Best Educational Toy Stores in Seattle, Washington

If you're sick of box stores rammed full of battery-operated garbage, you need to check out the best independent and educational toy stores in Seattle. As a city full of progressive parents, Seattle has some fantastic toy shops that specialize in everything from educational to sustainable and locally-made toys. Keep reading for a list of the best independent and educational toy stores in Seattle.

1. Urban Kids Play (Queen Anne)
1805 Queen Anne Ave
http://urbankidsplay.com

Originally started as an online store, Urban Kids Play specializes in kid-powered toys. With a "no-batteries" policy in full effect, this big, bright and open Queen Anne toy store is full of educational puzzles and cute wooden toys from brands like Haba and Mudpuppy. Local owners Mikki and Curtis Kingrey live just a few blocks away.

2. Izilla Toys (Capitol Hill)
1429 12th Ave
http://izillatoys.com

After their recent move to Capitol Hill, the increasingly popular Izilla Toys tripled in size and has even expanded to include a children's book store chock full of wonderful and award-winning titles. Owners Jennifer Schneeweis and Jude Larene stock popular standards like Playmobil alongside less familiar gems like Darda Cars and Manhattan Toys in this fun Seattle toy store.

What makes this vibrant shop unique is their commitment to stocking products that encourage non-violent play. You won't find toy guns here, only engaging, imaginative and educational toys that are fun and safe.

3. Planet Happy (Ravenna-Bryant)
2914 NE 55th St.
http://planethappyonline.com

Stocking earth-friendly brands like Aware Toys, Barefoot Books and ImagiPlay¸ Planet Happy is a toy store that focuses on carrying products that are good for kids and the Earth. All of their products are either all natural, organic, fairly traded, multi-use, green or environmental, labor responsible, or all or some of the above. On top of their product awareness, they also donate a percentage of every sale to a tree planting project, making them the most environmentally aware of all the educational toy stores in Seattle

4. Two Owls (Madrona)
3308 E Spring St.
http://shoptwoowls.com

Tucked away in the tiny, but very chic Madrona neighborhood, Two Owls stocks high-quality toys, engaging books and fantastic organic clothing. Owner Mona Anastas has her own line of organic cotton clothes that are earth-friendly and cool.

5. Once Upon A Time on Queen Anne
1622 Queen Anne Ave. N

Stocked full of educational toys from companies like Melissa & Doug, Once Upon A Time is a mecca for educational toys in Seattle. Owner Janelle McCrackin also sells her own brand of Montessori-based toys and learning products at the cute Queen Anne location.