New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Shop · Shops

The best toy stores in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.

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 perusingHere’s a roundup of my personal favorites.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best toy stores in New York, 2026

  1. CAMP StoreStore · FlatironIf your kid loves mystery and adventure then they’re going to love CAMP, the most creative toy store in New York City.
  2. FAO SchwarzStore · Midtown (Rockefeller Center)In operation since 1862, FAO Schwarz is officially the oldest toy store in America (and the most famous toy store in New York City).
  3. Greenpoint ToysStore · GreenpointThis iconic New York City toy store has been serving Brooklyn for more than 30 years.
  4. Kidding AroundStore · ChelseaWith a strong reputation for quality and value, Kidding Around has been recognized by New York Magazine as the Best Indie Toy Store in NYC.
  5. Lego Flagship StoreStore · Midtown
  6. Mary Arnold ToysStore · Upper East SideAsk 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.
  7. Playing MantisStore · TribecaPlaying Mantis a distinctive destination for anyone seeking unique and environmentally conscious toys in NYC.
  8. American Girl PlaceStore · MidtownThe American Girl Place store in NYC is a dream destination for many young girls.
  9. Build-A-Bear WorkshopStore · MidtownBuild-A-Bear Workshops are popular throughout the country, but the children’s store in New York City is exceptional.
  10. Grandma’s PlaceStore · Harlemthere’s no denying this one of the most special children’s stores in New York City.
  11. Mini JakeStore · WilliamsburgMini Jake is not your typical NYC toy store, not even close.
  12. Toy TokyoStore · East VillageMake no mistake, Toy Tokyo is the best toy store in New York City for action figures.

On the map

Where they are.

10 neighborhoods, Midtown and Flatiron most of all.

Midtown

Chelsea

East Village

Flatiron

Greenpoint

Harlem

Midtown (Rockefeller Center)

Tribeca

Upper East Side

Williamsburg

Best toy stores in New York, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/toy-stores-in-new-york/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/toy-stores-in-new-york/badge.svg"
       alt="Best toy stores in New York, New York Dearest, 2026"
       width="240" height="240">
</a>

How it looks

Best toy stores in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

Best toy stores in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 14 Charming New York City Toy Stores (Local’s List).