When it comes to locally owned businesses, Tucson has a lot of hidden havens.
Before you even walk in the door, the front window display promises you will find something special. Step inside and you know you aren't at just any ordinary toy store. Yikes! Toy Store is the go to place for a stand out gift. From greeting card to wrapping paper you are guaranteed to find everything you need for that birthday party you're going to later. What to get for that pool party? Why, a squirt gun camera of course. If you need to get a fantastic present for someone special and unique this is the place to go.

For over twenty years, this toy store keeps getting better. With new owner, Patricia Katchur in charge, you can be sure to browse an expanded selection of books, and her personal favorites, scientific toys. Since taking over the shop from friend Hazel Rugg in January of this year, Patricia has added her personal spin to the store. "It is the blend of pop culture with toys that makes us unique." Patricia is a very lively lady who likes to engage with the community. Her beautiful associates, Nadia Walsh and Casey Condit, have been making customers smile for ten years. It is a very friendly environment, welcoming children of all ages. There is a definite sense that the people working in the store really love to be there. They know their stuff, and are always attentive and willing to answer questions.

They have a huge selection of curioddities and retro atomic wind ups, sci-fi gadgetry and out of this world puppets, books, metal lunchboxes, puzzles, hilarious gags, and colorful bouncy balls. Looking around, you are certain to find  things you have never seen before. " Some balls change color, from blue to yellow and yellow to blue" says Elijah Thum, a 6 year old who was in the shop with his brother, 10 year old Wrilan Thum, who says, "It's a fun toy store that has everything a kid will ever want."

So go to Yikes! it's at 2930 E Broadway Blvd, but be warned, you may feel compelled to spend hours investigating the inventory. Be ready to play and prepared to smile, because Yikes! has a motto : "No curmudgeons, cranks or crybabies allowed. All ages welcome, especially the young at heart!"