Three local toy stores make shopping easier for parents. They offer great service, such as free gift wrapping, and a huge array of items your kids can play with while you shop.

Talk about a distraction-free shopping trip. I literally have to beg my three boys to leave after spending more than an hour at each of these cool stores on any given shopping trip.

The Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton is all about enhancing learning for teachers and parents, but also has plenty of toys that engage young minds and spark creative thinking. 

The staff has firsthand knowledge about the goods on the shelves and so will your child before you make a purchase.

“We’re 'Try before you buy,' " says store owner John MacDougall. 

Workers are happy to open boxes so customers are sure they're getting exactly what they want. Now that’s something you cannot find at larger stores.

While you browse, your child can play at the train table, watch marbles shoot down “marble run," play “Double Shutter” or “Chickyboom," test out new outdoor games and so much more.

G.R. Doodlebug, in the Blackhawk Shopping Center, is another fun store to visit. As a bonus, the bookstore Read is now connected to Doodlebug, making this an even cooler store to visit, with tons of books as well as toys. 

“We search for toys that spark creativity and imagination," says owner Larry Cobabe.

This is evident in what the store sells, which is not what you’d find at most chain stores.  From creative art kits to outdoor games to science kits, it has it all. Of course, the store also has plenty of items set up for exploration — from the “Sandbox in a Box” to “Marble Run” to wind-up cars. 

You could spend a few hours here with your kids, between looking at and reading books and trying fun games and toys.

Games Unlimited in Danville, which was founded in 1981, is another toy store that sparks the minds of all ages. It has toys and games that cannot be found elsewhere, and workers are more than happy to make suggestions. 

“Since we are independently owned, we can pick and choose what customers want instead of being told by a corporate office what we have to order," owner Sue Banducci says.

While you shop, your kids can explore the roller coaster test track, a huge train table or several games. The store sells irresistible stuffed animals and dolls, has shelves full of games and kits that encourage creativity and involvement, lots of outdoor games (indoor ones, too), science experiments and whatever else you can imagine.

What these three stores have in common is phenomenal knowledge of product, great customer service and plenty to keep kids busy while parents shop.

The Golden Apple Learning Store, 4807 Hopyard Road in Pleasanton. Phone: 925-460-5163.

G. R. Doodlebug, 3626 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. Phone: 925-736-1800.

Games Unlimited, 810 Sycamore Valley Road in Danville. Phone: 925-838-6358.