Best Toy Store

We chose Kidstop after rigorous scientific testing, which can be duplicated by anyone with access to a 3-year-old. Simply turn the child loose in any toy store while you shop for another kid's birthday present. If the range of merchandise is good enough and the staff is helpful enough, you'll end up with a well-occupied young shopping companion. Kidstop gets it right on all counts, with an impressive selection that includes a huge section of toys for infants -- an often-neglected constituency in toy stores. The shop is divided into areas of interest, from trains to musical instruments to art supplies, each with its own cozy play corner where the staff helps to entertain the kids. There's even a teachers' resource section, with stuff parents will use, too. Most important, Kidstop gift-wraps fast and for free, and its signature gecko-print paper will put to shame the other Pokémon-wrapped gifts at any party.