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Photo courtesy of Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy
Metro Detroit is home to an enchanting array of toy stores that capture the hearts of both young and young at heart. Each store brings its own unique flavor and specialty to the area, creating a wide variety of options for toy enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for stimulating toys for the children in your life or a vintage item that reminds you of more youthful days, these great small businesses are offering just that. Perfect for those looking for entertainment for a rainy day, let’s explore some of the most beloved toy stores in the area…
TOYOLOGY TOYS
6558 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills
119 South Main Street, Royal Oak
6389 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
At Toyology Toys, playtime is synonymous with learning. This store focuses on educational toys that are not only fun but also stimulate young minds. Toys here are hand-selected to develop life skills beyond the playroom, all tested by the staff at Toyology Toys. From puzzles that challenge cognitive skills to science kits that unravel the mysteries of the universe, Toyology is dedicated to fostering curiosity and learning through play. This family-owned business first opened shop in 2011 and continues to make an impact inside and outside its stores. Driven by entrepreneurial spirit, the Klar family shares their passion with their communities through teaching workshops and working with educators to inspire future small business owners.
WHISTLE STOP HOBBY & TOY
21714 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy stands out not just for its extensive toy selection, but for its rich history in the Metro Detroit area. Founded 53 years ago by a designer for General Motors, Richard Claggett, and his wife Carol, the store began as a small hobby shop after Richard’s passion for collecting model trains and antique toys. Today, it’s a larger destination managed by their children—Julie Everitt, Rick Claggett, and Wendy Bacon. Julie shares, “It is such a wonderful feeling to carry on the dream my parents had. My siblings and I take great pride in making our business a success and a magical place for our customers to enjoy.” Whistle Stop offers an array of popular brands like LEGO and Barbie, features an interactive train layout, and even provides free gift wrapping and play day events. In addition, there is a “Book Nook” filled with children’s books for purchase, as well as one of the largest puzzle selections in the Metro Detroit area. The specialty toy store is a community hub where children can engage hands-on with the toys, educational products, unique finds, and more.
VILLAGE TOY SHOPPE
400 North Main Street, Milford
Village Toy Shoppe offers a collection of unique and high-quality toys from around the world for kids of all ages. Toys range from sensory toys and stuffed animals for babies and walkers for toddlers to make-believe costumes and more. Find craft kits, toy cars, and educational items for all ages. Perfect for timeless dolls or fun items to keep the kiddos entertained. Online, toys are sorted by age, which is an excellent way to pick out something age-appropriate, but items can also be found based on interests. Check out Vintage Toy Shoppe to experience one of the area’s top toy stores for yourself.
HIHI
4240 Cass Avenue, Detroit
228 West 4th Street, Royal Oak
For those interested in anime, kawaii, manga, K-pop, and more, hihi is the place to be. Hihi has collections of items from pop culture, like Pokemon and Animal Crossing to Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, ranging from plushes to collectibles. From accessories to decor and stationary, there is something for everyone. The Royal Oak location shares space with Lift, which offers designer toys for collectors too. Check these spots out for cute trinkets, clothing, and more.
SARGE & RED’S TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES
45157 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica
Sarge & Red’s is a treasure trove for collectors. “We love to say ‘It’s not just a toy store… it’s an experience’ because of how we treat every person who comes through the door from little kiddos to avid lifetime collectors,” shares Dee Davis, co-owner with her husband John Davis. This vintage-to-modern toy shop is a “family-run small business that got started as a means to build our family.” Dee tells us, “We host celebrity meet and greets throughout the year including big names like Sgt Slaughter, Jake the Snake Roberts, Zack Ward, and coming soon this year: Miko Hughes and Mick Foley (plus more!). Our shop carries toys that will spark nostalgic feelings like He-Man, TMNT, and GI-JOE, to current toys like the newest Hot Toys, NECA horror figures, and Funko Pops.” Whether you (or your kiddos!) are into action figures, collectibles, or memorabilia, this store has something to spark your interest. The shelves are lined with items that are as much a piece of art as they are a toy, plus the currently popular items.
