December is here and the holidays are well on their way. Santa works hard, but he can’t do it all himself. Be his best elf by doing the shopping yourself. Shopping locally has its advantages, like being able to see and feel the toys you’re buying to make sure they’re a good fit. It also helps support local communities.
“It’s important to shop small because it keeps the money in the local economy,” says Sarah Morales, who co-owns Ro’s Toys in White Marsh with her husband, Kevin. “We also work with local charities, PTAs and churches.” Here are some of our favorite local stores, plus big box stores you can shop locally for this year’s Holiday Gift Guide picks.
Find It Locally
Charm City Books
426 W. Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | 443-682-9911
This independent bookstore carries such titles as “Meowy Christmas to All!” and “Rolling Pals: Matt the Cat,” plus thousands of other well-curated books to get the whole family reading all the way through the new year and beyond.
Lakeshore Learning Stores
1620 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286 | 410-296-5888
Known for its educational toys, Lakeshore Learning features plenty of well-made and engaging products for children of all ages. Standing at nearly a foot tall, the Over the Rainbow Enchanted Castle for ages 3 and older features bright colors, sturdy construction and moveable parts for open-ended imaginative play.
Target
3559 Boston St., Baltimore, MD 21224
While stock can vary by store location and availability, Target is a great place to pick up the Lovete Girls’ Activity Night Shoe Styling kit and the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Deluxe Clubhouse Playset. Check out Sixes & Ones, a collapsable and portable dice game that is great for on-the-go fun.
Walmart Supercenter
6420 Petrie Way Road, Baltimore, MD 21237
Flat 2 Fast is an outstanding little toy car that will fit great in a stocking, with an even better price at under $10. The Lock & Key Clubhouse is a colorful toy for toddlers 18 months and older that promotes hand-eye coordination and problem solving. Keep little hands busy with the Winter Frost Wooden Gingerbread House Play Set. Make 14 cute loom animals with the Klutz Make Your Own Loom Animals kit.
More to Explore
Better World Imagination
924 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-709-9107
Canton Games
2101 Essex St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-276-2540
Doc Taylor’s Toy Emporium
8197 Main St.
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-630-9052
Ro’s Toys
11110 Pulaski Highway
White Marsh, MD 21162
410-870-9674
Shananigans Toy Store
5004 Lawndale Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21210
410-532-8384
Totally Toys of Maryland
9131 Reisterstown Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
410-630-1085
Toy “R” Us Holiday Shop
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
443-774-0633
Local mom and writer Katie Schubert is proud to be done with her holiday shopping for the year. Probably. Flat 2 Fast was a huge hit with her then-3.5-year-old daughter at Christmas last year.
