Izilla Toys

Izilla Toys Capital Hill was absolutely one of the best toy stores in town. I don’t make it to the Hill that much, but when I was out and about with kiddo in tow, nothing could keep us from stopping in. To start with, it was underground (instant coolness points!). Then, you walk in to shelves and shelves of every toy imaginable, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff who knew their stuff and also knew that kids play with toys. A toystore is not a museum, it’s a place to be inspired to play. Best of all, there was the cool rocket ship where the little one could play, read, imagine, and just plain have fun.
When the Wallingford shop opened, it was just what the Wallingford Center needed to bring the energy level up a notch and really make it a viable, family-​friendly destination. It seemed to breathe life into a space that always seemed only semi-​functional. The smaller location was cozy and friendly, and had a neighborhood feel.
Then Capital Hill closed, and now Wallingford is on its way out. Fewer toy stores in the world can only be sad news. It’s a tragedy to see these wonderful, fun-​filled places close their doors. I hope the amazing family who ran these shops and brought so many smiles to children’s faces will go on to do wonderful things, and I hope that the folks who shopped at Izilla will continue shopping at local toy stores so we don’t have to lose any more.

I love izillla. Simply put it’s one of the nicest locally owned businesses around.
Today we visited the Wallingford location and stumbled upon their story time.
The owner read stories to a group of very excited toddlers and provided them healthy snacks and lots of opportunities for questions and conversation.
In the car driving home my two-​year-​old professed «I love Jude.»
(Jude is the owner and as soon as he uttered these words he fell into a deep and very satisfying sleep.)
What’s not to love?

I had a really great experience buying my 3 year old son a birthday gift. For the child who has everything I went a searching. The sales woman was extremely helping in coming up with some ideas for me that were both unique and relevant to what he likes. I look forward bringing my son with me next time.
They feature a lot of great local and independent companies. Toys for every age range, really. Also, prices aren’t high enough to deter you from shopping and when you see you are getting a unique and local gift, in my eyes it is worth it.
Izilla is on the upstairs level for you newbies that may first go downstairs first and walk around aimlessly (doh!). Parking was easy and there are a lot of other cute shops in the Wallingford Center.

I normally don’t review businesses second hand but I called and asked for something to be held for me, and they were nice as pie about it. I was so happy to get it and since the other parental unit was in the area, he offered to stop and get it.
He went in to pick it up and the clerk was busy on the phone, so he patiently waited a few feet from her to give her some modicum of privacy.
Just then, the ‘SAHM Squad’ fueled by giant coffees and wielding enormous expensive purses, walked up to the front of the counter and the erstwhile clerk quickly got off her (personal) phone call and helped them while he– again– waited.
Lame. Toy store Win but customer service Fail.

My favorite toy store in town. A great selection of the very best toys. You will definitely not find any deals here but there is a toy for every budget, plus all the toys are quality.
The staff has always been great to us. My mother surprised my three year old daughter with a doll that was in perfect in every way; however, my daughter had a problem with the outfit the doll was wearing. My mom brought the doll back to exchange it and the staff were great about taking the doll back.
If you are looking for a special toy for a special little one — this is the shop to go to!
By the way… the store offers free music classes once a week. We have never gone but I think it is pretty cool that they offer it!

The nice thing about Izilla is that it is very spacious and well stocked with a variety of toys for all different age groups. The prices are comparable to other private toy stores. You won’t be finding any good deals really… you need to go to Toys R Us or Target for cheaper prices. Our daughter enjoyed playing with some of the display toys in there (car table, strollers, babies, small chairs, magnet type toys). Just like the other person who reviewed this store, no employee said hello or asked if we needed any help. In fact, she didn’t say anything at all to us. Maybe some better customer service might have lead us to buy something.

I would like to give it a 3.4 but I shall settle for a 4.
It’s Christmas.
I have been in there 3 times. NEVER a hello. Once two ‘busy’ staffers behind the counter with no heads up.
The toys are cute and interesting. The displays are arranged to allow light and space. There are some very cheap stocking stuffers, as well as large stuffed animals and games.
There is a great self-​service gift wrapping table out front. Very nice touch.