7 NYC Toy Stores You Need to Visit This Season (And What to Buy!)

What's moving in Boerum Hill? Flying off the shelves in the East Village and the Upper West? Read on to find out!

By Yuliya Geikhman November 5, 2016

Sure, doing all of your holiday shopping on Amazon is convenient. You don’t have to leave home and you can find almost anything. But NYC’s full of fabulous indie kid shops, where they know what is truly hot this year. We spoke with the top toy stores around town to find out what items are flying off the shelves. Some are obvious — Pokemon trading cards, anyone?— others might not be on your radar. But all of them are sure to bring some cheer. Flip through to discover what the cool kids are getting this season.

Toy Tokyo: Smiski Glow in the Dark Blind Box

This East Village wonderland is a vinyl toy collector’s dream come true. Its shelves are packed floor to ceiling with pop culture staples to delight your inner geek. Most notable are the action figures and rare collectibles that will take you down memory lane, including Simpson, Smurf and Star Wars memorabilia. While prices range, there is no shortage of collector’s items under $20 for grab bag or Kris Kringle gifts. Just be warned: You might end buying more for yourself than your little one.

The Smiski Glow in the Dark Blind Box is a hit seller this year at Toy Tokyo. These boxes made by Dreams hold seven curious creatures, all with different personalities. The big surprise? Your little ones won’t know which ones they got until they open it.

Toy Tokyo
91 2nd Ave
East Village
212-673-5424
Online: toytokyo.com

photo: Toy Tokyo’s Facebook Page

What toy is all the rage at your local store? Tell us in the comments below!

–Michelle McIvor Cohen