Ellis HartYou’re hitting the town for an afternoon of shopping, or maybe you’re winding down after exploring some museums. Then, out of nowhere, the dreaded public meltdown begins.
Finding a quick distraction for a little one can feel totally overwhelming, and nobody wants to drag a fussy toddler through a crowded street.
I totally understand this everyday parenting struggle, so I spent time wandering through the magical spots of Nashville: aisles of nostalgic wooden blocks, curated educational kits, and hands-on building stations.
My goal was simple: find the best toy stores in the city to help you keep the peace.
These welcoming shops stock safe, high-quality, and highly entertaining items that kids will genuinely want to play with. Best of all, they’re spots that parents will actually enjoy visiting too.
How much do toys cost in Nashville?
While big-box retailers offer low-cost basics, Nashville’s specialty shops typically range from $20 to over $100, depending on the uniqueness and quality of the item.
| Item Category | Price Range |
| Budget Toys (Small Novelties) | $5 – $15 |
| Midrange Toys (STEM, Puzzles) | $15 – $50 |
| Premium / Large Toys | $50 – $150+ |
1. Phillips Toy Mart
Website: https://www.phillipstoymart.com/
Address: 5207 Harding Pike
Contact: (615) 352-5363
Schedule: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Walking into Phillips Toy Mart really feels like stepping back into a simpler time. They’ve been a staple for local families since 1946, so the shelves are stocked with unique, well-made items you just won’t spot at the big box stores.
I actually swung by last week to find a birthday present for my nephew. I was feeling a bit stuck, but an employee quickly walked me over to this really neat wooden building set that ended up being a huge hit.
Instead of pushing overwhelming trends, the shop keeps things focused on classic play and a relaxed, neighborhood feel. As a smaller, traditional spot, they don’t offer rapid home delivery or same-day local drop-offs like the giant corporate chains, though.
So, you’ll definitely need to plan a trip to grab your items. But honestly, getting to wander the aisles and see the toys up close is half the fun.
Customer Reviews
High quality toys at a great price!
Phillips Toy Mart blew our mind! High quality toys at a great price! It felt like we stepped back in time when we could actually afford stuff, very reasonably priced! My daughter was so happy to see their huge selection of DOUGLAS brand stuffed animals. Highly recommend!! They have something for every age group!
- Angie Morales-Link | Google Review
This is your store
Ready to go back in time to your childhood? Well, if so, stop in here; they have a time machine at the front door. They’ve been i. Business since 1946. And, this store is filled with toys and goodies from the past; so whether you’re looking for that special toy you as was wanted as a child or looking to get one for you kids or grandchildren, so you reminisce about days gone by, this is your store. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
- Ro Ja | Google Review
2. Nashville Toys and Books
Website: https://www.nashvilletoysandbooks.com/
Address: 2002 Richard Jones Road
Contact: (615) 800-7754
Schedule:
- Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sun 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
If you’re hunting for gifts that encourage learning, Nashville Toys and Books is a fantastic stop.
They keep the focus right on educational items and really good children’s literature, so you won’t have to dig through endless rows of generic plastic toys to find something special.
The whole space feels super welcoming and tailored to the local community. The employees are genuinely helpful, too. If you tell them how old your kid is, they’ll quickly point out a few great options that match their learning stage.
Because they’re a smaller boutique, their inventory isn’t massive compared to the big retail chains. You might run into a situation where a highly popular, trendy item is out of stock.
Still, it’s a really comfortable spot to find thoughtful, creative presents without dealing with the usual toy store chaos.
Customer Reviews
Cannot recommend this place enough
This is an amazing store! Easy to access from our house by bicycle or by foot. The staff are so friendly and they have a huge selection at reasonable prices. Also love that they do free gift wrapping. Cannot recommend this place enough. I only wish they had a bicycle rack.
- Jeremy VanSlyke | Google Review
The toy store that Nashville needs
This is the toy store that Nashville needs. It’s not a huge store, but has just the right amount and selection of toys to make any kid happy. To compare it to Philips, it’s a bit smaller, more curated. Both places are great. Our kid can find something she “needs” every time we go there. They have so many different toys there, but there is still plenty of room to move around.
- Michael Jacobs | Google Review
3. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
Website: https://bskytoys.com/
Address: 1705 Mallory Lane, Suite 100, Brentwood
Contact: (615) 434-4515
Schedule:
- Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sun 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Finding gifts that actually hold a kid’s attention can be tough, but Brilliant Sky Toys & Books makes it a lot easier. They stock their shelves with well-made items from solid brands, so the toys actually encourage creative play and learning.
I stopped by last month to grab a tricky wooden puzzle and was really happy with how easy it was to find what I needed. The staff here quickly stepped in to help me sort through the options without being pushy.
The whole environment feels warm and inviting for families, but their strict return policy might not be as welcoming. They don’t accept returns on any plush animals, even if you show them a gift receipt.
It can be a little frustrating if you change your mind. But even with that small hurdle, the overall quality of the toys is so good that it makes for a really worthwhile trip.
Customer Reviews
We will definitely be back!
They offer a variety of toys and books that will inspire your child’s imagination and even the parents inner child. I brought my daughter in for the first time and we loved it! I found several things that I got excited about! The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they offer fun crafts for kids on different days. We will definitely be back!
- Jessica Kilpatrick | Google Review
Fantastic selection of toys, books, crafts and more
Great store with fantastic selection of toys, books, crafts and more. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing, well thought out local option for kids toy shopping. No yucky/tacky/junky big box store stuff here, only high quality fun. Their items definitely lean more toward the educational and wholesome side which is a huge plus. They’ve managed to cut out any cheap fluff and filler toys and they’ve made it look easy. Bravo Billiant Sky!
- ElizabethA | Google Review
4. Tabla Rasa Toys
Website: https://tablarasatoys.com/
Address: 1200 Porter Road
Contact: [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Tues 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weds 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thurs-Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tabla Rasa Toys is basically a neighborhood hangout spot disguised as a store. Located in East Nashville, the property features a cafe, a small skate park, and a turf lawn, making it a fun place for families to spend an afternoon.
Rather than sorting things by brand, they organize the inside aisles by actions like moving, building, or connecting. You can find soft items for infants sitting right near quirky, pop-culture novelty pieces that catch the eye of older shoppers.
Since a lot of the fun happens outside on the patio, the spot definitely loses some of its magic on rainy or freezing days. You might even notice higher price tags on those premium educational toys compared to standard corporate retailers.
Customer Reviews
Best toy shopping experience ever
Wow! Best toy shopping experience ever. We walked in to look for a 3 year old and 6 month. So many creative, high quality toys for all ages! Ended up with amazing dress up items, softest cuddles, and games for the family! Plus, excellent help and service! Will be back!
- Sue Quattrochi | Google Review
Adding to my “must see” list on the east side
Such a wonderful experience, interesting toys for all ages that encourage educational lessons and skills.
I have to mention, I am a big child. I love space and science, and I grew up with a ton of formative experiences at a skate park. So this was such a blast and I ended up buying a bunch of beloved toys I had lost, and im definitely going back for a new skateboard too!
Did I mention.. ICE CREAM!
Adding to my “must see” list on the east side
- Clark cogan | Google Review
5. The LEGO® Store Opry Mills
Website: https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores/store/opry-mills-mall
Address: 416 Opry Mills Drive, Suite 220
Contact: (629) 250-3771
Schedule:
- Mon 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tues-Weds 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thurs 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Fri-Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The LEGO® Store at Opry Mills lets you dive right into the action with a completely hands-on environment. The store features a huge pick-and-build wall and a dedicated minifigure tower, so shoppers can actually test out loose bricks while they browse.
As an official corporate location, you can score direct-from-brand exclusive sets that are pretty tough to find anywhere else. They stock some incredibly complex kits designed specifically for older hobbyists and host regular building events right inside the shop.
Getting there requires a lot of patience, though, since the storefront sits deep inside a very busy tourist mall. Dealing with packed parking lots and heavy foot traffic means you really can’t do a quick, ten-minute run if you’re in a rush.
But if you have the time to navigate the crowds, it’s a great spot to visit.
Customer Reviews
Lots of things for all ages
Awesome store inside the mall. There are huge number of collections. Lots of things for all ages. Each and everyone of the staff were very attentive and friendly. One of the best stores we visited today.
- Pragathi Ramanath | Google Review
Totally worth it!
Great customer service! Huge selection of toys, my nephew was so excited to see this store for the first time, he took a while trying to decide which one he wanted but it was totally worth it!
- Karen Ramos | Google Review
