Updated: July 25, 2026
In this guide
Shopping locally is one of my favorite things.
First of all, it feels pretty guilt-free. Yes, I’m spending money, but I’m also doing it in a way that will directly impact my community. Secondly, buying things from local shops saves time and headaches and helps you avoid shipping delays.
There’s one more reason this list matters right now: tariffs. Nearly 80% of the toys sold in the U.S. come from China, according to the Toy Association, and owners of two shops on this list told NBC4 they’ve been ordering ahead and juggling suppliers to keep prices fair. Local shops are doing that work so their shelves stay worth browsing. Let’s get into the fun stuff!
Every shop on this list was verified open in July 2026.
| Store | Best for | Where |
| Big Fun | Vintage toys and collectibles | Short North |
| Dublin Toy Emporium | Classic, high-quality toys | Historic Dublin |
| Cub Shrub | Toys and kids’ clothing | Clintonville |
| Learning Express | Gifts sorted by age | New Albany, Upper Arlington, Worthington |
| Hobbies Galore | Collector toys and retro games | Northeast Columbus |
| Skylarks Toys & Comics | Collectible toys and comics | Grove City |
| Rebel Toys | Vintage action figures | Downtown Delaware |
Big Fun
Specializing in vintage toys, Big Fun is always a great place to get a little shopping done. Whether you’re on the hunt for your favorite childhood toy to pass on to your own kids or you are searching for something for those “kids at heart” friends or family members, you can probably find what you’re looking for at Big Fun.
Location: 672 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Dublin Toy Emporium
Dublin Toy Emporium sells a wide variety of toys, from puzzles to puppets and just about everything in between. Located in Historic Dublin, the Toy Emporium focuses on providing high-quality, mind-expanding, safe, and fun toys for all ages.
Location: 28 North High Street, Dublin OH, 43017
Cub Shrub
Cub Shrub is legit one of the coolest shops for kids around. Started by Tiger Tree owners, Cub Shrub has toys, puzzles, gifts, clothes, books, and more. The kids will love shopping there as much as you do and it’s really a one-stop shop around the holidays. You can grab big gifts, stocking stuffers, gift bundles, and all sorts of other goodies.
Location: 3301 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Learning Express
With three locations around central Ohio, Learning Express is the definition of convenient. There are gifts for kiddos of all ages and it’s easy to find gifts by interest or age group on their website. When I mentioned convenience, I wasn’t kidding. You can have any gifts purchased at Learning Express gift-wrapped for free!
Location: Three central Ohio locations (New Albany, Upper Arlington, Worthington).
Hobbies Galore
Hobbies Galore leans collector: RC cars, Gundam and Warhammer kits, Pokémon singles, and a wall of vintage finds running from Transformers to original NES cartridges. They buy, sell, and trade, so it’s also the spot to turn an old collection into store credit. Heads up that they’re closed on Mondays.
Location: 5733 Emporium Sq, Columbus, OH 43231
Skylarks Toys & Comics
Grove City’s Skylarks stocks collectible toys and comics side by side. It’s a great stop for the kid who’s outgrown blocks but not toys, and there’s plenty to keep a grown-up collector browsing.
Location: 4222 Buckeye Pkwy, Grove City, OH 43123
Rebel Toys
Up in downtown Delaware, Rebel Toys specializes in vintage and collectible toys. It’s the place to hunt down the action figure you had in 1988, or to start a new obsession entirely.
Location: 20 S Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015
A comeback worth knowing about: Jamison & Bexley lost its space inside Painted Tree Boutiques when Painted Tree closed every location nationwide in April 2026. Now the children’s brand is set to open its first standalone store at Polaris Fashion Place in early August 2026. Until then, you can find them online at jamisonandbexley.com.
Toy store FAQ
Is there still a toy store at Polaris Fashion Place?
Toyzam! no longer appears in the mall’s directory. The toy store at Polaris today is Go! Toys & Games, part of a national chain. For a local option, children’s brand Jamison & Bexley is scheduled to open there in early August 2026.
Where can I find vintage toys in Columbus?
Big Fun in the Short North and Rebel Toys in downtown Delaware both specialize in vintage and collectible toys.
Which Columbus toy stores work for adult collectors?
Big Fun, Skylarks Toys & Comics in Grove City, and Rebel Toys all stock collectibles aimed as much at grown-ups as kids.
