A lot of families that visit New York City with kids take the time to pick out memorable souvenirs from the famous toy stores in NYC. A small toy is a great way to commemorate a fun trip to NYC! I’m pregnant with my first (so excited!) and have spent my fair share of time perusing various NYC toy stores in search of the best. Here’s a roundup of my personal favorites.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
The Best Toy Stores in New York City
(Table of Contents)
Playing Mantis
If you’re looking for nostalgia-inducing toy stores in New York City, I highly recommend visiting Playing Mantis in Tribeca. Offering a great selection of handmade toys from all over the world (think wooden cars, custom dolls, etc.) this is the place to go if you’re looking for toys that don’t require batteries.
In fact, this entire New York City toy store specializes in battery-less children’s toys in an effort to encourage creativity and imaginative play. Founded by Imelda McCain in 2006, these toys are not just playthings but works of art, celebrating heritage, culture, and artistic expression from different countries.
Playing Mantis is a distinctive destination for anyone seeking unique and environmentally conscious toys in NYC.
Website: Playing Mantis
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Address: 32 N Moore St, New York, NY
Kidding Around
Aptly named, Kidding Around is celebrated for being one of the best independent toy stores in New York City, for good reason. This local, family-owned business, which first opened its doors in 1989, has been a vital part of the Chelsea community for nearly 30 years.
With a strong reputation for quality and value, Kidding Around has been recognized by New York Magazine as the Best Indie Toy Store in NYC.
These accolades are well-earned, largely thanks to the impressive collection of toys that not only entertain but also encourage family interaction and engagement. The store is sectioned off by themes and offers enough variety to keep children between the ages of one to ten entertained for a while.
Worth mention: They have the best selection of hand puppets I have ever seen. I definitely recommend checking them out if you’re looking to pick up some puppets!
Website: Kidding Around
Address: 60 W 15th St, New York, NY
CAMP Store
If your kid loves mystery and adventure then they’re going to love CAMP, the most creative toy store in New York City. There’s several locations in the city, but the Flatiron store takes the cake. Upon entering, an employee will kindly greet you and ask if you’ve visited before.
Regardless of your answer, they’ll ask you know about the secret door. Once found, children (and adults) are encouraged to enter the secret room. A spacious 10,000 square-foot interactive space that encourages children to touch and play.
You’ll find everything from climbing structures to immersive rooms where children can partake in a hands-on activities. The intrigue makes this one of the most unique toy stores in New York City.
Website: CAMP Store | 3 Locations in NYC
FAO Schwarz
In operation since 1862, FAO Schwarz is officially the oldest toy store in America (and the most famous toy store in New York City). The original location closed in 2015, but recently re-opened in a new 20,000 square foot space at Rockefeller Plaza.
Thankfully, all the top attractions made the move, from the popular dance-on piano (made famous by Tom Hanks in Big) to the beautiful clock tower. FAO Schwarz sparks the imagination and encourages families to participate in free daily activities like book readings, magic shows and music performances.
Website: FAO Schwarz
Neighborhood: Midtown (Rockefeller Center)
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Greenpoint Toys
If you find yourself exploring the charming neighborhood of Greenpoint, make sure to pop into Greenpoint Toys. This iconic New York City toy store has been serving Brooklyn for more than 30 years. Jam-packed with specialty toys that appeal to children of all ages, the store carries popular brand names and offers free (and fast) gift wrapping.
With a focus on quality and educational value, Greenpoint Toys offers an array of items from classic wooden toys to the latest tech-driven games. The store’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its choice of eco-friendly products, making it an attractive spot for environmentally conscious families.
Website: Greenpoint Toys
Address: 738 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Mary Arnold Toys
Ask any New Yorker about the most charming toy stores in New York City and someone will definitely mention Mary Arnold Toys in the Upper East Side. In operation since 1931, this is the second-oldest toy store in New York City. Plus, it’s the oldest continuously run toy store in America (because FAO Schwartz temporarily closed in 2015).
They offer a great variety of high quality toys that span the gamut, from nostalgic classics to the newest craze. Plus, a lot of the toys are centered around education, making this a great place to shop for toys in NYC if your kiddo is learning a new skill.
Website: Mary Arnold Toys
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 1178 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
West Side Kids
West Side Kids is a family-run toy store that has been serving the Upper West Side since 1981. They have a nice selection of children’s books, educational toys and wooden trinkets. Most of the items in the store are centered around New York City, which makes this a great place to shop for souvenirs for kids. It’s a great one-stop-shop and the friendly staff are the sweetest in town.
Website: West Side Kids
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 498 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Boomerang Toys
The owner of the family-owned shop takes great pride in the carefully curated selection of toys which are especially selected to inspire creative play. In fact, every single toy in the store is handpicked by the owner with that intention in mind.
The knowledgeable staff are always kind and eager to help. They can answer any question and offer great suggestions for those that need help picking out the perfect gift. Let them know what you’re after and they’ll guide you in the right direction.
Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned wooden toys, science kits, colorful instruments, puppets or books, you’re sure to find it at this beloved New York City toy store.
Website: Boomerang Toys
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Address: 119 W Broadway, New York, NY
Mini Jake
Mini Jake is not your typical NYC toy store, not even close. The items in this spacious space span the gamut, you’ll find everything from furniture to clothing to delightful wooden toys. They sell a great variety of brands, with a strong emphasis on minimalist brands.
Website: Mini Jake
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 178 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY
Norman & Jules
Offering a colorful selection of handmade toys, musical instruments and crafts, this popular New York City toy store is a hit with kids. Featuring local Brooklyn designers that focus on sustainability, Norman & Jules is strongly committed to supporting local businesses
But if that’s not enough, the welcoming staff are some of the kindest in New York and the large selection ensures you’ll always find what you’re looking for. Make sure to ask about the fun play area tucked in the shop’s backyard, which may be open during your visit.
Website: Norman & Jules
Address: 68 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Grandma’s Place
Founded by a retired school teacher who taught herself to read, Grandma Dawn understands the importance of a proper education and isn’t shy about perusing her hidden agenda. Her goal is to make every kid a reader, a mission she proudly leads through her charming children’s bookstore.
You’ll feel the immense love poured into this inviting store the second you walk through the door. What originally started as a literacy center has slowly morphed into a joyful shop with educations toys. Focusing on a well-curated selection of books (especially tailored around inclusiveness), there’s no denying this one of the most special children’s stores in New York City.
Expect to find dollhouses, nostalgic games, beautiful dolls, wooden puzzles and engaging books. The entire goal is to ignite the imagination, rather than distract with electronics. Kids love exploring the store as much as parents love supporting the mission, this is a unique NYC toy store you can feel (very) good about supporting.
Website: Grandma’s Place
Neighborhood: Harlem
Address: 84 W 120th St, New York, NY
Specialized Toy Stores in New York City
Lego Flagship Store
How many cities have an entire toy store dedicated to LEGOs? If you’re visiting New York City with kids, swinging by the LEGO Flagship store is non-negotiable. This epic NYC toy store is what dreams are made of! Think impressive life-sized LEGO creations and fascinating decor.
The store is located in the heart of Midtown, right across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in New York City — making it an easy stop while exploring the Big Apple.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshops are popular throughout the country, but the children’s store in New York City is exceptional. Kiddos are able to customize their own stuffed animal of choosing before picking out outfits and accessories. The entire process is interactive and fun, ensuring kids stay engaged.
Website: Build-A-Bear Workshop
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 22 W. 34th Street
American Girl Place
The American Girl Place store in NYC is a dream destination for many young girls. Filled to the brim with American Girl dolls (and services), you can easily spend two hours in this store without realizing it. The store has an in-house salon that offers haircuts for dolls and people alike.
Offering exciting events like teatime and brunch, you can make an appointment to spoil your kiddo at one of the best toy stores in New York City.
Toy Tokyo
Make no mistake, Toy Tokyo is the best toy store in New York City for action figures. Kids and adults alike will find themselves in toy heaven the second they walk through the door. Expect to find a great selection of action figures, collectibles and Japanese imports. The store is small but spans two floors, with the basement focusing on anime. This is the place to let your geek flag fly high!
Website: Toy Tokyo
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 91 2nd Ave, New York, NY
Children’s Toy Stores in NYC (FAQ)
What’s the oldest toy store in New York City?
FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store in America (it opened in 1862). However, the toy store shut down in 2015 before reopening in Midtown. So, on a technicality, Mary Arnold Toys on the Upper East Side is the oldest operating toy store in NYC.
New York City Best Toy Stores (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best toy stores in New York City:
- Grandma’s Place Harlem
- Kidding Around
- Greenpoint Toys
- Camp Store
- Norman & Jules
- Playing Mantis
- Boomerang Toys
- West Side Kids
- Mini Jake
- Mary Arnold Toys
- FAO Schwarz
- The LEGO store
- Build-a-Bear Workshop
- American Girl Place
- Toy Tokyo
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Map of the Best Toy Stores in New York City
And there you have it my friends – a quick roundup of the best toy stores in New York City. I hope you enjoyed the guide.
Cheers!
Have you been to Larger Than Life Toys? 🙂 I’ve heard lots of good stuff around them especially their hosting of toy cons. Let me know if you have something to share about them 🙂 I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Hi Liza!
I sure haven’t. It seems like they’re located outside the city. This list only covers toy stores within NYC 🙂
Cheers,
Antonina