Iiiit’s tiiime! And not just time to hear Mariah Carey’s voice on the radio every hour of every day (though it is time for that, too). It’s time to start your holiday shopping — if you haven’t already. And whether you’re trying to cross off all the items on the NAPPA Top 20 list or find something surprising at a local business, we have the list of places you can go.
Shop Local
These shops might not stock the item you have your eye on from your wish list — but they might be able to order it for you or offer a suitable substitute.
Franklin’s Toys
558A Ritchie Highway | Severna Park
This beloved locally owned toy store — driven by the concept that healthy play is an important part of childhood — carries toys, books and games for engaged playtime.
Third Eye Comics
209 Chinquapin Round Road, Suite 200-300 | Annapolis
Find games, toys, comics and collectables that will appeal to all kinds of niche and quirky interests, from a Bigfoot research kit to finger puppets to Funko Pop figurines.
Crackerjacks Toys and Children’s Books
7 South Washington St. | Easton
Explore Crackerjacks’ curated collection of unique toys, including plushies, crafts, science, games, books and dress-ups. The dedicated staff focuses on the best customer service to help you find the right toy for your needs.
Buzzy Bee Toys
5544 Muddy Creek Road | West River
Focused on equal parts fun and educational growth, this store offers a wide selection of toys that inspire the imagination and develop well-rounded, curious children.
Find It From The List
Barnes & Noble
2516 Solomons Island Road | Annapolis
Barnes & Noble is known for books, but it also carries assorted games, puzzles and thought-stimulating crafts, including the KLUTZ Make Your Own Loom Animals, which comes with material and instructions for kids to knit their own adorable animal friends.
Target
1911 Towne Centre Boulevard | Annapolis
This department store has aisles upon aisles of the most popular toys, games, crafts and puzzles for all ages and developmental stages. You can find many of the items from the NAPPA list, including thinking gifts like the Vango Sixes and Ones Dice Game, active gifts like the JumpFlex HERO Round Outdoor Backyard Trampoline Playset and creative gifts like the Lovete Girls’ Activity Night Shoe Styling: Fashion DIY Kit.
Five Below
2313 H Forest Drive | Annapolis
(With other locations in Severna Park, Pasadena, Gambrills, Glen Burnie, Easton)
Sure, the appeal of Five Below is its prices (everything is $5 or less), but there’s also fantastic selection. You can get popular games and toys, including the Sticki Rolls Sticki Rolluxe, a crafting and jewelry-making kit that comes in its own stylish bag.
Lakeshore Learning
1620 Joppa Road | Towson
All the cognitively stimulating toys and games you could think of are awaiting at Lakeshore Learning (there’s a reason this toy store is an educator’s dream), and you can set a child’s imagination soaring with the Over the Rainbow Enchanted Castle, which opens up to reveal an assortment of magical spaces for creative play.
