Kids know exactly what they want and where to get it: the toy store. The toy store has everything they want: games, dolls, race cars, and maybe even a little magic. And, let’s be honest, half the fun of getting this type of gift is visiting the shop in person. Independent toy stores are a fun connection to our own childhoods and special interests. We’ve rounded up toy stores in Northern New Jersey to check all those boxes off on those wish lists, and maybe pick up a little something fun for yourself. Read on where to find toy stores in Northern New Jersey.
Genus Boni | 432 Main Street, Metuchen
Genus Boni is a cozy space filled with books, games, puzzles, Legos, arts and crafts, and musical toys for all ages. A small play area is dedicated to the kids while the shopping is completed. There is also a tea station with several teas to be enjoyed while perusing and an area in the back to relax. The in-store selection of toys is enough to get everything on the wishlist, but the website has many more categories and age groups if it isn’t. Store hours are Monday – Tuesday from 3PM-7PM, and Wednesday – Sunday from 11AM-7PM.
Hazel Baby + Kids | 199 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
Hazel Baby + Kids is all about sustainability while selling unique and thoughtful gifts for all new parents and families. Its homelike and nurturing design beautifully displays all the baby clothes, toys, and accessories. This cute shop is located just a couple of blocks from the Grove Street PATH Station in downtown Jersey City. Open hours are Monday – Friday from 10AM-7PM, Saturday from 10AM-6PM, and Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Books, puzzles, plushies, card games, and arts and crafts kits are available online with many other assortments and age groups.
Read More: Where to Celebrate Kids’ Birthday Parties in Hoboken + Jersey City
Jabberwocky Inc. | 261 Mainstreet, Chatham
Jabberwocky Inc. is a quaint and wholesome toy store full of children’s toys, puzzles, educational games, Legos, seasonal toys, and books. The toys are all organized by category for all different ages, making gifts easy to find. Open hours are Monday – Friday from 10AM-6PM, Saturday from 10AM-5PM, and Sunday from 11AM-3PM.
JaZams | 25 Plamer Square East, Princeton
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JaZams has a playful and fun environment filled with toys and gifts for all ages. This quirky store carries everything from books, puzzles, legos, cars, dinosaurs, and coloring books to plushies, art kits, and educational toys. Open hours are Monday – Wednesday from 10AM-6PM, Thursday – Saturday from 10AM-8:30PM and Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Online is just as plentiful, with several lists dividing the toys.
Just Kidding Around | 507 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Just Kidding Around has a fun and whimsical vibe with its dedication to engaging children in different ways. Children of all ages are easy to shop for as the in-store and online catalogs are very diverse. Some toy varieties are cars, clothing, dinosaurs, arts and crafts, dolls, science kits, and magic. Open hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 11AM-6PM and Sunday from 11AM-5PM.
Little City Books | 100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
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Little City Books meets a modern minimalist vibe with a rustic finish to display all the books beautifully. The first floor displays all the adult and young adult books with a wide range of genres. Downstairs houses the Children’s Annex, which is filled with classic, educational, and heartwarming books for all the younger kids to enjoy. Little City Books is open from Saturday – Tuesday from 10AM-6PM, and Wednesday – Friday from 10AM-8PM.
The Toy Chest | 335 High Street, Hope
The Toy Chest is a beautiful brick-and-mortar establishment filled with memorable collectibles from the past and toys to thrill children of all ages. Toys include doll houses, plushies, puzzles, educational games, board games, and action figures. Store hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 11AM-5PM. Its website has many sections to browse through; however, the in-store stock has more options.
Tons of Toys | 140 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
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Tons of Toys is a one-stop shop for all the toys and gift-wrapping needs for any special occasion. Geared towards the older kids, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, such as slime, science kits, puzzles, books, video games, pokemon cards, and dolls. Open hours are Monday – Friday from 9AM-8PM and Saturday from 9AM-7PM.
Toy Division | 73 Union Place, Summit
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Toy Division has a warm and welcoming ambiance complimented by all the toys displayed. Each shelf is divided into groups that house puzzles, dolls, cars, coloring books, educational games, and music for all the little ones to enjoy. Store hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 11AM-5PM and Sunday from 11AM-4PM. The Toy Division has collections that are sold in-store and on the website, which are wooden and plush, and games and puzzle collections, all tailored with a unique touch.
Washington General Store | 509 Washington Street, Hoboken
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Washington General Store has a heartwarming and homey atmosphere, making finding gifts and toys easy. Toys and accessories include puzzles, clothing, books, board games, arts and crafts, and card games. The open hours are Monday – Saturday from 10AM-7PM, and Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Online, other toys and gifts can be found under baby and child, puzzles and games, and books.
See More: A List of Kids’ Boutiques in Montclair + Beyond
WORD Bookstore | 29 McWilliams Place, Jersey City
WORD Bookstore has a minimalist and welcoming vibe, creating a fun and easy environment to grab a book for someone special. It has tons of bookshelves filled with all genres for everyone to enjoy. There are separate sections for kids to browse through plenty of books and extensive genres to peruse for older kids. It also has arts and crafts, coloring books, and board games for all ages. WORD Bookstore is open daily from 10AM-7PM.
Watchung Booksellers: The Kids’ Room | 44 Fairfield Street, Montclair
Watchung Booksellers: The Kids’ Room is a delightful and intimate shop with books for little ones and toddlers. It has a small reading area to read the entire book or just the first page and some small toys to keep the smaller kids occupied while reading or shopping. The store also has games, puzzles, coloring books, art supplies, and plushies. Open hours are from Monday – Friday from 10AM-6PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 10AM-5PM.
