Don Kipper enjoyed seeing children light up as they entered the store. (photo by Edwin Folven )

Community members are mourning Don Kipper, of Kip’s Toyland at the Original Farmers Market, who died on Oct. 29 at the age of 79. 

Kipper’s father Irvin Kipper (1916-2016), known to generations as Mr. Kip, founded Kip’s Toyland in 1945 and moved the store to the Farmers Market in 1956. Kip’s Toyland is among the last remaining independent toy stores in Los Angeles. Don Kipper ran the store with his daughter Lily since approximately 2011 after Mr. Kip stepped back from daily operations. Don relished keeping the toy store open and marveled at the astonishment of young children who passed through its doors. 

“When they have an opportunity to come into a store like ours, their eyes widen and I still marvel at it and love it,” Kipper said in a 2024 interview with the Beverly Press. “Their eyes become saucers, they see all the different things that they don’t see in other stores. They can see a yo-yo, Silly Putty, Slinkys, marbles, pick up sticks … you name it. Seeing a child’s face light up is something I’ve always loved.” 

Kipper battled cancer in recent years but always kept fighting, his daughter said. He remained a friendly presence at the store up until a couple months ago and was very proud of Kip’s Toyland. 

“The opportunity to continue my grandfather’s legacy of Kip’s Toyland fell into our laps because my grandfather couldn’t do it anymore, and it is such a testament to my dad. He was such a fighter in every aspect of his life,” Lily Kipper said. “My dad never lost sight of the power of faith and perseverance. He was incredibly steady. Everyone called him MacGyver because he was able to fix and repair anything. He always found a way to keep us afloat no matter what happened.” 

Kip’s Toyland has been a fixture at the Farmers Market for decades and a destination for generations of families. 

“Don Kipper has left such an indelible mark on the Original Farmers Market.  Thousands of kids’ lives have been enriched after a visit to Kip’s Toyland thanks to the Kipper family’s nurturing of good old-fashioned childhood and play,” read a statement from the A.F. Gilmore Co., owner of the Farmers Market. “Working side-by-side with his dad, the late Irvin, and daughter Lily, he was always at the ready with a smile, a ‘dad joke’ and the perfect toy suggestion. His unwavering dedication to the business, his employees and the market will always be remembered and appreciated. Our heartfelt condolences go to [the Kipper family] and to all of those that loved and cherished their time with Don. He will be missed.” 

Lily Kipper said she will continue Kip’s Toyland’s legacy and plans to introduce new generations to the store. 

“We have the most dedicated staff. We have been blessed with such a wonderful team,” she said. “Kip’s Toyland’s soldiers will keep marching on.” 

Funeral services for Kipper were held on Nov. 3 at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary. He is survived by his wife Vicki, daughter Lily and son Andrew. Lily Kipper asked anyone wishing to pay tribute to her father to purchase a toy and donate it to charity. Kip’s Toyland is located in Stall 720 at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St. For information, visit kipstoyland.com.

Don Kipper welcomed generations of families to Kip’s Toyland after he succeeded his father in running the business. (photo by Edwin Folven)