Vegas Seven | November 2016

If the biggest day of the year was the day the Sears Christmas catalog arrived, this list is for you.

Whether you like to buy, trade or sell, there’s a toy store for you in Las Vegas. Independent retailers run by fans and collectors have sprung up in place of the disappearing mega toy chains, giving added incentive to shop local on Small Business Saturday, November 26. Here’s where to find the best toys for everyone on your list.

TOYS FOR YOUR OFFICE GIFT EXCHANGE

KAPPA TOYS, Downtown Container Park, kappatoys.com

What’s Inside

Toys that’ll have you saying, “I remember those!” Sea-Monkeys, switchblade combs, Slinkys—Kappa Toys is big on classic and novelty pieces that you haven’t played with in years. “We try to hit on every generation’s childhood at some level,” says owner Lizzy Newsome.

Must-Have

Rubik’s Speed Cube, $25.95. Challenge your friends. They can’t cheat by rearranging the stickers because the colors are now embedded in the plastic.

TOYS YOUR PARENTS NEVER BOUGHT YOU

VEGAS TOY SHACK, Neonopolis, facebook.com/lasvegastoyshack

What’s Inside

The world’s most dangerous toys­—no kidding. In addition to stocking its shelves with action figures, dolls, cars and play sets from every era (it has the G.I. Joe aircraft carrier!), Vegas Toy Shack carries a few relics that uppity adults once deemed unsafe for children. On that list is the 1951 Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab set, which comes with a Geiger counter and real uranium samples. It’s not for sale, but maybe they’ll let you look at it.

Must-Have

Jarts Lawn Darts set, $189–$289. Toss them in the air and see them spiral down toward their target, or your Uncle Greg.

TOYS TO KEEP YOUR PETS OFF THE FURNITURE

COLLECTOR’S PLAYGROUND, Galleria at Sunset, facebook.com/collectorsplayground

What’s Inside

Glass cases full of action figures from the ’70s and ’80s, and a healthy stock of newer Marvel, DC, Star Wars, NECA and LEGO figures. Even more impressive are the custom and licensed statues and props (including a lifesize E.T.) near the front doors.

Must-Have

NECA Avengers: Age of Ultron ¼ scale Hulk, $300. 24 inches of fully articulated Hulk smash!

TOYS YOUR KIDS ARE ASKING FOR

THE TOY BOX, Downtown Summerlin, toyboxlasvegas.com

What’s Inside

If it’s trending, it’s here. The Toy Box proves you don’t have to be vintage to be cool, and its shelves are overflowing with everything from the newest Pokémon products to LEGO sets and board games. If your child wants Shopkins or Five Nights at Freddy’s and you don’t know what that is, ask someone who works here.

Must-Have

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty (styles and prices vary). We don’t want to know how they magnetize putty or make it glow in the dark—we just need some in our hands.

“LOOK BUT DON’T TOUCH” TOYS

TORPEDO COMICS, 8775 S. Lindell Rd., torpedocomics.com

What’s Inside

Toys you could sell to pay off your student loans. Superhero action figures crowd the racks, but behind the glass you can browse high-end Sideshow Collectibles and Gentle Giant statues, along with extremely hard-to-find collectibles, some of which date back more than a century. Torpedo owner (and System of a Down drummer) John Dolmayan is truly an obtainer of rare antiquities, because this stuff belongs in a museum. 

Must-Have

Lifesize limited-edition bronze Yoda statue. One of 30 ever made. Not for sale.

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