Where the Toys Are
There used to be something called a toy store. Those are long gone, but there are still plenty of places in the Gables to and holiday gifts for the little ones. Here are some choices.
Pottery Barn Kids
Aside from their miniature furniture, Pottery Barn Kids is stocked with kids’ gifts, including traditional toys such as Lionel trains or wooden train sets. It also has small doll sets with different dollhouse options, larger baby dolls and toy strollers – along with beginner art kits, animal toys, educational puzzles, and toy kitchens. Shops at Merrick Park. 305.446.6511
Barnes & Noble
Surprise your young Einstein with a National Geographic science kit – such as Fossil/Shark Tooth Dig, Build Your Own Volcano, or Crystal Growing Lab. For your little Potter Heads, there is an entire section of Harry Potter-themed toys, from LEGO’s to wands to stuffed Buckbeak’s and Hedwig’s. Also, strategic mind games and puzzles. Barnes & Noble – 152 Miracle Mile. (305) 446-4152
Target
A nice selection of video games such as Far Cry, Fifa 22 and Call of Duty, as well as extra remotes for Xbox, Nintendo Switch or PS4. For young athletes there are basketballs, bouncy balls, baseballs and mitts, tennis rackets and pool toys. They also carry Nerf and Hot Wheels; Barbies or Baby Alive dolls; and classic board games like Monopoly. Target, 1906 Ponce. 786.437.3207
Comics and Figurines
If superheroes in the form of action figures or comic books are what your child enjoys, then Korka Comics and/or Gables Records N Comics are just for you. Think of Batman, Superman, the Hulk, Star Wars and Ninja Turtles. Also: An army of Anime. Korka Comics. 4708 S. Le Jeune. 786.953.7092. Gables Records N Comics. 277 Miracle Mile #203. 786.879.4407
Books & Books
They don’t sell toys per se, but when it comes to reading for children, Books & Books has an entire section just for kids. From the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series to “The Kid’s Book of the Elements,” B&B has it all – including everything by Dr. Suess (in Spanish, too) except for the now politically incorrect ones, like “If I Ran the Zoo.” 265 Aragon Ave. 305.442.4408.