A Guide to Local Toy & Bookstores in NYC
The most friendly and well-organised bookstores in NYC include Books of Wonder, Powerhouse, The Lit. Bar, McNally Jackson Books, and Sister’s Uptown Bookstore. These bookstores in New York offer the best books, toy collections, literary spaces, and community events for kids in NYC.
Taking your child to any of these bookstores or toy stores in New York is more than just a social activity. It provides your child with a wonderful opportunity to explore various books and toys according to their preferences. Reading is an important aspect of a child’s life. So, it’s advisable to always invest in your child’s reading culture by purchasing quality books for them. Most kids light up with excitement as they explore new toys or get lost in stories that spark their imagination.
As you invest in your child’s educational and social development, it is essential to support community-driven local bookstores and toy stores.
Too Long, Didn’t Read
Toy & Bookshops in Manhattan: Albertine, American Girl, Books of Wonder, Mary Arnold Toys, Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Toy & Bookstores in Brooklyn: Books Are Magic, Greenlight Bookstore, Little Things Toy Store, McNally Jackson Books, Pizzazzz Toyz, Powerhouse
Toy & Bookstores in Bronx: Collector Cave, Kids Planet, The Lit. Bar
Toy & Bookstores in Queens: Kew & Willow Books, Royal Collectables
What You’ll Find Overall: Independent shops filled with toys, books, comics, collectibles, interactive experiences, and family-friendly events that encourage creativity, reading, and screen-free play.
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Below, we’ve rounded up the best toy and bookstore destinations in each borough to help you make the most of your visit.
Top Local Toy Stores in Manhattan
Albertine – Unique Toy Store with French & English Literature Options
972 5th Ave., Upper East Side
The Albertine bookshop, housed within the historic Payne Whitney Mansion, is truly one of a kind. This bookshop only sells English and French books! With over 14,000 titles, this bookstore in NY has established a wide range, from classics to contemporary pieces. The shop is part of the French government’s efforts to promote French-American intellectual exchange, and it is based on the belief that literature can help people understand each other better. Even if you’re not a big reader, the incredible celestial painted ceiling is worth seeing on its own!
American Girl– Toy Store in New York with Interactive Sessions
75 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
American Girl is well-known for its engaging activities, where visitors can bring their dolls (or purchase one on-site) for a variety of enjoyable experiences. You can indulge in tea time or fine dining with your doll, take her to the salon for matching hairstyles, visit the “doctor” for an interactive doll checkup, and even get your ears pierced together!
Books of Wonder– Children’s Bookstore with Diverse Toy Collection
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– Local Toy Store in New York Offering Vintage Toy Collection
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– Community Bookstore In NYC with African American Literature Options
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 in NY also features a café, events, and books for kids with many Black lead characters.
Top Local NYC Toy Stores in Brooklyn
Books are Magic– Independent Bookstore with Children’s Programs in Brooklyn
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– Independent Bookstore In NY with Kids’ Programs in Brooklyn
686 Fulton St., Fort Greene
Greenlight Bookstore started in 2009 as an independent NY bookstore in Brooklyn. 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– Local Toy Store in New York with Whimsical Collection
159 7th Ave., Park Slope
Step into a world of whimsical imagination at this Park Slope toy store in NY. Stocked with classic and modern favorites, kids can choose from a variety of LEGO, stuffed animals, board games, and more.
McNally Jackson Books– Independent Bookstore In NYC with Unique Children’s Sections
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– Store in New York with Vintage and Modern Toy Collection
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– Bookstore with Art Spaces and Family Programs
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.
Top Local NYC Toy Stores in The Bronx
Collector Cave– Local Toy Store in New York Offering Collectibles & Comics
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– Toy Store in New York with Plush Toys & Squishmallows
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 – Independent Bookstore Offering Family-Friendly Book Selection Options
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.
Top Local Toy Stores in Queens
Kew & Willow Books– NYC Bookstore with Children’s and Young Adult Book Section
81-63 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens
This quaint and quiet bookstore in NY 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– Comic Book Store and Toy Store in NYC with a Plethora of Paperbacks from Marvel, DC, and Vertigo
96-01 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills
Royal Collectables is the perfect stop for comic book and novelty lovers. 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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