Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or looking for a special gift for a child’s birthday, you can find some really unique options at locally-owned toy stores and baby/children’s boutiques around the Milwaukee area.
Find something for everyone on your list while supporting local businesses at the same time!
1. Art Smart’s Dart & Juggling Emporium
1695 N. Humboldt Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-3278
Website
You’ll obviously find darts, dart supplies, and juggling props at this dart mart and juggling emporium on the corner of Humboldt and Brady Street, but you can also buy kites, boomerangs, yo-yo’s, disc golf equipment, a selection of gag gifts, and more.
Their selection of novelty items would make for great stocking stuffers, too! Some of their inventory is even available online, and they offer free worldwide shipping on orders over $100.
2. BlackBear Children’s Boutique
4312 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211
(414) 368-0110
Website
Inspired by a love of shopping for her nieces and nephews, Emma Carollo launched BlackBear Boutique in 2017. The shop carries a curated collection of high-quality clothing, accessories, books and toys for children 0-10 years old. Emma scours the globe for products with a focus on sustainability and ethically produced goods.
BlackBear often hosts special events and classes, including storytime and crafts for ages 1-4 on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.
3. Fischberger’s Variety
2445 N. Holton St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 263-1991
Website
This delightful gift shop in the Riverwest area has unique finds for all ages, and they pride themselves on carrying something for everyone. You’ll find games and toys, puzzles, clothing, crafting and sewing supplies, jewelry, greeting cards, candy and more.
Some items are available on the Fischberger’s website, and you can place an order for pickup. They also offer free, no-contact delivery for local customers ($10 minimum purchase).
4. Goo Goo Gaa Gaa
18905 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 790-6890
Website
This store started out as a baby boutique, and it has grown into a lovely store for kids of all ages. It’s a great place to find special occasion outfits and mommy-and-me sets.
They offer fun clothing, toys, stuffed animals, books and children’s décor. They also have meaningful gifts for important milestones in a child’s life, as well as gifts for parents and grandparents. There’s an online storefront too, and free gift wrapping is available for all purchases.
5. Little Monsters
2445 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-2323
Website
This adorable, high-end children’s boutique on the east side of Milwaukee has a great selection of trendy clothing (sizes infant thru 10) and accessories, interesting toys, books and even a candy bar.
Free gift wrapping is available for any purchase. Their Instagram account is fun to follow, too!
6. Rainbow Booksellers
5704 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 774-7205
Website
This adorable place just so happens to be the last children’s bookstore in the city of Milwaukee. They are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and their books are ALWAYS 25% off the cover price! Plus, they offer gift wrap to make gift shopping even easier.
Titles for kids from birth through high school age are available, including unique books in the areas of science, math, multi-cultural, foreign language and art, in addition to general titles. They also have wooden toys, puzzles and small items for birthday favors, plus a candy counter, chock full of treats.
7. Rooted MKE
5312 W Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 488-9545
Website
This BIPOC, women-owned children’s bookstore and literacy center provides a space for youth to thrive, learn and foster literacy, Rooted MKE has a curated selection of children’s and young adult (YA) titles that are all written, illustrated by, or showcase BIPOC characters.
They also offer literacy kits, exploratory learning courses, and private tutoring and academic support sessions.
This year, they are open to the public Friday 4:00-7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00-3:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00-3:00 PM.
8. Ruckus & Glee
805 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 395-3201
Website
Photo from Visit Milwaukee
Ruckus & Glee is a quirky and colorful toy store in the heart of Wauwatosa. You are sure to find the perfect gift for a birthday party or the holidays on any budget. A visit here is hands-on and interactive, and the owners choose high-quality toys and board games that awaken children’s imaginations.
Opt for in-store or online shopping, or call ahead to order a gift that’s wrapped and ready for pickup. You’ll also find them in our Birthday Guide. They have a Birthday Club and offer birthday registry to make shopping easier for everyone.
9. Winkie’s Hallmark and Gifts
629 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
(414) 964-2130
Website
Winkie’s is a landmark in the endearing shopping district of Whitefish Bay, and it has been locally owned for many years.
Upstairs you’ll find unique home décor, scented candles, stationery and other gifts for adults, and downstairs you’ll find a great selection of popular and whimsical toys and games for older and younger kids, as well as an assortment of novelty candies and chocolates.
10. The Smiley Barn Toy & Candy Store
2420 Milwaukee Street, Delafield, WI 53018
262-303-9037
Website
The Smiley Barn Toy & Candy Store is an iconic landmark that has been sharing its old fashioned charm and modern fun since 1932.
Inside you’ll find a toy store packed with tons of both new and novelty items, an old-fashioned candy corner to satisfy your sweet tooth, several interactive play areas for the kids, and you can wrap up your perfect stop with a classic sundae or cone at Mullen’s Dairy Bar.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
