Adventures In Toys

Great place to find unique and nostalgic gifts for kids. Pricier than Amazon but worth it due to the gift wrap and friendly customer service.

I’ve been going to downtown Birmingham my entire life and have seen this store go thru some changes.
First, it was an upscale toy store filled with lots of pricey goodies. Then when the downturn came, it was downsized and became more modest in focus.
I think things have gotten better because this incarnation has gotten larger. The toys aren’t too pricey and it’s useful for quick presents, but for service, I’d go to the Doll Hospital in Berkeley.

Was excited to forgo big box stores this holiday and buy my little cousins’ Christmas gifts at some local toy stores. Adventures in Toys has a fun selection of educational toys, dolls, stuffed animals, games, and crafty fun. They even carry Playmobile which really takes me back! The prices aren’t as cheap as big shops but I’m happy to spend a few extra bucks to help a local shop.
Unfortunately that good will wasn’t really extended to me. As I shopped around no one acknowledged me or said hello. Instead one lady behind the counter was more interested in telling the other the entire plot of Bridesmaids. Even when I came up the counter with my purchases I was not acknowledged. The lady just rang me up without a word nor even any eye contact with me. I paid with credit and I wasn’t even told «sign this,» instead I was silently handed the receipt with a pen. After I signed I was wordlessly handed my bag (which was somewhat unceremoniously dropped on the counter) without a thank you, happy holidays, or anything. Instead the lady just kept talking about Kristen Wiig getting the runs in a fancy dress. Ugh.
I’ve been into this shop a few times and have never felt particularly welcome but I don’t need to be coddled while I’m browsing so it didn’t bother me too much. But today, after making the conscious decision to spend extra money there, I was expecting maybe at least a pleasant hello or at the very least a thank you. It’s a toy store for goodness sakes! Try and at least be a little friendly.
Bah humbug says this grumpy elf.

Great selection and the staff are always helpful. We’ve been in here probably 10+ times for birthday gifts and have always walked away successful. Cute little store.

Fellow Unilocaler, Valerie G., and I ditched work for the afternoon and spent some time wandering the streets of Birmingham looking for stuff that our kids needed. This place had some cute Sesame Street hats in the window and looked promising. There were a lot of toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, some of which seemed like something I would buy. We took a quick stroll through the store but nothing caught our fancy. My main beef with this place was the two employees who were chatting away at the register and did not acknowledge us at all.

Selections aren’t huge… But they do have just enough items for kids and toddlers. You won’t find video games and bikes here.
Prices are what it should be for suggested retail. Not a huge discount you would get from Meijer or Wal-​Mart but it’s not a massive franchise either.
Lot of Thomas the Tank, Baby toys, Board Games, etc.
The staff here are very friendly and helpful.
Free gift wrapping! That’s a big plus!
Sign up for their emailing list and they send you discounts.

Great local toy store with unique toys you wouldn’t find in your local chain toy store. We bought my daughter this imported German toy car that you can disassemble. She LOVES it. They have a great assortment of toys, puzzles, trains, and toys for all ages.

Woahh I like this toy store since it makes everyone want to walk in when you are in Bham during a sunny day out or bumming around the area. They have nice train sets my mom would get my brother when he was little. The ones with wood and overpriced (to the extent you were getting less wood then a piano but cost more). Its always fun to see what the yuppie sorta parents are going to give their kids… yes toys i wish i had when I was little or still want (but can’t jusitify at this age or the cost).