Building Blocks Toy Store

Chicago, United States

4.8

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 773-525-6200
Website:
www.buildingblockstoys.com
Address:
3306 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657
b/t Marshfield Ave & Paulina St
Lakeview
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
730 ftPaulina
0.4 miAddison
0.4 miSouthport
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Chicago) 6:46 AM Saturday, June 7, 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

We have toys, books, games, puzzles, crafts, science kits, trains, trucks, dolls, and lots of fun for ages 0 – 99! You can explore and play or our fun experts can help you select the perfect gift. Gift wrapping is complimentary and shipping is available.

History

Established in 1996.

The Lakeview shop was opened in 1996 and with it’s success came our second baby in Wicker Park. That shop opened in 2008. We are proud to be an active part of our community by donating to over 80 schools and organizations annually. We staff outstanding local members of our community including a mom returning to work after 18 years and a person who served in our military.

Meet the Business Owner

katherine M.

Business Owner

I am the proud owner of Building Blocks Toy Store (Lakeview, 1996 & Wicker Park, 2008), I started the business because I wanted to offer fun, interactive, educational, and quality toys for consciencious parents & caregivers – games, crafts, science kits, books, dolls, trains, etc. The fun business is… FUN, and it’s my passion. In Jan 2010, I was fortunate to expand my family with the birth of my son, so now I have someone to share all my toys with! Thank you for supporting a locally-​owned mom’s business. I appreciate your business. My staff and I work hard to service your family.

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20 reviews of Building Blocks Toy Store

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Mentor, OH
If your child is a Thomas Wooden Railway fan, this is the place to go. They carry a lot of retired and hard to find pieces at extremely reasonable prices. I could not believe the selection they have. Also, if you are out-​of-​town, you can order off of their website or even call them to see if they have a train that is not listed on their website. They have a lot of great other toys as well, and the customer service is great. I will definitely come back next time I am in town!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This review is long over due. In the fall Building blocks had a great 20% off sale. The weekend of the event, my husband had to work and it turned out both my son and I were ill. I had a few items that I wanted for my son’s upcoming 2nd birthday but thought that I was just going to miss out. This is when I discovered the most wonderful things about this store and why it’s services are invaluable to parents. I was able to call the store and purchase the items (with the discount) over the phone, they wrapped the gifts (FREE OF CHARGE) and had them ready for me to pick up at my convenience. My son’s birthday gifts were ready to go with only a phone call on my end. Not to mention the knowledgeable staff and an owner who is invested in running a business that is both profitable and a positive force in the community. I also trust that the toys they are selling are equality products. My son loves his Micro Mini scooter and it has held up through lots of use! Other toys bought from «cheaper» retailers fall apart very quickly. They do their research and love the products that they are selling. We are Building block lifetime customers!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I was Christmas shopping for boys and girls of varying ages. There was a great selection of toys, books, and games which was fantastic, but I felt overwhelmed on the choices. The staff was extremely helpful and attentive in helping me navigate the store and find great gifts for my tight budget. They even offered complimentary gift-​wrapping. I would be surprised if you couldn’t find a toy for any kid at any age or any price. The only criticism I have would to be careful about certain products that are in fact marked up in price. If you’re a savvy shopper it should be no problem bypassing those specific items, but beware of the toys that are overpriced. All in all it was a great store, and I will shop here again.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
A tiny toy store packed to the rafters with playthings.
On a mission to find toys for my three nephews (6 mo., 2 & 4 years old) for Christmas, I struck out all over the city. A friend suggested Timeless Toys, so I packed up and made my way here.
On the plus side, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I described what kinds of toys my nephews liked, and they showed me several options.
There’s also a wide selection. Mostly interactive and throwback toys. If you’re looking for something wooden, it’s here. Old Fisher-​Price record player (!) — check. Playmobil sets — check. Toddler trampoline — check. Puzzles — check.
On the down side, many of the items don’t have price stickers. And the place is so crammed, it can be really overwhelming and hard to find what you’re looking for. You may even have to move several boxes to find the things you’re seeking. But the salespeople can jump in to make that process easier.
Also, free gift-​wrapping is an amazing plus.
I’ll be back every Christmas until my nephews become dour teenage punks who only want to stare at their phones.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Fantastic neighborhood mom owned toy store. Ok, the prices aren’t as great as Amazon or Target or Toys R Us, but you get the satisfaction of helping out a small business, really great service from people who care about toys, free gift wrapping, a generous return policy, and occasional super sales along with support for your local schools or charities.
The stores hold a surprising amount of inventory — its stacked to the ceiling and if you are looking for something specific, just ask or you might waste” a lot of time looking for the item.
I’m a fan!
Place rating: 5
New York, NY
There are some great elves working here! I usually visit the store to get educational gifts for my nieces and nephews, but recently ordered from their website. I ordered 30 items and emailed back and forth with Simone, who helped ensure my order was perfect (and included complementary gift wrapping!!). Always a great experience!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
This store was a little overwhelming when I walked in because there is so much stuff in there, but I could definitely get lost for hours looking for gifts for the kids. I got these amazing pair of butterfly wings that I cannot wait for my goddaughter to unwrap for her birthday. Staff was really nice and helpful too.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I can honestly say I love this business. The selection and staff are great and always know the perfect gift. The selection of frozen merchandise is also amazing. Recently, I needed to restock the children’s selection and asked them to help and have loved the choices they made! I find the store is addictive for both me and children! We are so incredibly luck to have shops like building blocks in our neighborhood.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I love this toy store! I always find little dodads for myself or as gifts. Such a wide age range, so there are things for everyone in the family.
I love that when you shop here, you are supporting an independent business person who is a community member and gives back. She does great sales events and if you check the facebook fan page you will find give a ways and other deals.
Liberal return policy, so no problem exchanging something and they gift wrap for free! Great customer service. If your looking for something, they will make an effort to find it for you an order it.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I love both locations! They have unique books and toys you will not find at your average chain store. They are friendly and helpful as well. They have choosen some of my sons favorite toys out for me. Things I would have never thought he would like. I like to go there for gifts. They will wrap them for you! yeah! My dentist is right down the street, so we always pop in after or before an appointment.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I enjoy shopping at Building Blocks for toys for my grand nieces and nephews. First, I always get personal assistance from the staff or the store owner, and second the gifts thy help me choose are always received with great shout «Thanks auntie this is the best toy ever!» Thank you Katherine I’ll be back soon!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I love Building Blocks Toy Store. I purchased a huge majority of my Christmas presents here online, specified how I wanted them to be wrapped (complimentary, of course), and picked them up the next day. It’s like pressing the EASY button! I bought all but one gift for my children here, and I am certain I could have had it ordered through Building Blocks had I allowed more time. They have an excellent selection of the best toys on the market, and I always have a pleasant exchange with the people who work here each time I visit. I used to live in Lincoln Park, which made visiting Building Blocks a cinch, but have recently moved to the suburbs. Despite this, my loyalty to this shop is unwavering! I will continue to make the effort to come here because everything about it is so worth it. I love that this independent business is so awesome! I can’t help but love supporting it.
For the record, I love both locations equally!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Building Blocks Toy Store is one of the best local toy stores in the country. Not only do they stock an amazing selection of toys, but they also have some of the most knowledgeable and friendly staff I’ve ever come across. I usually go in there with a list of birthday presents and presents for my kids to buy. I simply tell the salesperson the age, gender and price range, and then let them show me the best toys available that fit my needs. I always get something great that is also in my budget. Plus, they gift wrap for FREE!
I recently went there to buy some toys appropriate for airplanes and restaurants. We took our 3 and 4 year old girls on an 8 hour plane ride earlier this month. Their staff picked out a great array of small toys that were perfect for planes and restaurants. Hours of entertainment were had. My husband and I (as well as the other passengers on the plane) thank you for your great suggestions!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This toy store has the best toy selection in the city. The store is filled with toys for age zero to the young-​at-​heart. Best of all, their sales associates are very knowledgable. I have visited their store at both locations (Lakeview and Wicker Park) to purchase presents for kids of all ages. I am rather clueless about what kids like these days. But they will always give me very good recommendations base on my price range.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This store never disappoints! Any toy I am looking for can always be found here. The employees are always willing to help me find something if I can’t find it on the shelves myself and, if I need guidance, they use their expertise to help me pick out the perfect toy. The store is packed to the brim with toys so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming when I first walk in, but that’s why the awesome staff is so vital!
My son is almost 2 years of age and loves to run around and play with all the toys. Many other stores in the area frown upon such actions and don’t want him to cause a ruckus. It’s always nice to be in a store that encourages play!
But, above all that, if I had to say what really makes this store stand out, it’s the way it gives back. Any parenting event I go to has a donation from Building Blocks there as part of a giveaway or raffle. The owner is extremely grateful for all the community has done for her and it shows in the ways she gives back. I can’t say enough good things about Building Blocks!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Love this place — there is no way you will walk out of this store without a gift for that birthday boy or girl, the selection is so large. Let them know what you are looking for and they will give you lots of suggestions.
Free gift wrap too — love that since you can go on your way to the party.
And no hassles when it comes to returning a gift, they make the exchange process so easy, it makes you want to shop there more :)
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I love this toy store! It seems like in the past year everyone I know now has kids and I am clueless as to what to buy for birthdays, holidays, etc. The staff at Building Blocks is always helpful in pointing me in the right direction. For such a tiny store they have tons to choose from for kids of all ages AND they offer FREE gift wrapping! Being the worst gift wrapper imaginable this has been a life saver for me! Love Building Blocks, definitely recommend checking it out.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Building Blocks has great, quality educational and not-​so-​educational toys. They made Christmas shopping for my 2 nephews and 3 nieces a breeze!
They carry quality brands you can’t find at your local toysrus, plus it’s always a bonus to shop at local stores rather than national chains. They’re a little more expensive than those chains, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality and selection.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Shopping for a two year-​old.
No, I don’t have a two year-​old. Rather, I «adopted» one for Christmas. Bereft of my own tots, I don’t particularly know what one would like (or, more importantly, what would kill one — swallow-​able small parts? Lead paint? That bad chemical-​leaking plastic? Oh my.)
The salespeople at Building Blocks were quite helpful. I ended up with a small toy xylophone (noisy!), shape-​stackers (educational!), and a multi-​color stuffed monkey (aww!). I kind of want to keep the monkey for myself, but that’s not very Spirit-​of-​Christmas, is it? Alas.
Two year-​old toys collected, I wandered through the store. Building Blocks is full to the brim of all kinds of toys from classic wood to electronic; plush animals to puzzles. I may have to come back for these wee jumpy bugs that my cats would love/​destroy. I ended up picking up several more small items for other people on my list (I’m such a giver).
Tots or not, I love Building Blocks.
Place rating: 5
Vernon Hills, IL
With the days inching closer and closer to the big day, tons of tasks remain. One of the more fun tasks includes getting gifts for my two year old nephews. I stumbled upon Building Blocks a couple of weeks ago while exploring Lincoln Avenue near Paulina before my knitting class. Building Blocks is a happy discovery as toy stores can be hard to come by outside of the chain stores.
Yesterday, I decided to stop in and search for gifts for those two cute, adorable ringbearers of mine. Yeah, I’m an Aunt, can’t you tell! The employee kindly greeted me and asked if I needed any help. I told him who I was shopping for. He’s extremely enthuasistic and recommended the coolest toys a two year old could ever want: a rubber remote control car. The employee demonstrated how the product worked and even demonstrated other toys. You could tell that this guy loves children’s toys and knew his clientele well!
I searched around the small store filled with wonderful toy goodness. They had everything from beautiful, wooden toys to finger paints to costumes. Building Blocks is a great independent toy store. Just another wonderful little gem on Lincoln in North Center!