This family business know their stuff. If you're looking for toys for kids that WILL BE PLAYED WITH and ARE OF GOOD VALUE, go here. They have a variety of entertainment, fun, activities for a range of ages. They are the oldest store on this ultra-hip street in Shadyside! They know what they are doing and are a lot of fun. read more

The lady sells good needohs at good prices and she is sweet to us so it's a really good experience there

I was like a kid in a ca...err, I mean a toy store. I came in here to get some noise makers and ended up browsing the shelves and thinking, "Man, to be a kid again." It takes some time to browse through everything they have. They've got just about every little trinket and small toy you can imagine. I was just browsing away and picking up just about everything I came across. Examining it, reading the explanations on the package, and of course I played with it, they are toys. I had completely forgot why I came in here until the lady working the floor brought me back to reality. Once I said I was looking for noise makers, she went into a frenzy much like that of the Tasmanian Devil and when she stopped, there was a small collection on their best noise makers. I mean I ended up getting a slide whistle, kazoo, and maraca, just to name a few. It's nice to have a store like this around. It draws you in, tells you to calm down and take a breath, and reminds you that when life gets a bit hectic, sit down on the floor and give that top a spin. read more

If you're from Buffalo then you know Viddler's in EA, well this is Viddler's child in Pittsburg. A card shop and novelty store located right on Walnut street amongst a whole bunch of other shops and eateries kind of like the Elmwood strip but on a smaller more personal scale. If you're in the area you will definitely find a gift for that person back home here! read more

Shadyside Variety Store is always a must when visiting Shadyside or even as a destination. I was delighted to see that they survived the pandemic, especially since they have been in the same little location since 1947. I understand that they are family owned and operated, so I'm especially happy to support them. There are so many things to see! With something for everyone, young and old, and any budget. Always a good game which the owner will be happy to demonstrate, to old-fashioned classic toys. There seems to always be some new gizmo, too. I mean where else can you find a whoopie cushion? Anyway, good luck Shadyside Variety! I will come visit again and again!! I don't know why people wrote such nasty things!! People with no sense of humor, I guess. read more

Ehh, this store is serviceable in terms of educational toys and trinkets for kids and adults, but it's only one floor, and there are better businesses of this kind in Shadyside alone, ones that have selections that are absolutely vast. Take a gander at what SW Randall or Kards Unlimited has to offer, and watch SVS get blown to smithereens. As Susan D alluded to, this is what "variety stores" (like the long gone Labama's of the South Hills) used to be. I knocked off another star since one of the employees got huffy with me for snapping some photos. I suppose they are a little self-conscious of the paucity of their inventory. read more

I stopped in here on a whim while looking for something extra to add to a gift. Fun little things that remind you of childhood, crammed in to this neighborhood corner shop. The woman working the store seemed to be the owner, and several customers knew her by name. She certainly wasn't impressed with my measly two dollar purchase, and after a huff of disappointment while disdainfully ringing me up, she promptly moved on to someone eyeing a larger item on a higher shelf, and I promptly moved on to another shop. I mean, I understand you don't care about 2 dollars. But keep in mind, I chose to give YOU my money and time. read more

Mighty awesome creative store. This is a must visit store. I want to live here. Love love love this store. read more

Shadyside Variety Store - Love love love this store. Great people too. - Toy Stores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Yesterday I was in need of some helium balloons for an evening event in Shadyside. The service at the Variety Store was wonderful. Not only were they willing to take my order over the phone, but the owner personally delivered the balloons to the venue to save me a daytime trip before my evening event. Thanks Shadyside Variety. I couldn't be more thankful of your service. read more

I love coming in here! It makes me feel like a kid again! They have a lot of toys like Lego, Duplo (the big ones) and checkers, bingo and chinese checkers! Remember Mad-Libs? This place has 'em! It's the closest thing to what our parents and grandparents used to call a dime store or "5-and-dime". It's an older and more charming version of Family Dollar or something like that. read more

Our day was brightened when we went here. A cheery, clean shop that is chock full of diversions and amusements. It's easy to see why it's been around so long. You'll find that special something for the big or little kid in your life here. read more

Stores like this are the best thing! I love the personal touches and the selection! A great place for toys and novelties! If you are not sure of a gift for someone, this place has it! read more

I'm sorry to say this, but I agree with Darren: while this place has a bunch of character, and the owner is a nice woman, you'll find a more extensive selection right down the street at SW Randall or in Squirrel Hill at Games Unlimited. On the other hand, those other places won't have the small little nicknacks that the Variety Store carries. It would be a kid's delight to walk in here an explore the small items, whoopie cushions, board games, etc. Plus, this place would be better for the parents' pocket books that the others, because children will be more than happy to play with a $2 whoopie cushion compared to a $40 board game from Games Unlimited. read more

Fun store! Though I just spent a couple minutes here while my husband was browsing, I loved the old fashioned vibe. Plus, the owner seemed to be very hands-on. Not only was she helping a lot of customers find particular items, but I heard a couple customers even address her by name as they entered. read more

I thought this was a pretty cool store, but they don't have as much as other toy stores do. Lots of educational, non-violent stuff for kids can be found here. read more

Love this store, they are always happy to show you new items and find something to meet your personal or gift needs. So much to see, don't forget to look up and see what is on the higher shelves. Today the owner even played card games with me, so I knew how the games were played. This is a great place to find stocking stuffers and items not found in most big toy stores. read more

Great little toy store on the corner of a quiet neighborhood street. Besides being a foodie, I have a weakness for old fashioned 5&10 stores. Nicely laid out, friendly owner, lots of choices. Melissa & Doug toys, games, arts & crafts supplies, penny candy and more. Best one west of Vidler's in East Aurora, NY! Note: they do not take credit cards. read more