The Learning Tree

The Learning Tree is like the toy stores I remember as a child. Instead of endless, soulless aisles of mass produced toys, this store is welcoming with plush toys, dolls, books and activities sitting upon the displays as if inviting young children to pick them up to play. And that is just what happens! My four year old twins love to stop by for a visit (even though they seldom get to take anything home for themselves); they are enchanted just to walk through the special child-​size entrance door (adjacent to the full-​size door) that allows them to enter the store through a little playhouse-​like structure. What a wonderful way to see in which toys your child has interest by watching her play with new favorites she spots around the store and delights in touching!
I love shopping at a friendly local store where the staff is courteous and kind. I cannot recommend this toy store more highly for people shopping for children’s toys in Kansas City.

I should’ve got his name but he’s probably the owner – what a great experience! I was in and out in 20 mins plus they’re gift wrapping! Thanks and more importantly Nat will be thanking Santa soon…

As «World’s Best Aunt», I face a lot of pressure each Christmas/​Birthday when searching for and finding THE PERFECT GIFT for my nephew. I quickly popped into The Learning Tree prior to dinner at Urban Table. I liked how the store was arranged by theme, and the staff was knowledgeable of their product. They have a lot of cool, wonderful stuff, but a lot of it is out of this auntie’s price range. I did an Amazon search for two of the items that I admired in the store, and found I could buy them new online for at least 30% cheaper, and that is with shipping… However, they do offer free gift wrapping.

The Learning Tree staff are very knowledgeable and will help you if you come in and say, «I need a present for a _​_​-​year-​old _​_​_​_​.» They carry tons of the awesome Playmobil sets (I want them ALL), plus kits for writing and illustrating (and having printed!) your own book, making your own Klimt or Van Gogh-​esque art piece; stilts, pogo balls and sticks, Rodees, Calico Critters, science kits of various kinds, books, dolls and doll stuff, puppets, building sets, Schleich figurines, Razor scooters, you name it! Lots of stimulating, creative/​active gear. They will beautifully wrap your gifts for you and they have a «Treewards» card so you can earn credits with purchases over time. I can’t decide why I am not giving it 5 stars. I think because it doesn’t have a very warm, homey feel and it’s pretty expensive. But they are great at what they do.

What I liked best about the Learning Tree was that each toy had an appropriate age sticker and what it developed with the kid. Y’know, a rattler is more than a rattler invigorating the sound and action senses. Interesting.
What I liked least about the Learning Tree was how dopey the toys were and the b.s. that goes into convincing parents these toys are going to create geniuses. I mean, I don’t have any evidence they don’t make kids smarter, but a kid is going to learn whether they have expensive toys or not.
Also, the sales staff virtually ignored me the whole time I was there, not even greeting me as I made eye contact. Are kids learning how to be rude? It was a packed store, nicely laid out in easy sections (infants, toddlers, books, etc). The kids who were there seemed to be enjoying themselves, making a mess out of the displays. Ahh, kids…