Montclair Toyhouse — Local services in Oakland

Toyhouse has been serving children of all ages for over 50 years. Many adults who went there as a child continue to go their now to shop for their children, grandchildren, and friends.

Earlier during the pandemic, I saw children standing in front of the Toyhouse looking in the window. I imagined they were waiting to get in to search for some of their favorite coveted toys or discover new jewels.

Toyhouse is well stocked with card and board games; stuffed animals—large and small; science kits; dress-up and makeup items; Legos; children books; arts and crafts supplies; tractors and trucks; and even retro Lava Lamps.

There is something there for everyone that is looking...

I picked out two toys for my grandson three days before Christmas. The clerk was not friendly at all. She asked me if I wanted a bag, and I said yes. I noticed gift wrapping paper behind her and asked if they wrap gifts. "Yes." So I asked if she would wrap them. She appeared annoyed, then asked, "What's the occasion?" I said, "Christmas?" She then lectured me about how her daughter just had a birthday and lots of folks have birthdays around Xmas. I didn't say anything else, because I didn't want to be as rude as she was. Hint to the owner: Offer your customers gift wrapping; don't make them ask for it. And teach your clerks about good customer...

These people just shouldn't own a business frequented by children. The owners and workers are beyond not friendly, they are frankly pretty rude and unhelpful. The last time I brought my kid here the people behind the counter refused to help us find a specific toy my kid wanted, which we found, so we knew they had it in the end, they just wouldn't help us find it, when I asked for it specifically. I can't help but feel like you get a friendlier experience shopping for toys at your local target, which...