A place where kids flock to buy penny candy should not have a five dollar credit card minimum on purchases! This is ridiculous!

I was shopping in the store a few days ago and I heard three employees talking negatively about a customer that was coming to buy needohs. They said she was a complainer and were going on and on about how she probably never set foot in the store before this. It was very unprofessional and made me feel very uncomfortable in there. There is a sign on the door that says to 'buy local' but this experience made me question continuing to shop here. This happened days ago but the experience has been on my mind so I felt like I needed to write a review about it. To prevent other customers from feeling uncomfortable. read more

Came in for my free bday chocolate today and wasn't disappointed, they sure have quite a selection of chocolates. I got the crystalized ginger chocolate. It was super easy i just went up to the register put my number in the machine and I was done. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

I was very disappointed to see this business selling candy that looked like it had been opened and then resealed. That is a serious food safety concern -- sealed packaging is there to protect customers from contamination and tampering. Once that seal is broken, the integrity of the product is gone, and no one can guarantee it's still safe to eat. Seeing it back on the shelf after being resealed immediately made me question the cleanliness, quality control, and overall trustworthiness of this place. On top of that, the pricing is completely unreasonable. They are charging nearly $10 more than what the same candy would cost anywhere else. This isn't a specialty import or a rare find -- it's the same everyday candy you can buy for a few dollars at other stores. Combining questionable handling practices with massive markups is a bad look for any business. Customers deserve both safe products and fair prices, and sadly, this shop fails to deliver either. read more

No customer service. Big store, lots of stuff but be prepared to hunt in your own . The guy seems to prefer folding gallons to helping customers. On the mail street of Laurel in San Carlos. read more

No respect for kids. Will kick you out if you make any sounds. For example I got kicked out for telling my friend not to squirt me. This is unacceptable. read more

This place has so much stuff for your party needs and the kiddos. Decorations for many themes, books, toys, old nostalgic candies and new favorite to most, candles learning games, & the list goes on. I would take my niece & nephew, and the children I Nannied for here for little treats and it's always a hit! Very reasonable pricing and right in the heart of downtown San Carlos. read more

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Bought an expensive balloon here for my daughter's birthday. It deflated within 2 hours at her party, and when I took it back the next day they just added some tape to it and said "it should last for about 30 more minutes". I explained that I didn't get to take her picture with it and she was napping at the moment - the store employee quite literally told me "better wake her up then." Incredibly rude and unprofessional, will not spend money here again. read more

Everyone who is looking for disposable masks during Covid 19 come to Diddams before 9/30/2020 because they have masks on sale for $5 for a pack of disposable masks. You read that right! It's a special they're running until the end of the month! 3 stars for super slow service with no one in line or in the store really and also for their sky high prices. They usually sell party supplies at 3x the normal price. But masks...use them...and this a value... read more

LOVE Diddams and love that it's a locally-owned mini-chain (3 stores). There's always something delightful to find, and I've been impressed that Mr. Diddam himself (seriously!) works the floor, greeting guests and making recommendations. Re: party store workers insisting on helium balloon weights: it's the law (SB 1990) in California since 1900, not an excuse to upsell. It requires that helium balloons with any electrically conductive element/s be weighted so that they can't get loose and fly away and possibly get tangled up in power lines and either blackout or torch a neighborhood. Party on, Diddams! read more

Dear Diddams, **PLEASE REQUIRE MASK WEARING AT ALL TIMES IN STORE** There's a pandemic and children under 12 cannot be vaccinated. What a shame they do not require masks hi time when the delta variant is happening and is SUPER CONTAGIOUS. No little child or baby can be in your store when there are selfish unvaccinated people who walk inside your store. 1/5 Toy selection 5/5 Employee friendliness 1/5 Negligence by NOT requiring masks read more

Let's start with the only pros, the store offers a lot of choices, wigs, costumes,toys and candies. Cons unfortunately are many more... *merchandise are overpriced *sometimes prices are not clearly stated *good luck if you need an information of any kind (prices, where you can find a particular item) workers are absolutely not interested in helping you, their main occupation for the 40 min I spent in the store, seemed to be chatting with each other. When I went to ask a couple of simple questions, I was treated like I was disturbing, interrupting or bothering them. I left under the impression that they really don't value their customers, enough said, I wont go back. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Terrible customer service. They assured me I could return items I did not use, then refused to allow me to return them. Ridiculous. They just lost a customer for good. Some of the employees are nice and try to be helpful but the manager was Rude and unhelpful. I'll never be backz read more

I bought balloons and they were out of the type that I intended to buy so I had to opt for a different balloon display for my party. The employees looked very upset. Not friendly at all. MAYBE BC THEY WERE THE WEEKEND STAFF. I like to support local businesses, however I STRONGLY encourage you not to waste your time going into this location and instead go with Safeway or party city. read more

OK selection of party items for my grandson. Balloons were on the pricy side but at least the workers there were kind enough.

This place gouges people and tries to upsell everything as far as balloons are concerned. They won't sell certain balloons unless you buy the weights. Love the idea of supporting local but even the big outfits are much more flexible and accommodating to customers, especially at these crazy prices. Two stars for large selection and convenient location. Not shopping here again. read more

Had lots of things to select from... everything was neat Ana they have wide aisles so you don't feel cramped. Parking is a little challenging on Sunday with farmers market, not sure if it's better during the week. Overall, good party store with good selections. read more

Pretty excellent party and costume store. From wrapping paper, gift bags, cups and plates to wigs, disguises and costumes to treats, toys and candy, Diddams delivers. The store is laid out well, the shelves are fully-stocked and carefully organized, and the staff is young and eager to help. Prices are reasonable and parking is scarce but not impossible. read more

It's a fun store to go through, once you've tired yourself out of all the little boutique stores. This store is actually affordable on a college student's budget! And who doesn't like candy and all the quirky little randomness? read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - So many Ravensburger puzzles! - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

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It's literally THE MOST EXPENSIVE party store I have ever and I mean EVER laid eyes on. While they have a really wonderful collection of quite possibly anything you might need, they are base $2-$5 more for basic items than other costume shops. Let along the DOLLAR STORE shell bra I saw that was $20 something dollars here. Seriously, dollar store. They are wildly, for absolutely no reason, much more expensive than you'd expect and unless you are in dire costume straights. We're talking you have no planning skills and you forgot her birthday and it's the night before because your Prime won't get it to you within one day and you have only 20 minutes to pick it up and she will hate you forever DIRE, there is no reason to ever go to Diddams. The internet is cheaper and has the same (if not better because it's the internet) selection and even with shipping, will cost you less than Diddams. That way you can just by more things and she will probably love you more. Just say no people. Just say no. read more

I passed this place and couldn't resist, though I promised my husband I wouldn't buy any candy ... but guess what? They had Hi Chews in Apple and Banana. Those are so freakin hard to find. They're made in Taiwan and I first discovered them in Hawaii, never to be found again, until I recently found them in ... drum roll please ... Cost Plus, and of course the mother of them all: Amazon :-) So now that I'm flush with Hi Chews, I couldn't resist more of my favorites. This is a cavernous shop with everything you'd think of for party supplies and decorations--all of it Halloween based, since tis the season. but I imagine they also have Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving. All kinds of candies, including the double salted black licorice my husband and I love. It's a children's paradise with all sorts of toys for both genders. I love their selection of unusual wrapping paper, but didn't buy any because I found it over priced--almost $7 for a slim little roll, when I can find a humumgous roll at other places, and for far less. It a fun place to explore, and for whatever it's worth, the customer service is sort of non existent here; either they were short staffed or they really are disinterested in customer experience because nobody asked us if we needed help, and the few people I saw who worked there, seemed zonked out. I still give this place 5 stars because I have a fondness for places that name their business "tyme," lol :-) read more

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If you need party stuff, go here. Party stuff is pretty good, they have balloons as well as party items for cheap prices in bulk. Avoid toys (they are usually overpriced) read more

The customer service here is only so-so and all sales are final (unless something is defective or broken), so I have to downgrade Diddams one star. I won't buy kids' birthday presents here, since I like to give a gift receipt, in case they want to return the gift. I still like this store for its wide selection and reasonable prices, but I value customer service and being able to return things. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

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They are out of stock on most things. Took my child in on her birthday and she was so disappointed that not even one of her many choices of balloons were available. Per the employee they did not have any princess balloons for a long time - then they should remove them for display and not disappoint kids. read more

Diddams has party/birthday/whatever occasions supplies, paper and accessories usually found at michael, toys and crafts found at hobby lobby, costumes for various events.... in short Diddams has many specialities, some pricey. candy section to the right, pricier powell's sweet shoppe. buys:rocky road dark chocolate bar (1.19) -probably paid 35 cents decades ago. -marshmellow a fav in my youth, lost sweet tooth as i aged..... take outs: -lots of interesting items, may be pricey, it's not walmart nor dollar tree. read more

Woo hoo for a party store that's high class and full of great selection. This store is more like a cross between Powell St. Sweet Shop and Party City with a hint of the Constructive Playthings with all the teacher friendly items and toys. I walked in one rainy afternoon while trying to keep myself entertained since working out at the gym with my sister wasn't appealing (considering the San Carlos gym smelled like a wrestling mat.) There was a cashier up by the front door greeting people and stocking candy when I walked in. He asked me what I was looking for and took the time to walk me to the gift bag section and also showed me things I might have needed in addition to the bags. Now that's some quality service there! With such a wonderful selection of gift bags, boxes, tissues and old fashioned candy, I spent much more time than I intended taking it all in. I wish I had found this place months ago when I needed fun balloons, party favors, kids toys and crazy hats but at least I've found it now. The little Martha Stewart inside me is giggling with all the gift basket possibilities. Who carries 3 different kinds of Big League Chew? and Zig Nut bars and Hello Kitty candy? This place does! I'm officially a fan of you Diddams and thank you for saving me time in the future. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

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What CAN'T you get here? If you want to throw a party, large or small, you can get all you need (sans food and drink) here. Colored plates, cups, napkins, and table covers in a rainbow of colors and a variety of patterns and "messages." Plastic cups and "glasses" in a variety of styles. Plastic servingware. Balloons! Balloons! Balloons! Banners. Party favors. Favor bags. The list goes on... If you're pulling together a wedding, they have a good assortment of decorations, as well as DIY invitations, things you can use to make favors, and (of course) other supplies you can certainly use to throw a party. If you want to give a toy as a gift -- they've got a TON here, sure to please a variety of ages and interests. If you want to decorate your home -- you'll find some beautiful candles. If you want a wacky candy -- come here. For example: Right now they have a display of candies based on Candy Crush. Need a card? Stop in; they have a pretty good selection. Love stickers? Check out their wall o' rolls! If I had one suggestion to make... it'd be that they re-place the registers. In their current location, the lines create a blockage right at the front of the store, making it kind of inconvenient to navigate that area. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California

rating should actually be 3 stars but I cannot deny them a 4 if they have all my party needs haha This place literally has all your party needs, only thing missing is the kegs and alcohol haha. they even got costumes in the far back left hand corner almost 3 rows full of stuff, wigs, mask, face paint, horns, weapons, critters, creatures oh and costumes also. if your looking for a specific plate with his or her mug on it, these folks will probably have it, if your looking for a themed party they will probably have everything you need also, quick example everything harry potter, horrible glasses, wand, plates, dessert plates, napkins, toys, utensils, party bags, favors, candy etc they got it all. the staff is friendly most are all teenagers, though it was a lil funny but in the front of the store where a few of the pinata's are elmo seemed to be extra happy i will post a picture so u can take a look, but on a whole if party city or party warehouse dont got what you need this place probably will. price depends on purchases service *** ambiance ** not stroller friendly selection ***** yeah they got a wide selection read more

This past Saturday, I got presents at Diddams for a birthday party that my daughter was invited to, only 30 minutes before that birthday party was about to start. Of course, my daughter was invited to this birthday around 6 weeks ago. Procrastinator - maybe. Super busy - yes definitely. And full disclosure, this is not the first time I have done this. I have flashbacks of the last three years scrambling around Diddams frantically at the last minute trying to find a great kid gift that looks like I spent some time thinking about it. Somehow I always manage to pull it off. Diddams is awesome like that! I go to Diddams because they have a pretty decent selection of toys and books for kids 6 and younger like Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles, Dr. Suess, plush animal dolls, activity and sticker books, and lots of crafty stuff for kids as well. There are lots of options for different kids. For older kids they have science kits, a huge assortment of puzzles, and a big selection of games. They have all the classics like Candy Land and Monopoly, to card games and learning games for children under five years old too. You can get all sorts of gift wrapping, balloons on the spot, tissue paper, candies, goodie bags - you name it. Everything party is here in a one stop shop. I have gotten everything here for my own daughter's birthday parties as well, so I have seen that they have a pretty wide selection of party decorations, party favors, and party ware like tablecloths, plates and cups. They have all this for babies to children, and of course, grown up parties too. I have ordered birthday balloons from here many times, including ones for my daughter's parties and also for small events I have held. They have always had my balloon order ready, correct, and on time which is really important, because as most people do, I have needed balloons to be ready at just the right time so that you can get to your event when you need to, prepared and with balloons in hand! The only thing I have not been able to get last minute at Diddams are cards. Their selection is pretty slim and I have spent too long looking around for the right one, and never actually finding it. I give Diddams four stars for always saving me at the last minute! read more

I went to this store tecently, I had a really bad experience. I was looking for party supplies for my son's 21th birthday, I found very few items for the occasion and figure they were very price, but I still bought them. The cashier, a Latin woman overcharged me with $50.00. I noticed on my receipt one item of $9.99 and that caught my attention, so I looked through the items I got, and I did not even have anything with that price. I counted all the items, and I realized the total items she charged me, were double the amount of what I was buying. I told her about it, she call a guy to give me back the money she over charged me. I decided to just buy two balloons that she was already inflating, she previously told me that weights were included in the high price of the balloons $12.99 for each number, but the guy said not, the weights were extra $1.89 for each. I ended up paying $15.00 for each number (ridiculous expensive). I told them I was only buying the balloons and nothing else. They did not even apologize for the big mistake of overcharging $50. I will never go back to this store, where they try to ripped you off. read more

We love this place! All the complaints about prices and customer service kills me. These people only post when things don't go their way. Or don't read signs that say costume sales are final. Then have some clerk not care about their in justified melt down. Great place! Go and have fun looking and buy something that makes you smile. Old school candies, board games all in the right side. The party supplies on the left side are unlimited. Thanks guys! You are great to have in the neighborhood. read more

Once a Barganista, now a Budget Bride. These days my head is swimming with color schemes, favor possibilities, and décor galore. If there's one place that can reel in all those ideas and perhaps throw a little more into the mix just to keep you dreaming, it's Diddams. This chain has been around since I was a kid and it seems to be decorating its aisles even better than I remember. It's a hybrid of a candy store and party supply with a hint of Martha Stewart craftiness. Candy, stickers, fake flowers, candles, paper goods, and toys...whether you're a kid or just one at heart, they've got a ton of supplies to party it up in whatever decade, event, or theme you're celebrating. Now, I swear I'm not being a Bridezilla when I say that I do wish their customer service could be more to Yelp about... - It's not Crate and Barrel. I bought 10 awesome, glass "candle logs" for $5.99 each. Such a great deal! However, they were so cheap that when I asked for them to be wrapped up in tissue paper, I got a funny look and was told they only had plastic bags. Hmm, ya get what you pay for! - Don't bother asking to use their restroom. They told my mom it was broken--yeah, right! I take it, it's not for public use. -You've got 30 days to return things. I'm guessing it's because they don't want people buying, trying, and returning. Will I be back? You know I will! read more

I have a love-hate relationship with the store. Yes, you will find me at Diddams at least once a week as long as they've been in business, but I'm not proud of it. When they first moved into the cavernous former Woolworth's site in the heart of downtown, they focused solely on party goods. The local toy store at the time welcomed them with open arms. But then Diddam's started carrying toys and the toy store couldn't compete. A few years later a kid's book store opened up down the street, and Diddam's started selling books. Storybook Lane closed down. At one point, they sold Crocs in competition with the kids' shoe store across the street. When you do find me there with my kids, its primarily to buy party supplies like plates, favors and balloons or an after school candy bar. Staff is generally pleasant and helpful. I just can't help thinking about how their actions have impacted locally-owned shops up and down Laurel St. over the years. read more

i used to frequent their store in mtn view since i used to live a couple blocks away, but now that i live in rwc, i need to drive to get to the nearest diddams store...in this case, this location in san carlos happens to be the closest to me. located in downtown san carlos, on the busy laurel street, this store is pretty big and carries all of the usual party supplies, balloons, paper goods, utensils, decorations, games, candy, etc. i was in search of some items for a bachelorette party and only found one of the items that i was looking for, a feathered boa. the quality of this boa was just ok, it wasn't that long (i'd seen longer boas at other parties, including my own) and both ends had this strange thick thread which i couldn't understand. unfortunately, i couldn't find a "bachelorette" sash or tiara. they did carry "bride-to-be" and "bridal shower" sashes, but not ones suitable for a bachelorette party. and while they carried tiaras for little girls, small tiaras that resembled those worn by disney princesses, they didn't have tiaras for bigger girls, suitable for a bachelorette or bridal shower. i purchased the boa, and left, and headed to another party/crafts store in search of the remaining items on my shopping list. nice store, good selection, friendly staff, but unfortunately, a bit short on the bachelorette party goods. read more

This place is pretty clean and organized. I like that they have a lot of different trinkets and favors for gift bags. The selection of themes is pretty limited but they have a ton of different colors if you are trying for something solid. I like another party store better for the themes we were looking at. The prices are pretty similar to most party places. read more

DIDDAMS!!!!!!!! 4 STARS!!! You ALWAYS have cool stuff!!! This place is THE place to go IF you need unique cards/gifts/party supplies/toys/collectibles/candy for wedding/shower favors...costumes/props/ seasonal decorations!! On a recent, unplanned visit, here's what I purchase: 4 FEATHER BOAS!!! Yeah BABY!!! Listen, they are long, full, plum-y BOAS! in AMAZING colors that defy nature...ORANGE?? CANARY YELLOW? Hot PINK? PURPLE?? (most stores that even cater to Boa -Friendly folks only offer Black or Red...well, that's fine and dandy, but so main stream! What if you want boas to match or complement/contrast tonally with your outfit? What about then? Well...you trot on over to Diddams, that's what!! -- Sour green apple Jelly Beans - a GIANT ( 3 foot tall) green felt LEPRECHAUN's hat for my St. Paddy's weekend/day pub crawls and social do's!! (I've lost be lucky charms...NOT! I still have 'em (wink) - greeting cards - chattering teeth and some of that black soap that when used, keeps making the unsuspecting soap user get more and more black stuff all over their hands!! There is a large parking lot in the back, street parking is always challenging unless you go off hours....they accept credit cards... the ONLY down side to this place....and it's why I only gave them 4 stars is: THE COUNTERSTAFF!!! They must be related to the owner...because they appear to be going thru some MAJOR teen angst and want to spend more time talking amongst themselves then assisting a growing line of clients wanting to...uh...you know BUY STUFF and SECURE their jobs??!??!!? Oh wait, if their relatives own the place then there jobs are already secure....anyway, in the end the whole "Mean Girl" vibe is so 10 years ago and hopefully with time/maturing/Zoloft they will morph into semi decent human beins'...and I will still shop their because they have cool stuff I like that I can't find elsewhere (ever or mostly) so I will shop there...BUT...they are foolishly smug if they think ALL people will put up with their behavior so they might want to re-think their game just a tad!!! So except for the occassional snooty counter girls...a SOLID 4 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Diddams!!! Can't wait to see what you have next!!! read more

Customer service is OK but the store is filled with alot of cool and neat things. I feel like a kid again whenever I visit this store. I'm particularly fond of their new candle aisle! Especially the soy candles! They smell so good and lasts longer! read more

A clean, well lighted place for useless holiday junk and disposable kids' goodie bag stuff. The selection of Halloween stuff is great compared to Spirit. Diddam's employees were helpful, while Spirit's employees were like carnies waiting for the closing of the midway to get liquored up and loosen the bolts on the teacup ride. Prices were also about ~50% cheaper than Spirits for wigs and makeup. Plus, Diddams has pipe cleaners, silly putty, and most of the craftsy stuff you might want if you are into making your own costume. read more

I'm like a kid in a freaking candy store in this place. Sometimes I'll just go in and walk around not intending on buying anything. Just looking at all the awesome crap is a joyous occasion. But seriously if you're planning a party and need the supplies, this is the place to go. They have so many party theme ideas it's bonkers! I'm tempted to throw a ridiculous party for the heck of it just so I can buy a bunch of stuff here. I also appreciate the sticker selection, goodness gracious!! I know, I know it's a bit 3rd grade but I'm a girl who *loves* stickers and they have just about every sticker you can think of. I know just where to go when I'm ready to put together my Seattle scrapbook!! Whoohoo read more

A lot of great candy and treats for parties. I was disappointed to find that their was misguided pricing on candy. There should be one price tag on each candy bar or package. I picked up a connected package of 4 small Zotz that had one price tag for all of 49 cents. I then chose several of these connected Zotz for that price. When I went to pay, the clerk counted each one separately. I questioned it and she looked at me like I was weird and didn't really want to say sorry. I suggested that the pricing be fixed. She didn't care by her facial expression and her eyes on the next customer. I miss customer service and honesty. read more

Diddams Party & Toy Store - Misguided pricing at Diddams or the store overcharged me today. - Party Supplies Near Me - San Carlos, California