The Top 5 Toy Stores in Winnipeg

Toy stores are the most fun and magical places on earth. They’re the perfect spots to explore gifts for your younger siblings and cousins, as well as for your friends who have children of their own.

Of course, toy stores also serve as a sanctuary for adults who want to heal and satisfy their inner child. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on a toy they’ve dreamed of since childhood?

So whether you’re looking for a toy store to shop for kids close to your heart or fulfill your childhood dream, we’ve got you!

This article will explore the best toy stores you can find in Winnipeg. But before we jump into it, let’s take a look at the average cost of shopping in Winnipeg’s best toy stores.

How much does it cost to shop in Winnipeg’s best toy stores?

The average cost of shopping in Winnipeg’s top-rated toy stores depends on how much the toys and other goods are sold.

Take a look at this table and see how much each toy costs on average. 

TYPE OF TOY	AVERAGE PRICE
Dolls	$20.75
Action figures	$16.86
Puzzles	$20.75
Building toys	$32.42
Stuffed animals	$16.86
Boardgames	$23.34
Housekeeping/hospitality toys	$24.64
Outdoor toys	$25.94
Electronic toys	$25.94
Math and Science kits	$23.99
Ride-on toys	$72.62

Note that these prices are subject to change due to factors such as the toys’ brand and if they’re antiques or limited-edition collectibles.

Prices may also hike up, or be discounted, during the holiday season.

What are the best toy stores in Winnipeg?

For this article, we’ve chosen toy stores in Winnipeg based on the following aspects:

Toy store ambiance – Is the store welcoming upon entrance? Does it promote a feeling of nostalgia and joy? Is the shop spacious and well-organized?

Price – Does the store offer reasonable prices? Do shoppers who purchase in bulk get discounts or gifts?

Selection of toys – Does the shop present a wide selection of toys from different brands or retailers? Are its toys suitable for different ages and even adults?

Staff friendliness – Is the staff friendly and accommodating to all customers? Do they maintain the safe, comforting, warm, and magical atmosphere of the toy store?

That said, here are the best toy stores in Winnipeg you should definitely visit.

1. Toad Hall Toys, Inc.

TOY STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★★ 5/5
Organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Spacious	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★★☆ 4/5
SELECTION OF TOYS	★★★★☆ 4/5
Educational	★★★★☆ 4/5
Age-inclusive	★★★★★ 5/5
STAFF FRIENDLINESS	★★★★★ 5/5

If you’re looking for a shop to reconnect with your inner child, Toad Hall Toys, Inc. in Arthur Street is the perfect spot for you.

For one, the shop derives its name from the home of Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, one of the most iconic children’s books in the world.

The staff is also friendly and assists shoppers the best they can. With many toys to choose from, it can be easy to get lost in this toy store. 

But with personnel who can help you find what you’re looking for, toy shopping becomes more relaxing and convenient.

Toad Hall Toys also has a vast selection of toys that are suitable for all ages and range from educational to interactive and fun types. So you’ll surely find something that will rekindle your childhood memories, or perhaps help you heal your inner child.

Customers, both regular and new, have praised the wide array of goods to choose from. However, because Toad Halls Toys is a household name in Winnipeg, we found that toys get sold out quite fast, especially during the holiday season.

That said, we suggest shopping off-season to prevent the influx of people completing their gift lists for kids and friends.

And if there is a toy that will only be released during the holiday season, contact Toad Hall Toys or shop via its website to reserve items you want to purchase. That way, you’ll have limited-edition toys that will make whoever you’re giving them to happy.

Besides online shopping and reservations, Toad Hall Toys also offers delivery and curbside pick-up. Local delivery fees start at $7 and goods will be shipped within a week.

Another downside we noticed, although minor, is that the store doesn’t have its own designated parking spaces.

However, since the store neighbors The Exchange District, Albert Street, and King and Bannatyne, shoppers will have spots to park their vehicles.

Note that you’ll need to book and pay for a ticket to park at these spots. Additionally, some parts of these streets may only allow parking from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and vehicles may be towed if cars are parked earlier or after this time frame.

On the bright side, free parking for a maximum of two hours is available on Saturdays. We suggest planning your shopping schedule ahead of time so you can secure a parking spot.

In terms of pricing, prior customers noted that some of Toad Hall Toys’ prices don’t reflect the toys’ quality. Now, we think that this could be due to mediocre products getting past their respective brands’ quality control checks.

That said, should you get a faulty toy, we encourage you to report the incident to Toad Halls Toys via phone or email. The store responds to customers’ concerns the best they can and will provide the most feasible solutions to resolve issues.

And even if the damaged toys aren’t solely the fault of Toad Hall Toys, we still think that it is crucial for its staff to double-check if toys are of excellent quality before putting them on sale.

Doing so will prevent unsatisfied customers from complaining and asking for replacements or refunds in the future.

Customer Reviews

Friendly staff, variety of options

I absolutely love this store. Very genuine. The best place to find a gift, for any age! Not just a toy store, you can find anything your mind can use for an adventure! From of course toys, to games, puzzles, costumes, magic tricks, and model trains. Science projects and crystal growing to robots and engineering kits. I am amazed every single time I walk through this store. Amongst all of this, a wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. Good luck finding parking! – MJ Baz

Great toy collection

I’ve recently gotten back into 1:12 scale miniatures and Toad Hall was always my go-to place. Their miniature section has decreased significantly but I was still able to find a few great items including balsa wood for miniature furniture construction. – Kristen Holmes Lavery

2. The LEGO Store Polo Park

TOY STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★★ 5/5
Organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Spacious	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
SELECTION OF TOYS	★★★★☆ 4/5
Educational	★★★★★ 5/5
Age Inclusive	★★★★☆ 4/5
STAFF FRIENDLINESS	★★★★★ 5/5

The LEGO brand has provided various building kits to many children, hobbyists, and adults for over 90 years.

Who knew that seemingly unappealing sets of small colorful bricks will form unique and exciting structures ranging from pirate ships to medieval castles, cottages, spacecraft, and superhero vehicles?

And while The LEGO Store in Polo Park, Winnipeg is only limited to building blocks, it is a prime toy store that offers a diverse selection of LEGO kits suitable for toddlers, school-age kids, artists, and fans of popular books, movie franchises, and TV shows.

So if you’re looking for educational toys to enhance the creativity and patience of the kids in your family, or perhaps to give as gifts to friends, then this store is definitely the best place to shop.

Now, because LEGO is a well-loved toy brand worldwide, certain sets might be in-demand and challenging to get.

Some customers we spoke to also mentioned that this store might not have certain collections available in other LEGO Stores in North America and other countries.

So if there are LEGO sets you are eyeing (especially the limited-edition ones), we suggest contacting The LEGO Store Polo Park to ask whether it sells the items you’re looking for or not. 

Doing so will save you time lining up and being disheartened if the item you want isn’t available.

In terms of pricing, some LEGO sets are reasonably priced while others are on the heftier end. For example, the Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer set costs around $850. 

Now, there are times that LEGO stores offer around two to three gifts, such as a children’s book, a small carrot house, and a plane set, to those who purchase similar expensive and limited-edition sets.

But in the case of this Winnipeg branch, customers mentioned that they didn’t receive any gift at all even if they bought large LEGO sets. 

Some also said that despite the website saying that certain sets come with free gifts, buyers didn’t receive any after.

Now, we honestly think this could be due to the free gifts running out fast since their prerequisite sets are in-demand. 

We suggest future customers either reserve sets earlier or ask if the store still has gifts left for the next buyers. That way, they’ll save time and get the most out of their investments.

Overall, we still think The LEGO Store Polo Park is a great store to shop for gifts and items for your collection to rekindle your childhood dreams.

Customer reviews

Helpful and friendly staff 

If I could give more stars, I  would!   The staff were extremely friendly and very helpful with the products.   The only issue that I have with the Winnipeg store is that it is not big enough!   They are doing a wonderful job with the space they are allotted,  but more retail space and display area would be great!   A.F.O.L. and loving it! – Richard Jones

Respectful staff, great experience

I’ve waited in line for a new release – Black Friday’s there have the longest line – everyone is respectful. Talking to people in line I like to know there Lego setup/display and WOW!

Staff are friendly both in-person and on the phone. Always a great experience, THANK YOU EVERYONE! – Colleen Jennifer-Lynn

3. GameKnight Games and Cool Stuff

TOY STORE AMBIANCE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
Organized	★★★★☆ 4/5
Spacious	★★★☆☆ 3/5
PRICE	★★★★☆ 4/5
SELECTION OF TOYS	★★★★☆ 4/5
Educational	★★★★★ 5/5
Age Inclusive	★★★★☆ 4/5
STAFF FRIENDLINESS	★★★★★ 5/5

Looking for the most exciting games to play with your friends? GameKnights Games and Cool Stuff is a toy store in Winnipeg you wouldn’t want to miss.

For one, the shop sells a wide array of board games, card games, roleplayer games, and party games. 

Select games that will enhance your vocabulary and wit, or explore an alternate fantasy universe as a knight, wizard, or dragon slayer!

Now, what if the game you’re eyeing is too pricey and won’t turn out as fun as you thought it will be? Don’t fret about wasting money, because the shop lets you try out its board games to see whether they’re suitable for your needs.

We also found out that the store allows rentals for those who want to try its games longer before committing and purchasing. We honestly think that this rental policy may convince interested buyers to purchase different games and enjoy them for longer.

If you noticed the high but not perfect rating of GameKnight’s selection of toys, it is because the shop mostly caters to more mature toy lovers. So if you’re looking for toys for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, this store might not be the right place for you.

However, you may drop by this shop to purchase puzzles and creative kits for older kids. That way, you’ll introduce fun and educational methods of learning.

Besides puzzles, board games, card games, and group games, GameKnight Games and Cool Stuff also presents hobbyists kits ranging from miniature dioramas to mini statues and building sets.

So if you’re interested in other building kits other than LEGO, then GameKnight might have the right set for you. 

On the downside, this shop isn’t that spacious despite having a large selection of goods. We noticed the shop can be jam-packed, especially during the holiday season or when new sets are released.

Shopping earlier or during the off-season are two suitable solutions to prevent a large crowd. But if you’re after toy sets that will be released in specific months, we recommend making a list of all the items you want to buy.

That way, you’ll be focused on getting your desired items despite being in a crowded store.

An alternative is to make reservations via GameKnight’s website. You can book your items and get them via curbside pick-up even if the shop is full of eager buyers.

Or you may opt for delivery instead. Your delivery fee will be reduced depending on how much you’ve purchased. But if you buy a total of $200, your items will be delivered for free!

Additionally, the shop’s friendly and accommodating staff will make shopping more efficient. Ask them for help or information about the toy sets you plan to get.

Customer reviews

Wide inventory

After shopping here for years and using the online store recently as well, I have had nothing but pleasant experiences.

They host events, have a great inventory, the staff are always helpful and friendly, the online store is easy to use and the hours are great. – -Awful Kerfuffle

Accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable staff 

“You arrive back in town after a long adventure, eager to rest, relax, and maybe pick up a few new toys. After stashing your gear at the inn and grabbing a bite to eat, you head out to the local market, renowned for its incredible selection.

Your sight is filled with a plethora of games the likes of which you’ve never seen. After recovering from the initial bout of being awestruck, you begin to browse the wares.

A number of new items catch your eyes…”

GameKnight holds a special place in my heart – they were my gateway into modern board games and LCGs like Android Netrunner, L5R, and Marvel Champions. I’ve been shopping with them since they were at their previous location, and I inadvertently found out back then that one of my fellow hometown acquaintances was working there (shout out to Ben). Since then, GameKnight has supplied me with many board games, X-Wing miniatures, D&D books, various LCGs, and now Magic cards and accessories. When I’m in the city, they’re a little bit out of the way for me from my usual hotel, but they are well worth the trip. The new location is much larger than their old one, and I love the whole castle exterior – it’s super on brand for them. When I was stuck home during the pandemic, they were very accommodating with either shipping or holding my orders. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable – truly the finest knights in all the land! – Yawhann Chong

4. Mastermind Toys

TOY STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★☆ 4/5
Organized	★★★★☆ 4/5
Spacious	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
SELECTION OF TOYS	★★★★★ 5/5
Educational	★★★★★ 5/5
Age Inclusive	★★★★★ 5/5
STAFF FRIENDLINESS	★★★☆☆ 3/5

We’ve tackled the best toy stores for older kids and adults. Now, let’s talk about Mastermind Toys, one of the largest and perhaps top-rated toy stores to find books, toys, and games for preschoolers and primary school kids.

Mastermind Toys has an array of toys targeted at educating kids and getting them ready for sports and adventure.

For example, if you know any child interested in cycling, skateboarding, tennis, or gardening, Mastermind Toys has safe outdoor playsets and protective gear. That way, kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors safely.

On the other hand, Mastermind Toys also has items for indoor play. You’ll find toys from famous brands such as Barbie, Hasbro, Calico Critters, PAW Patrol, Play-Doh, Hape, Ravensburger, and LEGO in this shop.

That said, kids will enjoy playing indoors and outdoors, thanks to Mastermind Toys’ array of games and items that promote fun, learning, and exploration.

While the array of toys will likely excite you to shop, we noticed that some items are priced higher than in other shops or on Amazon.

However, we still recommend shopping at Mastermind Toys because you’ll get to see what the toys look like in real life and assess whether they are of excellent quality.

Now while Mastermind Toys excels in its array of products, it currently lacks customer service. Customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with rude and unfriendly staff.

We believe that a store’s overall rating may be marred by unpleasant customer service, despite having all types of toys, books, and games available.

That said, Mastermind Toys may need to reevaluate its staff and replace those with constant bad ratings with kinder and friendlier ones. Doing so may improve its customer service and perhaps invite more customers to shop again!

Customer reviews

Great selection of toys 

I looked everywhere for a Spider-Man mask and Mastermind had it, and it was super reasonable! While I was there I found some other awesome things to go along with the gift. I think they have an amazing selection of interesting toys that aren’t just throw away nonsense. I love their selection of fidget toys too! – Hailey F

Easy and magical shopping experience 

I can’t say enough about the staff at the Kenaston location of Mastermind Toys! Christmas shopping made not only easy but magical! I love it when people around you enjoy what they do! To the staff that helped make my grandson squeal with delight Christmas morning, I thank you.

Happy New Year Mastermind Toys! – Allison Braun

5. Build-a-bear Workshop

TOY STORE AMBIANCE	★★★★★ 5/5
Organized	★★★★★ 5/5
Spacious	★★★★★ 5/5
PRICE	★★★☆☆ 3/5
SELECTION OF TOYS	★★★★☆ 4/5
Educational	★★★★☆ 4/5
Age Inclusive	★★★★☆ 4/5
STAFF FRIENDLINESS	★★★★★ 5/5

Sometimes, the most personalized toys spark the most joy in a person. Here at Build-a-bear Workshop in Polo Park, people can construct their own plushie that will accompany them to sleep and keep them company!

Kids and Kids at Heart may choose from the array of stuffed toy bases to build from. Then, they can add fun parts, such as wings, tails, jewelry, and clothes.

Customers can also add fragrance to their stuffed toys to make them smell sweeter and perhaps more comforting to sleep with at night!

Now, if you want popular characters to be part of your plushies collection, Build-a-bear Workshop also sells toys from famous brands.

You can get dolls and stuffed animals from franchises such as Frozen, PAW Patrol, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC Comics, Pokemon, and How to Train Your Dragon.

With the wide selection of stuffed toys available, you’d think that the staff is overwhelmed and has a tendency to be unfriendly. 

Thankfully, Build-a-bear Workshop has friendly staff to help you find what you’re looking for.

We think they help maintain the magical and innocent ambiance of the toy store. No wonder even adults love going to Buil-a-bear Workshop.

We will say, however, that we aren’t happy with the prices. We understand that customizing toys is pricier, but we still think the price points are too steep.

Build-a-bear Workshop offers shipping in North America for safer and more convenient transactions with less contact with other customers. Economy rates range from $10.19 to $44.84, while standard rates cost around $14.73 to $64.06.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful gift selections 

My husband and I made a Pikachu stuffed animal for me since we both love anime and Pokémon. The heart they asked us for a wish and we pledged a long and happy marriage and I sleep with it whenever my husband and I are separated. It’s like I have his heart always next to mine. The little touches they give to even adults makes this place a wonderful gift for anyone. Sorry for the sappy post 🙂 – Sarah Ashmore

Great experience, friendly employees

Awesome selection of licensed bears ranging from Marvel to Paw Patrol to Star Wars.

Although pricey, the experience is a good time as an adult or with kids (I brought my nephew).

They do have lots of upsell options but all you have to do is politely decline and they move on. The reviews complaining about this are odd because the employees are only doing their job.

Otherwise the employees were incredibly friendly and super kid-friendly. – Destiny Funk

FAQs on the Best Toy Stores in Winnipeg

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So there you have it — the best toy stores in Winnipeg. Remember, no one is too old to be in a toy store. 

Explore the wide array of toys and see which ones will spark joy in your inner child.

A trip to the toy store can also be a comforting reward to children who bravely finish their appointments with Winnipeg’s best kids’ dentists.

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