James JohnsonLos Angeles’ Oldest Toy Store Faces an Uncertain Future Amid Rising Costs and Trade Wars
A Legacy of Joy Through Generations
For nearly 80 years, Kip’s Toyland has stood as a joyful constant in Los Angeles—a place where wooden trains, colorful puzzles, and spinning tops have delighted generations. Founded in 1945 by Irvin “Kip” Kipper, a former World War II pilot and prisoner of war, the store was born out of a desire to bring happiness to children in the aftermath of global conflict. Today, his son Don Kipper carries on the legacy inside The Original Farmers Market, offering a nostalgic alternative to today’s screen-saturated childhood.
But that legacy is under threat.
The Hidden Cost of Play: Tariffs Hit Home
A new round of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports—where nearly 80% of America’s toys are made—has placed an enormous strain on small, independent retailers like Kip’s. Suppliers are warning of imminent price hikes, encouraging stores to stockpile inventory before the tariffs take effect. But for Kip’s Toyland, that’s not feasible.
“We can’t afford to store pallets of toys,” Don Kipper told CNN, “We just don’t have the space or the capital.”
The impact is already visible. Some suppliers are halting production entirely, threatening to disrupt the critical holiday season. “Please know this decision was not made lightly,” read one supplier letter Don shared. But for a business built on affordable whimsy, even a $10 or $15 price increase could deter families already stretched thin.
The Magic of In-Person Play
While big-box retailers and online giants dominate the modern toy industry, Kip’s remains a hands-on haven. The shop doesn’t sell electronics or plug-in gadgets. Instead, it champions timeless classics—Slinky, Lincoln Logs, and plush toys—many of which were once proudly manufactured in the U.S.
Now, those same toys are overwhelmingly produced overseas, a shift driven by decades of lower labor costs and expansive factory infrastructure in China. Chris Byrne, a leading toy industry analyst, notes that relocating production back to the U.S. would take at least five years—and come with much higher prices due to labor and compliance costs.
Families Feel the Pressure
Local parents like Aeri Schwartz and Chelsea Kwoka treasure the store’s old-school charm, but they acknowledge that higher prices will force tough choices.
“If a toy fire truck jumps from $20 to $30, we’ll have to scale back,” Schwartz said. Kwoka, echoing that sentiment, said she’d consider experiences like zoo memberships over material gifts or turn to used toys to stay within budget.
For many, Kip’s is more than a store—it’s a community landmark. “There’s nothing like it in LA,” Schwartz said. “It’s a real treasure.”
Fighting for the Future
As costs rise, Don Kipper knows there’s no silver bullet. His plan? Buy smart. Choose timeless, cost-effective toys that still bring joy without breaking the bank. And continue to offer a space where childhood feels tangible again.
“I’m hopeful,” he said. “There will always be that mom or dad who runs in last-minute for a birthday gift. We’re here for them.”
But with tariffs looming and supply chains shifting, the very nature of American toy shopping may be changing—for good. Whether Kip’s Toyland survives this next battle may depend not just on politics or policy, but on the value families place on play, nostalgia, and the small joy of wandering down an aisle lined with wonder.
