If trudging through big box retailers and looking for the elusive toy for your kid makes you want to take a long winter’s nap, read on. We found 13 independent toy stores that will get you excited about tackling that long list. All of these store’s owners are passionate about toys: the selections are impeccable, and the displays and presentations are artistically imaginative. After visiting these shops, you may just start to feel that this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Little (Carbon) Footprints
11. Playing Mantis: Playing Mantis embraces both the past and the future. Its mission is to offer toys that will last a lifetime but won’t leave a big carbon footprint. Stocked with handcrafted, natural wooden toys, Playing Mantis reminds us that craftsmanship - even in a pull toy - can be a magical thing. The shop’s green products are made with sustainable materials, including even a Teddy bear made from a recycled mink coat.
Playing Mantis
32 North Moore
New York, Ny
Phone: 646-484-6845
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mon.
