga, games, and other collectibles.
New Dominion Bookshop
404 E Main St
New Dominion is a beloved local bookstore and has a children’s section with lots of books and some classic toys.
Local Children’s Boutiques in Charlottesville
O’Suzannah
320 E. Main St.
This downtown store sells great gifts for parents and kids. Alongside a curated selection of children’s clothing and books, you’ll find toys and stuffed animals that kids will love.
Green Bean Baby Boutique
2120 Barracks Rd.
This much loved eco-friendly boutique sells a selection of baby gear and clothes. They also have a hearty toy section, perfect for babies or young toddlers.
Whimsies
2035 Bond St., Unit 150
Along with their selection of beautiful children’s clothing, Whimsies is a great place to find costumes, stuffed animals, and other toys. There are gifts for kids of all ages.
Independent Arts & Crafts Stores in Charlottesville
The Scrappy Elephant
1745 Allied St., Suite C
This arts and crafts store sells reused and reclaimed art materials, with a focus on sustainability. You’ll find supplies for drawing, painting, woodworking, sewing, origami, embroidery, and more.
The Art Box
2125 Ivy Rd.
You’ll find a whole section in this store dedicated to children’s art supplies, including pipe cleaners, glitter, markers, crayons, stickers, coloring books, and craft kits.
Poppypointe
1747-J Allied St.
If you have an elementary-age or older kid who is interested in needlepoint, stop by Poppypointe for a variety of supplies and canvases. You can even find kits that were designed by kids for kids!
Independent Toy Stores Near Charlottesville
Pufferbellies (Staunton)
15 W Johnson St.
This is a must-stop toy store in Staunton, VA. They have toys, crafts, and books for kids (and adults!) of all ages.
The Tubular Toybox (Staunton)
10 Byers St.
This other toy store in Staunton, VA, sells nostalgic and pre-loved toys and collectibles from decades past. From troll dolls to ninja turtles, this shop is sure to delight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Stores in Charlottesville
Are there any small, local toy stores in Charlottesville, Virginia?
Yes, Shenanigans is a small, local toy store in Charlottesville, VA. Other stores, such as Bricks & Minifigs, offer specialized types of games or toys. You can also find toys and gifts at children’s boutiques like Whimsies and O’Suzannah or bookstores like Bluebird & Co. in Crozet.
Where can I buy kids’ books near Charlottesville or Crozet?
You can buy kids’ books near Charlottesville at New Dominion Bookshop and O’Suzannah. You can buy kids’ books in Crozet at Bluebird & Co.
Where can I shop for tabletop games and comics near Charlottesville?
You can find a wide range of tabletop games in Charlottesville at Sabre Games & Cards, The End Games, and Hello Comics.
Looking for what’s next for your Cville kids? CharlottesvilleFamily has you covered with birthday party planning guides, private school insights, and after-school sports and classes. Plus, explore local events and festivals.
Keep it all at your fingertips—sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. And don’t miss the chance to get to know the local businesses we feature.
SUZANNAH SPAAR is the editor of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, an accomplished poet, beloved teacher, and mom to two adventurous readers.