5 Fabulous Toy Stores In NYC
If you were among the thousands of New Yorkers who wept when the iconic FAO Schwartz closed it’s doors, don’t feel like the Internet is your only option to shop for Christmas toys this year. New York City is home to tons of toy stores, and even though we’re the first to admit we’ll miss the giant walk-on piano at FAO Schwartz, we think you’ll find something to love about each of the shops below. With that being said, happy shopping for your favorite kid… Or kid-at-heart!
Acorn Toy Shop
Go For: Heirloom Quality Toys
Parents love a toy that can stand the test of time – especially one that their kids can pass along to their kids. Brooklyn’s Acorn Toy Shop is just the place for these sentimental toys.
These heirloom-quality toys will easily be able to passed along from generation to generation. Feel good about shopping small and local – the store stocks things from NYC artists and designers!
American Girl Place
Go For: Personalized Dolls
On the Christmas wish list of doll-loving children everywhere, the American Girl Place has a doll just for them. Each doll comes with a special story, representing time periods in American history, different cultures, and every ethnicity. Children can personalize their dolls by hairstyle, outfits, ear piercing, and spa day pampering. You can even share afternoon tea with your doll!
The entire visit to the American Girl Place is quite the memorable experience, making the trip to the store as much of a gift as the doll itself.
Dinosaur Hill
Go For: Vintage Toys
If the kid on your list are smitten with the vintage toys from your childhood, head down to the East Village’s toy store Dinosaur Hill. Along with vintage classics like jack-in-the-box and Mr. Potato Head, the store carries new favorites – which makes it simple to check off everyone on your list at one stop!
Make sure to take time to appreciate the whimsical touches inside the store – we love the miniature hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling!
Playing Mantis
Go For: Wooden Toys
If a timeless wooden toy collection grabs your attention (because let’s face it, wooden cars look so much prettier on the living room floor than plastic ones), head to Tribeca to check out Playing Mantis.
The store highlights mother nature and the idea of children should drawing inspiration from things they can do with their hands. From building blocks to knitting, coloring books and kitchen sets, you’ll find joy in not only watching your kids play with their new toys, but exploring the store’s selection, as well!
The Lego Store
Go For: Legos
Lego blocks have been entertaining children for decades, and for good reason! No matter if you’re buying a gift for a toddler or tween, kids love to build things of their own and watch their imagination come to life.
With locations in Rockefeller Plaza and the Flatiron District, not only do you have a huge selection of blocks to choose from, but you’ll be able to marvel at the elaborate displays. (Our favorite is the Statue of Liberty.)
Plus, if you go to the Rock Center location, you can also snap a selfie by the tree!
Do you have a favorite go-to toy store in the city? Share your best toy finds with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Posted in manhattan living, Top Picks | Tagged holiday shopping • nyc toy shops • nyc toy stores • toy shopping • toy stores
