2017 Golden Teddy Awards — Shopping + Services

Winner: Top Ten Toys

You won’t find the latest name-brand, must-have toy of the season at Top Ten Toys. Something else you won’t find? Toy guns. Commercialism and violence are replaced by old-fashioned delights, such as puppets and train sets, at this longtime favorite and multiyear Golden Teddy winner. Kids and parents love the store’s broad selection of thoughtfully curated toys and books promoting learning and creativity. This local establishment also offers play times and story times, a free create-your-own-gift-wrapping area, a toddler play area and a friendly staff with a mission to “keep healthy play alive.”

Finalists

Families rank Half Price Books as one of their favorite awesome bookshops. Its motto is “We buy and sell anything printed or recorded except yesterday’s newspaper,” and it means it. The sprawling shelves contain new and used books as well as movies, music and games across a variety of media and formats. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the store, the business probably has it available on its Amazon-like online seller marketplace.  

With locations in Kenmore and Redmond, Snapdoodle Toys seems to be as beloved by parents as by kids. Hosting Lego meet-ups and “crafternoons” for kids, and adult coloring nights for grown-ups (BYO happy-hour beverage), Snapdoodle gives families around the Sound a chance to explore educational and imaginative toys. “Warning: It’s so easy to lose track of time in this place,” says one parent. And don’t worry about becoming parched while exploring; Snapdoodle offers a complimentary latte or cup of tea to shoppers, along with free gift wrapping. 

Seattle is consistently rated among the most bookish cities in the nation, so it’s no surprise that our readers voted for bookstores as often as toy stores. Independent bookstore Third Place Books, with its broad selection of books and toys, onsite food options, and emphasis on community is an obvious favorite. Locations in Seward Park and Ravenna both have individual character and appeal, but the mammoth original store in Lake Forest Park is still the most popular. 

Rhea Lana's Consignment Event is as beloved for books and toys as it is for kids’ clothes. This nation-wide consignment program is locally organized with seasonal sales in Tacoma. Reviewers are equally positive about the selling and shopping experiences. Even though the fall sale dates have not been announced yet, it’s not too early to sign up to sell. South Sound families will want to subscribe to Rhea Lana’s eNews to be notified when the sale is scheduled.