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Woozles Childrens Bookstore
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Toy Stores, Bookstores [Edit]
1533 Birmingham StHalifax, NS B3J 2J6
(902) 423-7626
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Fri 9:30 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
12 reviews for Woozles Childrens Bookstore
Review Highlights
"I could spend hours here, and not run out of things to look..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...and will happily make age and interest-appropriate..."
(in 6 reviews)
"I come here to buy gifts for the little and big people in..."
(in 6 reviews)
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12 reviews in English
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
9/7/2011
Walking into this treasure trove of a store, I always feel like I'm stepping into Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium, or some such fantastical place. I almost expect to see people randomly dancing and bursting joyfully into song, maybe a few adorable woodland creatures chasing each other mischieviously about.
Why yes, I am actually a four year old trapped in a 29 year old's body, how did you know?
This shop really is a wonderful place. They have books and toys for infants to school age children, and something for the child in all of us. A lot of what they offer is so different and refreshing compared to the plastic, flimsy, will-break-in-three-months-or-less toys etc. you find at most other retailers. Here you actually have items made from natural materials like wood, sturdy and unique. And they have so much selection. Costumes, tea sets, puzzles, board games, science experiment kits, vehicles, lego and blocks, you name it, it's probably there.
The store is larger than it looks from the outside, and is separated into different rooms: a space for infant books, toys, and other materials such as blankets and music CDs, a room of toys for preschool and school age children, and a large area of children's books and a few small knick-knacks located near the cash registers.
So drop by and visit, if you haven't already. If you see someone leaping about erratically and singing off key at the top of her lungs while clutching a struggling chipmunk in each hand, don't be alarmed, it's just my inner four year old getting carried away again. Er, again? I mean...darn, I've already said too much...Listed in: Wee Wonders
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Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
2/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love this store so much - and I don't even have kids. I come here to buy gifts for the little and big people in my life. It's my go-to place for books for all the rugrats I know and I buy playmobil for adults. I love finding the books that I loved as a kid so that I can share them with my nephews.
It's got a great YA section, which is mostly good for me (what? YA is good reading...even if you're a grown up). I'm pretty sure my younger self would have spent all her Saturdays and her allowance at Woozles.Listed in: Shopping locally - downtown…, As ever, Booky
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Review from Ben B.
12/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Woozles is to educational books and toys, what Freak Lunchbox is to candy. Walking into its charming location filled with small treasure trove rooms really makes me want to be a kid all over again - and if you saw me as a kid, you'd know that it takes a lot for me to admit that!
(Beer belly by the age of four. Just sayin'.)
Woozles seems to always be called a bookstore but there are so many gems hidden to be found here that it almost deserves a whole new term, one that captures just how easy it is to spend hours delighting in its incredible selection of books, toys, puzzles, puppets and games. More than your average kids store, Woozles is packed with high quality products designed to inspire, educate and excite kids so buying a gift for any kid (or teacher, as I was doing) at Woozles means you're more likely to walk away with a gift you can feel great about giving. Their staff are beyond knowledgeable - no easy task considering the range of products and brands - and so friendly that you really can pass a lot of time in this shop without even realizing it.
With places like this, I really don't know why anyone would ever need to visit mammoths like Toys R Us when they could actually enjoy their shopping experience as much as kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy the gifts that come out of it. -
Review from Natalie J.
Halifax, NS
11/24/2010
Best bookstore ever. I could spend hours here, and not run out of things to look at. The books, the toys. The stickers! (I was a big sticker fan as a child.)
My favourite place to go for children's gifts - and occasionally gifts for me, too. -
Review from Sue A.
11/9/2010 7 Check-ins Here
"Canada's oldest children's bookstore" reads the sign directing shoppers to Woozles. The sign should also say "largest selection of children's books in the city." The wide range of books is complemented by an excellent selection of higher-quality toys perfect for the 0-10 set.
Located in an old renovated house, you'll feel at home while browsing. One side houses toys while the other has shelves and shelves of books. If you are accompanied by little shoppers on your visit, the couple of train tables and Calico Critters dollhouse will keep them occupied while you browse. And, if your little one needs the facilities, the staff is happy to share their washroom.
Books range from the recent and popular including the Twilight series, Fancy Nancy series and Mo Willems stories to classics such as Judy Blume and Curious George. Young readers of any age would be easily satisfied with any of the board, picture, and chapter books while older readers would appreciate the young adult fiction. The friendly staff is very knowledgeable and will happily make age and interest-appropriate suggestions. They also know what's popular and sure to please.
In the spirit of encouraging literacy as well as cooperation and teamwork, Woozles hosts a program for local elementary schools called Battle of the Books. The program allows participants to expand their love of reading and exposes them to different types of books than they might choose on their own.
The toys, for the most part, are more unique and educational than toys found in big box stores. Made by companies such as Melissa & Doug and Plan Toys, these are quality toys. There's a great collection of infant and toddler toys, perfect baby shower and first birthday gifts. For older kids, the Playmobil selection is a surefire win. For girls, there are fun soft dolls and tea sets while girls and boys will appreciate the wide selection of puzzles, games, and crafts. At the counter, you'll find lots of fun and inexpensive items including jewellery, playing cards and stickers.
Of particular note is the extensive Thomas the Tank Engine collection. Any train aficionado will find whatever they need here. The same goes for any youngster interested in the Calico Critters line.
Sure, you could buy these toys and books at a big box store, but when you shop at Woozles you're supporting a local landmark and a great community resource. -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2010
O-M-G.
My jaw continues to drop as I make my way through this fan-diddily-tastic shop of wonders. Woozles is a toy store in its most classic sense: books, building blocks, toy trains, silly putty, yo-yos, stickers, stuffed animals, dolls, GAMES, etc. The list goes on and on, as Its everything wholesome and good for our precious little kiddies. In this Mad Hatter of a world, Woozles provides a refreshing dose of fun for both parents and little ones.
Woozles houses some pretty deep nostalgia. I know I'll be back for a Bernestain Bears classic. Clifford and Jillian Jiggs brought smiles as well! I'm so happy to know kids are still able to get a taste of such wholesome reads and play.
Open since the late 70s, Woozles has attracted greats such as Robert Munsch, Sherri Fitzch, and David Suzuki to name a few. This is a very wise shop with toys and books of good old fashioned fun.Listed in: Reading Rainbow
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Review from Lacey H.
3/13/2010
Woozles is a dream come true for kidlets and parents alike, not to mention for those of us who simply have an affinity for children's literature.
I remember frequenting Woozles as a child and feeling so delighted that there was a bookstore deigned just for me - no adults' books allowed, thank you very much. When I last ventured in, I was taking care of some munchkins who had to buy a birthday present for an upcoming party. Playmobile was the gift of choice, and there were plenty to choose from.
We bopped around and played with various toys on display, and also looked at the vast selection of books for kids of every age group and reading level.
This really is a gem of a store. I love that it has been a leading purveyor of kids' books and toys since 1978 right here in our lovely city of Halifax. I highly recommend heading in and taking a peek at what's in store. There are some fantastic new reads as well as all of the classics that will make you feel nostalgic for those care free days of yore. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
3/16/2010 2 photos
Woozles was somewhere that I would take my son on a Saturday and he would be lost for hours with all the great books and games.
Woozles is a unique book store not like the other LARGE ones. More enchanting welcoming you just have to experience this. I was there on Saturday that just passed and I took my BF daughter there as she has never been. WOW she was very excited and picked out some neat things for the Easter Bunny to bring.
There is a great section of travelling games they actually had the travelling hang man game and gee I would like that for the car as I hate to go on drives and it was under $15.
In the back of one of the sections there is a small adult section with a big comfy chair that you can enjoy while your child is enjoying all the great surprises around the corner. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/3/2010
I have to give Woozles a five because there are not many stores like it around. This really is for the parent looking for the extra different gift for their child or that person who refuses to grow up, we all know one of them.
The selection here is great and the staff is full of information. The gifts here will not have the bells and whistles as the high tech ones, but you will have some fantastic choices and educational games/toys that will last. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
1/4/2010
This is one of the best children's bookstores anywhere! I could spend hours just browsing gorgeous books and colorful and interesting toys that you can't find anywhere else. True, you can find cheaper toys and books at Walmart, but nothing like the glorious selection here. And the building itself, a converted home, is like a magic rabbit warren on multiple levels with nooks and crannies filled with surprises.
The staff is unbelievably friendly and knowledgeable, especially for those of us looking for age appropriate gifts when we're not sure.
Honestly, this is a place to hang out even if you don't have any kids to shop for. -
Review from Ayla H.
Halifax, NS
1/30/2010 1 photo
Funny, I think of this place as more of a toy store than bookstore; I guess that says something about what caught my eye here. Ang M. is right on when she says how this place is "un-Disneyfied." Thank goodness, too. This place is full of real, wholesome kid stuff. (I'm big on grown-up games like Settlers and Carcassone, but this place is really more for the young'uns.) They've got art supplies, mind games, toys of all sorts, and a big selection of books. Also a nice Lego and Playmobile section. As I said, kids will get the most out of it, but you can certainly enjoy it as an adult, too. Even better if you don't have a wee one begging you to buy them things.
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/21/2009 1 photo
Woozles gets high points for being a shop that caters to kids in a very authentic and non-Disneyfied way. It's largely a bookstore, but they sell some toys and games as well. The shop has been around for over thirty years and feels like a just-right kid-friendly space where kids are encouraged to pick up, thumb through, and even sit down and read anything they feel inclined to touch. If you need advice on a gift for a certain age-range, staff are informed and able to provide great recommendations. Great shop.
