Local Guides World
Top Toy stores in New York, United States
Top Rated Toy stores in New York
Top Reviewed Toy stores in New York
Dino Store
West Side Kids
Kidding Around
Stationery and Toy World
Mary Arnold Toys
HomBomToys
Gold Leaf Stationers
Boomerang Toys
Zittles
Modern State
Learning Express Toys
Forbidden Planet
Reviews
Forbidden planet through out the years has aged gracefully and just gets more and more awesome it has really branched out to having a little of everything. From old school to what’s modern it’s a nice surprise wherever you look.
Have a geeky and/or nerdy loved one and don't know what to give them for their birthday? Bring them here. It has books and toys for young and old. Kinda trendy I guess and needs better lighting. My younger relatives drag me here occasionally. I have gone here not really wanting to go at first but then I saw some nostalgic stuff from when I was a kid and I was ok with it after they bought me something... I'm not gonna say exactly what just LLAP.
I gave it 4 because I really want the second level to open up again. Maybe it could be an arcade or maybe a viewing area for viewing parties for movies or TV shows or something I don't know but it'll be dope to have that second level / basement open again. Anyway this is my go-to comic book store I love coming here it has both the indie comics and the big name comics also which I find is a really good treat, it also has a section for up-and-coming comic book artists and visual artists. So if you have a comic that you're just starting literally from the ground up, you can come here speak with one of the workers and see if you can get your comic book added in the store to be sold I just think it's really cool anyway come check it out it's a staple and you won't be disappointed if you're a comic book reader.
Very nice store filled with a million cool things and a super friendly staff
Super friendly and helpful owners, shops like these are to be cherished especially in today’s digital age. I work at Sephora and needed face gems for a certain look and they had them! Really wasn’t expecting that! First floor is mostly toys, lower deck is mostly stationery and craft making supplies. Literal lifesaver! Prices are great, such a treasure mine of a business.
Extremely friendly service and they do same day notaries. Support this small business!
I still haven't been inside, but I have spoken to Rebecca, who was most helpful.
I promised to visit before Summer is over. I'm so excited, to go for my 1st visit. Thanks Rebecca for your kindness, as well as your help.
I promised to visit before Summer is over. I'm so excited, to go for my 1st visit. Thanks Rebecca for your kindness, as well as your help.
Such a beautiful toy store! I bought a frisbee (best one I've ever had) for my brother and I to play with. The staff was super friendly. Will be back for more games!
Great prices and a good mix of western and Asian stationery brands!
This store is often a life saver. They are the original Party City in NYC. Shop local!
Gamers delight. Graphic novels haven—Knick-knack collector's den.
What to see/buy: card/fantasy/role-playing games and decks galore, funko pops, toys, TV and iconic movie merchandise, books, and graphic novels/comics.
What to see/buy: card/fantasy/role-playing games and decks galore, funko pops, toys, TV and iconic movie merchandise, books, and graphic novels/comics.
A great place for comics and graphic novels with lots in stock. Far superior to the famous Strand bookstore (which is next door). I took advantage of their sale section. The employees were friendly and seemed to work there because they loved it.
This toy store is a little gem . The staff is super friendly and helpful . I went back repeatedly. .The toys are educational and fun:)
Best toy store and craft store where you can art supplies, celebratory balloons, poster boards etc…! The employee that day was super helpful! He helped me pick out a celebratory balloon, and was very knowledgeable on selecting toys for a newborn :) 10/10 will always come here for any supplies and craft shopping I need. Support local businesses!
I absolutely love this store, it is so well curated, the prices are reasonable, and they even wrap it for you. This is a dream for a parent who needs to go to 15+ birthday parties a year lol.
A great local business that has a good selection of toys and stationary. The toys seem to be of good quality and they have a well curated selection. Great little palace to pick up a gift.
Been there several times. Staff very helpful. They have a good selection
Always nice, attentive, helping and organized. It’s fun to walk around in the store, and prices are reasonable.
Great service and such a cute shop! They had such great unique stuff for the baby shower I was attending and they even wrapped the gift for me! Family owned!
Good people. Best office items, art supplies, and gift ideas! Great prices, huge selection for a small space. And they even ordered a special kind of notebook for me.
Cute little toys boutique, a lot of choices of toys. Excellent service. Friendly personnel.
Extremely kind and helpful staff. Wish they had more space as the aisles get really tight at Christmas
Great store with a great selection of toys!
Cool selection, weird atmosphere. Walked in on Sunday 03/19/23 aprox 06:00PM. Had a tall thin rocker looking male employee follow my 6 yearold son & I all around the store, everytime I turned around he was standing no less than three feet away from us pretending to shop. I thought it may have been coincidental, considering how small the store was. NOPE! not a chance. Purposely walked all the way to the back of the store & guess who was right behind us… Even as we approached the exit he made sure to follow behind. We didn’t bother to spend a single dollar.
“ Go where you’re celebrated” .
“ Go where you’re celebrated” .
I haven’t been here since they were located on the corner. It still has that magical feel to it when you walk in. Great selection of random things and a great showcase of writers and books that are currently crossing over into different mediums. Picked up my son’s first comics with the help of a nice staffer. Come for the statues and books, stay for the T-shirts.
There was person ahead of me and the cashier took care of that person so well. But when I was next in line, he was on his phone. I said Good Afternoon three times and the cashier was still looking down on his phone. I really felt ignored. Still would like to buy art supplies but will not be a repeat customer.
Really cute store, great place to bring your kids or uh, Squishmallow hunting. The clerk Antella (sp? my apologies) was extremely helpful. Give her a raise!
Small store with limited variety of toys, but has the basics
Good selection of toys. Kids will definitely love this place!
Good selection of toys at decent prices. Staff a bit indifferent.
They're absolutely the best. Their customer service are so amazing. There is this one lady, that works there name Ingresia, oh my God is she helpful or is she helpful...😅... I walked in there not completely sure what to buy and she help me out so very well. She helped me with finding 12 toys for my 4 kids, 3 toys per child. The owner is also very amazing, she stop her office work just to come and offer a good suggestion when we were stuck of decisions. That the other thing, there were so much different varieties to choose from. After paying, the gorgeous ladies in front by the register even offer to wrap them for me and with different colors ribbons according to age and gender. I walked in thinking I'd be in and out in 15 mins, but leave 2 hours later.. Place was wonderful, love the atmosphere ❤️ and beautiful helpful ladies.
Great toy store with tons of options for kids of all ages and interests. There’s also a small, well curated section of NYC specific gifts which are great. Feels good to support a local business instead of Amazon. And the gift wrapping is complimentary and very helpful!
Felt super uncomfortable in the store felt like they were very much racially profiling. Had a woman following me as soon as I walked into the store then she calls over her male employee and tells him to follow me. the manager is nonexistent and the prices are ridiculous. 10 outta 10 would not recommend. Go to the camp store Better selection at better prices!
It’s great to have Gold Leaf Stationers in our neighborhood near PS 166. We do not need to wait for days to get small things, and the kids love to see actual colorful selections in the shop. Their prices were reasonable, and they carry a lot of fun things for birthday gifts for our little friends. Definitely will recommend Gold Leaf Stationers for friends.
Nice selection and convenient location but between the city prices and the multiple taxes i haven't seen anywhere else in NyC its even more overpriced then it Should be.
Very cute toy store with a good array of toys at affordable prices, especially for the area.
great local toy store. large selection of toys to choose from. aisles are very tight, so don't get upset if you have to reroute often in the aisles.
I took my kids in to explore while we waited for mom. We are in New York for the marathon. I was asked if I needed help and treated nicely by the staff. I love supporting local. They had a great selection of toys and games for all ages. Recommended!
great shop filled with quite a wide variety of gifts and educational materials for kids. seems to be pretty reasonably priced, I thought. will definitely go back
We needed #1 pencils, tracing paper, a pencil sharpener, a good eraser, and all that! Stationery and Toys had it all plus intuitively helpful people. Art projects SAVED! Many thanks also to Paper Source for directing us here.
Well, alas, it's not the HomBom of yore which I would've rated with 4 or 5 stars. This HomBom has a decidely smaller collection of toys and is missing the educational items that I routinely bought at the old HomBom, as well as the great and delightful variety of interesting items the other store boasted. You will get lots of personal attention at this store as the staff approaches making toy recommendations like pharmacists make theirs. I do hope the toys "prescribed" to me will be a hit with the kiddies and their parents.
Do not trust these guys. They will rip you off. I bought 5 toys but was charged for extra 3 toys I even did not buy. Check receipts carefully to avoid being robbed.
I just visited the new Homboms Toy Store at 1470 1st Avenue. Its located between 76th and 77th street now.
The store is super nice. It's bright, has many new toys, books and games at very reasonable prices. The owner of the store knows every toy, and is very knowledgeable. Give Homboms a try. You won't be disappointed.
The store is super nice. It's bright, has many new toys, books and games at very reasonable prices. The owner of the store knows every toy, and is very knowledgeable. Give Homboms a try. You won't be disappointed.
Local mom and pop stationary store. The sell toys, paper products, balloons and plenty more. Prices are reasonable. Support local when you can.
The store was great and I did find some great books for my nephews. I am all for supporting small businesses and therefore made the trip to the store. I however do not find the staff particularly friendly at least with me which was disappointing. If the service isn’t standardised to every customer, I can see why some people would prefer to buy things online.
However, the store is very nice and I hope to see stores like this thrive in an otherwise digital world.
However, the store is very nice and I hope to see stores like this thrive in an otherwise digital world.
They used to have an awesome selection of hot wheels but like always one guy brought everything like a scalper that he looked like he was and taking the fun out of car hunting for what we look for,so until then i hope they restock soon🙏🏻💯🇺🇲
As I walked along East 86th Street, I spotted [ MODERN STATE ] through and under claustrophobic scaffolding and down a half-flight of stairs. I'm glad I went through and down because this is a GEM of a store! Mainly a Toy & Party Store, it has extensive areas of Stationery, Art Supplies, and a good selection of Candy. I will return so I can more thoroughly peruse its many offerings.
Great toy store with a big selection of toys.
My daughter was looking for a specific toy they didn't have and they suggested other stores in the neighborhood as possibilities for that one while also helping us find what we bought while we were there.
My daughter was looking for a specific toy they didn't have and they suggested other stores in the neighborhood as possibilities for that one while also helping us find what we bought while we were there.
After supporting West Side Kids and their shop local mantra for at least a decade, I was disappointed to learn they do not allow teenage children in their store without adult supervision. They should have more trust in kids in our community. Perhaps they prefer these children stay home and order online. So much for shop local.
Awesome place and awesome prices 👍👍
Definitely a must see for Toys 😉
Definitely a must see for Toys 😉
Love this little toy store! I was looking for a local place that stocked Breyer horses, and they didn't let me down. I used to go to Kidding Around, but they don't really seem to carry them anymore. Will definitely be back. Especially when new models are released. Cute shop, friendly staff, recommended.
Very upset as I called ahead of time to take my daughter here as a birthday treat was told open until 6 but when I got there the staff decided to close the store at 4.30 total ruined my daughter birthday 😡
Huge selection of toys in old landmark store that's been there forever.
Incredible toy shop. Great service and selection. The staff all asked us if they could help us or answer any questions. Shops like this are hard to find these days.
Great store with wide selection and good folks working there. It is a great place to pick up decorations, costumes, toys for any holiday. They always cycle in inventory for whatever is coming up. They have a really great toy selection. It's probably as wide a selection, if not wider, than the Target that recently opened on 86th. Plus you can't beat the character of a local store.
The environment is certainly not reminiscent of a toy store. Staff is nasty and demeaning to adults and children alike. We share the sentiment of previous reviewers and love to support local businesses (even if that means a higher price point) but the off-putting attitudes of the staff and total lack of customer service are enough for us to never return despite being the most convenient option in the neighborhood.
Facil and the staff are great. Love picking up nice pens, moleskin notebooks and reasonably priced greeting cards.
Kidding around his back and open. Wonderful toy store for most all ages baby and up. Outside scaffolding makes it look somewhat cold but once inside such friendly staff, clean, happy and upbeat atmosphere. Definitely recommend checking out on your next toy shopping trip.
Hidden gem - this store has saved us so many times when we were in a hurry and didn’t want to take the time to get to Lexington or 3rd Avenue where there are more toy stores. Got some calico critters for a birthday party in the park. They did gift wrapping too which was handy. The pharmacy on the 1st floor is also super convenient for the same reason.
This place has a huge selection for a tiny place! It’s a bit pricey and the A/C wasn’t on and it was so freaking hot! Good selection on everything kids would want for sure! It’s around the corner from the 4/5/R/W trains and a block from Bloomingdales.
Great store, love my shirt.
Used to go all the time until the sisters were rude to me and disparaged me for being worried about covid. Selection is just ok and it’s also a bit pricey. But if I had been treated with respect I might still be a customer.
Not very friendly customer service. Employees very rude and pushy to try and get you out of the store. They were also very mean to my child. My daughter was taking some time view the toys so she can make a decision. And they were getting more and more upset the longer we were browsing and not hurrying up and purchasing anything to the point where they were cornering us inside the store in a very obvious way and snarking at us. I would not recommend shopping here. The selection is not very good either as my daughter found what she wanted at a different toy store not far in the area. Not a good place for children to be in as my child is still traumatized from the entire ordeal.
The people working there were very rude to me and were very hostile. I would not recommend taking your children here. They follow you around the store and are watching children and discriminating if you are not white. I have never felt so insulted in my life being an African American. They said we don't belong there. I am assuming it was because we are minority race in the upper east side. Buyer beware please.
I come here to shop for children's toys, games and crafts, as well as writing pens. I love the ones (Uni-ball & Papermate) that doesn't smear. For me the prices are high but I can find things with ease. Today I realized for the first time that they even sell Lichen.
One of the few toy stores left in the neighborhood I take my son here all the time. It's a great party store but the toys are a little overpriced but my little guy loves going toy shopping here so it's worth it. I just wish they had a bigger selection.
A really wonderful, diverse, inclusive, and LGBTQ friendly toy store. You'll find lots of unique toys and games from European and independent small businesses, as well as a few main-stream favorites (eg, LEGO, Playmobil, Pokemon, Barbie, etc). Everything they carry is high quality, and toys for younger kids are educational/development focused. The knowledgeable staff is friendly and always ready to help with suggestions and complementary gift wrap. They carry items that cover just about every price range, to include a bin in front of smaller novelty toys that children can easily buy with their own allowance money.
This may not be a great store to go to of you're looking for something specific, but it IS a great store to check out if you just want to find something cool and off the beaten path, or need advice on what to get your x-year-old grandchild/niece/nephew/friend's kid. Given the nature of the things they carry, you can expect to pay a little bit above retail for some of the items. That said, it's a long-standing local business that is a gem of the neighborhood, so in most cases, the premium is worth the outstanding customer service.
This may not be a great store to go to of you're looking for something specific, but it IS a great store to check out if you just want to find something cool and off the beaten path, or need advice on what to get your x-year-old grandchild/niece/nephew/friend's kid. Given the nature of the things they carry, you can expect to pay a little bit above retail for some of the items. That said, it's a long-standing local business that is a gem of the neighborhood, so in most cases, the premium is worth the outstanding customer service.
Went in today to grab a gift for my niece. The attendant was very helpful in helping me find a range of appropriate gifts for her age. The store is small but the gifts are mighty! They don't fill the store with uninteresting gifts or shelf fillers--they really know what kids like!
This place is awesome, unlike your large Dept store “toy section”, think of Mary Arnold Toys as a mini FAO Schwartz but much better! Obviously it’s smaller, but every shelf is worth a double take, very unique and fun toys for all ages, I highly recommend!
Went in with my family to get some gifts for some friends and family kids. It was a blast the sisters were friendly and knowledgeable they were so awesome. If I lived here in the city I'd make them my go to for all you purchases.
This is one the greatest stores in the city. Lucky to have it on the Upper West Side. The owner and staff take pride in their knowledge and kindness. For example, when looking to buy balloons, the staff member took the time to share his knowledge on which set would be best for the special occasion. My highest recommendation to Stationery and Toy World. Thanks for being part of our community.
In this age of computer generated art and graphics the ability and the use of hand generated art forms and crafts is seemingly dying. The availability of art and stationary stores like this one is literally gasping for air. Located on Manhattan’s upper west side, this is a relatively unknown gem for those who still like to create with their hands, or make a purchase of greetings and birthday cards. The staff is knowledgeable on every aspect of their store with quick smiles. I really hope this place is around for a long time. Their is no other store even similar in the area. No matter whether you’re local or from out of town, if you’re old enough to remember the times or young enough to try something different with your art, this is a great place to explore.
I’ve been in this store several times buying stuff for my grandchildren.
Every visit was a pleasure. Even during the crowded rush of Christmas.
It’s just what you want in a neighborhood store.
Good choices in toys. And the staff was helpful and friendly.
As for any negative reviews.
It is, what it is.
Go in with attitude. You could leave with attitude.
I went in with a smile.
And, I left with a smile!
Every visit was a pleasure. Even during the crowded rush of Christmas.
It’s just what you want in a neighborhood store.
Good choices in toys. And the staff was helpful and friendly.
As for any negative reviews.
It is, what it is.
Go in with attitude. You could leave with attitude.
I went in with a smile.
And, I left with a smile!
I needed refills for the pens that I have attached the photos. The sales associate was so knowledgeable and friendly. Gold Leaf Stationers has a large selection of pen refills. I will be back to purchase pens and refills. A five star experience🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Excellent selection of new and traditional toys, great customer service when looking for a gift, and specifically the toys for kids from 1-5 y/o are top notch. Support a local business and don’t buy everything on Amazon!
Amazing costumer services! They are very helpful and polite, plus they wrap your gift if you buy it in their store.
Amazing toy store, hidden gem
My new favorite place to shop for kids! Not only were the gifts unique, but competitively priced. The staff was super friendly and made great suggestions - the gifts were a hit! In addition, the owner hand-wrapped everything which saved me a ton of time and bagged everything as to not get wet (it was storming outside). I had such a great experience shopping here and definitely recommend. Will be back soon!
A bit overpriced, but nice to have a dedicated toy store in the neighborhood.
Horrible staff. This is a really cute little neighborhood toy store, with an excellent selection but the staff is very unprofessional.
They’re not at all subtle in showing that they’re on edge about shoplifting. There were 4 customers in the store including myself and they were so irritating to everyone. They’re also very loud and talking about non work related things while popping their head out every time you move from one aisle to another, and then desperately trying to suck up at checkout and end the transaction awkwardly - it’s happen enough times for me to complain. It’s a small shop in Tribeca - how much can shoplifting be an issue?! And if it is, at least don’t drive away your customers that will give you business. I like their selection but wouldn’t choose it over any other toy store because of their horrible staff.
Its a toy store - Happy much?!
They’re not at all subtle in showing that they’re on edge about shoplifting. There were 4 customers in the store including myself and they were so irritating to everyone. They’re also very loud and talking about non work related things while popping their head out every time you move from one aisle to another, and then desperately trying to suck up at checkout and end the transaction awkwardly - it’s happen enough times for me to complain. It’s a small shop in Tribeca - how much can shoplifting be an issue?! And if it is, at least don’t drive away your customers that will give you business. I like their selection but wouldn’t choose it over any other toy store because of their horrible staff.
Its a toy store - Happy much?!
Amazing local toy store. This place is an institution and always has all the classics like People Blocks, Legos, and Magna-Tiles in stock to the new trendy toys that kids must have for the school year and holiday. Staff is amazing and can answer any question you can think of.
This place has been around for generations and it's still open!! A real local staple mom-and-pop store, it has so much stuff packed into the small space - seasonal stuff, stickers, markers, toys, professional paint, random pens... literally anything. The owner is lovely with all the little kids who get all excited and happy who come into the store - all the staff are patient and kind and don't seem to mind at all that the kids run around touching everything. The items are a little overpriced but not outrageously so - just enough as to be expected of the uws. Really nice that the shop is still open .
Very good
DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS AT THIS LOCATION. This is the WORST LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS LOCATION EVER.
My husband purchased one of little toys which was $20 following day i take it back to the store in order to get store credit. Owner was there her name is ALEXANDRA GARCIA told me that she will not take it back because it seems open. I told her that its not open and show her all the stitch on box but she ignored and refused the store credit.
When i told her that its not fair i m not even asking refund only store credit she refused and told me that if i want i can complaint about it and gave me little paper and wrote it on her name last name and her store manager name and last name as well.
Seems she was wery wiling to make someone complaint about business. Since she has Franchise business problaby she did not care about it. Before i write this review i have call the 'LEARNING EXPRESS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS' and spoke to someone her name was Donna.
She was very kind and told me that she will try to care of the stiation and will call me back till end of the day but she did not.
Here is the picture of toys as you can see all the stitch on it and the note that Owner gave it to me to complaint about it.
My husband purchased one of little toys which was $20 following day i take it back to the store in order to get store credit. Owner was there her name is ALEXANDRA GARCIA told me that she will not take it back because it seems open. I told her that its not open and show her all the stitch on box but she ignored and refused the store credit.
When i told her that its not fair i m not even asking refund only store credit she refused and told me that if i want i can complaint about it and gave me little paper and wrote it on her name last name and her store manager name and last name as well.
Seems she was wery wiling to make someone complaint about business. Since she has Franchise business problaby she did not care about it. Before i write this review i have call the 'LEARNING EXPRESS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS' and spoke to someone her name was Donna.
She was very kind and told me that she will try to care of the stiation and will call me back till end of the day but she did not.
Here is the picture of toys as you can see all the stitch on it and the note that Owner gave it to me to complaint about it.
Run-of-the-mill, dinosaur themed, museum store. We bought a couple of nice tee shirts, but the cashier was very rude, for no reason. On the first attempt, my mom's credit card didn't work, so she had to use a second card. She doesn't speak English, so I had to translate a bit, but nothing that cannot be solved with a smile, and keeping a relaxed attitude. Instead, the cashier was very impatient, and looked and acted very cranky, and burnt out. She had no reason for this, there was no-one waiting, and the whole thing took less than a minute.
I can't understand why such an iconic museum would hire people that cannot hold a customer-facing position at all. If you hate your job, dear, at least don't blame it on the visitors. They're paying your salary ;)
I can't understand why such an iconic museum would hire people that cannot hold a customer-facing position at all. If you hate your job, dear, at least don't blame it on the visitors. They're paying your salary ;)
Beautiful shop
Standard gift shop of knickknacks
The store is selling dino themed holiday ornaments and holiday cards - peace to all creatures.
My son wanted us to buy fossilized dino poop.
This is good store to teach the kids virtue of self control.
My son wanted us to buy fossilized dino poop.
This is good store to teach the kids virtue of self control.
I am really glad that I managed to show this store to my wife. She was constantly complaining that toys these days are violent, of poor quality etc. Particularly this place has a vast diversity of infant toys, in fact they offer toys for every kid`s age. Last week I bought Master Builder Pyramid Set by Haba and my wife played more with it than our children. It has piles of unique toys and friendly service.
Great little toy store.
It's nice to walk into a small place on first avenue as opposed to monsters like FAO or Toys R Us. Service was great. They even held a toy for me to pick up. I called to see if they had it and the nice lady on the phone mentioned it was the last one on the shelf. I was impressed that she then offered to keep it for me.
It's nice to walk into a small place on first avenue as opposed to monsters like FAO or Toys R Us. Service was great. They even held a toy for me to pick up. I called to see if they had it and the nice lady on the phone mentioned it was the last one on the shelf. I was impressed that she then offered to keep it for me.