Our Mission
It is our goal to provide the community a unique selection of quality toys in a fun and friendly environment. We strive to give every customer exceptional customer service and encourage children and adults alike to come and explore our toys first hand.
Our Philosophy
At Five Little Monkeys we believe children play to learn. When selecting our products we look for toys that are fun, educational, environmentally sound, and safe for your child. We understand that while children learn through play they are gaining invaluable life skills; fostering creativity, intellectual growth and team work. We hope to create good people by putting quality toys in the hands of children.
Our History
Owner, Stephanie Sala, started Five Little Monkeys in 2001 shortly after graduating from UC Berkeley with degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies. Plans for graduate school were put on hold when the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 made her realize that being close to home was most important. As the oldest of five little monkeys in her close knit family, Stephanie began looking for something that would allow her to play a very active role in her younger siblings lives. With her father, Andre Sala, a renowned toy designer most famous for the Whoozit line of infant developmental toys, and her mother, Anna Hobbet, the co-owner and founder of Sweet Potatoes, a children’s wear manufacturing company with several retail stores in the San Francisco Bay Area, opening a specialty toy store seemed like a natural fit.
Awards and Recognition
NATIONAL
- 2019 Western Toy and Hobby Retailers Association (WTHRA) Toy Retailer of the Year
- 2016 American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Retailer Excellence Award: Toy Retailer of the Year
- 2010 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
REGIONAL
- 2019 Best Store for Baby Gifts in Marin (Pacific Sun)
- 2019 Jewish News of Northern California Readers' Choice
- 2013-2019 Best of the East Bay: Best Toy Store (Diablo Magazine)
- 2011, 2014, 2016-2019 Best Toy Store in Marin (Pacific Sun)
- 2013-2017 Best Toy Store in Contra Costa County (Parent's Press)
- 2015 Best Toy Store in Alameda County (Parent’s Press)
- 2015 Best Toy Store in Marin County (Parent’s Press)
- 2014 Best Children’s Store in East Bay (East Bay Express)
- 2012-2014 Best Toy Store in Marin (North Bay Bohemian)
- 2013 Best Toy Store (Lamorinda Moms)
- 2011 Best Toy Store in the East Bay (Parent's Press)
- 2008 Workability Works Award
- Green Toys 1st Place Window Display Contest (Multiple Years)
- Bay Area Green Certified Business (2005-present)