For all the kids and reluctant adults living in Venice, there really is a disproportionate number of toy shops in town. When recently asked for recommendations on the best local spots to shop for kids' clothes and birthday gifts, our list was unfortunately a very short one. But with the recent opening of one very colorful kiddie boutique located at 2010 Lincoln Blvd – it's the one with bubbles blowing from the front window – we're shouting hooray for Huzzah!

Launched in March by husband and wife partners Joe Falzarano and Tracey Becker, Huzzah! houses an impressive assortment of toys for babies to big kids, as well as crafts, games, collectibles, gag gifts and a variety of super sweet lava lamps. A good selection of what's in store is also available online, but locals will certainly enjoy being able to stop in for a quick gift that comes with complimentary gift wrap and a knowledgeable and courteous sales staff, including 11-year-old Will Falzarano on occasion, who all know how to have some serious fun.

With a background in the comedy business and experience having already owned two toy stores, one in Hoboken, New Jersey, and another in the West Village of NYC called Big Fun, Falzarano decided to open a family business in Venice because living in this community reminded him of the one he left.

"I'm a Jersey kid," says Falzarano. "When we came to LA, we came straight to Venice because it felt like a small town."

He says that there's an authenticity to Venice and the locals are fighting hard to preserve it. By opening up this much-needed toy shop, Falzarano feels that he is doing his part to join the effort. And his timing for Huzzah! is ideal as he joins a new wave of independent business owners taking over the busy boulevard - a few of which are even focused on kids and parties. Just last year, children's party design boutique Fire & Creme opened at 1701 Lincoln Blvd., conveniently located next to La Pinata party supply. And the much anticipated Superba Food + Bread, which opens this week, not only guarantees more foot traffic to the area, but will also provide one of the few event spaces in town to host birthday parties. Also, for the beloved fur children of Venice, Bruno's Dog & Cat Boutique opened last month as well, and is located right next door to Huzzah!

Huzzah! // 2010 Lincoln Blvd. Venice CA 90291