I'm not a parent (being my own only child, not withstanding), but I am an uncle. You know what the best family roll is? Being an uncle. All of the fun, very little of the responsibility. Want to make it really fun? Be an uncle who lives in far-off San Francisco. By this I mean, the time you actually get to spend together is very special, because it is a rare treat. I have two nieces, currently both a little younger than 4 and 2, respectively. I wanted to get them something special and San Francisco-related for my last visit. Here's the rub: I know very little about children. I'm not sure what age kids start doing things, but I do know that things change quick in terms of development. What to do? I recommend Fiddlesticks to the clueless uncles of the world. My primary feedback about this store is about its service. The gentleman who helped me on my two visits could not have been nicer or more helpful. He has a background in education, and walked me through how toys and games relate to development. Left to my own devices, I would have missed the mark on a few items - so the help was very valuable. Instead, he walked around giving me a bunch of good options. And, the girls loved their gifts. They have a great selection of toys and games, definitely for the younger crowd. I would think that 7 or 8 would be about the high end for age - I may be wrong about that. They also have a lot of cute and high-quality clothes and shoes. (Although I'm a rube, so if it's clothes, the girls are getting Vikings, Twins and, to the chagrin of their U of M parents, definitely some Wisconsin Badgers gear from Uncle Adam... I might sneak some Giants stuff in when the Twins are better, I don't want them to jump ship on their hometown team. Although I almost pulled the trigger on a stuffed Lou Seal) read more

I have been here multiple times! It's one of my favorite children clothing stores. I've came here shopping for friends' kids and now my own daughter! Unfortunately today was not great. When I walked in, I had one quick greeting and then the employees started chatting with each other. When I was about to ask a question, one of the sales person said, "Oh are you looking for the sales section?" I replied, "No... I'm looking for a gift. He's turning 2." And she showed me the entire section that isn't organized by gender or age. LOL! Very specific recommendations. Anyway, I was wearing sweats today but since when did anyone care about what one wears on a 3pm on a Tuesday shopping? And frankly, not that it matters, but I don't think I've ever bought anything on sale from here. read more

This was my first time at Fiddlesticks and I was quite impressed! Great selection of children's clothing, toys, and other items (stickers, temporary tattoos, hair clips, and lots more!); friendly, helpful service; reasonable prices; and complimentary gift wrapping! I will be back. read more

Fiddlesticks - The complimentary gift wrapping provided by the store! - Toy Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love this shop so much because of the vibe and the wide variety of things to get. This shop is perfect for anyone looking for a unique gift for all of the ages! read more

The first time I went here was maybe at 3pm and they had a sign in the door that said "be back in 30 minutes." The problem was that there was no time on the note, so we had no idea how long it had been or if it was worth waiting. Unfortunately I was with two disappointed little kids. The second time I went, they were actually open and I bought some clothes for my kids. The woman working there didn't say a word to us, despite us being the only customers in the store. That didn't bother me, but what did annoy me was that as she was ringing me up and my card payment was going through, she said "there will be an option for a tip. Choose whichever you'd like." And there on the screen were different tip options. I mean really? Now I'm asked to tip in a clothing store? I found that pretty obnoxious, especially because she sat there wordlessly the whole time. read more

Great selection and great service. Bought gifts for 5 different kids and found something for everyone.

My kids love coming to this shop! This is truly the only place I can take them to when they need clothing. I can always count on Fiddlesticks to carry gifts that I am looking for. I am especially grateful that they carry a wide variety of Maileg items! The employees are always lovely when I come in. read more

Cute little store right down the street from us in Hayes valley. Friendly service but they could use a little more selection! Still a great addition to the neighborhood. read more

I was looking for swimwear and a sweater (both from Tea Collection) which were sold out on the company's website. After a google search for the items, I found Fiddlesticks! They have a nice selection of children's clothing as well as plush toys (I ended up buying a few more adorable plush toys from Jellycat). When I received the package today, all items were individually wrapped and there was a sweet note from the owner. Had a lovely experience shopping online. Highly recommended this store. read more

I was in search of original and rare birthday present. They everything from gift, card, and wrapping. Staff provided recommendations and treated me with respect. I would recommend Fiddlesticks to anyone seek an original or unique gift. read more

Needed to get a friend a gift for their newborn baby so after some Google searching I swung by Fiddlesticks to pick up a gift card. When the mother opened the card, she knew the store immediately and was thrilled to go over and pick something out for their child. An outfit will run well north of $50 but it will be a unique garment that will garner lots of happiness. Recommend. read more

Fiddlesticks - Toy Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is one of just a few shops in Hayes Valley catering to kids -- and it's really all that we need! Fiddlesticks is a small boutique but has enough unique and interesting items to keep the little one entertained and looking fashionable too! Service is always friendly and attentive -- they always take time to answer your questions, recommend items and show their latest collection without being too pushy. Definitely stop by when you're in the area with your little ones! read more

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I live nearby and have purchased a few things for my daughter on various occasions. The customer service has almost always been tepid, at best, from one particular employee. Unfortunately, I mostly seem to visit when that employee is working. Today, while she was ringing my 2 items up I asked her "Is it just me, or does the shirt seem to run large?" since the dress I was also purchasing but of a different brand was much smaller in the same size. She replied in a condescending tone "It's just you. The other brand runs smaller." While that's a perfectly acceptable response, the tone and complete lack of friendliness really took my husband and I aback. Even with so many online stores carrying the same clothes, I still try to shop small and in person. However, after this (final) experience, I'll no longer be returning to Fiddlesticks. Aldea and Kira Kids are also nearby and are worlds apart in friendliness and customer service. read more

Adorable store with really great quality selections & products. The staff (I've encountered) was incredibly friendly & welcoming. They've got a lower priced section of great stuff on the far larger back side of the store- def worry a look because it's discounted. I can't wait to go back! read more

Same owners as Lavish a couple of doors down, Fiddlesticks is even more baby/child oriented. The store has a good selection of both boys and girls, cheerfully displayed and easy to browse through. Look for some Little Frank (Paul Franks for juniors) t-shirts in the back, along with a few choice children's books. I actually found our salesperson to be very nice, not pushy but ready to help with any questions (although she didn't know as much about the art hanging on the wall behind the cash register as I'd hope for). Not sure if this was a remnant from Halloween but they had some very cool and stylish capes for kids - I'm hoping they still stock them when our guy is big enough to don one. read more

I agree with Hannah R. Cute stuff, nice location, but the shop staff have little to no desire to help you. They look away when you enter the store, and offer very little in terms of service. I gave up getting anything gift wrapped---just glad the girl can be bothered to ring things up. I just had a conversation with a friend who said the same thing--we refer to the shop as "that cute store with the ill-mannered employees". Funny how I never had that cold treatment at Lavish. Update 12/16: The last few times I've been in, the service has greatly improved. Updating the stars to reflect progress! Thanks for paying attention! read more

With so many wonderful children's' boutiques in San Francisco, we know competition is tough. Well, I hope it gets even tougher if you open a store with poor merchandise and rude sales associates. My experience at Fiddlesticks was awful - the staff was rude and the sales person literally walked away mid-sentence saying whatever they have is out on the racks and that she doesn't have the time to help me (store was literally empty). Merchandise is dull and overpriced. A few decent items they had - they were out of most sizes and again, the staff didn't bother to offer checking back stock or doing a special order. Spare yourself some time and go to Mudpie or Pumpkin, if you need something cute for your little ones or if you are looking for a gift, like I was. Shopping for kids should be a fun experience, not something that can easily ruin your day! read more

Over the years, as a resident of Hayes Valley, Fiddlesticks has been a go-to shop for baby showers, birthdays, and the occasional splurge on my own children. I actually have had good luck with customer service. (I guess I'll keep the 2nd star for this.) Yesterday I went to Fiddlesticks with my 3 year old and infant. While shopping, my baby pooped and began crying, wailing, practically screeching, for a diaper change (he's a mellow baby but when he needs something he goes zero to sixty.) The poop had leaked from his diaper and I was hoping for a sink. When I asked for a bathroom I was referred to Boulange down the street. Really? I understand that retail stores have a variety of good reasons for not allowing access to bathrooms. However, many make an exception for kids. I have walked into random nail salons, hair salons, Goodwills, etc, with my recently potty trained 3yo and been offered a bathroom. Personally I find it ridiculous that a store that theoretically caters to children would not offer a bathroom to a child in need, be it potty trainer or screaming baby. But that's the thing -- I don't really think this store caters to children. This is a place where people buy gifts for kids, not a place where average parents shop for their kids. Even so, I think this is a very poor policy and I'm not planning on going back. And for the record, I am not going to take my screaming poopy baby to Boulange at lunch time on a Saturday to wait in line for their one bathroom. read more

I really have to accept that I am turning into some form of adult, because I am at a point where some of my friends have little kids. It's quite ridiculous. I might be a Psychology major and might have taken quite a few classes of Developmental Psych... but I am at a complete loss when it comes to kids. Seriously! What do you get a two year old? A two year old BOY, at that?? Of course I had to play it cool too, like I know what I am doing, so I couldn't call and just ASK my friend, so I stumbled around toddler stores in SF and hoped for the best... Thankfully, THANKFULLY this was about the fourth store I came to [so I wasn't at a point of losing hope], and it was SUUUPER! The staff is awesomely nice and helpful, the clothes are cute, and I found such an adorable big green monster looking thing with small emotion monsters in its mouth. [You really have to see it]. I am happy, the kid is going to be happy, Christmas has been saved! read more

Fiddlesticks is from the same people that brought you Lavish, a few doors down on Hayes. This shop takes the same sensibilities as you find in Lavish and applies it to kids and baby apparel which basically means that you find very cool clothing for little ones. As a new Dad, I've found that my little turkey has been showered with clothing gifts that are simply not suited for her discriminating sense of fashion. Lavish to the rescue. Highly recommended. read more

We just finished breakfast at Stacks across the street from Fiddlesticks and we had a few more minutes on the meter so we popped into this children's boutique. How can you not fall in love with the clothes in this store. I ended up splurging on a pair of sandals for the little one, that cost $55. They have cute orthopedic insoles (how can you not ohhh and aww over that?). I was really surprised to find the service really nice. I guess not all boutiques have snobby service. She even spoke energetically about how some of the clothes and shoes are designed and made locally. I am truly impressed. read more

Kind of light on inventory and very expensive. I bought a dress and a toy there because they were last-minute gifts.

I love how cute and charming this store is. They have really good items for little ones. I am a big fan of Tea Collection and this store usually has a good amount. They also have cute books. I found a San Francisco kid book that was a perfect gift for a relative and some other little items. That being said, they are a boutique and priced higher than normal with a not so good return policy. I can't afford to shop here as much as I would like, but if you are into quaint boutiques for kids, this is the best in the neighborhood. read more

You know how they say "always a bridesmaid, never a bride"? Well I have a new one: "always a godmother, never a mother." Wait, that sounds really depressing and bitter when neither is case. The point is, I have a lot of little kiddos in my life even though none of them are my own and none of them live in San Francisco. I take pride in sending original gifts from cute little boutiques (I refuse to step foot into the hell that is Babies "R" Us) and I'm pleased to have Fiddlesticks to add to the repertoire. The best thing about the store is that they arrange all items (gifts, clothes, books, toys) by gender and, within gender, by age (e.g., under 1 year, 1-2 years, etc). LOVE this. It's the gift-buying convenience of etoys.com in a cute, bricks and mortar shop. Plus, I like the quantity of items this store offers: well-edited with ample choices but not overwhelming in the least. The pink super hero cape I just purchased for a 5-year old was a huge hit and the mom (who lives in Dallas, has 2 kids in a play group and KNOWS her children's toys, to say the least) was thrilled and wanted to know where I had found such a well-made dress up item. Success!! read more

I like little kids stores a lot. I don't have a kid. I like them mostly because I love the miniature hangers designed for the miniature everything for our little miniature friends out there. I have two baby brothers. One is 16 and one is 2. I like buying things for the 2 year old at places like this. I bought my little baby bro an "ugly doll" at Lavish today. I was going to buy him a cape at Fiddlesticks but it was way too expensive. read more

This is an amazing shop for the kids in your life. Who ever buys inventory for this story really spends time thinking through and finding the highest quality items. If you are in Hayes Valley and need a little gift for the kiddos this place is a must visit. read more

This shop is GREAT! I have three nephews who love everything I've bought them here - and so does their mom! The selection is unique and stylish and fun. Personally, I found the staff friendly and helpful and amusing. This is the best kids clothing/toy store in the city, for sure. read more

Had to find out what the hubbub was about with "rude" staff. Also needed a gift for a newborn cousin which I got handily without much need for help. Ok so as a guy in his early 30s I spoke to the woman there who identified herself as the manager and generally had a good experience. A couple notes- as much as I love the Beastie Boys I'm not sure I'd suggest playing them in a store designed for shopping needs of small children. To be clear I think the children would love them, the parents also somewhat likely if they're around my age (coolest store ever in that case) but maybe not grandma and grandpa lol. Anyways. The woman was definitely not what I'd refer to as "pleasant customer service", but not unpalatable. She was more like a well meaning kinda playfully surly bartender. I can get with that. read more

Hayes Valley has some great shopping...but for some reason, I just don't ever find myself there. Today, I made it a point to go. Of course, I only had a small amount of time, and I used that time to shop...for my child. Sigh. I had heard of Fiddlesticks and maybe been in the store one other time before actually having a kid. Now that I have one...a nearly 3-year-old son, to be exact...I see these stores a lot differently. It's not just about finding a novelty gift for a child...it's about overall selection. And particularly for those of us with boys, it's about the "pink ratio." That is, the ratio of pink clothing and tutus to all other items. If that ratio exceeds 1:1, I'm outta there. Thank you, Fiddlesticks, for keeping me in the store with a strong selection of boys' clothes from great brands like Appaman - one of my favorites. Yes, the prices are high. But I really don't think that is a reasonable complaint to affect the store's rating. It's not like they are charging more than suggested retail price for these clothes. So either this is your bag or not. Prior to being in this store today, I had bought 6 items at Baby Gap on super sale for $65. I am fairly certain this prevented me from making purchases at Fiddlesticks this time...it was just too hard to stomach spending just as much for only 1-2 items max. But does that make the store bad? No! I will come back when I feel like spending more on these types of specialty brands. I found the saleswoman to be very friendly and helpful. I even overheard her on the phone with (a distributor?) saying that she needed to hang it up because she had a customer in the store to tend to. I didn't even need anything, as I was only browsing. But I appreciated the attention, which was also never pushy....simply genuine. When I let her know I was not going to make any purchases today, she understood and let me know when to expect some new shipments. I look forward to returning! read more

So my wife and I have dear friends who now have two beautiful, amazing children. We feel like Aunt and Uncle to their children do we just love searching for beautiful little gifts for both of their children. Fiddlesticks has an amazingly cool home spun 'hand made' selection of fun toys as well, educational toys, books, puzzles and more! We highly recommended stopping by this store if you are looking for uniquely cool gift possibilities for those special little people in your life. read more

This is probably the best toy store we've been to so far in the Bay Area, and it really isn't even a true toy store. We stopped in while strolling down the street because all of the adorable stuff in the that window caught our eye. We have three younger nieces and nephews (ages 2 - 9) and we are always looking for unique stuff that you can't find in the big box stores. I particularly liked a tiny doll sized kitchen that looked like it was very high quality - like so cute I wanted it for myself (sad, but true). The price tag held me back from splurging ($125) since we already started buying gifts for the kids and like to stay under $100 each (and I really don't need a miniature dollhouse kitchen). Although that item was expensive, the pricing was really on point and not overly inflated (I saw the same kitchen online for more). We did, however, snag some adorable stocking stuffers that were right up our alley. And the clothing there is so gorgeous it makes me want kids tomorrow. So adorable and fashion forward that I wished they came in adult sizes. Okay, I'll try to stop gushing over this store, but I really really loved it. I was surprised to only see it rated at 4 stars when I checked in and noticed people were complaining about customer service but I thought the staff there was incredible. Very helpful, knowledgeable, and talkative (to the customers, not each other like I've seen in other toy stores closer to home) and they even wrapped everything which saves me a step. I can't wait to come back and see what else they have next time I'm in the city! read more

!LOVE! Cannot recommend this place highly enough... and not sure why it took me so long to write this review? Their selection is just perfect, a nice blend of pampered necessities to the special occasion event. Customer service is always attentive, friendly and never pushy (I'm there at least once every 3 weeks!) and their buyer has an incredible eye with an obviously youthful spirit. Yes, prices are on the higher end but you will have a unique/special find that you're not going to find just anywhere else. They also have a blog that keeps you posted on their current events, we had our daughter's silhouette created by the artist Karl Johnson... sweet gift for grandparents and for the memory books! read more

Maybe it's because the store was nearly empty when I went, but I found the sales woman at Fiddlesticks to be very helpful and friendly. They do have a selection of unusual toys and clothing, and some of it is really nice. Be prepared to pay though. Some examples: recycled plastic tea set: $32. Child's dress $55. T-shirt $29. etc. Yes it's expensive, but it's also unusual and cute, so if you have the money to spend on some special gifts for some special kids, this is a good place to spend it. read more

Great little kids variety store. Great selections of comfy kids clothing and some unique kid's toys. Owner is very friendly and helpful. Price is a bit on the high side but it's worth it. Make sure you check in on yelp to receive a 15% off coupon. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this shop. My 5 year old son also loves it. He enjoys picking out clothing from here and the accessories as well (usually hats). Kids boutiques are the best and FIddlesticks is one of our favorites. Great quality items and unique pieces :) read more

Came here with my 3 year old to pick out a gift for her friends B Day. I thought we were going to be in and out in 15 minutes.......... LOL .... 1.5 hrs later she had three French made mini mouse dolls on the counter trying to choose which one of the 3 she wanted to take home. Of course she choose the pink one and told me that later we'll come back to get the rest of them.... Unique shop, very cool and fun clothes and toys. Been here before and trust me I will be back for more of these French Mice. Great service A+ read more

My wife and I used to love this shop but the last two times we've experienced terrible service. They have cute kids' clothes and their lineup changes often so you have a different selection every time you go there and they also have unique educational toys. Buuuut their service is so irritatingly and obnxious that my wife and I have decided that we need to find another neighborhood store for kids' stuff. The Story: We checked out with a shirt from the clearance rack. There was no clearance price so we asked what the clearance price would be and the cashier said it's full price if there's no clearance sticker. But it was on the clearance rack!!! So my wife went back and looked through the entire clearance rack to find the same shirt in a different size reduced from $22 to $18. It's a small shop! They should know what's on clearance! Anyways, we showed the cashier the shirt and she says nothing, no apologies, she just reduces the price. I then mentioned that I saw another shirt of the same brand of the same size that was marked from $22 to $13 thinking that because the size of the shirt we were buying was smaller, it could be reduced to $13. A lady to the side of the cashier grumbles without looking up from whatever she was doing and says the price depends on the line that it comes from. So we say that we don't want it and the same lady who is so busy she can't look up grumbles staring at the papers in her hands in a monotone "great..." Ugh!!! We were so annoyed. First off, I was surprised they didn't know the price of their clothes for a small shop and second that they didn't believe us... my wife had to go and do a price check. We could've paid full price $22 if we didn't know better. One of the main advantages that small businesses have over the big ones or online shops is the customer service. If their service sucks, what's the point of shopping small? No smile, no eye contact, curt and rude and on Christmas Eve. No thanks... read more

Great neighborhood shop for children's clothes, toys, and gifts. I don't have kids but I will always come here for gifts. After realizing every kid has the same Amazon gifts I came to this local shop. Really cute stuff and things you won't find elsewhere. The clothes are kinda pricey but love the toys, books, and other knick knacks. read more

Great selection of items, clothing and gift items, always find something fun for the grandsons whenever I visit Hayes Valley. So glad we have this cute independent store in our city. read more

My all-time favorite shop to bring my children for clothing. Best dang store out there. Emily L. was such an angel with my kids and showed my family the best customer service I've seen at a place like this in years. Thank you, angel. My niece, Becki, also LOVED the gift Emily help me pick out. Becki said, "hash tag blessed." I'm definitely going to be coming back to Fiddlesticks and bringing all the friends. Thank you again, Emily and all the staff. Keep up the great work read more