A Guide to Local Toy & Bookstores in NYC
There is nothing like taking your child to a toy or bookstore and watching their eyes light up with joy as they tinker and play with all of the newest toys, or your bookworm gets lost in their imagination as they turn the pages of words that transport them to another world. Family-owned toy stores and bookstores are more difficult to find, so you should visit the storefronts that still serve the community.
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Manhattan
972 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Inside the historic Payne Whitney Mansion, the Albertine bookshop is truly one of a kind. But here’s the catch: they only sell English and French books! With over 14,000 titles, the shop has established a great variety running from classics to contemporary pieces. The shop itself is a part of the French government’s efforts toward the French-American intellectual exchange and runs on the belief that literature can increase the understanding of human relations. Even if you’re not a huge reader, their incredible celestial painted ceiling is something to check out on its own!
American Girl
75 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
American Girl has long been known for its in-store experiences, where guests can bring their dolls (or purchase one onsite) for all sorts of pampering and fun. Enjoy tea time or fine dining with your doll, take her to the salon for matching hairstyles, stop at the “doctor” for a full interactive doll checkup, and even get your ears pierced together!
Books of Wonder
42 West 17th St., Flatiron
Founded in 1980, Books of Wonder is one of New York City’s top children’s bookstores and a hot spot for young readers. As the largest children’s bookstore in the city, it has a large assortment of both new and used books that won’t disappoint. With a selection such as theirs, kids can easily explore different genres and find subjects that draw them in. Between the endless stacks of books and the store’s frequent event offerings, it’s easy to make a day out of a trip to this store.
Mary Arnold Toys
1178 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
Support a local small business and shop for old-school toys at this vintage shop. Parents can enjoy a sense of nostalgia and kids can activate their imagination with a range of toys, including board games, action figures, puppets, puzzles, and even vintage moped scooters!
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
1942 Amsterdam Ave., Washington Heights
This Sisters Uptown Bookstore offers community warmth and stories written by gifted African American authors and other great authors who are masters of the spoken word. This bookstore gem also features a café, events, and books for kids with many Black lead characters.
Brooklyn
Books are Magic
225 Smith St., Cobble Hill
Books are Magic, located in Cobble Hill, is a wonderful escape for book lovers. Founded in 2017 by New York Times best-selling author Emma Straub and her husband, the shop aims to foster empathy and transformation through literature. The inclusive space encourages children to become lifelong readers, featuring a diverse selection of books, relaxing reading nooks, and read-aloud events. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a day immersed in stories.
Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton St., Fort Greene
Greenlight Bookstore started as an independent bookstore in Brooklyn in 2009. Their book selection is wonderful for all ages and levels, so everyone in the family will be able to enjoy it. Be sure to look into Greenlight’s kids’ programs. They have virtual story times, book discussion groups for young readers, and a video interview series that they hold with many authors!
Little Things Toy Store
159 7th Ave., Park Slope
Step into a world of whimsical imagination at this Park Slope toy store. Stocked with classic and modern favorites, kids can choose from a variety of LEGO, stuffed animals, board games, and more.
McNally Jackson Books
Multiple locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan
This beloved independent bookstore boasts one of the city’s best selections, ranging from bestsellers to hard-to-find titles and books banned in some schools. Each of its four New York City locations has a unique charm. The children’s sections are designed to spark curiosity, featuring cozy nooks for young readers. Their free storytime events are special, with memorable elements like a stunning papier-mâché puppet that seemed to jump from the pages of a book.
Pizzazzz Toyz
281 Court St., Brooklyn, Cobble Hill
Nestled in the quiet Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill, this toy store gives vintage vibes but has modern stock. You can find everything your heart desires here, from LOL Dolls to Hatchimals and Fingerlings to LEGOS. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little pizzazzzz to your toy collection.
Powerhouse
Multiple locations
Powerhouse has transformed its book space into so much more. With locations in Dumbo, Park Slope, and Industry City, it offers a fantastic selection of books and hosts events for families, including a tween and teen book club. Don’t miss the mini art gallery and community spaces! Powerhouse fosters community, creativity, and imagination alongside its love for literature.
The Bronx
Collector Cave
3021-23 Middletown Rd., Pelham Bay
For those in love with collectible toys such as the famous POPs or comic books, step into this cave for shelves of rare items. Whether you’re a pro collector or just starting your journey, you can find everything from Pokémon cards to figurines, and you are greeted by friendly staff ready to help you along the way!
Kids Planet
200 Baychester Ave., Suite 134, Co-op City
For the children who love stuffed animals, this toy store is a haven for them! Browse from various brands, including the famous Squishmellows, while also shopping their limited variety of traditional toys. (No website available)
The Lit. Bar
131 Alexander Ave., Mott Haven
The Lit. Bar is an indie bookstore serving families in the Bronx. Their venue is the perfect blend of literature and community, offering a carefully curated selection of books, gift items, and diverse programming for all ages. Families can enjoy social sipping, various family-friendly events, and engaging discussions about the books they love.
Queens
Kew & Willow Books
81-63 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens
This quaint and quiet bookstore has a variety of children’s books perfect for snuggling up with your little one for a bedtime story. They also offer a variety of young-adult books, from famous authors including Stephen King and Emily Henry.
Royal Collectables
96-01 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills
Located in the hometown of superhero Spider-Man, Royal Collectables is the perfect stop for comic book and novelty lovers. Here you can find a plethora of comic books and indulge in stories about your kids’ favorite superheroes and comic figures. Shop hardcovers and paperbacks from Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, Vertigo, and Dark Horse. They also buy and trade vintage comics, so come in and exchange your old belongings. While you’re there, be sure to check out their back room, which has an awesome selection of statues and comic memorabilia.
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