Since the 1970s, San Diego's model-train enthusiasts have been able to find everything they've needed at Reed's Hobby Shop. A vast array of just about every model, make and year of train sits just within the doors seven days a week.
Geppetto's, owned and operated by the Miller Family, has been a San Diego toy store tradition for over 30 years. Although its original location was in the Old Town area of San Diego, its La Jolla location is quite popular. It has grown considerably in the last few decades with stores from Carlsbad to Chula Vista and many neighborhoods in between.
Geppetto's toy experts are eager to recommend age appropriate toys that are entertaining, engaging, interactive and most of all, fun.
Geppetto's prides itself on exceptional customer service. It offers complimentary gift wrapping every day and can even special order toys for customers.
MVP SportsCards sells sports card collectibles. Inside Honali Plaza on Alicia Parkway closest to the Carl's Junior entrance, the store offers cards in almost every sport but is known best for its baseball lineup. This is strictly a sales shop and does not offer any kind of appraisal for sports memorabilia nor does it buy cards back from collectors. Gift certificates for every occasion are available.
The Avid Reader is a bookstore located on Second Street in downtown Davis. It has weekly author events and is the only seller of the Davis downtown gift card. It has a children's section upstairs and a chess table downstairs.
Hall of Fame Baseball Cards, located on East Foothill Boulevard in Arcadia, has been the go-to place for all things sports from memorabilia to vintage cards since 1990. Hall of Fame is family-owned and -operated, and the friendly staff is more than happy to help with any questions or card-purchasing dilemmas. The shop offers both appraisals and consignments.
Since about 1990, Lefty's Sports Collectibles has been a go-to place for memorabilia in the area. Inside is a sports fan's dream. The walls are lined with autographed plaques, balls and photographs. If you're looking for a particular rookie card, check Lefty's many binders stocked with all the major sports from singles to hall of famers. If all you need is a case for your existing collectibles, Lefty has it. If you don't find what you're looking for, the staff will do its best to help you. In addition, Lefty's hosts monthly signings with prominent local stars like Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants, Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers and Devin Setoguchi of the San Jose Sharks.
Davis Gold & Silver Exchange, a small shop located next door to APEX Cycles, is another of downtown Davis' hidden gems. It specializes in gold and silver coins, collectibles, jewelry, estate jewelry and other antique items. The owner, Pete Richards, is also a dealer for a massive antique postcard collection. The shop buys, sells and trades, and provides a large reference section along with an appraisal service. The store itself is very small, with a little floor space found between three glass cases displaying a variety of items. The owner is almost always on hand, ready to help his customers with any questions about the store's impressive collection.
Tom's Toys has a huge variety of toys, from action figures and dolls to blocks and trains. The store has some toys parents might remember, too, like tops, animal figurines and toy soldiers. They carry toys from brands such as Playmobil , Mattel, Lego and Thomas the Tank Engine. They are located in the heart of downtown Montrose and have charm that the big box stores do not. There is metered parking available in front of the store.
Walk into Geppetto's Toys, and you are walking into a magical world of classic toys. The store is locally owned and operated by the Miller family and has several locations throughout California. The store is staffed by toy experts who can help you find the perfect, age-appropriate toy for the little one. The store carries toys for all ages from newborn to teenager, and offers complimentary gift wrapping every day of the week.