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Toy and Book Stores Offering Curbside Pickup and Delivery in the Chicago Area

Prairie Path Books prides itself on its customer service but is staying safe with contactless pickup right now. Photo courtesy of Prairie Path
Prairie Path Books prides itself on its customer service but is staying safe with contactless pickup right now. Photo courtesy of Prairie Path
5/4/20 - By Maureen Wilkey

It's been more than 50 days since Illinois kids have been able to go to school, and some families need new toys and books to stave off boredom for the remainder of the state's stay-at-home order. Luckily, the order's May 1 modifications allow non-essential businesses to open for delivery and in-store pickup. So, once your kids burn through our big list of crafts, completes these 64 science experiments, and the other activities in our Stay-at-Home Guide, head to one of these local businesses offering curbside pickup of goodies sure to brighten your kids' days (and your own).

Each of these 20-plus locations offers curbside pickup or delivery, and many also offer to ship for a fee.

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Local chain Play Toys and Books is open for business, with personal shoppers ready to help you pick out the perfect gifts for curbside pickup. Photo courtesy of Play Toys and Books
Local chain Play Toys and Books is open for business, with personal shoppers ready to help you pick out the perfect gifts for curbside pickup. Photo courtesy of Play Toys and Books

Toy Stores in Chicago Offering Contactless Curbside Pickup or Delivery

Building Blocks

North Side
Building Blocks Toy Store has three locations in Chicago's Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park neighborhoods. The family-owned business features a range of fun and educational toys in a busy urban setting and is currently offering curbside pickup at its Lakeview store. READ MORE

Play Toys and Books

West Side
This playful, community-minded local chain sells books, craft supplies, trucks, trains, dolls, and more. Schedule a personal shopping appointment and swing by once your goods are ready for pickup. Its Facebook page is being updated with more hours as its staff eases back into work. READ MORE

Toys et Cetera

South Side
This Hyde Park toy store emphasizes learning and play. Customers can shop in-store or on its website by age or brand. Local delivery is offered to a pair of nearby zip codes, and other orders can be shipped. READ MORE

Timeless Toys

North Side
Set in the heart of Lincoln Square, this family-owned toy store sells classic and modern toys. Indoor and outdoor toys, stuffed animals, puppets, trains, dolls, and books all pack the shelves of this neighborhood oasis. Curbside pickup is available. READ MORE
Fair Game has tons of board games, card games, puzzles, and more available for no-contact delivery. Photo courtesy of Fair Game
Fair Game has tons of board games, card games, puzzles, and more available for no-contact delivery. Photo courtesy of Fair Game

Suburban Toy Stores Offering Contactless Curbside Pickup or Delivery

Learning Express Toys

North, Northwest, and West Suburbs
The local franchises of Learning Express Toys focus on hands-on shopping in an online world. Each location offers events such as character meet-and-greets and crafts, as well as local delivery throughout the suburbs. READ MORE

Pinwheels Toys & Games

West Suburbs
Pinwheels provides a unique experience where everyone can feel like a kid. This local shop offers a wide variety of toys ranging from rainy-day crafts to gear for outdoor play. It's currently offering online ordering and curbside pickup Wednesday-Saturday. READ MORE

MOORE Toys & Gadgets

West Suburbs
This family-owned toy store strives to create a sense of community in downtown Wheaton. The store stocks a wide variety of toys, games, and gifts for kids of all ages. It's now offering same-day, contactless curbside pickup of orders. READ MORE

My Special Toy Store

West Suburbs
Games, puzzles, books, and educational toys make up the stock at this neighborhood toy store. Science kits, cars and trucks, sports items, jewelry, dolls, and arts and craft kits are also bestsellers. Call ahead to place your order for contactless curbside pickup. READ MORE

Geppetto's Toy Box

West Suburbs
Located in the heart of downtown Oak Park, this European-inspired toy store offers classic toys, puzzles, games, books, and crafts. A toy concierge helps shoppers pick the items best suited to their child's age and interests. The shop delivers within a 5-mile radius. READ MORE

Fair Game

West Suburbs
Fair Game carries family-friendly board games and card games. With locations Downers Grove and LaGrange, each of its stores offers in-store play, private parties, and other special events. Contactless delivery is provided within 5 miles. READ MORE

My Sister Kate

West Suburbs
This family-owned kids fashion and gift boutique serves families throughout the western suburbs. Its frequently changing inventory includes a range of modern favorites. Curbside pickup and local delivery are available. READ MORE

The Wild Child

North Suburbs
The Wild Child's two North Shore locations focus on quality toys for children of all ages and abilities. These local, family-owned toy stores hope to help kids find toys that keep them living an unplugged and interactive lifestyle. Contactless delivery or pickup is available. READ MORE

Emmerson Toys, Gifts, and Hobbies

Southwest Suburbs
This southwest suburban store offers a wide variety of toys for kids of all ages. With an in-store and online shopping experience, its owners, who are parents themselves, hope to help other parents find toys and gifts with ease. Contactless pickup and local delivery are available. READ MORE

Bookstores in Chicago Offering Contactless Curbside Pickup or Delivery

Women and Children First

North Side
This feminist Andersonville bookstore sells a carefully curated selection of books for families. The store facilitates community conversations, book groups, and storytimes. Curbside pickup is available, though hours are limited. READ MORE

Volumes Bookstore

Downtown, West Side
Volumes Bookcafe and Volumes Bookstore are owned by two sisters who strive to bring learning and reading into the community. The stores offer all kinds of books, while the cafe also has local coffee, snacks, beer, and wine. Place an order for pickup or delivery. READ MORE

Unabridged Bookstore

North Side
This expansive Lakeview bookstore is known for its selection of children's books and its handwritten recommendations. It is a prominent fixture in the LGBTQ community in the neighborhood. Online orders can be picked up in-store.  READ MORE
Barbara's Bookstores is enticing customers to shop small with big discounts and curbside pickup. Photo courtesy of Barbara's Bookstores
Barbara's Bookstores is enticing customers to shop small with big discounts and curbside pickup. Photo courtesy of Barbara's Bookstores

Suburban Bookstores Offering Contactless Curbside Pickup or Delivery

Barbara's Bookstores

West, Northwest, and Southwest Suburbs
Barbara's Bookstores are a small chain of locally owned bookstores throughout Chicago. The stores are different sizes and create personalized experiences for their shoppers. Phone-in an order for curbside pickup and get a 25 percent discount on in-stock merchandise. READ MORE

Anderson's Bookshops

West Suburbs
Anderson's Bookshops was founded in Naperville in 1875 and now has locations in Downers Grove and LaGrange. The bookshops frequently host author events and sell a unique variety of books, toys, and gifts. Limited curbside pickup is available. READ MORE

Prairie Path Books

This west suburban bookstore sells a wide variety of books for readers of all ages. The shop frequently hosts author events and focuses on customer service and picking each customer's next great read. Contactless pickup is available; orders can also be shipped. READ MORE

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