Where to find kids' birthday presents in Vancouver
The first day of school, the last day of school – or that day the tooth fairy had to leave $20 because she didn't have change – there are a lot of big days in a child's year, but none are as big as their birthday. Say "Happy Birthday" to the boys and girls on your shopping list with the perfect present from one of these kid-approved Vancouver retailers. [Photo courtesy of dandelion KIDS]
Dandelion Kids
1206 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4From ukuleles to balance bikes, organic onesies to Moulin Roty plush dolls, you'll find a wide variety of chic gift options at dandelion KIDS. From newborns up, a range of age groups are represented here and there is always an interesting selection of local and international brands available. For kids (and parents) with a conscience, the selection of eco-friendly, fair trade and organic items is a real plus.
Kidsbooks
2557 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9Books make wonderful gifts, especially for kids as they begin to explore their literary likes and dislikes and while learning to read. At this iconic Vancouver bookstore you'll find a huge range of material from the classics to the hottest new children’s titles. Not sure where to start? Chat with the knowledgeable and friendly staff for valuable hints, tips and insight.
Granville Island Toy
3298 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M5Three times the size of the original Granville Island shop, it's easy to find the perfect birthday gift at the Main Street location of this beloved Vancouver toy store. Stocked with quality items from reputable makers, the shop boasts plenty of eco-friendly and educational games, toys and puzzles. If you're shopping for a Playmobil fan, look no further – they've got the city's only branded specialty shop carrying the entire Playmobil line.
The Comic Shop
3518 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 1N8For quirky and unique gifts to impress the most discerning young collector, check out The Comicshop in Kitsilano. For decades, this friendly shop has been supplying Vancouverites with comics, posters, toys, t-shirts and other hard-to-find treasures. Can't find what you're looking for in-store? Don't walk out before checking with the helpful staff members about special orders.
Hip Baby
2110 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N6Because it's never too early to start being hip in Vancouver, visit this trendy 4th Avenue shop for the latest and greatest in kids' clothing, toys, furnishings and more. The little birthday boy or girl will adore the unique puppets, play tents, dress-up clothes, ride-on toys and other fun things in stock. Parents will adore the funky rain boots and cool Cowichan sweaters.
Kaboodles Toy Store
4449 10th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H8Part of the Vancouver toy scene since 1980, this store places an emphasis on learning through play. You'll find a big selection of quality toys, puzzles and games that kids will love, from the usual big brands to lesser-known and unique lines. Whether you're shopping for a budding artist, a LEGO architect, or a future scientist, you'll have no problem finding that perfect present.
Redfish Kids Clothing
851 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1T9Kids may prefer toys to clothes when it comes to birthday gifts, but that could change when the gift is a super-chic outfit from Redfish Kids. The birthday boy or girl will be the coolest kid on the block when they're sporting the Hong Kong-Shanghai-Tokyo-inspired street fashions from this hip Vancouver shop. For bonus points with the little ones, Redfish also carries a selection of unique toys and treasures to go along with their designer duds.
Knotty Toys
1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5Looking for a classic birthday gift? The wooden toys at Knotty Toys on Granville Island will do the trick in style. Shop for traditional wood blocks, ride-ons, dollhouses, trains, building sets and more at this long-standing local favourite. Durable and well-constructed, wooden toys make great gifts that won't fall apart the day after the birthday party.
Disney Store
701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5Located in the Pacific Centre mall in downtown Vancouver, the Disney Store is packed with potential birthday presents for kids of all ages. Mickey, Cinderella, Darth Vader, Iron Man, Olaf...they're all here, from plush dolls to bath toys, dress-up clothes to street clothes. Opened in 2015, this is the only Disney Store in Vancouver proper; the next closest locations are in Burnaby and Surrey.
Toys R' Us
1174 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1Y7If you're looking for the big brand-name toys kids love, you'll find them at this popular big box chain. LEGO, Shopkins, Star Wars, Monster High, Nerf, Marvel, Minions and more - if it's fun, they have it. You can also pick up gift wrap, party favours, batteries, and other birthday essentials without having to make multiple stops.
