The Ark

So sad that all the Ark locations have closed. High-​quality stuff, great variety, inspiring when looking for a gift.

I’m sorry this store has gone. It was our standard place to go before a kid birthday party. The selection was great, with an emphasis on creativity and open-​endedness. (I.e. Few licensed characters, more unique one offs) The best part is that they wrapped the present, so last minute shoppers like me could be on my way to an party in minutes.

Great toy store. Several locations and each has a different vibe. Friendly staff in all of them. Some times the inventory fluctuates but they will order things for you. Lots of creativity generating toys and lots of trendy toys. Will wrap presents — great when you are running late for a child’s bday party and you realize you forgot the gift.

This toy store was one of the best I’ve ever been to. Not anymore! They’ve completed removed all their books, puzzles, etc from their back room. No more old fashioned, metal push cars. Empty shelves everywhere. And signs posted stating «all sales are final». This prompted me ask the clerk if they were closing. He said «no, we are just making room for more items. That’s hard to believe that they need to clear out about 75% of their inventory to make more room for new inventory. It’s my feeling that they are selling as much as they can before a fire sale. This store was such a gem, sorry to see them go… or at least get to this state. Guess it’s more online shopping for me

Nice store where your kid can spend time picking out the perfect toy (s)

***Shopping at The Ark around Christmastime immediately makes me realize how much toy stores around me were lacking in variety when I was a kid; this store features a good variety of cars, stuffed animals, educational toys, magic sets, and so on; however, I grew up in a rural area and while The Ark’s selection is competitive with other toy stores from metropolitan areas, this store does not particularly stand out compared to other great toy stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles and other big cities; their stocking stuffers section features a variety of moderately priced to inexpensive toys; on closer inspection though, the types of stocking stuffers offered here are pretty lame***
Free street parking is located in the nearby residential area though spaces can be hard to find.

I really love this fantastic toy store located in the heart of Presidio Heights. I almost always buy something every time I step inside because The Ark carries classic, quality toys and books that ignite children’s imaginations.
From plush toys to all the classics including Melissa & Doug and lots of imported toys plus favorite and time-​tested books for toddlers to young children, you’ll find something to love at this creative little retail oasis on Sacramento Street.
With the wood floors and displays, The Ark Toy Store feels like you’re stepping back in time to an old country store. It’s charming. Packed with merchandise, you’ll find a gift worthy of every child; I don’t think I’ve ever left empty-​handed. Moderate to pricey, you can still find a gift under $ 10 (but you can spend a whole lot more without trying!)
Last, I agree with other Unilocalers that customer service could be improved. They’re not rude or pushy, quite the opposite. And one of the men who’s always behind the register seemed put off by my request for a classic children’s book and then dismissive when I asked if they’d consider stocking it.
(I’d really like to give my money to a mom & pop local business and not always
but oh well, I tried).
All in all, I really think The Ark Toy Store is a little treasure and I appreciate their frequent buyer rewards program, too.

Very nice selection of toys you actually want your kid to play with (very unlike the selection at Target). Simple, classic toys like wooden blocks. Not cheap, but good stuff.
Parking was surprisingly easy — I did go on a Sunday so maybe that is why.
They lose two stars for the lack of customer service. For a store like this, (location, prices) I would at least expect to be greeted on arrival. Although there were two employees and only 4 or 5 customers (including myself) no sales person asked us if we needed help finding an item. We were there for maybe 15 minutes and not a peep from anyone. I will say that a friend of mine has shopped here many times (she recommended the place) and she said the customer service is always excellent. So maybe they had an off day?

I have spent many a dollar in this store and its 24^th street counterpart. Obviously a great selection of high quality toys for a wide range of ages. However, I take issue with the Sacramento Street store’s practice of asking patrons whether their gift is for «a boy or a girl» prior to gift wrapping the purchase. This reinforces the already pervasive gender stereotyping our children are subject to. I much prefer what the one salesperson said to me today, «what colors do you prefer?»
If the owners actually read this it’d be worth a thought to consider advising your staff to ask that question differently.

Wooden toys, fairies, elves and puzzles galore. A must stop for those looking to pamper kids with fun goods.

This place has some pretty good quality toys and that’s why it isn’t cheap. The staff are friendly and are helpful only if you ask for help, otherwise the service is just meh… but if you want to find a nice good quality toy, this is the place to go.

Every year I find myself looking and hoping to find a decent toy store in the SF.
Today, I think I finally found it. The Ark Toy Store is a solid, one stop place to find the best kid gifts. My niece turned two today, I was told she into dinosaurs, I called and asked if they had anything in stock. The guy that answered the phone was nice and offered to place on Dino Sticker Book on hold for me (last one). When I arrived, the book was waiting for me along with four other items that he picked out that may be of my interest. I waned to buy them all and then some. I probably would of if I had not stopped at Sparky’s first, and picking up a couple things already. Needless to say, the gifts where a hit. My sister in-​law even inquired where I score the awesome gifts.
I bought:
–Dino Sticker Book
–Assortment Dinosaur Magnet Book w/​Play Scene: Great for imaginative play for the dino fanatic.
–ED Dinosaur: Dinosaur made with simple shapes and a unique, rotating magnet technology, children can build a dino figure for a Jurassic adventure — or mix and match multiple dino pieces to create their own prehistoric species! Made from quality beech wood with a non-​toxic finish.
–Stegosaurus-​Foam dinosaur, but sturdy.
Walking into this store made me feel like I was entering into a kid’s attic playhouse, there is everything a child desires. Yes, they are on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for, and you can find something on every budget. I’m now looking forward to more kid gift shopping. Thanks to the Ark Toy Store, I never thought this would be possible in SF.

I extended Small Business Saturday to Sunday so I could buy a present for the family we adopted at work. When a kid asks for a kite for the holidays, how could I possibly say no? Found a great one here without being mobbed at the mall.
The store has toys for children of all ages and interests. It’s always lively without ever being full. While I may look elsewhere for truly creative gifts, this is a really nice store. I like their games and science section quite a bit.
The frequent buyer program is definitely worth it if you’re going to buy toys every so often or more.
When you need a toy and you’re in the neighborhood, check out the Ark Toy Store. You’ll likely find something they can wrap up for you.