What could be better than shopping at a local bookstore for your kids? Shopping at a local bookstore that delivers to your front door!
With social distancing measures still in effect, stopping by your favourite local shop to grab a few things is no longer a reality. But many of us are doing our best to find ways to continue to support local businesses.
Those businesses that are doing delivery and curbside pickup are doing everything they can to help us help them. By offering customers contactless pickup and delivery options, local businesses are giving us the chance to continue to shop in their stores and to continue to bring a little joy into our kids’ days. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love getting a brand new book, puzzle, board game or activity book to enjoy?
We’ve rounded up the best kids’ bookstores in Toronto that are currently offering delivery and other contactless shopping and pick up options.
Kids’ Bookstores
Mabel’s Fables
Mabel’s Fables is a Toronto institution—for more than 25 years they have been providing kids with a whimsical, cozy space with exceptionally knowledgeable staff. And while you may not be able to use the space at the moment, you can still take advantage of their amazing staff and their stellar book recommendations. They are open 10 am-4 pm Monday through Saturday and are offering curbside pickup, Davisville delivery, courier services in Toronto, or standard delivery when you order online.
mabel@mabelsfables.com | 416-322-0438
Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore
With fully stocked shelves with titles for kids, toddlers, babies, and teens Ella Minnow has something for everyone. They even have a robust selection of toys, art supplies, puzzles, and music. This Beaches bookstore is offering video shopping so you can browse the store and the friendly staff can offer their recommendations. They are also taking online, telephone, email, and Facebook Messenger orders. Contactless delivery is available for all orders with a $10 flat fee (orders must be over $25), and they are offering free porch delivery within the area of Greenwood Avenue to Birchmount Avenue, south of Danforth for orders over $25.
hello@ellaminnow.ca | 416-698-2665
Moonbeam Books
Fairly new to the Toronto kids’ book scene, Moonbeam Books opened in 2018. This shop is located in Bloor West Village and boasts a collection of books for all ages—from babies through teens. They are currently accepting online orders, with free deliveries in their local area. The boundaries are as far north as Eglinton Ave; as far east as Ossington Ave; as far west as The East Mall and as far south as Lakeshore Blvd. Deliveries go out every Tuesday and Friday. They can also arrange contactless pickup by request.
info@moonbeambooks.com | 416-901-0832
Bookstores with Great Kids’ Sections
Another Story
Get books for your kids and for yourself from this Roncesvalles bookstore. Another Story has an impressive collection of kids’ books that include all your normal favourites plus educational books that focus on social justice, equity, and diversity. They are currently accepting online orders with standard delivery, but have also instituted free delivery in their local, west-end area—head to their website to see their catchment area.
books@anotherstory.ca | 416-462-1104
The Beguiling Books & Art
One of the best shops for comic books and graphic novels in Canada, The Beguiling carries a small but well-chosen selection of comic books for kids. They currently have curbside pickup as well as shipping—all orders over $50 receive free shipping throughout the GTA.
mail@beguiling.ca | 416-533-7313
Type Books
One of the most loved and most well-known indie bookstores in Toronto, Type Books has a children’s section in each of its three locations. From board books to young adult fiction, there is a wide selection at each shop. Currently, Type Books is offering delivery to the West End (King to Eglinton, Yonge to Jane). Call the Queen Street store at 416-366-8973 or email delivery@typebooks.ca to place your order. They’re also offering curbside pickup at all three stores by phone daily from 10 am-6 pm.
delivery@typebooks.ca | Queen St W – 416-366-8973 | Dundas St W – 416-761-9973 | Spadina Rd – 416-487-8973
Queen Books
This Leslieville shop is a discerning bookworm’s dream and their recently launched online bookstore was built to match. Their online kids’ titles are grouped under so of the most fun and descriptive categories we’ve seen—from meddlesome middle graders who don’t mind their business and bad a** teens YA to the littlest book lovers and social justice, equality and diversity. They ask that all orders be placed through their online store and all inquiries come through email. They are offering delivery for a flat rate of $3 within the City of Toronto and those deliveries go out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
info@queenbooks.ca |416-778-5053
