Nice owner. Friendly. A huge variety of local Fairfax things, T shirts, hats. My husband grew up in Fairfax and I wanted to get him a T shirt. There it was. read more

Nostalgic candies to bring back memories, and many other items to peak your fancy; a wonderful selection that creates a wonderful ambience. Which IMHO is a service of great value. read more

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This store is one a kind a total joy to shop at, Fairfax is so lucky to have Fairfax Variety- brings back childhood memories with the good old fashion toys and candy , plus the most incredible amount of the best cooking books ever!! I can always pop in for a quiet birthday, baby party supplies even office supplies . I cant beige how many things Polly has in that store . I am always amazed when I phone and ask " do you have a ..." and she saids YES! thank you for being one of the best parts of Fairfax read more

This shop has everything!!! It is a true Variety store and brings all the small town vibes with magic and joy. Polly is super helpful and also has great knowledge of the town and it's history. Fairfax is an incredibly special place and this shop holds so much of the magic. read more

I feel like the owner's attitude is pretty well-documented at this point, but I just got to experience it firsthand today and... yikes, she is just so unpleasant. We were clearly not welcome from the start. My son wanted to buy something with his allowance but I put back the items I picked out for myself after she was rude and dismissive when checking out. Won't ever shop here again. read more

I have gone into the store a few times, and each time the older woman running the shop is unkind and seems annoyed. Today I spent nearly $80, and she acted exasperated when I asked my daughter which toy car I should buy. She even mouthed, "I know" to the customer behind me as if I was taking eons to decide. It was less than 30 seconds of her time. I won't spend my money here when I'm treated rudely for no reason. If you don't like working in retail, why run a store? read more

Why is this rude woman managing a children's candy and toy store? At first glance, you would think she's a sweet grandma, but then she opens her mouth and starts yelling at all the toddlers and teens in the store plus their parents; it makes for a very uncomfortable situation. read more

This is quite nostalgic, my comfort zone, back to the innocent past! The owner is very personable, pleasant & engaging. Try to visit at least monthly! read more

I never write bad reviews. I came in here with my toddler today and he was very excited at the toy and candy aisle. I immediately told her I would keep him out of trouble, and he was a little handsy but I wasn't going to let him do any damage. I was going to buy something, and he ran out quickly so I was going to leave him with my husband and come back. She straight up was mean, giving me a snarl on my way out. If you're going to own a store with toys, you should manage your expectations of people. It made me feel terrible during our big family day out. read more

Love this old school "5 & Dime"! They always have seasonal & holiday items, and a wide array of things. It's a great place to bring kids for penny candy and toys, too. read more

Have to agree with others - the owner is pretty off putting. I was barely in for long and picked up the uncomfortable feeling that if I stayed in there long, my happy feeling of being back in my home town would be soured by interacting with her. She must be a pretty miserable person judging from all the bad reviews. I actually come of Yelp to see what others had to say. Sorry to learn it wasn't just me or perhaps her having a bad day. Hard to understand how and why someone would be in this line of business as she obviously doesn't like people. read more

This shop is very nice but the owner is not very good with kids and that's a little weird because she's running a children's candy store!

I have childhood memories of going into that store with a childhood friend, Sandra. The very small, rubber toys were my favorite. I am glad to see it is still there, 50 years later. read more

I generally like and want to support small local businesses. Luckily in this case there's a different toy store around the corner down the street less than two blocks away, so there's really no reason to ever frequent this shop again. Randomly, my husband and I remember to after having a very horrible interaction with the owner, who yelled at my 3-year-old child, for what, holding my hand and walking through the store without a mask? She is three. Please do not yell at my child. If you want my 3-year-old to wear a mask in your store, first of all, post your mask wearing requirements for toddlers and young children. Most places do not require 3-year-olds to wear masks. Second, direct your words towards me, the mother. Do not yell at my child. We will not be back in your store. Why do you even have a toy store if you find joy yelling at children? C'est la vie. read more

What a delightfully amazing eclectic store! Came in here to look for sweet tooth appreciation gifts. Discovered a treasure trove of toys, candy, stationery, cards, totes, candles, party supplies, journals, prints. And, lots of novelties for anyone's fancy adorned this little place. This whimsical place has everything for everybody. Every space of this place was filled with unique items, yet organized in a systemic way. I didn't know where to look. I came during my lunch break. Spoke to the friendly lady proprietor about caramel apples which she didn't happen to carry. No worries. I'm definitely coming back. But next time, I will take my sweet tooth time. read more

This is one of our favorite places in Marin and we always send our 3 kiddos in while we're having brunch next door at Hummingbird! The owner has always been so kind to them and she has such an eclectic, unique selection of items from toys to candles and everything in between! read more

Polly was extremely rude to me and my two girls. She demanded that we use sanitizer and then followed us around the store literally within two feet of us. Maybe she thought we were going to steal something? Terrible. The other reviews reflect my sentiments exactly. Very surprising a store has been able to survive with an owner like this and such offensive customer service. read more

The owner told us our 6 month baby needed a mask! I don't even think that's legal. Cool store, extremely rude owner.

I saw the reviews about this store and thought, those are a little harsh. The owner of the store can't be that rude. But then I called the store and holy crap, she really is. She's just awful. It's too bad, because stores like this need to have good customer service. Otherwise, Amazon is going to eat them alive. Be better, Fairfax Variety. You've lost me as a customer, but I'd hate to see small businesses fail. Even when this one clearly deserves to fail. read more

Cool stuff there but the lady or owner there was super rude. Told me to mask on my 1 year old son. When is the last time you see 1 year one keep the mask on !!!! read more

Been a customer for years, just met the owner- manager very rude lady. Very unfriendly and dismissive after being a loyal customer with my children. I am a local and these was no reason for such unfriendly vibes. read more

We stepped one foot in the door today and I immediately knew to take my business elsewhere. I was with my 4 year old son and the lady working shot him a dirty look and yelled he isn't allowed to touch anything. We are responsible parents who would never allow our child to ruin merchandise or be disrespectful. I'd love to spend money on small businesses during this difficult time but can take it elsewhere with better customer service. read more

The owner treated her customers rudely, and hates kids. I tried to go in with a couple kids that I babysit and she made me leave them outside. I proceeded to take pictures of the little animals that the kids wanted to purchase and bring my phone to them for them to see, and she kept complaining how complicated that was and how I should just stop. I then told her I didn't really have any other choice since she wasn't letting them come in and she just kept making rude remarks. read more

It's so difficult to support this adorable local store that has a little bit of everything and a lot of attitude. It's painful how they treat my children and I am very strict. Can't come in without an adult even as a teenager. My daughter was carrying something she wanted to buy and was scolded for doing so. I, the adult, tried to turn a display item on to see its function and was scolded "don't touch, that's the display item" on the shelf not window display. I'd had it and asked everyone to put back what they were going to buy and left. I don't appreciate condescending harassment that I have to pay for. Please be kind...that's free! read more

Whenever we have to wait for a table at Hummingbird I like to step into the time machine that is Fairfax Variety. It has so many memorable candies and toys from the Five & Dime of my childhood that it's a sentimental journey back home. By contrast, the other side of the store is an up-to-date gift and gadget emporium. There is so much visual stimulation here. And, true to their name, great variety. I often see something I have been meaning to seek out, and make that impulse buy! By the time Hummingbird is ready for us I have picked out a few treats and some knick-knacks, or at the very least, some postcards to write during breakfast. Now, I have read other reviews of Fairfax Variety and, since we have no children, have not experienced any lack of warmth from the owner, but I can see how there must be some frustration, in as much as she is surrounded by eateries, ice cream cones, and to-go coffee cups. read more

I'll admit that this review is absolutely biased as I grew up in Fairfax from 1960 -1991 before leaving Marin County. I stop in whenever I'm in the area just to walk through and enjoy the memories.....from the moment I step in and hear the old, original creaking floors, exactly the same as I remember 50+ years ago. Still the same novelty items only found in these out of the way old-timey small town stores. Thank you for the memories and the capacity to keep these historical places alive for countless generations of children, just as much as older adults like me that still remember the place as if it was just yesterday! read more

Walked in with my 5 year old to buy some toys and candy. And while he was reading the candy boxes labels as he is excited to be learning to read the lady who works there (pretty sure she is the owner) very rudely told him not to touch anything. We left immediately. read more

I've lived in Fairfax for 22 years and am a strong advocate for shopping locally. We shop at all of the downtown shops, including Fairfax Variety. I've heard for years that the woman who owns the store is sometimes snippy and clearly has an occasional negative issue with children (somewhat ironic given that her store is known as the "toy store" here in town). Even so, we frequent the store often, buying gifts and other items there. Today was the first day that I realized that the woman who owns the store, and is often behind the counter, is not just cranky but downright insensitive and perhaps doesn't deserve the business of parents in this town. I have a 7 year old son with Autism. He is an intelligent, sweet and vivacious child, who often can get overstimulated and appear to be misbehaving. After seeing the Angry Birds Movie at the Fairfax Theater, we decided to go to the Variety store to see if they had any of the new Angry Birds Lego sets. After checking, we realized they didn't have these sets and even though I worked all my usual magic with him to get him out of the store without a meltdown, he gradually got more desperate to buy something. He wasn't completely losing it but was whining about wanting something and after about 2 minutes of him whining loudly about it, I was ushering him out of the store. During this mini-meltdown (not nearly as bad as they can get...) the woman behind the counter, who was on the phone with what sounded like a friend, snapped at me: "Hey, why don't YOU act like the adult and do something?" Right in the middle of me trying to get him out of the store with as little drama as possible. Thanks, lady. Real helpful. Let me also say THE STORE WAS OTHERWISE EMPTY. The only person we were inconveniencing was HER. On the phone with her friend. I turned to her and said "My son has Autism, and the last thing I need is attitude from you about it". I surprised myself because I've NEVER snapped at someone about my son's Autism before, but I couldn't believe that in an empty store a whiny child who hadn't damaged anything in any way could have driven her to that kind of reaction. So, OK, now I had told her the issue with my son and you would think most shop owners at that point would maybe say "Oh, I'm sorry... I didn't know." Or something to that effect. But all she said was "OK." That was it. And went back to talking on the phone, saying how irritating we were being. Over the many years I've lived here, I've heard a lot of parents mention that this woman had yelled at their kids for minor issues, or had been rude. There is room for all sorts of people in this world, including grumpy shop owners. So, whatever.. we all live in this town together and need to get along. BUT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD... if you own a friggin' TOY STORE, maybe grow a bit of patience and compassion for kids, will you? Particularly for kids that have special needs and their parents that are trying desperately to get through their day with as little drama and as few tears as possible. Sadly, I guess we'll be buying our Lego and other toys elsewhere. read more

I love the little shops in Fairfax. We go to Pt Reyes a lot and always make time to stop around here. The town is so friendly, that's one of it's biggest appeals. My girlfriend points out Fairfax Variety and says she wants to check it out. We had just purchased ice coffee next door, and have it in our hands when we walk into the store. "Please leave your coffee outside!!!" -- quick and a very angry tone. I was a little surprised at such a strong reaction. First, I'm a nice person. A smile and asking me kindly and I would have left. But snapping at me for walking into a retail store with coffee? It was just rude and uncalled for. I was feeling a little snarky from the tone so I think I said something along the lines of "Ok, well then I won't give you my patronage." My girlfriend and I leave the store. We joke about how if we had spilled coffee on any of the merchandise, we would have had to pay for it so the policy seems a little silly. We walked up the street a little bit and then were coming back down to go to our car. I stop in front of the store really quick to look at the name. I didn't think anyone was paying attention. I opened the Yelp app to check in so I could make a comment about the coffee thing later. My girlfriend asks me what I'm doing. "I just want to check in on Yelp real quick." Well the owner or whomever was working must have seen me from inside, because they come outside and scream... "F**K YOU A**HOLE!!!!" they scream at me! What?! Everyone on the street is looking at him, I don't have a response. I just raised my eyebrows in surprise, said nothing, and continued on my way. Well, I'm glad they kicked me out, because I wouldn't want to give my patronage to someone with so much hate in their heart. It doesn't fit in with the welcoming feel of Fairfax, and there are many alternatives. We went down to Revolution 9 a block away, a similar type shop, and had a wonderful and pleasant experience. Keep Fairfax a kind and friendly place to be -- don't give this store your patronage. read more

Though there's some fun things in the store, I have to agree with other reviewers about the owner. I basically stopped going in here because her attitude sort of leaves a yucky stink about the place. She's not only not kid friendly, she's dog unfriendly too-which I could understand accept that I've been in there a couple of times when she's not working and the person behind the counter offered my dog treats, so went back (urged on by my dog, who stopped in front of the door hoping for more treats) and she was working and was quite sharp about "no dogs". My dog is extremely well-behaved and welcomed in pretty much every other non-food store in Fairfax, so found this turn around here rather confusing. read more

We used to shop here but never again. The owner is so rude and awful to everybody -- especially children. There are so many other great shops in Fairfax to spend your money at. Don't waste your time here! read more

My boyfriend and I were on a road try that brought us to Fairfax looking to get some breakfast. The restaurant we were going to go to was closed for Mardi Gras so I came here to ask the owner where she thought served up a good breakfast. After having an AMAZING breakfast that she suggested we came back to check out this super cool shop. I loved it. There is a variety of candy to choose from so that you feel like you're in a candy shop on one side of the aisle and on the other side are a bunch of retro toys I remember my mom getting me for Christmas as a kid. There were a lot of different quirky cards to choose from and almost everyone I know is a Spring baby so I found an artist I particularly like and got almost all her birthday cards. The owner even told me more about the artist because she knows her personally. I also started longingly at the book aisle but decided not to get any...yet. TLDR, there's a variety of things to choose from as the name suggests. My boyfriend got a bag of candy and I got enough birthday cards to hold me over for a few birthdays. Not only that, but we had a great time talking to the owner. I saw so many things in there to get for people I know that I'm determined to drive up from San Jose to get it from HERE. This is the kind of place I want to spend my money. read more

This is truly a shop that takes you back to the good old 5 and dime days. They have great card selection and at the holidays a great selection of inexpensive holiday items. They always have lots of neat childrens toys and in the rear of the store they actually have useful kitchen items and bath items that are really nice and quite inexpensive. The owners are very helpful and this store is just another reason why Fairfax is a unique town. read more

I've had to tell my 4yo we can "only go once a week" as she loves the Variety store, and even though we generally limit the trip to stickers we have to wander around and scope everything out. I find the owner to be perfectly pleasant with me, though I can see how if people failed to read the signs on the door and tried to bring in strollers or food it could get frustrating on both ends... This is my go to for quick gifts, she has a wide range of gifts and items to meet almost any personality, and she continues to bring in new merchandise that then catches my eye and helps me shop ahead for folks "that would be perfect for _________!" I've been coming to the Variety store since I was a kid myself, and it always gives me a little joy to visit. SUPPORT LOCAL~ read more

some cool stuff but nothing you couldnt find at a quirky or edgy store like urban outfitters, hot topic, or even forever 21. the employee (owner??) was weird as hell too - im an adopted person of color with a white mother so im used to being treated differently or weirdly, but that doesnt make it okay. the lady watched us closely as we trimmed some stickers to purchase & then proceeded to follow me (& not my mom) around the store as i browsed. like i said before, im used to it, but it still sucks. ended up overpaying $10 for a tiny fawn figurine because i felt so pressured to prove to her that i wasnt some lousy poor brown kid, read more

This place rules so hard. Where else can you get fake barf, a frying pan, a copy of One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, stationery, cowboy placemats and matching lunchbox, pull-toys for a baby, a "Nunzilla" windup toy, Amazon Women on the Moon salt and pepper shakers, and a birthday card for your grandma all under ONE ROOF!?!?!!!!! Fairfax Variety is usually my first stop for the Dreaded Holiday Shopping Event... plus they have a whacked-out candy selection. I think I bought a Gummi ear there one Halloween.... read more

Polly doesn't make friends, she can be friendly if there's no ounce of doubt in her attitude and her justification of having it, which...i don't need or have to say ...i'd see why... i was banned after being told i made 'someone uncomfortable'... and countered this....'argument' read more

Polly, the owner is really taking care of this wonderful historic shop in the quaint town of Fairfax, ca. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and wanted everything in the store! From fun toys to household items...nothing is boring and "regular" there, but so much FUN! I bought my stickers for our wedding invites there and there is just so much to look at in the shop, that it's almost like a little museum, except one can take something home! read more

Five stars just cuz it's hecka fun to be up in here. I like the tiny play-as-u-wind music boxes...bomb diggity. And of course the flip books and fake teeth. They don't have a problem taking orders if they don't already have the item...chill folks dat chew bubble gum while you dance in the store, like a kid with no inhibitions...in fact, they dance with you. A must stop on my way to Samuel T. Taylor read more

This old five and dime is about three quarters full of stuff you need, and one quarter full of stuff you want. Get your LONDON, PARIS, ROME, FAIRFAX t-shirts here. And giant pink bouncing balls. And other awesome stuff. And greeting cards. I got a packet of seeds that I could address and mail away to Pop just like a postcard. It WAS a postcard! And it's right next door to Fairfax Scoop... P.S.: If you don't find it at Fairfax Variety, try Sherman's General Store around the corner. read more