Under the Big Top

Hands down the best toy store in all of Seaside. They have everything you could possibly want. Wind-​ups, stuffed animals, art, sand toys, science toys, gag/​magic toys. Everything was a fair price and the lady working the counter is so kind and friendly. I love spending money here.

Can I just say ditto to everyone else’s five star reviews? This store is packed full of cool and reasonably priced toys. How does it beat every toy store in my hometown of Seattle hands-​down? If you were a local you could go in and just pick up something every time that isn’t just clutter in your house, but something imagination-​based play or crafty or arty that is super interesting and that doesn’t break the bank. We always get a few things there when we visit. Marbles, and fashion art drawing books, little stuffies, those sweet French fairies.
Buyers at Red Balloon Company, and yes, even and maybe especially you Top Ten, you of mega floor space and perhaps the most popular of the non-​toys r us toy stores here — I still walk out of there empty-​handed and uninspired and even a little annoyed at how many disgruntled employees make their way in with the truly nice people who work there, I’m looking at you – you should go take a look at this wonderful store and take some notes. Sorry for the sidelined comments. It is frustrating Seaside is so far, so small, and has so awesome a toy store and Seattle is so big, and the toy stores just. aren’t. as good! It could have so easily been a tourist trap, as Under the Big Top is right next to a sweet little carousel in the heart of town, and instead it’s just the best toy store ever!

This is one of my all time favorite toy stores! There are a few things I simply must do when in Seaside. Eat at Norma’s, run into the surf, and then quickly run out, buy fudge and taffy at the Buzz on Broadway, put the kids on the little train ride and the carousel, try on hats at the hat shop, then stop in Under the Big Top and find some cool toys! Ahhh, perfect day complete!
Under the Big Top is filled floor to ceiling with incredible toys and games. They aren’t kidding when they say they are the biggest little toy store… it is jam packed with pure awesomeness. During our last visit we found over a dozen different Mad Libs we’d never seen before. Bought one of those and played it all the way home. That made a one hour drive seem more like a 20 minute drive. Good times!
They also have a large selection of Golden Books I have never seen before. Of course they carry some Melissa and Doug toys. But aside from that they have a large selection of toys that are not typically found in other toy shops I have been in. Really unique and very fun stuff! Most everything is good quality, educational, and very reasonably priced.
Here’s a brief run down of what I can recall being on the shelf: baby dolls, puzzles, calico critters galore, mini animals, board games, throw back toys from fisher price, Raggedy Ann dolls, kid friendly jewelry, stuffed animals, building blocks, baby toys, sticker books, and costumes… I am sure I missed a few dozen things!

Great toy shop in a brilliant location. Lots of unique and hard to find toys, games, and novelties. We love to wander around and see all of the cool offerings and scout out some cool items for my first role as the «World’s Coolest Uncle». Really nice book selection that offers fun for all ages. One of the best selection of Folkmani’s Puppets too. Very high quality and cool variety.
Games, magic tricks, gag gifts, stuffed animals, educational toys, activity and craft kits, puzzles, and a whole lot more. Most of these items are not seen in the chain stores like Fred Meyer, Target, or Walmart. It is cool to see some of the toys and games that are from back in the day as well.
Prices are moderate, but quite fair considering the location and selection of harder to find items. Employees are not the most attentive in the world, and just tend to stand there staring off into space or texting unless you engage them. Sadly typical for Seaside. Minimum wage = Minimum Effort.
Decent place.

This little toy shop is a jewel in the lovable mish-​mosh of tourist traps that is downtown Seaside. Great balance of science and construction toys interspersed with puppets and craft kits. Perfect place to pick up gifts for the kids (or kids at heart) in your life.

Awesome selection of toys! They had a few items I’ve been looking for and haven’t seen anywhere. We can’t wait to go back next time we visit.