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Kaboodles Toy Store
Category: Shopping Toy Stores Toy Stores [Edit]
4449 10th Ave WVancouver, BC V6R 2H8
Neighbourhood: Point Grey
(604) 224-5311
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
One review for Kaboodles Toy Store
1 review in English
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Review from David W.
1/6/2011
I can hardly remember a time as a child not making a stop in at this store when accompanying my mother to Safeway and International News & Business along 10th avenue.
This place was a lot like walking into a Mr. Dress Up episode; it was a quintessential fairy-tale toy store. I've always had a soft spot for small locally owned toy stores that compete with giant and soulless chains like Walmart and Toys R' Us. While those stores are endless in selection and far from a place children dislike they were simply the Costco of toys. Kaboodles had a colourful charm that the other places lacked.
Each toy type had been hand picked and the focus on small but cool toys as well as carrying some of the larger brands like Lego and Playmobile made this place a favourite. More importantly they were toys you could touch, play, watch light up, and race across the floor. There was also a staff member, usually a university student around to show you the newest toy that had come in.
As an adult coming back to the store for Christmas shopping it seems they've gone more mainstream in their selections. The shelves definitely pack more of the popular brands like Thomas the Tank Engine and Star Wars. Naturally its not the magical place I would describe through adult eyes, but I can tell the store still has that touch of care that made it so unique.
Kaboodles has also been present in the local community and support or belong to several not-for-profit charitable organizations. Making a purchase or a donation had direct results with in the neighbourhood and I fondly recall seeing their presence at Trimble Park during Fiesta. I noticed this year their entire display was part of something called "Win This Window" where people or companies purchased what was on display and at the end the whole display was donated to a local charity. They also offer a discount to teachers and not-for-profit preschool teachers.
The store opening in the 80's and since has expanded to a store on Granville Island as well as a store in Victoria. They proudly display on their website and blog that they were voted: Best Independent Toy Store in Vancouver & Victoria 7 years running: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Things were never overly expensive, maybe not the mega-savings you would expect from Walmart, but the difference was of no consequential amount. Besides, what's the big deal when you have Bank of Dad -- that's where money comes from right?
