CAMP: Choosing Toys by Age, Booking Store Events and Gifting Explained

CAMP calls itself a family experience store. It sells toys, games, books, craft kits and party supplies online, and runs themed shops in several US cities where a playful front room leads through a hidden door into a larger space built around a changing theme, with free play and ticketed activities.

A good CAMP order depends on buying the right toy for the child's age and interests, knowing what the store visits and parties include, and timing gift orders so they arrive in time.

Choosing CAMP toys by age

CAMP groups its range by age and by type of play: building, pretend play, arts and crafts, science kits, games and outdoor toys. The age filter is the quickest way to narrow a big range.

Treat the age on the box as a safety and skill guide, not a precise rule. Toys marked for three and up often contain small parts, so they are unsuitable for a toddler sibling who still puts things in their mouth.

For older children, look at the number of pieces and the time a project takes. A 500-piece kit can frustrate a six-year-old who would enjoy a 100-piece set, and a quick craft kit bores a ten-year-old.

Own-brand and branded toys

CAMP stocks well-known toy brands alongside its own CAMP-branded products, including craft kits and themed merchandise tied to the current store theme.

For branded toys, compare the CAMP price with other toy retailers; the same set may be cheaper elsewhere without a code. For CAMP's own products, CAMP is the only source, so a code is the main way to save.

Read the product description for batteries and tools. Many electronic toys need batteries that are not included, and some kits need scissors, glue or paint the family may not have.

Store visits, activities and parties

Entry to the free-play areas in a CAMP store has generally been free, while scheduled activities, workshops and performances are ticketed. Popular weekend sessions fill up, so book tickets online ahead of a visit.

Each CAMP location has its own schedule and theme, which changes a few times a year. Check the page for your nearest store rather than assuming what you saw last season is still there.

CAMP also hosts birthday parties at its stores. Packages differ by location and group size; read what is included, such as a host, activity, food and a take-home gift, and whether extra children cost more. Codes are unlikely to apply to party packages.

Gifts and party shopping

CAMP sells party supplies, favours and gift-ready toys, which suits a parent buying for a party the same weekend. A small craft kit or card game makes a good favour or a guest gift for a five-to-eight-year-old.

If the gift is for another family's child, choose something open-ended such as building sets or art supplies, which suit a wider range of interests than a character toy. Ask about gift receipts at checkout so the parents can exchange it.

Gift cards are a safe choice for a family near a CAMP store, since they can be used on tickets as well as toys; check the gift card terms for your location.

Delivery, returns and timing

CAMP ships toys within the US. Delivery times stretch in November and December, so order holiday gifts early and check the posted cut-off dates for delivery before a holiday.

CAMP has typically accepted returns on unopened items within a set window. Opened toys, craft kits and personalised items are often excluded, so keep packaging sealed until the gift is given. Check the current CAMP returns page before ordering.

Toy prices dip around Black Friday and in January clearance. CAMP marks down themed stock when a store theme changes, which is a good time to buy CAMP merchandise.

Where the CAMP savings are

The 15% code is the best of the usable CAMP codes and the one to try first on a larger toy order. Codes that look like this are often single-use, so if it is refused, move straight to the 10% code.

The 8% code is the fallback. On a small order it saves a few dollars; on a holiday basket it adds up.

Expect CAMP codes to apply to online toy orders rather than event tickets or party packages. Only one code will normally apply per order, and some brands may be excluded from promotions.

Group gifts for several children into one CAMP order so a single percentage covers the whole basket and one delivery charge applies.

Common questions

Is it free to visit a CAMP store?

The free-play areas have generally been free; activities and workshops are ticketed. Check your CAMP location's page.

Can I return an opened CAMP toy?

Often not. Keep toys sealed until given and check CAMP's current returns terms.

Do CAMP codes work on birthday parties?

Unlikely. They apply to online toy orders. Ask the store about party offers.

How do I choose a toy age range at CAMP?

Use the age filter as a guide, and watch for small parts if younger children share the toy.