You won’t find ordinary canned peas here—this is your one-stop shop for dinosaur eggs, robot milk, and nostalgia-flavored humor that spans centuries. The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is anything but typical. What looks like a kitschy novelty store is actually a creative front for the nonprofit 826LA, which offers free writing and tutoring programs for kids.
Built on whimsy and whim-sourced merchandise, this gift shop opened its doors in 2008—though the “exact details” of its founding are whimsically claimed to be swallowed by a black hole—making it feel both timeless and delightfully absurd.
Key Highlights
Entering the store feels like wandering into a story that spans millennia. You’ll browse shelves labeled with “Viking odorant,” “Barbarian Repellent,” and “Woolly Mammoth Chunks,” alongside playful classics like “Robot Emotions” and “Primordial Soup in a Can.” It’s an imaginative mash-up of past and future that sparks daily delight.
Dinosaur eggs glitter under heat lamps, inciting curiosity whether you’re a child or just kid at heart. A “Wanted Ads” board in the back calls for help with bubonic plague breakthroughs and future cat-finding missions—tiny portals into storytelling that feel surprisingly immersive.
Don’t miss the freezer stocked with student-penned books by Barnacle & Barnacle—fresh from the creative engines at 826LA. These literary curios are sold right alongside the time-themed merch, transforming the store into both a playful gallery and a living bookstore.
Atmosphere & Décor
The aesthetic is whimsical and richly layered. Gleaming props and hand-lettered labels evoke a kitschy retro-futurism that balances the nostalgic and the absurd with charming precision. Every corner is designed for a double-take—from the front façade’s slogan, “Whenever You Are, We’re Already Then,” to the intentionally playful interior art that features extinct birds sipping tea in displays.
Despite its creativity overload, the space feels small and cozy—like an art installation turned gift shop—that invites you to linger and discover hidden jokes and visual gems.
Other Considerations
So… how’s the pricing?
Prices lean toward mid-tier novelty levels—fun but not cheap. Pins for around seven bucks offer good value, especially knowing your purchase supports free writing programs for kids.
Can adults—have fun here?
Absolutely. The quirky items and zany humor are equally irresistible whether you’re eight or eighty. It’s compact, visually delightful, and packed with creative energy that appeals across generations.
Is parking easy?
Parking can be tricky. Street spots or nearby public lots exist, but you may have to circle a bit. That said, the shop’s charm rewards the effort.
What about crowds or browsing time?
It’s a small shop that’s easy to explore in about 10–15 minutes—but expect to linger if you’re playful or curious. Weekends draw locals and tourists alike, so you may share your browsing with fellow time travelers.
Why should I visit?
This shop is much more than a novelty store—it’s a portal into creative inspiration. You get humor, handmade marvels, and the satisfaction of supporting a literacy nonprofit in one charming package.
This isn’t your average gift shop. It mixes wild creativity, genre-bending humor, and real-world impact—without a flux capacitor in sight.
The Echo Park Time Travel Mart
📍 1714 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
📍 https://timetravelmart.com/
