Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Reach and Teach Books, Toys, and Gifts in San Carlos

4.9 (68) 1179 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Reach and Teach Books, Toys, and Gifts image

Categories

Book store
Gift shop
Toy store

Location on the map

San Carlos, San Mateo County, California, US

Phone: +1 650-759-3784
Site: http://reachandteach.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–5 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–5 PM
Thursday:11 AM–5 PM
Friday:11 AM–6:30 PM
Saturday:11 AM–6:30 PM
Sunday:12–4 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.9

68 Reviews for Reach and Teach Books, Toys, and Gifts 2024:

Review №1

2023-11-26 21:52:35

Really great local gift, toy store, and eco supplies store. We come here most often to refill our laundry detergent ($0.12 / oz) but also love it for birthday gifts for our daughter’s friends. Loads of good STEM gifts, puzzles, games, books, etc. The owners are very knowledgeable about all of their products and are happy to make age appropriate recommendations.

Review №2

2021-11-25 05:00:46

Beautiful cozy mom & pop bookstore.The owner is very welcoming & friendly.Great hand picked collection of kids books & greeting cards!

Review №3

2018-04-30 20:44:34

Great shop! I came for the soap and detergent refill station and was not disappointed. Excellent products at a very reasonable price. They have shampoo, hand soap, dish soap, and laundry detergent. All products are eco-friendly and not tested on animals. Prices are per ounce, so make sure you know the size of your container! It sounds like hair conditioner may be coming soon.I’m so glad San Mateo has a refill spot that helps its residents reduce waste in our local landfill!

Review №4

2023-11-06 03:59:47

In town for a meeting and stumbled across the store. Great place for gifts. Very positive place. And very knowledgeable and helpful!

Review №5

2022-12-17 18:35:45

BEWARE! You will spend far more than you had planned because Reach and Teach is THAT awesome :-)R&T is the kind of place where you keep finding things to add to the pile for checkout. In a day of specialization, R&T offers a wonderfully diverse selection of items that are all about care, justice, love, and healing. Whether you need a book for any age and topic, a toy that is environmentally and developmentally awesome, or a whimsical item to express goodness in the world, you will find it here!Lastly, the owners Craig and Derrick, are the epitome of small business owners who are invested in the community and committed to their local clientele. While they have a robust online ordering system, their connection to the people who enter the store makes this place special!Get there today!

Review №6

2023-03-29 00:14:48

My daughter and I sussed out this store specifically to buy a Trans flag for Trans Day of visibility and found So much more! Dennis, the stores owner was so friendly and inviting. My teen was stopped by the puzzles and games at the door, and the plethora of neurodivergebt toys inside. They have an incredible selection of LGBTQ books for all ages, and we bought a few of those. I cant wait to return again and again. It was a true jewel.

Review №7

2023-06-18 04:32:47

Looooooove this store!!! So happy to have a local store with an amazing selection of curated toys, books, household items, and gifts.

Review №8

2020-12-12 18:49:26

This store is a local treasure. Its my go-to for gift shopping and books, but its also fun to pop in and browse! Everything has been carefully curated by the shop owners and they know so much background information on the items they carry. They have a wide assortment fun yet educational childrens games and toys, beautiful puzzles, books, greeting cards, and also sustainable chocolates, soaps, gift items, and home goods. If youre unable to find a book youre looking for, theyre able to order it and have it shipped directly to you. I always leave this shop in a very positive mood, the people who run it are very lovely humans!

Review №9

2022-02-01 03:44:21

The owners/staff at this shop are truly some of the most passionate, helpful, and kind folks around. They have so many interesting books, STEM toys, and international/artisanal goods. A great little shop for both kids and adults!

Review №10

2023-05-02 21:35:03

Great cute shop for kids and adults! I can feel the wonder that I have as a child and nothing beats this. It is everything needed for curiosity!

Review №11

2020-10-24 18:32:44

A terrific store. Many years I’ve been able to do all my Christmas shopping there. Games are great and I especially like the noncompetitive ones. Amazing unusual puzzles. Science and art kits. Fair trade jewelry and purses and even chocolates. Cards, lots of books and they will order books and calendars for you. Nice little corner of San Mateo, you can shop then get lunch. At dinner time La Lanterna is wonderful.

Review №12

2020-10-24 18:41:40

I love this store so much. Every town needs a store like this, where the owners themselves are part of and participate in working to better the community through education, acceptance and kindness. Theyve worked tirelessly through the pandemic to make sure people are able to get materials for their kids or for themselves. My kids are now grown, but that doesnt stop me from going in to get all kinds of unique toys, books and other gifts for others, and the occasional toy for myself.

Review №13

2020-10-24 18:41:46

Reach and Teach is so many things: gifts, toys, books, kitchen essentials, chocolate (!), and more, all with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable living. The owners are friendly and welcoming, and know their products well. You can be looking for ideas for a gift and they’ll help you find exactly the right thing. Or you can just have a wonderful time browsing and then find what you didn’t know you needed! We are so fortunate to have this business in our neighborhood. It’s truly one of the best stores in San Mateo.

Review №14

2016-07-10 04:58:45

Really cute store on a random street in San Mateo with a lot of little shops and restaurants. This place reminds me of a fantastic fair-trade shop called Ten Thousand Villages from the Pacific Northwest. The owner/host of the store is very nice and friendly, and offers you water, tea, and even a little piece of dark chocolate (tastefully/hygienically covered with a little clear plastic cup) when you enter the store. I could spend hours in this store looking through the interesting/eclectic book selection; toys; body butters/lotions; and other gifts. There are so many unique toys and gifts with their inspiration or actual origin from all over the world. The back half of the store is designed a childrens play area with a table for arts and crafts, and surrounded by bookcases full of childrens books. My favorite sections, though, are the toy and music sections where there are a lot of fantastic musical toys, puzzles, and other items that could easily keep both you and/or a child entertained for hours. They have puzzle toys and other small games similar to the Marbles: The Brain Store, but also other unique gifts like building blocks with Korean, Chinese, Japanese, ASL; toy trucks/cars on a string; ankle beads that can be both decorative and a percussive instrument; and my favorite, a fantastic xylophone built entirely of wooden pieces. Another lovely thing: they have beautiful greeting cards that are made locally and/or handmade, some of which are very unique and quite beautiful. You can probably tell: I LOVE THIS STORE.

Review №15

2016-10-23 02:13:48

There should be more small independent businesses like this one. Unique blend of childrens toys, books, music - very interesting selection. Fun demos keep the little ones entertained while you browse. They specialize in educational and / or sustainable themes. Very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit!

Review №16

2017-07-29 03:29:29

This is my favorite place to buy toys for all the young children I know. The selection if superb. I always start out browsing, but the staff members ask a few questions about the interests of the gift recipient and they swiftly select several products that would be perfectly suited. I have gone with the recommendations each time. I even threw a curveball with a unique and fun gift for my husband, a literary aficionado, and was quickly directed to the graphic novel version of Fahrenheit 451. Perfect! I highly recommend this store, it is a San Mateo gem!

Review №17

2022-12-29 23:54:36

This place remains a gem! Helpful shop owners and a wonderful collection of toys. Theyre moving to a larger space in San Carlos in January 2023 so follow them over!

Review №18

2019-07-23 00:53:04

We stopped here on our way to lunch, and never knew it existed. Its such a little gem, with so many interesting things and an owner that clearly loves his shop. We chatted with him for quite awhile, and he was happy to show my son every gadget in the store. I wish there were more shops like this around!

Review №19

2022-03-01 04:46:18

If you need help finding a out of print book or something esoteric then look no further. They also have neat low and high tech learning modalities for adults and kids. We need to support independent book and gadget stores like this - great place to visit and learn something new.

Review №20

2016-01-26 17:18:07

Reach & Teach is more of a renewing experience than just a book and toy shop! Craig and Derrick welcome you with delicious tea and chocolate and then invite you to explore the educational books and toys, the fair trade jewelry and gifts for people of all ages. They are incredibly knowledgeable about every item, often knowing the artist or author personally. Peace and social justice are the main themes of Reach and Teach and their origami classes and readings by local authors are part of the community space that encourages curiosity, compassion, and sharing! They have created something very special! We stop in every time we are in the Bay Area and come away with very special items for ourselves and our loved ones!

Review №21

2016-12-31 01:56:45

Located on a street filled with restaurants, cafes and salons, its easy to miss this place. We stumbled upon it by chance, thanks to their very interesting mechanical window display and Im so glad we did. It has a very unique selection of toys, games and cute gifts and knickknacks from all over the world. It is also a bookstore with a cozy reading area at the back. Though the collection is not huge, there are very interesting picks and many of them have handwritten notes describing whats special about the book. Theres also a little book trading corner by the reading area. And the best part is that everything is sourced fair trade with the central theme being peace and sustainability. A whiff of fresh air in this era of online shopping and retail giants. Highly recommended!

Review №22

2020-10-09 01:03:59

Total gem. Excellent variety of books, and will order what they dont have in stock. Unique toys. games, jewelry and gifts. Also options for refillable eco-friendly cleaning products. Inviting space.

Review №23

2020-12-12 17:54:28

Creative books, toys, gifts for all ages. ASK if you dont see something, youll be pleasantly surprised at the creative gift giving they inspire!Support a local small business that also is huge on supporting their local community.

Review №24

2022-12-11 23:42:13

Fun spot for adults and kids. It is a toy store, card store and a spot for kids to learn about fun products. They will be moving from 25th street in Dec 2022.

Review №25

2017-06-15 00:25:16

Browse around this store and youll notice that every item was carefully selected. There are educational toys, games, and books for all ages, with great options focused on gender equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and peacemaking. There are also fair trade and local gifts. And theres a bulk soap refill station in the back, currently with laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo, with Castile soap coming soon.

Review №26

2022-11-01 07:23:54

Such a fun and wonderful place with a fantastic selection of both practical and whimsical items. This place is all about community, learning, sustainability, and joy.

Review №27

2020-10-24 17:54:42

Beautiful store with a beautiful mission. And you can get just about any book Amazon offers from them too, delivered quickly to your door. A treasure in our community that just keeps getting better!

Review №28

2015-07-05 20:21:04

Great store for educational and unique gifts for children (and adults). We went in with no specific direction and one of their staff members treated us like family. We left with awesome gifts for a two year old to a twelve year old and something for me (thirtyish). Highly recommend - check them out!

Review №29

2019-04-21 04:45:39

Very Cute. I stumbled upon this with a friend. It has cute games and learning tools. The shop owner is attentive and is more than willing to explain and or teach on any of the items in the store. I love this Penguin Game and the Penny Drop game (which also doubles as a why to solve arguments).

Review №30

2019-03-13 01:58:28

They have such fun books,clever games and gifts and are always helpful. Today I purchased The Secret Lives of Color.. all about the history of colors like Saffron and Fuchsia and Puce. Delightful!

Review №31

2019-08-05 06:04:06

Heres where you go to get your environmentally themed books as well as social justice books and games. Lots of eco gifts and products as well as shampoo and detergent to buy in bulk. Bring your own bottle. Were lucky we have this place in San Mateo.

Review №32

2018-12-22 21:49:20

Such a fun and unique place to shop. There is truly something for everyone in this shop. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff and a really great atmosphere. Highly recommend this shop—well-worth a trip to San Mateo even if you’re not already close by.

Review №33

2021-05-26 20:02:56

Great book store. Owner was very nice.

Review №34

2021-06-02 03:55:33

Such a wonderful store! I go there all the time, and the owners are very kind to me. Very kid-friendly and gives me immaculate vibes! :)

Review №35

2020-06-18 22:54:56

My favorite toy store! Great learning toys, quality toys that empower the people who make it. All age ranges. Best place to birthday shop!

Review №36

2022-12-21 19:40:38

Really fun store, I can find something for anyone here including myself. Great place to look around in. Awesome people work there. Shop online available on their website.

Review №37

2018-09-26 05:21:38

Just walking into this store is a treat. Walking around inside the welcoming shop is a wonder. Such an amazing range of fascinating, uplifting, and fun items.

Review №38

2018-03-11 04:38:10

Great store that has tons of educational and inspirational toys and books. I love the selection of material empowering little girls to be interested in STEM.

Review №39

2018-01-31 23:28:04

Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. Very cool selection of books, toys, puzzles, and instruments for kids and adults alike.

Review №40

2018-12-24 17:09:25

Knowledgeable and helpful owner and a room full of educational, fun and all-inclusive toys and books. I love the puzzle section.

Review №41

2019-06-15 09:55:59

An amazing store for educational toys with a story. A very friendly, patient and well informed store owner - will not be disappointed!!!

Review №42

2020-03-19 04:35:35

The owners are very helpful and they have the most educational and interesting and engaging toys! Love this store!

Review №43

2017-10-29 02:06:49

Excellent selection of books for kids and teens, plus a number of fun, creative, and educational toys. A gem of a shop!

Review №44

2017-08-22 04:58:16

Unique collection of artifacts sourced from indigenous folk artist all over the world. Very friendly staff...its really a different shopping experience.

Review №45

2019-01-16 06:10:15

Really cute store. A lot of unique toys and books. A must place to visit.

Review №46

2018-12-08 20:31:55

I love that place. The owner is the nicest person I have ever met and they have a sizable collection of games they have personally tested. Just ask for advice!

Review №47

2017-07-12 01:36:50

Super interesting toys, trinkets, etc. And they price the items at the same price as Amazon, so they arent marking up their products.

Review №48

2021-06-19 22:48:13

Nice selection. Some local makers and many responsible choices. Super nice people. So glad I found it!

Review №49

2019-11-30 02:23:16

Great selection of gifts for children and adults. Books and toys that make you think.

Review №50

2019-07-16 22:25:16

This is some place everyone should visit very interesting toys games and other items for children gifts or to treat yourself to tea or chocolate.

Review №51

2022-05-05 22:49:35

Such a lovely local bookshop. Cant wait to come back again and again!

Review №52

2018-07-25 17:29:22

Great selection of toys and books. A real quaint and lovely store to visit

Review №53

2016-12-30 04:58:35

I like this store so much . Its kinda bits of this and that around the world and locals . Recommended!!!!!!

Review №54

2020-09-26 00:27:43

Great selection, helpful staff, eclectic collection of books & gifts

Review №55

2016-10-14 05:02:19

A unique selection. Always fun to visit. So glad we have this place.

Review №56

2019-02-10 05:34:14

So awesome. love this place, and these people. quality quality quality. sustainably sourced, integrity everywhere!

Review №57

2020-10-24 16:10:13

Teach kids propaganda early that way they don’t know any better! Hateful, biased company.

Review №58

2018-12-07 01:21:56

Love this place and the owners !!Grandson always wants to go when he visits from S Calif

Review №59

2018-03-17 21:00:03

Consciously sourced, Thought provoking books, science projects, art, puzzles, music, and toys at their best!

Review №60

2017-12-26 05:43:01

Really awesome place with cool stuff for babies, kids, and adults!

Review №61

2020-09-29 22:22:32

Awesome place to find unique gifts!

Review №62

2021-02-24 16:28:30

Great place for educational toys!

Review №63

2021-12-30 23:12:36

Super friendly local store 👍

Review №64

2021-03-23 03:44:18

Great selection and friendly staff!

Review №65

2017-09-21 16:16:11

Fun and educational for kids and adults.

Review №66

2018-07-29 01:46:01

Great educational toy store

Review №67

2020-11-17 17:27:58

Great educational toys

Review №68

2023-07-12 21:55:13

Very nice place with lots of things for children and adults! ✌️