San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe

Very charming. Grew up w this book store; they'd set up book fairs at my elementary school when I was little. Lots of toys, stickers, and wide selection of books for kids and young teens here. I take my little cousins when I want to give them a treat. The ladies here are very knowledgeable. Whatever they don't have, they'll order.

I quite honestly do all of my own book buying on amazon but this is a great place you to take young children all the way flip to middle school. They get super excited about all the books, board games, stuffed animals and stickers.

A great selection of books, and the toys & games are somewhat typical of an indie kids' store--a bit pricier, but generally the stuff is decent quality. Easy exchange (just keep their sticker on it, and this serves as a gift receipt). Helpful staff, especially for picking books. One nice woman has been there for years, and more recently lovely Melinda M (a kids' librarian) joined the staff.

Recent visit to their new store: I found the employees very friendly. One assisted me in finding something perfect to occupy my grandkids. Thank you!

Great place to look for birthday presents for the little/big people you love. Or better yet, bring them in to pick out a present. My first time shopping here was to find a "Shut the Box" toy which is a rarely stocked toy. They actually had it in stock here and wrapped it up for me.

I have returned several times and bought children's books with matching stuffed characters.

I've driven past this store for many years and the other day, I was finally able to go into the store. It's offers toys and books from infant to elementary school age kids.

It's a wonderful place to shop and besides I love supporting local businesses.

I went there on a weekday afternoon so it was quiet and fairly empty so I was able to take my time to browse the store. I was sort of glad I didn't have my kids with me as I'm sure I would've ended up spending a lot more money.

It's refreshing to see a toy store that's not lined with electronic toys / gadgets.

This place is a San Marino institution and has been around for along time. It is a combo kids bookstore and toystore. They do carry some unique product lines. Service is usually great and they do offer free gift wrapping year-round.

One of the last remaining nostalgic old toy stores. Has a huge brass chandelier in the center, they offer free gift wrap with a shiny penny gift tag. Good place to buy a gift

Ok...this review is going to put me over the top as a geek but this place is awesome! My hubby's cousin turned 3 and we wanted to find a good present for him.

Toys r Us and places similar to it have become so overwhelming, so impersonal, so..blah. They're not the magical places I remember from my childhood.

But this..this is that toy store you loved as a kid. They may not have rows and rows of V-Tech toys or every Barbie on the block. But they do have every classic toy you could wish for and toys that have more charm than the same old same old you find at Toys r Us. They also have tons of books, new and old classics. They even have those spinning racks FULL of stickers...you remember them...the ones for like 25cents. Totally made me feel like a kid again!!

Best part? Great service and FREE gift wrapping!

I grew up in this city, and LOVED San Marino Toy & Book.

I would walk in as a younger girl every chance I got, because it was just so fun to look at everything.

Yes, the pricers are higher, probably to reflect the rent.

It's a unique store, and if you go, you'll definitely love it if you have the patience to wander slowly.

Reading through the reviews, I never used to notice the "highschool staff." Growing up, all I ever saw were kind older ladies, who were super helpful.

I still wander in from time to time, and I love it.

When J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, a woman richer than the Queen of England, came to California to sign books, she came here.

This is a book store where the first answer from the sales people is, "Would you like that book in paper or hardback?" and frequently they have both. Excellent service, excellent selection, great educational toys. Free giftwrapping. An ideal place for a last minute gift.