Learning Express Toys

Specialties

Learning Express Toys specializes in unique and educational toys, games and gifts for children from birth to the teen years. Locally owned for 17 years, we offer three Wilmington locations plus an online store: 1437 Military Cutoff Rd., 3804 Oleander Dr. (next to Whole Foods), the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and www​.wilm​ing​ton​.learning​ex​presstoys​.com.

Some of our most popular perks: Birthday Wish Box registry (birthday children fill a jumbo bucket with their wishes 10 days before the party, and we create a personalized box for friends & family to view), a Baby Gift Registry, Grandparents’ Club (everyday discounts for registered grandparents), free personalizing, complimentary gift wrapping, personal service and toy recommendations from our team of toy experts.

History

Established in 1995.

The first Learning Express Toys store began in Acton, Massachusetts to support a preschool. Learning Express Toys in Wilmington, NC was the first of our family of stores to open in the South in 1995. Owners Ed and Shelley Hobson and their elves have enjoyed watching the store grow from a small shop on Oleander Drive to two large stores plus a website and a shop at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. If you want to hear all about the Beanie Baby days, the yo yo craze, Webkinz wildness, and Silly Bandz mania we have some great stories. Most of all, we have enjoyed growing up with a generation of Wilmington children, some of whom now work at the stores.

Meet the Business Owner

ED H.

Business Owner

Dad of two sons, Ed is a former CPA and banker. Close to 16 years ago he traded in his suit for a pirate hat (and sometimes an elf costume or a Darth Vader outfit complete with sound effects). Ed grew up in New Orleans which explains his willingness and enjoyment of dressing up (Mardi Gras roots). Ed and his wife Shelley have enjoyed playing with a generation of kids in Wilmington and look forward to more.