Toy stores, clothing stores and more: NYC families can shop small at these great locations
The holidays are around the corner, and it's time to scratch a few items off your children's wishlist. (It wouldn't be fair to leave it all up to Santa.)
If you're looking to make a dent in that list, shop small this Small Business Saturday! Whatever you're looking for, there's a good chance it's right in your own backyard. From toy stores and clothing stores to book stores and unique shops, we've rounded up places you need to hit for the best kids' gifts.
This newly-opened toy store in Clinton Hill will wow kids—and adults—with the origami-block hybrid on its shelves. Clixo functions as both a shop and a design space, providing visitors an interactive experience. And trust us, the creative potential with these colorful gadgets is endless.
Attention little villains and vigilantes: Ready your capes! There's a cool spot in Gotham that requires your attention. Allow the Bat-Signal to guide you toward Loot, a kid-centric comic book shop and creative space in Carroll Gardens. Joseph Einhorn, the founder of Fancy.com, is the mastermind behind the Brooklyn hotspot. Loot is certainly one of the coolest stores in NYC, but it is more than making purchases. Part shop, part activity center, the Court St outpost operates like a membership service in which youngsters receive unlimited access to over 3,000 bagged and boarded comics (one at a time) for $30 per month. If pint-sized patrons prefer, they can also snag a comic for $5. Classes for young comic enthusiasts are also available.
One of the city's largest and most beloved independent children's bookstores features titles both new and old (rare and out-of-print editions), plus foreign-language and reference titles, and a special collection of Oz books. Used as inspiration for the children's bookstore in the film You've Got Mail, the quaint and cozy shop boasts a spacious retail floor, a gallery and café space. Youngster are treated to weekly storytimes and signings when top-notch authors and illustrators come by to share their tomes. Book launch events, picture book bonanzas and teen book clubs also frequent the space.
Behind FAO Schwarz, Mary Arnold Toys nabs the title of oldest continuously run toy store in New York City. Founded in 1931, this cozy shop offers unusual, hard-to-find playthings, classic toys, toys made in the USA and plenty of dolls, planes and trains to go around.
The Kelly green walls and well-stocked shelves of knick-knacks beckon Brooklynites inside Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store—but no complaints there! The littles in your life will gravitate toward stuffed animals and classic offerings such as puzzles and Etch-a-Sketch while you'll find a lot to love with the housewares and trinkets paying homage to Brooklyn.
Fferins of Brooklyn is spicing up the typical confectionary options we've come to expect. While catering to the local Brooklyn flair—offering ice cream from Blue Marble, Raaka chocolate from Red Hook—the candy store also looks to expand its selections to not-so-available treats: Cadbury Chocolate, Starbar, Maltesers, Teacakes and an assortment of other old-school goodies that might not necessarily be on everyone's radar.
Owner Grace Kang has been a buyer for Barneys, so it's no surprise that her store is filled to the brim with chic clothes and accessories for kids. They'll love rocking clothing and accessories like Liberty of London hair bows ($16), bear-claw booties ($52) and Brooklyn-repping onesies ($32) at play group.
Perhaps one of Court Street's most frequented mom and pop stores, Pizzazzz Toyz is always hoppin'—especially when little ones catch a glimpse of the exciting merchandise. Shoppers will make their way through today's popular craze (Hatchimals galore) but don't be surprised by the puzzles and classic games in store. The shop itself is tightly lined with wall-to-wall shelves of goodies that the youngsters will love. Don't forget to have a look at the outdoor toys stationed at the entrance—most likely next to a kid-sized LEGO figurine.
Marshmallows aren't just a topping—they're the star of the show thanks to Squish. Once you take a gander at the offerings—Rocky Road Marshmallows, Caramel Brownie Marshmallows, Peanut Butter Jelly Time Marshmallows—we dare you to walk out empty-handed.
Offering a variety of kids' clothing, toys, shoes, baby accessories (not to mention spectacular kids' birthday gifts), Two Kids and a Dog is a great place for parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents catering to the eight and under set. There's also a lot of Brooklyn-repping gear for the little ones (onesies, T-shirts)—after all, its owners (Natalia and Kip) are longtime residents of the area, and proud of it!
This store has everything modern-day superheroes need, from capes and chemistry kits to secret identities (yes, you read that correctly). All vigilantes in the making need to take a break from their adventures to peruse this beloved Brooklyn retail space.
Morning Glory is a Queens-based toy and stationary shop with an Asian influence, featuring popular Hello Kitty accesories and anime merchandise. To accompany TY Beanie Babies, plush Pusheen merchandise and board games, the store also offers items such as backpacks, alarm clocks and totes with kid-inspired themes.
The perfect spot for a baby shower present or a treat for new parents, Thank Heaven offers a variety of baby clothing, toys and accessories that little ones will love.
With an emphasis on diversity and the community, the only bookstore in the Bronx is more than just a shop—it's a gathering place for people to talk about the stories they love. Check out the store's top picks for little readers.
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