Save that Date: NOV 29 for My Discovery Toys Online Christmas Shopping Party
The Value of a Good Shopping Experience
Storytime… when my oldest was a toddler, I used to take him to Books-A-Million in Hattiesburg for a fun outing. He’d go for the train table with the other children. I’d get a coffee and settle in the comfy chairs. I was sad when they changed the locations of the store and the train table as well as the comfy chairs were no longer a part of the children’s section. It wasn’t the same.
It showed me that I really value the shopping experience as much as the items purchased.
That’s why I dream of visiting one of these top 25 independent toy stores mentioned in this Fatherly article.
“Independent toy stores are the kinds of places you get sucked into off the street. You’re on the way to someplace else, with kids or without, step in, and you emerge an hour later in a happy daze, whether you bought something or not. They are the kinds of places people seek out for an afternoon of fun, for toys you can’t find in a big-box retailer, or for the expertise of salespeople who know a ridiculous amount about toys, and games, and which building blocks will be perfect for your kid.”
Aaron, S. (2018, December 4). The 25 best independent toy stores in America. Fatherly. https://www.fatherly.com/gear/the-best-independent-toy-stores-in-america. Accessed November 20, 2025.
A Few Roadtrip-Worthy Toy Stores for an Epic Christmas Shopping Experience
- Smart Toys and Books (Knoxville, TN): This one is high on my list! Their focus is on developmental toys, but the real draw is the interactive playground—which includes an indoor pirate ship playset!
- LARK Toys (Kellogg, MN): Not just a toy store, but with a carousel, mini-golf, and a cafe. And they have miniature llamas named Francis, Irving, and George! That sounds like pure, joyful chaos I need in my life.
- Charles Ro Supply Company (Malden, MA): I’d love to visit this model train heaven. It’s the country’s leading Lionel Trains dealer, with a massive warehouse and a huge layout where six trains run non-stop every Saturday.
- Toy Joy (Austin, TX): This place sounds perfectly weird, just like Austin. They specialize in eclectic gifts, things like a “Golden Girls” puzzle. And they have a candy and ice cream shop next door!
- Labyrinth Games & Puzzles (Washington, DC): This place hosts weekly tournaments, board game battles, and dedicated kid-friendly nights. It sounds like the ultimate spot to get immersed in tabletop games.
What makes these places so great is the experiences they offer:
- These shops support community building and host events.
- They encourage hands-on fun.
- They sell unique products you just won’t find anywhere else.
If traveling across the country is not on your radar this holiday season consider some alternatives closer to Hattiesburg.
Shopping Experiences that Are Also Fun And Closer to Home
1. TrainTastic (Gulfport, MS)
If you love trains, TrainTastic (also known as the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum) is a must-visit. (not really a toy store, but they probably do have toy trains for sale…maybe?) Founded by brothers Richard and Glenn Mueller, this attraction is fueled by a decades-long passion for trains. It’s a place where you can appreciate the scale and dedication of model railroading right here on the Coast!
2. The Lucky Rabbit in Hattiesburg
As a local alternative to Toy Joy in Austin, we have The Lucky Rabbit right here in downtown Hattiesburg. It’s an absolute must-visit.
The Lucky Rabbit isn’t just a shop; it’s a full-on destination experience, housed in two big, old buildings, it’s packed with unique finds, furniture, local nostalgia, and vintage collectibles, including a candy store! The real joy is in the atmosphere: they have over-the-top displays like vintage arcades, old cola machines, and fun, nostalgic photo spots like a 1970s McDonald’s Hamburger Jail. If you’re looking for hours of pure discovery and fun while supporting a truly local business in Hattiesburg, this is the place to go!
3. Top Tier Gaming
Located in the Arbor shopping center, Top Tier Gaming isn’t just a place to buy games; it’s a place to play them. They offer a huge, complimentary game library, along with plenty of table space, encouraging you to spend time with friends and family. It’s the perfect local destination for an afternoon of entertainment, where you can test-drive a new game before buying it or get personalized advice from the team to find the perfect game experience for your family.
Small Business Sunday is November 29–Save the Date!
Small Business Saturday is a big deal. It’s the day after Thanksgiving when we’re all supposed to focus on supporting local businesses, which is important since the country has over 33 million of them.
Does a Discovery Toys consultant like me fit the bill? It depends on how you look at it. Businesses like mine, even if they have a national name, are owned and run by local people. Your money supports my family and stays right here in the Hattiesburg area. That’s the whole point of shopping small.
I’m holding my annual Discovery Toys Christmas online shopping party. Seriously, no pressure at all if you’re not in the market for toys right now.
But if you are, here’s my offer: I will be available throughout the day Saturday, November 29th, as your dedicated toy resource.
How I Can Help You This Small Business Saturday
- I’m here to help you figure out what toys are right for your child’s development—even if the toy is not Discovery Toys. I am happy to talk (or text) about toys and stages of play for your child.
- I can help you place orders over the phone if that’s easier.
- Do you have developmental concerns? We can talk about that too. I am happy to walk you through a developmental screener over the phone.
Shop Smart: It’s All About Quality and Connection
My final thought is this: If you can get out and support one of those awesome, unique brick-and-mortar stores, especially those in Hattiesburg, please do! Experience that fun.
If you choose to shop through me, you’re doing something great: you’re supporting me, a local Hattiesburg small business owner. It’s a win-win: quality play for your child, and support for your neighbor.
References
Read More About Me and Discovery Toys
Discovery Toys “Tricky Fingers” Toy Promotes Finger Isolation For Beginner Piano Students
This clever little game challenges players to use their fingers to manipulate pegs in a variety of patterns. I have it in a regular rotation in my bag of tricks for piano lessons. Newbie piano students have a hard time moving one finger at a time. This toy helps students with that.
Keep reading
Why do you love Discovery Toys?
When I recently join Discovery Toys, there were a few friends who reached out to let me know how much they really love Discovery Toys. I took what they told me and made these cheesy Valentines. Enjoy!
Keep reading
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
1. Castle Marbleworks 2. Measure Up Cups 3. Explore It! Hand Held Microscope 4. Tricky Fingers
Keep reading
All Things Early Intervention 