Kip’s Toyland, founded in 1945, is the oldest toy store in Los Angeles. Located in the Farmer’s Market, the store was the brainchild of Irvin “Kip” Kipper, a U.S. Air Force bomber pilot who, during World War II, was shot down in his B-17 over Bologna, Italy, on his 26th mission. Kipper spent more than seven months in Stalag Luft III and Stalag VII, later retold in book, television, and film as The Great Escape.
Kip first started selling flags, then added balloons, which were a big hit, because rubber was rationed during the war. Then he added Slinky, board games, Lincoln Logs, Tinkertoy sets, Carrom Game Boards, and new toys as they were invented.
FAO Schwarz opened up a short distance from Kip’s Toyland, but they went out of business and Kip’s Toyland is still flourishing.