LA Toy District

Toys Galore!!! Found my boys little ride on car! For $ 100 Less then the mall. Would be great all around if it didn’t smell like piss and I had to be looking over my shoulder every 2 seconds.

Lalaland, located between 4^th and Boyd, on 343 Wall St., carries lots of bulk wrapped party supplies, holiday supplies, balloons-​they have Mylar and will inflate for you, ribbon etc like a party goods store.
— was not hectic at 11 am on a Wednesday
— plenty of parking 2 hour meters at 50c an hour are on 3^rd street, or if you need to carry lots of stuff to your car, there’s a lot right on Wall almost directly across from Lalaland, $ 5.
— got 2 dozen high quality inflatable pool inner tubes for 3.50 each, plus tax. These retailed for $ 9 apiece on
.
— in and out of the store in 10 minutes
— stay away from 5^th st unless you like getting mugged
Boyd St also has a few places, Mega Party is a big store.
Winston St. at corner of Wall has a big party store.
Tons of vape stores on 3^rd street and all over, really. They have taken over, and while it has always felt scary on Los Angeles St it now feels RE-​ALLY SCARY.

It’s all the same cheap toys different prices. Shop around but very cheap China made quality.

It is a bit hard to find especially since no one on here really gave a real address. I went today for the 2^nd time. If you want bulk toys (like party favor type of things), most of those stores are on/​around Boyd Street. I always plug 209 Boyd into my GPS just so I know the blocks that have bulk toys. There are meters on that street but during the week hard to get. I usually park on San Pedro and 4^th Street either at a meter or the paid $ 6 parking and then walk down to Boyd and stores around it. If you don’t want the small, wholesale toys but like more expensive individual one, those stores are on Wall Street. Near Boyd.
Yeah most of the workers are rude and unfriendly. Lots of asshole Asian owners who will follow you around the stores.
HELPFUL TIP–
On Sundays probably half the stores are closed however, most of the stores all sell the identical crap all within $ 6-​$ 8. There’s less traffic on Sunday including foot traffic. Parking is free on the meters on Sunday and you will get a spot (at least I did at around 10:45 and there were tons of free parking spots left), so no need to pay for the $ 6-​$ 10 lots.

Went there the other day. Had been to the Toy District many years ago. Since there were a couple birthdays coming up, myself and two others decided to venture to DTLA to see what we could find. All I can say is that a lot has changed for the toy district since I last was there. One the first street my friends and I walked down there was nothing but shops that sold bongs and other smoking glassware and accessories. On the other streets there were a mixture of shops that sold everything from cooking/​restaurant items to sports equipment to party supplies to some toys. The area is next to Skid Row and the various homeless shelters. So you can expect the obvious of homeless on the streets and keep an eye out on a couple of shady characters around the Boyd Hotel.
Bring cash. The deals/​savings were not that great. The quality of the items being sold where cheap and primarily from China or Mexico. And most shop vendors won’t haggle with you. It use to be that if you bought in a volume of 3 or more that you could haggle for a per unit discount. Apparently not anymore.
The place was a big disappointment. For much of the crap that was being sold you could buy at a Walmart for the same price without the stench of urine and having to step over a homeless person laying on the sidewalk.

Had a different purpose this time, school holiday boutique! Now this is the place to be. Again, most of the items are $ 6/​dz. Lots of stuff for kids, not licensed is so much cheaper than licensed. Also, shop around. For the most part, the price is the same but there are a few places that charge more. I ordered t-​shirt bags online but found some here. It’s hard to remember where shops are because after a while, they all look the same. If you don’t have a good sense of direction, bring someone who does or take a picture of the outside and inside building. Remember, there are alleys and many stalls. Think of a block long building cut up into many different stalls inside. You go in one end and wind up on the other. Cash only but no sales tax. It was hard to find things for dad or the man in your life. Anything sharp, weapon or smoking related was out. That left very little. Los Angeles to San Pedro and 4^th to 5^th st. Winston seems like its in the middle of everything. The parking was $ 6. You park on the roof of the buildings. Really tight but if you get there early, you’ll get a good spot. We would go to the car and drop off our items and shopped more. Most places open at 9 but 10 is the magic hour.
OH, and if you want to eat… go some place else. There are street vendors and bacon wrapped hot dogs and quesadilla carts are everywhere. There are the random wagons with food but I don’t have an iron stomach and the cleanest bathroom in the area, is hard to find. It’s also $.50

The Toy District in downtown LA is definitely the place to go if you are looking for birthday party supplies (trinkets for gift bags for example and pinatas), toy items in bulk and such for a pretty good price. Yes the Toy District isn’t exactly in the most safest area (well this is downtown LA people!), but be smart and just stay aware of your surroundings, don’t dress like you are some rich person (ladies, if you keep your wedding ring at home, it is easier to bargain prices even lower) and only come here during the day (preferable with another person to give you that added safe feel).
Anyways, I have visited the Toy District numerous of times over the last 20+ something years. Business owners are nice and accept that fact that most of the people walking in are here to bargain and haggle those prices (don’t be a sucker and pay whatever the owner prices you at). Just remember to bring cash though because cash here is truly king.
Parking during the week usually cost $ 5 – 8, but cheaper on the weekends. Also just want to mention that there are no public restrooms and I am pretty sure the stores will not allow you to use their restroom… so make sure you go somewhere else before venturing down to downtown.

So I ended up going back last weekend to buy the piñatas for my niece and nephew’s birthday party, and it was a success! I bought a large Elsa piñata for $ 15, and a star shaped Mickey piñata for $ 12. Honestly, you cannot find a better price for the size, I highly recommend this place for your one stop shop when looking for piñatas. There is parking right in front of the store; however, it is metered parking so make sure to take change with you. I have posted pictures of the piñatas as well for reference.

This place is awesome for getting stuff for your kids birthday party. We like to make give away bags and each year my daughters friends look forward to our parties bc we have best give always.
Also we got my daughters Communion dress here for a fraction of the price compared to the local mall. Be sure to haggle. The owners are tough but if buy a whole bunch of stuff $ 1 here another dollar there in the end it sure beats going to a local department store or a dollar store.
Big deal it’s shady but so what it’s downtown LA. I do not go there for the scenery.

Toy District is dirty and a bit sketchy.
Just be smart.
My sons like to buy poppers, sparklers, and silly string there.
We have a good time wandering the streets.
There are some good deals and some not so great deals.
Almost all of the stuff there came out of crate that arrived in Long Beach.
So, it is not spectacular, but fun.

I wanted to explore Toy District since I saw the arrow to point to the area in Downtown LA. I didn’t realize that it was an area for wholesale toys and party stuff. We didn’t spend much time due to the sketchiness of the area. There were homeless people and the streets were pretty dirty. We walked out as soon as possible and headed towards Little Tokyo.

Scratchy ass place to be. The streets are loitered with homeless and the whole street smells like piss. Looks like a scene from a movie set. Lots of trash everywhere. The toys aren’t that cheap. I was looking for confetti tubes and was told it was cheaper than Chinatown so I swung by and found out to cost as much Or more at the toy district. If I knew I would just buy it at Chinatown a bit safer than toy district. If you go do not carry a lot of cash.

no doubt this place is beyond sketchy!
however, if you’re having a big party, a budget and need lots of favors, this is where it’s at. buy that shxx by the dozen, buy three dozens, whatever it is, you’ll get a better price. if you have cash, even better! make sure you stop by the atm on the way there, there’s lots of atm machines all around there for your convenience but i suggest using your bank to avoid those $ 2+ charges…
there’s lots of food, like hot dogs wrapped with bacon made on a make-​shift grill, frutas, raspados, eloooootees! freshly squeezed orange juice, pupusas, tacos, everything !!! and omg, Mexican candy for dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyys!
if you walk a few blocks down, there’s shops that sell jewelry at wholesale prices, if you like some earrings, buy some in every color! chanclas are 3 x $ 20, buy some for you, for your mom and your sister!
if you’re going be cautious, you never know. but you will definitely score some good deals!

The Toy District is located in a rather skeevy part of LA (I know, I know… «which one?» haha).
Rebecca L. hit the nail on the head with her review. While we didn’t go much of anywhere, I could tell I didn’t want to be down here after dark. We went to a toy shop and the owners were incredibly friendly and nice. They joked along with us as we made fun of each other. Sadly, I don’t remember the name. However, I did see a lot of bulk items I would buy and take back to school for ASB meetings or pep rallies. Note to self: remember the toy district.
Prices were’t horrible. Because you have to buy in bulk for the most part, toys average around fifty cents per piece (twelve pieces total, $ 6). I bought bungee pens for the classroom at 12 for $ 6. I don’t care how crappy they are, if they last a month or two I’ll be happy at the amount of pens that stay in the classroom. They had a lot of glow toys and hair accessories, rosary beads and lanyards. If and when I come back, it’ll be on a mission and I won’t stick around for too long. Overall, bad neighborhood and great prices.

Perfect place for Teachers that teaches ages between 3 – 8!
Most of the items they carry such as toys, stationary, bags, etc comes in a pack of 12. Also, if you buy a dozen, it is cheaper than buying it individually. So always buy a dozen and yes you can purchase more than 12.
What have I bought here for my students…
yo yo $ 6 for a dozen
jumprope $ 6 dozen
beach bucket with a shovel $ 6 dozen
tote bags $ 1 each. I understand that .99cents only stores carries tote bags but it lacks quality.
stamps 25 cents each (toy story, cars, princess, dora, spongebob, etc)
Well you get the point… most of the toys are $ 6 or $ 7 for a dozen. Other items such as lunch boxes and plush dolls cost more. Mini lunch boxes dozen for $ 18 (hello kitty, cars, spiderman, mickey mouse, spongebob, princess, etc) I purchase the lunch boxes the most because my students always brings in snacks so it’s perfect for them.
I come here for different reasons. Christmas gifts, Valentines gifts, Easter, Graduation, birthday parties, etc. The pinatas here are so unique! Check them out! Average price for a piñata is $ 15. And it’s BIG! I bought a monkey and giraffe piñata for my nephew’s birthday and the guests loved them!
Parking is $ 6. Some are $ 5. This place is a maze… I felt like I was going to the same places because most of the stores carries the same thing. Jewelry, shoes, and clothes are among the other things you’ll see when you visit. After visiting several times, I cut the stores down and had three favorite
when I’m there, I know where to go to. In, out, battaboom, battabing. Quick and painless.

I love this place because no matter what you want its within walking distance… This holiday season a few of my nephews wanted yugioh cards so I did some searching and found this one spot that sold the cases for $ 50 much cheaper than the card shops… So I picked up a few cases and accessories dirt cheap. Grabbed a few pink poodles in purses at this one shop for the little girls.
Most of all its just cool to walk around and bargin with the different store owners!!! Trust when I say there is plenty to shop for down here.
If you get hungry or thirsty the Bank District is up the street and there tons of bars and grills to choose from…

Very sketchy. Great if you are a fan of Wal-​Mart and sweatshop manufactured, cheap plastic crap. The streets are very dirty and there are piles of trash, as if the store owners use the street as their dumpster. It is a completely different world. The «stores» mostly sell wholesale, so be prepared to buy in bulk. Most probably only take cash. The name is totally misleading, but I guess «Sweatshop District» wasn’t as catchy. Good luck with the pickpockets!
Bottom line: The Toy District makes the most ghetto Wal-​Mart look like a Neiman Marcus.

Look, you can get a whole variety of things for way cheaper than if you went to the mall.
I understand that the parking is not ideal. But there are parking lots and buildings out there. And walking is good for you!
Yes, it is more crowded. Yes, you have to guard your purse more. But you should be doing that anyway.
Uh huh, some vendors only accept cash. Consider that a good thing. It will help keep you within your budget!

The Toy District is pretty much what you’d expect it to be.
I was wandering about while my husband was shopping for sunglasses around the corner.
As I was walking through one of the multi-​stall stores, I looked out the back door and saw a lot of activity.
I was intrigued…
It was like falling down the rabbit hole to Alice’s Wonderland. A far from whimsical version, that is.
I stepped out and the first thing that I noticed was that the air smelled like bacon-​wrapped hotdogs.
It was a make-​shift Santee Alley in an alternate universe!
It was crowded! When we first arrived, the streets were rather empty.
Looked like everyone ducked into this maze of alleys! A mix of all kinds of people!
Lots of food available. Bags of cut fruit, Agua frescas, etc.
Sellers going through the crowd calling out their offerings.
Some guy turned a baby stroller into an elote cart.
All kinds of wares.
Displayed in a way that could be easily packed up and toted away if need be. LOL
Cash only, of course.
Just as I was about to give in to temptation and buy two baby tortugas (Hey, I felt they needed rescuing), I was summoned back to the outside world.
And got a bit of a scolding for venturing into uncharted territory.

This place is awesome if you’re looking for small presents. Some stores are very clean and organized, some are like somebody’s basement. But most are great! They don’t only sell toys, although the 14-​block area WOULD be a disaster to bring a bratty kid. But thank the cheap prices you could get them lots of things (if they’re not a brat!)
I saw a store that must have had 1,000 brand new, $ 3 pink backpacks with a variety of cartoon characters, all sorts of dolls/​action figures, at least 3 animé/​japanese cartoon character toy stores, 1 or 2 awesome manga/​dvd/​random animé stores that sold figurines. I even saw Naruto forehead protectors and ANBU and Bleach masks for halloween. Haha I even saw Akatsuki hats for the ultimate animé nerd.
You can find some hard-​to-​find animé toys, and you can find all too common baby-​sized dolls/​crappy old school figurines that probably no kid would care for nowadays. If you’re not feelin the price or the item too much, just keep walking and you’ll probably find something better elsewhere.
Other than toys, there were:
flower shops
crystal decorations
wedding décor
jewelry stores where you can purchase wholesale in bulk or for yourself. prices are very cheap.
striped toe socks (only in bulk wholesale) but they’re super CUTE!
I don’t know why, but there were a LOT of stores selling socks. Fobby ones, athletic ones, thermal ones, etc. You name it.
We went on a weekday and barely ran into other people inside the stores, but if it’s anything like its neighbors Santee Alley or the Fashion District, try to avoid the weekends. I doubt it’s anything as packed as Santee on the weekends though.