Independent Toy Stores in New Jersey

I’ll be the first to admit that big box retailers like Toys 'R' Us have their place. When my daughter wants something generic like a Dora Play Kitchen, or I have very strict instructions from our 4 year old nephew about which Transformer action figure he wants for his birthday, I can honestly say there’s no better place to shop. But amid the fluorescent lights and impersonal service, there’s a part of me that finds mega toy warehouses just a wee bit depressing. There’s something so old-school and refreshing about walking into a small “mom & pop” toy shop to browse unique gifts and – imagine this - actually receiving genuine help from the staff.

With the help of some Jersey moms, some personal experience and some great tips from NJ-based toy manufacturer Kids Preferred, we got the inside scoop on the very best independent toy shops in the state – check out this short & sweet list when you need to buy your next present.

Childsplayspot (Short Hills)

Nestled on the first floor of the Short Hills Mall, Childsplayspot is a stand-out oasis in the midst of usual retailers like Banana Republic and Baby Gap. NJ-natives Carole and Rich Holden, who moved on from successful technology careers to open an online toy website, turned their passion into a store in 2003. The Holdens pride themselves on stocking the shelves at Childsplayspot with educational, environmental-friendly and domestically manufactured items. Childsplayspot is probably best known for its carefully selected arts & crafts department, with different kits and activity sets for each developmental stage, from the toddler through adolescent years. You’ll also find a nice assortment of picture and board books for wee ones and chapter novels for the older kids from both independent and well-known publishers. For more information, please call (973) 376-6634.

Quinnderella's Big Fun Toys (Hoboken and Manasquan)

Quinnderella's Big Fun is one-part toy store and one-part novelty shop and is 100 percent unapologetic about its brash and fun attitude. Visit either the Hoboken location or stop by their Manasquan outpost next time you’re down the shore. Quinnderella’s stocks mom-approved favorites like Melissa & Doug easels, Ready, Set, Go! tricycles and Wheely Bug rockers. The website makes sense of their many quirky products by dividing toys under age appropriate tabs. Moms & dads will have just as much fun selecting an educational toy for the kids as they will checking out pickle-shaped bandages or a “public toilet survival kit”. Stop by Quinnderella’s for a genuinely great selection of kids’ toys and some laughs and entertainment too. For more information, please call 201-714-9575.

Jack's Toy Shop (Jersey City)

The wonderfully quaint Jack's Toy Shop is a favorite of Jersey City residents. Helpful but never pushy staffers greet you warmly as you walk in the door and are there to help should you need guidance. Toys are set up around the small boutique so little ones will keep busy with a train set, doll crib and stroller and huge chalkboard at the entryway. You’ll find a thorough assortment of Melissa & Doug puzzles and musical instruments both for babies and older toddlers nestled among frilly tutus, play kitchen sets and thematic books like “Good Night New Jersey.” Parents will also have a blast browsing the shelves as they reminisce about their own childhoods while checking out an original Etch a Sketch, primary-colored building block sets and Dominos. For more information, please call 201.332.TOYS.

Lulu's Armoire (Westwood)

Run by a mother/daughter team, Lulu's fits the bill when you want a classic girly shopping experience. Step inside the tiny boutique off of the small main street in Westwood where you’ll discover an eclectic mix of high-end children’s clothing that can best be described as whimsical and a bit bohemian. Flowing dresses, cozy organic wrap sweaters and even a carefully edited selection of gently-used designer duds are all on display. After sifting through the racks, head to the back of the store and browse through gifts and knickknacks from hand-woven finger puppets to an adorable array of hair bows for babies and toddlers. Lulu’s also stocks custom nursery art by Sara Eden Photography, super-soft stuffed animals and baby-care gifts basket from loved brands such as Weleda Baby, Noodle & Boo and Burts Bees. For more information, please call 201.664.LULU

Jackrabbit Toys (Sea Girt and Shrewsbury)

Jackrabbit Toys is a cheery oasis that’ll make you feel like a kid again. If you’re looking for either a soft newborn toy or a dart set for a tween, this shop has a wide-variety of carefully chosen gifts that spans every age group. Other standouts include finger painting and puppet sets, Fold n’ Go princess castles and quirky robot puzzles. The store makes shopping a breeze for harried parents (or those in need of a gift with no kid experience at all!) by offering both personal shoppers in store and an extremely user-friendly website sectioned into specific age groups. Jackrabbit Toys also offers free shipping on orders of $75 or more via their website, but browsing the aisles at either their Sea Girt or Shrewsbury location is so much fun, why not make an outing of it? For more information, please call 732-449-0018 (Sea Girt location) or 732-530-7700 (Shrewsbury location).

Kidegories (Shrewsbury)

When you want a sweet newborn gift to give a first-time mom at her baby shower or a special gift for any little girl in your life, Kidegories is the place to shop. From personalized newborn baby blankets and handmade picture frames adorned with sayings such as “Big Sister” and “Twice Blessed,” the merchandise at Kidegories is understated and classic. And if you want to adorn your daughter’s room with an old-fashioned touch, carefully select a beautiful flower patterned jewelry box or one of their precious doll tea sets that come nestled in a mini picnic basket. Kidegories also prides themselves on their wonderful selection of furniture, crib & bassinet bedding and all sorts of wall art to complement your chosen nursery theme. For more information, please call 732-530-0066.