I have been popping in here since I was a child and it's always been a place that holds some of my favorite childhood memories. I got to speak to the new owner this time and she was a delight! So many wonderful recommendations and I love that they've added in a pretty stellar small (but mighty) section for adults as well! They will be hosting an event this week with Clifford and I loved hearing about other upcoming events and pop ups! I plan to bring my nieces here next time because their selection of children's books/games & Knick knacks and more is going to be a for sure hit! read more

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Came here with a gift card and money to spend! Brought my 13 and 9yo old with me. This place is small, charming and has a great selection of children's books, toys, baby books/toys. My sons could've hung out for at least a couple of hours. Though we didn't end up with any books, my youngest found a Diary of a Wimpy Kid pillow in the shape of Greg's head. Price was exactly as much as our gift card. Prices overall, were comparable to Barnes and Noble or any other book store. But the Mom and Pop/small business feel of this place would make me want to give them my money. Service was wonderful and friendly. read more

Kids Ink Children's Bookstore - Cool mural outside - Bookstores Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Huge selection of children's books! Love all the variety and the special events they host. We went to Clifford's birthday party and loved it. It is a very cozy store and there is even a train table! read more

It's time for a fresh review! Kids Ink Children's Bookstore is an Indianapolis gem. I've been coming here for birthday presents and pre-order books for years now. The last time I was here, it was to pick up a new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book that I had ordered a couple of months back. The owner herself called me to tell me it was in (on the very day it was released to the public), and she was there to ring it up for me. She even wrapped it for free, because I told her it was a gift for my son's birthday. This is the kind of amazing service you get at Kids Ink. They have so many children's books for all ages. I was especially impressed by the graphic novel selection. Indianapolis is so lucky to have a bookstore dedicated just to children's books. What a rare find! read more

What a sweet bookstore that I have probably passed a zillion times over the years. This cost little bookstore neighbors Kincaids Meat Market, Illinois Street Food Emporium and several other sweet local businesses. I was amazed to find out that they've been around for quite some time (and embarrassed that I was oblivious). The store offers a variety of children's books, educational toys and small entertaining items like sticker books, etc (what I like to call "restaurant activities). They also had a few little play stations like a train set to make the visit itself entertaining for kiddos. The staff was both friendly and warm - just what you love to see with a neighborhood bookstore. Looking forward to future visits. read more

What a fantastic bookstore for kids or those adults that think like kids. A wide selection of titles and subjects for growing childrens' minds. And the ladies in the store are so helpful in answering questions and directing one to certain interesting areas. They are one of neighbors of Byrnes Grilled Pizza and Lunch Money Kids Boutique. read more

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We buy the majority of my daughter's books here because we want to support small book sellers. My husband's mother bought all of his books here when he was a child so it has a bit of nostalgia in addition to being a cheerful place to shop. It's a small space but packed with books. My child is only 9 months old so I haven't really explored too much of the older kiddo books yet but I love the variety they offer for babies. So far we have bought books in the following topics - educational (most recently a book about a baby botanist), sensory, silly!, bedtime routine, seasonal, holidays (the best one so far is about a rabbit that decides to not eat a marshmallow peep in his Easter basket and instead keep his as a pet). On my most recent visit we bought a book set in Indiana (title: Goodnight Indiana) that is distributed by a local company. Next visit I think I am going to purchase a bilingual board book in English and Spanish. The staff in the shop are so sweet to my daughter. We enjoy each time we stop in. read more

How have I *not* written a review for Kids Ink yet? This is, hands down, my favorite book store in Indy. Its my go-to spot for birthday gifts (toys and books) and a great place to pop into with the kids when they earn a little treat/surprise. I absolutely love supporting this local bookstore. Here's why I love Kids Ink: -The staff are knowledgable, genuinely interested in kids, and kind. -Free gift wrapping. -Amazing story time that usually involves a craft (check the calendar online). -Author visits and special events (check the calendar online). -There's an amazing selection of toys sprinkled throughout the shop as well. -They proudly welcome ALL customers, and their literature throughout the store reflects a commitment to inclusion. -They're next to a Starbucks and a Flying Cupcake. Sounds like a pretty perfect little afternoon trifecta of awesomeness, doesn't it? Bonus: Check the basket near the front of the store for pre-publication copies/Advanced Reader Copies of books available for free. :) read more

Kids Ink Children's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I adore this little book store. As a teacher and lover of kid lit, it's a great place to shop! Their selection is always well curated and they have lots of local authors and signed books available as well. I've gone to several author events at this store and always enjoyed myself. I love supporting this local business! read more

Kids Ink Children's Bookstore - Inside - Bookstores Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Okay, I'm a writer. Seriously. I'm a film critic, published author and freelancer and have been for years, though it has never become my sole source of income. So, how the heck have I never visited Kids Ink? Or did I? While I certainly don't visit every bookstore, despite my heart's overwhelming desire to do so, it's hard for me to imagine that a children's bookstore that is relatively close to my home would escape my attention since it first opened in 1986 in this 56th & Illinois area. I mean, sure, the place looks so small that maybe I just assumed it wouldn't be wheelchair friendly. I also don't have kids. So, I'm not always in the market for children's literature. But still? It's a bookstore. It's local. I kind of feel guilty. Anyway, I finally made it into Kids Ink tonight as I seemed to be spending my evening on this particular corner. I'm not sure if the front entrance is wheelchair friendly, it's frequently not in this neighborhood, but there's a back entrance with a parking lot (no designated accessible parking) and a level entry way that works pretty well. Kids Ink has a solid collection of books for kids along with puzzles, games, crafts and creative-play toys. They offer a free story hour, author signings, carry local authors and have a separate office for sales to schools and libraries. The owner is, in fact, a teacher and librarian and you can tell from the decor and selection that she knows what she's doing. Being a critic, it's not really difficult for me to obtain "free" copies of things, pretty much anything in the arts, for the purpose of review. When it comes to local authors, I do frequently go ahead and buy, as I did tonight, because I know the thrill of having people buy my own book instead of asking for it for free since they know me. I bought a copy of Rebecca Kai Dotlich's new book "The Knowing Book" and obtained an autographed copy. Sweet! As noted, Kids Ink is a small place and if you're in a wheelchair it can be a bit tricky. Unless you're in a smaller chair, I'd likely suggest having a companion or friend with you. However, I did find both women working to be quietly helpful - for example, one rather discreetly moved a game that she knew would be in my way. In fact, she moved it twice. I appreciated that she didn't make a big deal out of it - she just did it. She kind of reminded me of our ambassador, Brittany, and how she handles our Yelp events. I was also surprised at how I could actually get around most of the store, though it's definitely tight in spots and a bigger, power chair would likely be more difficult to maneuver. The actual counter for paying is closer to the front of the store, so a certain degree of maneuvering will be necessary. I found the employees to be friendly and helpful, though somewhat introverted (a common thing in bookstores). I was offered wrapping for the item, though proudly indicated it was actually for me. As is true for most indie bookstores, prices lean a tad higher than you may find through online outlets but I found it to be a minor difference and worth it to support a local brick-and-mortar bookstore. While I'm not in the market for children's books often, I have no doubt that when I am I'll be returning to Kids Ink. read more

Store is cute the ladies working were nice. The one thing I didnt like was the lack of female empowerment books available for small children. I was also put off by the significant amount of political stuff in there. I think it's important to teach children to be excepting of all cultures and they did have a few books like that but then I would see a Pence book or anti Hillary book. The store was contradicting itself. I guess I see how they may want to cater to all kinds of people. However the way I look at it is you can either be apart of the problem or solution to the problem. There is no in between. And when it comes to our children that is the most important thing! I like to support local businesses so I did buy a couple books. However we will not return. read more

Shirley Mullin knows children's books. Shirley is owner of Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, but she's also a children's lit consultant and former teacher and librarian. I met Shirley at the Butler University Children's Literature Conference, where she not only sets up book sales, but also shares her expertise during a workshop/lecture about the greatest finds in children's books. She's amazing. Her store is amazing. Entering Kids Ink is like walking into wonderland for any child who loves a good story, fun and quirky gifts, puzzles, animals and toys. Kids Ink has a story hour for kids ages 2-5. But if you love books, that's why you're here. Not for the toys. It's refreshing to find a children's bookstore that actually stresses BOOKS and the importance of storytelling and reading instead of pushing crappy toys. If you have a question, you'll get the answer. Need an idea? She or her staff will have the perfect book in mind for you. Don't miss this treasure near Broad Ripple. Walk in and find a warm, smiling face every time! Hands-down, the best children's bookstore in Indianapolis. read more

THE place in my hood for the best children's books, super cutesy toys and a nice local feel. They have a pretty good selection of books, I go here every time I need a gift for a new baby, a toddler birthday. They have a decent selection of Melissa and Doug and a really good selection of Playmobil for all ages. I also have come here a few times to pick up 'early reader' books for my niece and nephew. They have a ton of options and pack a little nostalgia since I used to read those books. My daughter loves to play with their train table and run around the store telling me, "mine" which is her cute little way of saying 'I want that mom'. We can't leave without buying something. They even have some really cute placemats! I have never had an issue with the service ( I noticed someone mentioned that), they are friendly and accommodating even when my child is being a terror! read more

I needed a gift for a kids birthday party, so I dropped by Kids Inc. The staff was super friendly, and they gave me several ideas. I liked that they showed me a couple books that my friend might like without pressuring me to buy a certain one. They even did complimentary gift wrap. The little store is great, and I would definitely go there again. They had books for different age groups, and they also had play mobile and toy trains. I've walked by several times, and I wish I would have gone in sooner! read more

This place is great! I love coming here to shop for children books. I just applied to submit my book to be featured as "Meet the Author." I'm excited to see if I'm chosen. Call & see when they will be hosting a "Meet the Author." Your kids will be ecstatic! read more

I am a lover of all things books. I went to my first ever author book signing yesterday for Shannon Lee Alexander's "Love and Other Unknown Variables" where she did a reading and signed my copy. It was an enjoyable experience. Kids Ink is cute, intimate and very local friendly. Pricing is a bit higher for toys and other goodies but overall, we found a lot of reason to come back. Book pricing seemed standard for new releases and there were sale options. She offers a wide array of books from infant to upper teens. Very well organized. Max really enjoyed playing with the puppets (though they were out of our price range for every day purchase) and the ladies who were working were very kind to him. The book reading was awesome though it's a bit of a tight space so be prepared if you do something like that here. I thought it was an adorable place to visit in a very cool area of town. read more

I remember when this place opened up when I was in elementary school. It opened up next to the Baskin Robbins, which was my favorite place in the whole world then. But then I started reading and really getting into all kinds of different books and media. Kids Ink was the place that completed my adventures in wonderland. As a kid, I could have spent hours here. There were so many things to see, so many different subjects to absorb, and so many cool gizmos for hands-on play. I specifically remember being very blown away by their kids' hands-on science related books... and their awesome Garfield comic books collections! Fast forward twenty years later and here I am bringing my kid. I see the same light up in her that I remember. Now that she has begun reading (many of the books I did as a kid) and also become interested in the cool science-y stuff, I can share my love of a childhood adventure at Kid's Ink, and relive my adventures at the same time. I now realize that not only does a place like this makes a great place to get a birthday or holiday gift for a child, but also would be appropriate at any time of year. A just because gift card would be an awesome gift for your curious elementary aged kid. Or consider a gift card in place of or in addition to an allowance when they have earned a special reward. read more

An excellent and extensive selection of children's books along with some toys and games. The staff was very helpful and guided us to age-appropriate books. We'll definitely be back again soon. read more

I used to shop here all of the time when I was a kid. I'm glad it is still around. The store truly cares about childhood literacy - and they have books that cater to children of all ages. This store allows kids to avoid the garbage that is on TV these days. I don't read kiddie books anymore, but I value seeing that a bookstore that I loved when I was a child is still in existence. Places like this are vanishing! read more

Excellent children's bookstore with true neighborhood little shop feel. Owners very friendly and knowledgable. Books for all age kids, including teen books. Also, some kids toys, puzzles etc. train table in the back for little ones to play. We just missed the book signing by David Shannon, author of the "No, David!" Series (you toddler parents may be familiar with these hilarious kids books) read more