Diddams Party & Toy Store — Attraction in Mountain View

Stickers on big rolls at the back of the store were depleted. There were none of the beautiful stickers remaining, only mundane ones because the (American) sticker company had gone out of business.

There were many other party and holiday items in the store. I found some old-time chewing gum flavors like Beemans and clove. And it's the place to go for custom birthday balloons. I also found a hula hoop for my granddaughter.

I asked the clerk about light-up Halloween necklaces and he showed them to me, commenting that Halloween items are not returnable. That makes sense. It also implies to me that other items may be returnable.

After I paid and he printed out the ticket, he got out a rubber stamp and stamped the ticket "Not returnable." I questioned if that meant everything on the ticket, which were mostly not Halloween items. But everything was deemed to be not returnable. I would have liked to know that before checking out. I don't like to return things but I do like to know that it's possible to do so.

The process of checking out was a bit annoying because the clerk rapped his fingers loudly on...

Update 6/12/23

I came in yesterday to purchase some rubber filled balloons to give to my sister for her birthday. I bought them a day in advance because of my schedule. When I woke up this morning they were no longer floating in the air and were lifeless on the ground. What a bummer. Super disappointed.

Previous review:

So far so good. I didn't have a chance to walk around the whole store and check everything out but from what I saw it sure looked like they have an amazing selection of items. I specifically came here to purchase stickers. Diddams did not disappoint. Their price point for the same brand of package stickers"Sticko" that Michael's and Joann Fabrics carries are way cheaper. They also carry old-school Mrs. Grossman's stickers on the roll. That brought me such joy seeing that. I grew up in the 80's and those were all the rage back then. They are a higher price point and a bit expensive but worth the nostalgia. Great toy selection- better than the San Mateo Location....

Regarding balloon order: Take a picture of what your order is, esp if it is from a floor display. Then compare it to what you are picking up. I realize after I got home that my big balloon bouquet ($30) was missing the huge ribbons. I was too busy preparing for the party to double check the floor photo I'd taken, and only managed to call two days later. They said that the order was correct - it didn't include the ribbon, that I should have told the lady who took my order, and also that when I pick up and I don't say anything right away, then it is as-is. Of course when I paid for my order and said I wanted a copy of this particular one on the floor, I'd expected it to be a replica. Basically I was told there is no recourse, and I called too late. They were much nicer when I was inquiring about balloons, and when I was placing the order. Not so friendly on pick up and definitely not friendly when...