Kip's Toyland

Kip's Toyland LA's Oldest Toy Store - Est. 1945 ""Mr Kip", Kip's Toyland

Irvin “Kip” Kipper, owner of Kip’s Toyland, is a legend in the toy store industry. That was 1945.

Kip’s Toyland is one of the few remaining independently owned toy stores in California. Kip’s is also one of the most enduring shops at the Original Farmers Market since opening in 1956. It’s a rare day, even now, when Mr. Kipper isn’t behind his counter, cheerfully greeting the third generation of his early customers and helping them, like he helped their parents and grandparents, select just the

right toy. He and his wife Gertrude have two sons, Don and Robert, and four adult grandchildren.

“I started in the toy business after World War II. My wife Gertrude and I decided it was time for me to go out on my own rather than work for someone else. At our age, we thought that something related to children and the growing up of children was what we wanted. We found a little operation which we bought. It was a small store that we converted into a toy store. And it seemed to work, right from the start.”

“The biggest joy of being in the toy business is that I relive almost daily pleasurable things. I’m pretty good at spotting a good toy. The perennials are the Hoola Hoop, Slinky, Candyland, Monopoly, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs and Legos. I choose toys like this because I know kids can learn how to follow a pattern, create what they see pictured and that’s great. I just feel lucky to have been involved all these years, selling these kinds of toys.”

“We have no electronic toys in the store because I was never one who thought staring at a tube was the right way for a youngster to develop his or her instincts and coordination. My favorite toy is called the Wheelo. It’s a wire contraption that you manipulate and control by turning it at certain angles to make it speed up and slow down. Here’s a toy that a child holds in his or her hand and watches what she or he can do, depending on how they turn it. That’s one of my favorite toys because it does what I think toys should do. It encourages the child and helps him or her learn.”

“I also like building toys because I remember, as a boy, how great it was to see a picture of something in a manual, take the piece required and attach it. Finding that hinge and putting where it belongs. I’ve always thought that was great. I always try to analyze the toy and make sure it fits with what I like to be sold in my store.”

“My advice to a young entrepreneur is do something you like, if you can. Know that you’re going to have to work long and hard hours. Know that you’re going to have to put up with things that are not always pleasant. But keep a good head and pretty much don’t do anything wrong. Let your conscience be your guide and soon you’ll know the ropes. It’ll come to you. Do the right thing and you’ll be fine.”

“It’s been a great ride, it’s been a wonderful way to earn a living. It’s a great way to raise a couple of boys and put them through college. And here I am, so lucky to be where I am with a wonderful wife. We are both very lucky people.”" - http://www.farmersmarketla.com/merchant/default.asp?id=42

NEW JELLFISH NEEDOH DROP! 🪼
05/25/2026

NEW JELLFISH NEEDOH DROP! 🪼

DROP! You know the drill, come get ‘em before it’s too late!
05/14/2026

DROP! You know the drill, come get ‘em before it’s too late!

They’re BAAAAAACK! If you’ve been patiently waiting for our replenishment order, it’s your lucky day!
05/05/2026

They’re BAAAAAACK! If you’ve been patiently waiting for our replenishment order, it’s your lucky day!

Sometimes kids just need to play ♥️
12/16/2025

Sometimes kids just need to play ♥️

A little toy, a big act of honesty. Thank you to the kind soul who showed us what humanity is all about. Grateful for th...
09/28/2025

A little toy, a big act of honesty. Thank you to the kind soul who showed us what humanity is all about. Grateful for the anonymous customer who came back to pay—proof that integrity lives in the smallest moments!

📣 NEW PUZZLES HAVE HIT OUR SHELVES! 📣
02/27/2025

📣 NEW PUZZLES HAVE HIT OUR SHELVES! 📣

11/20/2024
TOMORROW! December 12th from 2pm - 6pm located at your favorite toy store! SEE YOU THERE!!!
12/11/2023

TOMORROW! December 12th from 2pm - 6pm located at your favorite toy store! SEE YOU THERE!!!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Dv9_covdc
12/20/2022

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Dv9_covdc

Support small, historic L.A. businesses!!! Kip’s Toyland is the oldest toy store in Los Angeles. The purveyor, Irvin “Kip” Kipper, was a POW in World War II ...

Always way too much fun when & come to play!
12/05/2022

Always way too much fun when & come to play!

Address

6333 W 3rd Street Ste 720
Los Angeles, CA
90036

Telephone

+13239398334

Website

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