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Just like Mall Santa, this seasonal local toy store pops up every Christmas. Located, this year, in the Nob Hill Shopping center, it specializes in educational, creative and art-based toys and games. In this inviting and colorful (as advertised) space, you’ll have your pick of puzzles, construction toys, art and craft supplies, books, science kits, plush animals and even baby gifts. The emphasis is on simple and fun, with loads of balls, bubbles, tops, kites, yo-yos, building blocks and other traditional toys on display. No video games here! You can even shop online for curbside pickup.
113 Carlisle Blvd. SE
(505) 289-2463
Noble gaming has two locations (one on the Westside and their newly relocated store on Lomas and Juan Tabo), making it easy to access from either end of town. The stores specialize in new and retro/vintage video games and consoles. Video gamers of all ages and eras are well covered here, from the classic Nintendo 64 to the new PlayStation 5. They also stock a variety of card games and tabletop games.
926 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 858-0212
9311 Coors Blvd. NW # 19 (505) 898-0256
This Northeast Heights comic shop carries Silver Age, Bronze Age and modern comics as well as a goodly selection of graphic novels. They’re also a CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service) authorized vendor, meaning they carry certified and graded vintage comic books for the four-color connoisseur on your list. Need a first appearance of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15? They’ve got it.They also specialize in vintage toys/collectibles. (Near mint on card Boba Fett figure from Return of the Jedi? Yeah, but it’s gonna cost ya.)
3700 Osuna Rd. NE # 513
(505) 884-1776
ageofcomics.shop
This gaming store is owned by “gamers and collectors” and specializes in trading cards of all kinds. You can pick up stocking stuffer booster packs of “deck-building” classics (Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Digimon, Yu-Gi-Oh!) and even boxed sets of pro sports tradings cards (NFL, NBA). If you know someone who likes tabletop miniature games like HeroClix or Warhammer 40,000, DCG stocks those mini figures as well. Aside from the games, there are loads of collectable Funko Pop statues to choose from.
1330 San Pedro Dr. NE # 103
(505) 340-9668