Doodlebug

My daughter loves a trip to doodlebug. Whether we have to buy a gift for a friend's birthday or paint something for her grandmother at the holidays, doodlebug is her idea of heaven. She loves to explore the huge variety of merchandise but nothing beats an hour or so spent painting a masterpiece in the studio. The employees always compliment her work and she beams with pride. The mug she made for her father is the first thing she looks for when we visit his office. I am amazed that we are lucky enough to have such an amazing store with so much to offer in a small town like San Anselmo. Pros: Non-mall family-friendly amazing resource. Cons: There is only one. more

I decided to try this place upon the recommendation of a friend. When we arrived there was no one there to greet us and we had to pretty much find and set up our projects ourselves. When I finally found and employee to ask for help, it seemed like I was burdening her to make such a request. She sat down with the older of my two children and explained how to clean to pottery piece before painting, when my child asked her a question she responded by stating, ""I would be a stupid idiot if I didn't know how to paint at my age."" (I couldn't believe my ears...by the way my older child is only 6!) Then she went into the back and began talking with 2 younger girl employees and I repeatedly, as did my very young children, heard them saying the words, ""Stupid"", ""Cr@p"", and ""Idiot""...We finished as quickly as we could...although, I should have just walked out with my kids, and when I went up to pay my total was way over the price of the pieces we chose, when I asked the young girl to itemize the prices she gave my a higher price on 2 of the 3 pieces we painted than they were tagged as. When I told her they were listed differently she rudely stated they were another size than they were...I told her there was no way, so she slapped down a children's ruler and indeed the 3"" tiles we painted were not 6"" as she was attempting to charge me for. Without apologizing or even making eye contact, she was obviously annoyed with this revelation, she puched in another code and corrected the price. I had to ask about the pick up policy, as she did not explain it, rather she handed me my receipt and said, ""Bye."" I CANNOT believe this place, if I had to make a recommendation about this place it would be to KEEP AWAY...as not only will you and your children have to hear rude inappropriate language, you will be over charged and under helped!!! Cons: Many more

We love doodlebug - they have an amazing array of toys, games, arts & craft supplies and oodles of other things that don't seem categorizable. There is a studio space where you can paint pottery, knit, scrapbook, do a mosaic or whatever! We've used the private room for a party and hear there is a new adult-only space opening soon! You must check out this unique treasure in the middle of Marin - the staff is genuinely nice and the feeling is stimulating to say the least. We like to relax on Friday nights after dinner with a little painting - amazing family time - (they are open 'til 9 PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) - check it out! Pros: unique, always have something special to do (or select as a gift) Cons: parking in front can be full - though there is lots if you just go down the side street! more