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.

Dinosaur Hill: Traditional Marionettes

This palace of playtime sells handmade toys that stimulate the senses and challenge the mind. Along with board and card games, books, stuffed animals and wooden toys, it’s packed with marionettes and puppets from around the world. Be sure to visit Dinosaur Hill if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that niece or nephew who has everything. The prices range and there are several affordable options so your holiday haul won’t break the bank.

It’s not a shock that the store’s marionettes are top sellers year round. However, this holiday season traditional stock characters – including princes and princesses, kings and queens and pixies – seem to be getting the most attention.

Dinosaur Hill
306 E 9th St.
East Village
212-473-5850
Online: dinosaurhill.com

photo: Jason via Foursquare

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

–Michelle McIvor Cohen