Christine VasiliadesThe Kids Insider I Guide to the Best local Toy Stores, Fashion and Fun.
Updated: Mar 12
Tis the season so why not highlight some of the best toy stores, clothing for kids and some family friendly activities in Central Pennsylvania during this Christmas season and throughout the year.
Nerd Herd Gifts & Games
10 York Street
Gettysburg, PA. 17325
(717) 334-6373
This pop culture retail and online store in Gettysburg, PA. is run by local high school and college students. The space features right and left brain rooms with science and creativity kits along. You'll also find The Game Vault with more than 500 tabletop games, pop culture toys and gifts.
Nerd Herd Gifts & Games is sponsored by Timbrel and Scott Wallace, owners of Lark Modern Marketplace also in downtown Gettysburg. The Nerd Herd students have the opportunity to learn valuable life and business skills, socialize and have fun along the way.
Toys on The Square
22 E. Main Street
Hummelstown, PA. 17036
(717) 566-6301
Toys On The Square is an 8,000 square foot , independently owned toy store that's been providing toys, games, puzzles and crafts for all ages for more than 30 years. I know from personal experience that they not only wrap but ship your gifts for you.
They do provide a small parking lot in the back but parking is free throughout downtown Hummelstown, which is just a few miles from Hershey Park.
The Tatted Toy Guys
50 West Market Street
Elizabethtown, PA. 17022
(717) 615-7165
The Tatted Toy Guys, located in downtown Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania is a vintage to modern toy store with attention on retro toys. You'll find favorites from the 70's, 80's and 90's. As an adult in their 50's, It's like a walk down memory lane. Even more special is looking on as parents point out their childhood favorites to their children.
Tony and Clint Gibble have created something special here. They love bringing the community together and it shows in the dozens of annual events they host. It's an absolute must-see! Check The Tatted Toy Guys out in-store and on-line.
Tiny Town
533 Janet Ave.
Lancaster, PA. 17601
(717) 947-7350
Big fun for little people at this play space - toy store. Kids can explore 11 luxury playhouses with all the accessories while parents or care givers can relax at the coffee bar and cafe seating.
You can pre- purchase admission tickets, view their party packages and calendar of events on their website. Watch their educational and fun YouTube channel by clicking below.
The Candy Unicornium
2 West High Street
Elizabethtown, PA. 17022
(717) 615-7165
One word for The Candy Unicornium - Magical!! From the same minds that brought us The Tatted Toy Guys comes the candy experience that is The Candy Unicornium. Just like their toy store, you'll find lots of retro candy with a large offering of novelty and current candies. I'm telling you, it's like a walk through your childhood.
You can become a member on their website to receive 20 % off your first order, shop unicorn merchandise and to receive exclusive savings and perks.
The Little Francis Children's Shoppe
900 Market Street Suite 30
Upper level West Shore Farmers Market
Lemoyne, PA. 17043
(717) 763-1011
The little Francis Children's Shoppe is located on the second floor of the West Shore Farmers Market. They offer fine quality newborn and children's apparel, gifts, plush, accessories and more.
They have a personal shopper service. Just call or email them with suggestions on what you'd like and they'll send you photos of items to choose from. They gift wrap your items, include a note card and even take care of the shipping for you.
By the way the story of how they chose the name of the store is the sweetest. Check it out on their website.
Snazzy Giraffe
104 Walden Way
Mechanicsburg, PA. 17050
(717) 590-5147
Fun.Fashionable.Fabulous.
The Snazzy Giraffe is an elegant baby and children's boutique that offers exclusive clothing ranging from newborn to 8 and shoes to size 12, Fun and fashionable accessories, toys and puzzles, books, plush animals, blankets and more.
Michelle takes great care to ask if your purchase is a gift, take the tags off and package everything so beautifully.
Parking is available directly in front of the boutique with an additional parking lot to the left behind the shops at Walden.
The Fancy Unicorn
The Fancy Unicorn is a consignment boutique that offers a wide variety of clothing, shoes and accessories for newborn and children. In the front half of the store you'll also find women's consignment, new gifts and home decor. We love that they love to carry items from local makers!
Check out their Facebook page to be updated on all the LIV_Etown events that they are part of throughout the year.
Heavenly Soaps & Scents
(717) 626 - 7718
You're probably wondering what Heavenly Soaps & Scents has to do with Children! It turns out, they have an entire boutique in the back of the store dedicated to babies and children. You'll find the most unique books, plush, gifts and clothing at their heavenly scented store right in the heart of downtown Lititz.
Turkey Hill Experience
1 (844) 847-4884
The Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster county is built in an historic silk mill. After remaining empty for twenty five years, The Turkey Hill Experience opened in 2011 with interactive exhibits that show the ice cream making process. You can create your own virtual ice cream flavor, packaging and even your own commercial.
Make your own ice cream flavor in the Taste Lab, they host field trips and groups of 20 or more, birthday parties and event and conference room rental
Create-A-Palooza
(717) 409-5036
Create-A-Palooza is a family owned painting studio. They have open studio times where you can just walk in and paint. They also host classes and activities for the whole family. Last I was in a saw a family that had come in to paint Christmas ornaments together. Last year I saw grandparents that brought their grandchildren to paint a gift for their parents.
They have their own parking lot and indoor or outdoor seating. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that this family is always involved in community events from Jim donning a Santa suit on the square to volunteering at the Cumberland Valley Historical Society.
Little Black Dress Kids
1801 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA. 17011
(717) 525-748
Little Black Dress in Camp Hill now has a lbd kids section featuring the Posh Peanut brand. You'll find styles for women and their littles with children's sizes ranging from newborn to size 10. Little Black Dress also carries swaddle and beanie sets and winter wear for kids. Shop their website for the newest collections.
Capital City Mall
3506 Capital City Mall Drive
Camp Hill, PA. 17011
(717) 737-1578
You'll find so many options for family fun at Capital City Mall. From Pet photos with Santa during the holidays to Build-a-Bear Workshops and Dave & Busters family entertainment venue. Check out the calendar of events on their website for events throughout the year.
Character appearances provided by The Enchanted Teapot
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