While there have been some major changes to New York City’s toy scene (farewell Toys “R” Us and FAO Schwarz), fear not: some toy stores have resurfaced in new locations, while other newbies have opened up. From the Upper West Side to the Lower East Side and everywhere in between, these neighborhood toy stores each offer their own special flare, and are wonderful for finding that perfect item whether it’s for a birthday party gift, holiday time or “just because.”
Where: 1 North End Avenue, New York, NY
This downtown location is a mecca for that special item. In addition to being filled with classic playthings from generations of yesteryear like Slinky, Erector Sets and Legos, Boomerang boasts a wide selection of imaginative toys—think wooden train sets, books, puzzles and educations toys. If you’re throwing a birthday bash, fear not—the store can create custom goodie bags and even a gift registry!
Insider tip: Check the shop’s Facebook page for special events throughout the year such as face painting days and science exploration.
Where: 107 E 42nd Street, New York, NY
Where: 60 W 15th St, New York, NY
Open for more than 20 years, Kidding Around is a family-owned store with locations in Grand Central Terminal and on West 15th Street (they also have a shop in New Jersey). The store prides itself on quality, value and customer service that keeps people coming back again and again. Stock is carefully selected by an experienced staff that knows all about the best in toys for every age group. Here you’ll find books, board games, science kits, costumes, trains and puppets from quality brands like Alex, Brio, eeBoo, Haba and Manhattan Toy.
Insider tip: In need of a birthday party gift ASAP? Check out Kidding Around’s website for their selection of staff picks to help you make an informed choice.
3. The Children’s General Store
Where: 168 East 91st Street, Manhattan, NY
This small, charming mother/daughter owned shop on the Upper East Side is filled with magical toys for everyone on your list, and has kept the same purple theme for the last 22 years! The stock is carefully edited to please the critics (including celebrity shoppers like John Travolta and Tina Fey) featuring everything from classic toys and puzzles to fun crafts (remember Pick-Up Stix?). The Children’s General Store has these novelty items, along with dress-up clothes, wooden lock boxes, handmade magic lamps, and even sleds for those upcoming, inevitable snow days.
Insider tip: They just recently updated the store with wall to wall grass, an office “treehouse,” and even a “clubhouse” where they wrap presents (for free!). They will also be hosting adult game nights, providing fun for all ages.
Where: 1178 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Mary Arnold Toys has the great distinction of being one of the oldest and longest-running family-owned toy stores in the nation. Open since 1931, Mary Arnold Toys has been serving Upper East Side families for generations—they recently closed down their original store and opened up a new one a few blocks away! The shop is filled to the brim with items like classic books, dolls, cars, puzzles, crafts and educational items. Offering free gift wrapping, Mary Arnold also offers a same-day delivery service throughout Manhattan for busy parents on the go.
Insider tip: Visit their “book nook” for story times throughout the week; check their website for upcoming events.
Where: 306 East 9th Street, New York, NY
This quaint East Village toy store has been making kids happy for more than 30 years and for good reason—Dinosaur Hill is committed to offering handmade items that stimulate the senses and encourage creativity. Here you’ll find a selection of whimsical and beautifully-crafted items for infants to adults, with the majority of them not requiring batteries—just a sense of imagination. It’s almost as if you’re stepping back in time when stepping into Dinosaur Hill, and that’s what makes it so magical.
Insider tip: The store offers one of the most extensive collections of European-made marionettes.
6. Toy Tokyo
Where: 91 2nd Ave, NY, NY
Toy Tokyo doesn’t just appeal to kids, but to kids at heart, too. Featuring some of the most unique items around, many of Toy Tokyo’s merchandise comes directly from Hong Kong and Japan. The shop also carries a selection of rare and vintage collectibles like figurines, toy cars and Star Wars memorabilia. This is definitely a place where you can browse for hours and still not see everything (not to mention they’re constantly getting new inventory to keep things interesting).
Insider tip: Toy Tokyo even boasts an art gallery filled with pop art colliding with designer toys. Watch their website for exhibits and special events.
Where: 498 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
West Side Kids embodies the family-friendly vibe of its Upper West Side neighborhood. Founded in 1981, it has been the neighborhood toy store for so many over the years. This mother/daughter-run shop carries a large yet curated selection of toys for kids of all ages. West Side truly has everyone covered, whether your kid is into action figures, magic tricks or games.
Insider tip: Plan to do a lot of shopping throughout the year? Become part of the Preferred Customer Club. When you spend $500 annually, you receive 10% off all purchases for an entire year.
Where: 1503 3rd Avenue, New York, NY
Featuring a little bit of everything, Fantastic Kids Toys has something for every interest. (Their website even names the top toys of the month!) While the small Upper East Side shop is relatively new to the Manhattan landscape, its original Long Island location has been open for over 15 years. The staff is friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. The front section also has a lot of great inexpensive grab-and-go items for little ones.
Insider tip: Get your goodie bag items (or any other item) gift-wrapped for free. The shop also offers free local delivery and free shipping.
Where: 1029 3rd Avenue, New York, NY
From classic playthings to modern must-haves, this toy store, located right behind Bloomingdale’s on Third Avenue, is stocked with a mix of toys for all ages and occasions. Plus, they’re known for helping parents find that perfect toy, so don’t feel shy about asking for help. They are happy to assist!
Insider tip: Learning Express provides free year-round gift wrapping and personalization; they also have a Birthday Box gift registry program.
Photo credits: Stephanie Barnhart, Boomerang Toys, The Children’s General Store, Stephanie Barnhart, Dinosaur Hill, West Side Kids, Stephanie Barnhart
