Pufferbellies — Attraction in Staunton

December 10, 2024 - A very special store which connects the customer shopping experience with a loved family member or friend . . . Gift of the heart! ❤️😃👍🏼

My wife & I are new to the Staunton area, and happened to find this family owned “treasure of toys & games” ! Everyone who’s looking for a special gift for a certain loved one . . . Take an hour or two to wonder into Santa’s playground for kids of all ages!

You’ll need the time to browse through all the “ nooks & crannies” ! Thanks to owners Susan ( Mom) & Erin Blanton ( daughter) who operate Pufferbellies, since 2006 ! The name comes from the old steam engine circa early 1800’s . . . it “ puffs & toots” as it rolls down the rail tracks. The name changes a bit to “Puffing Billy” as Australia’s steam engine circa 1900.

The store front retains its original door frames, windows, and trim . . . in downtown Staunton near the train depot. There’s parking, and easy walking to this beautifully renovated toy store! They offer complimentary gift wrapping!

Their website is very helpful : ( can search)

*Outdoor toys & games

*Do - It - Yourself kits

*Books

*Arts & Crafts

*Active Play games

*Building & Construction

*Age appropriate toys & games

*Puzzles & Games

*STEM & Science Activities

*Imagination Play

*Online ordering & Shipping

Newsletter

I think I need to go again before Christmas! Still time to wonder through this amazing Playland for more gifts ! Thank you Susan & Erin for your delightful treasure in...

Pufferbellies embodies every great quality that Staunton has to offer: quaint quirkiness, personalized attention, and genuine care for its citizens. I remember being intrigued as they led hundreds of children and adults through downtown Staunton around Halloween and then told scary stories across the street. Cost? Zero dollars. Self-promotion? Non-existent.

They always respond quickly to inquiries, welcome everyone with compassion, and stock some of the most interesting things that you didn't know you wanted. They have been leaders in Staunton: organizing events that build strong communal bonds, helping children feel seen and heard, and being a large part of what makes our town unique.

These qualities have shown even brighter during these difficult times. At what must certainly be a financial hit to their business, the store now limits the number of shoppers, requires adhering to guidelines, and has hand sanitizer in abundance. To accommodate those who cannot get to the store, or who feel uncomfortable with these guidelines, they have found other ways to get toys and gifts to the community, through the mail, personal delivery, or curbside pickup.

Pufferbellies has stood as one of Staunton's most important downtown businesses and is as important now as...

We’ve gone for the Queen’s City Mischief & Magic for three years now, and this is by far my favorite shop to visit. This year, my younger brother bought a wand from them (as did I amongst other items, they are absolutely beautiful and this shop is amazing!) but when we were getting into the car to leave, he dropped it and it snapped.

I quickly walked back down to the shop and pulled one of the attendants aside to explain what happened. I wanted to ask if she could pop in and see if there was another wand and then I’d wait in line and come in and buy it. This woman not only took me inside to check, bypassing the line, but she gave me the replacement wand for free even though I offered to pay. It was the last wand like he got too!!

These people have always been incredibly kind and helpful, but this honestly made my family’s day. So thank you, to the woman wearing house elf ears. You went above and...