It can be tough to find the right gift for loved ones year after year. From keeping up with the latest trends, to knowing the difference between a Digimon and a Pokemon, it’s often overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a number of amazing, independent specialty shops scattered throughout NJ. Our list of The Best Toy Stores & Gift Shops in New Jersey curates the state’s best spots.
Each of the shops on this list can help patrons find the perfect gift. This includes toys and games for babies to tweens, as well as jewelry, books, and home decor for adults. From their eclectic inventory to their expertise on the season’s hottest brands, these toy stores and gift shops are exceptional. Shopping at any of the spots on our list will guarantee giftees receive a special item they will treasure.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best Toy Stores & Gift Shops nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
The Chocolate Goat
Where: Lafayette
Details: This unique gift shop has something for everyone along with a large selection of toys for babies and kids. Books, board games, piggy banks, stuffed animals, newborn gifts and special-occasion jewelry are just some of the options. They also offer home goods, gifts for him and her, and yummy Belgian chocolates and treats. Owners/sisters Jennifer and Stephanie Koza — Koza is “goat” in Polish — are always available to help pick the perfect gift.
The Ginger Jar
Where: Harding
Details: This charming farmhouse on The Old Country Mile in Harding Township offers a mix of classic and vintage gifts. Owner Michelle Lease has curated a great collection of chinoiserie and all things blue and white. Offering home décor, hostess gifts, stationery, jewelry, accessories, monogrammed gifts, and more, the shop is infused with a preppy aesthetic. Gift bags adorned with the shop’s topiary and ginger jar logo eliminate the need for wrapping!
The Good Life Boutique
Where: Westwood
Details: The Good Life Boutique brings Jersey Shore vibes to Bergen County. Owner Nancy Norton relocated the business from the shore to Westwood, but the beachy vibe remains intact. That said, the store does not have many shore-themed products. Instead, they offer unique women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry, plus picture frames, barware, serveware, kitchen towels, décor items, and more. The retail location also has an online store which offers shipping.
Jabberwocky
Where: Chatham
Details: Jabberwocky has been delighting kids with a large selection of educational toys and games for more than 30 years. Offerings include books for all ages, puzzles, wooden trains, trucks, craft projects, Nerf guns, Pokémon, dolls, stuffed animals, and more. Owner Ahmed Navi keeps up with the latest trends by attending toy shows all year. This allows him to stock his toy store with the must-have toys for each new holiday season and beyond.
Just Jersey
Where: Morristown
Details: Just Jersey handpicks goods from more than 200 New Jersey–based artists and businesses for their Morristown shop. The offerings are as diverse as the state itself, featuring locally hand-crafted décor, gifts, apparel, jewelry, and much more. They even have maker profiles on their website so patrons can learn more about who is making their gifts. Their mission is to boost the local economy by offering local goods, while also providing a fun, personal shopping experience.
Just Kidding Around
Where: Montclair
Details: Just Kidding Around carries a wide range of games, toys, books, and puzzles for infants and up. The friendly staff is always on hand to make sure patrons leave with the perfect toy or gift. In particular, the team hopes their toys inspire children to laugh, learn, and use their imagination. The selection includes an assortment of action figures, puppets, trains and wooden toys. In addition, they host regular activities like hands-on craft nights.
Lily & Kate
Where: Ramsey
Details: This local gift and accessory shop is jam-packed with goodies. The selection includes home décor, candles, jewelry, baby items, accessories, local town items, and more. Their inventory is constantly changing, but the staff can always provide the perfect gift recommendation for any occasion. Owner Erika Mazilli curates a friendly environment boasting the latest trends, ensuring patrons leave with a gift and a smile.
Serendipity Toys & Books
Where: Chester
Details: Serendipity offers something for everyone inside their jam-packed toy heaven on Chester’s Main Street. Crafts, games, puzzles, STEM kits, Calico Critters, trucks, Pokémon, slime, and a large Jellycat selection are some of the options. Guests can even build their own stuffed animal, a frequently popular attraction at the store. Since they stay on top of the latest trends and fads, they always stock popular gifts for holidays and birthdays.
Tons of Toys
Where: Madison | Westwood | Wyckoff
Details: Expert customer service, free gift-wrapping, and a large assortment of toys makes this spot a fan favorite. They stock brands like Melissa & Doug, Fisher-Price, Mattel, LEGO, Marvel, Disney, Pokémon, Paw Patrol, and more. They also offer Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox video games and consoles. Every aisle features a seemingly endless selection of games, toys, puzzles, craft projects, science kits, and beyond.
The Toy Chest
Where: Hope
Details: Take a step back in time at The Toy Chest. This adorable store sells toys for everyone, young and old. Their unique inventory includes both classic and new items. Specializing in collectibles and reproductions, the store boasts a large collection of mini figures, retro video games, and dolls. Customers often stop in to shop for their children and end up leaving with a few goodies for themselves. Their “Top 21” list displays the store’s most popular toys.
Washington General Store
Where: Hoboken
Details: This fun, whimsical boutique located on Washington Street offers unique and hard-to-find gift options and home décor. There’s something for everyone including apparel, accessories, books, games, jewelry, gourmet foods, candles, and self-care products. Gifts for the home include pictures frames, prints, mirrors, tabletop items, gardening tools, and more. They also have a large variety of seasonal gifts for Hannukah, Christmas, and other holidays throughout the year.
Central Jersey
The Corner
Where: Flemington
Details: Housed in an old bank building on Main Street, The Corner is a unique and eclectic home goods and gift shop. Owners Dave and Ally Norton curate a collection of products from local artisans, placing an importance on organic ingredients. Items include handmade ceramics, small-batch skincare, apparel, accessories, candles, jewelry, holiday decorations, and more. The gift shop shares the space with their fine-art photo studio, too.
The Front Porch
Where: Pennington
Details: This two-story home on Main Street has been a one-stop shop for gift for over 25 years. Their offerings include apparel, accessories, personalized baby and wedding gifts, home décor, jewelry, greeting cards, paper products, and more. Owner Chris Murphy takes pride in restocking the shop so that customers find new items every time they visit. They also offer free signature gift wrapping and can ship anywhere within the US.
Genus Boni
Where: Metuchen
Details: Genus Boni adds a unique twist to the toy-shopping experience. They sell a number of educational toys, board games, models, STEM learning kits, building sets, 3D puzzles and handicrafts. However, the charming store also offers an extensive selection of freshly brewed teas. Sip and enjoy everything from classic black tea to more exotic flavors while browsing the shelves. Of course, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help with any gift recommendations.
jaZams
Where: Princeton
Details: To say that the folks at JaZams carefully select the toys and books they sell is an understatement. Store owners Joanne Faruggia and Dean Smith have been searching the world over since 1996; all to find beautifully designed and finely constructed toys and books. They stay up to date on the newest and coolest items, too. The store often hosts special events such as book signings and musical programs from their central location in downtown Princeton.
Toy Division
Where: Summit
Details: This family-owned shop specializes in quality-crafted toys, books, and games with an eye for design. Their carefully curated selection includes unique wooden toys, the Maileg mice collection, beautiful dollhouses, and magnetic building toys. They also sell musical instruments, cooking kits, trucks, tricycles, wooden kitchens, trains, dolls, wagons, pedal cars, scooters, and more. Patrons can browse and order online, then pick up in store.
twine.
Where: Hopewell
Details: This rustic boutique gift and card store’s motto is “everything you want…and didn’t know you need.” Their selection features home goods, books, out-of-the-ordinary cards, toys, Jellycats, gifts for men, and holiday gifts. Their Lil Twine section focuses on items for babies, toddlers, and parents-to-be. Customers love the staff for their friendliness and knowledge of trending gifts. Check their Instagram page for upcoming special events.
Jersey Shore
Featured from Monmouth County:
Distinctive Toys
Where: 595 River Rd, Fair Haven
Details: Distinctive Toys offers a large selection of toys smartly organized by age group and toy category for simple shopping. They carry all of the hottest toys, which for this year includes Jellycat plushes, Calico Critters, and Brio Trains. Other trending brands include Pokemon, Corolle and Madame Alexander Dolls, and Teeny Mates. Distinctive Toys also carries arts and crafts, science and STEM kits, LEGO, and sports collections. Their toy collection offers classic and innovative options for everyone from babies to tweens. Not sure what to purchase or just out of the loop on what’s popular at the moment? Just ask the experts on staff and they are more than happy to provide gift recommendations. They are even available for private shopping before or after closing, by request. Additional store perks include free craft classes, special events throughout the year, and complimentary wrapping.
Why I Like It: They curate seasonal “playbooks” available to browse online that contain current trending toys and gifts.
| View their Online Catalog | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-747-8080 |
Big Fun Toys
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: The motto at Big Fun Toys is “shop yourself silly!” With more than 20 years in the toy industry, the team offers delightful items perfect for all ages. Owner Jenny Robertson offers both high-quality educational products as well as comically random toys. This great neighborhood shop also hosts special events for kids, including craft nights. Great prices and free wrapping with any purchase makes Big Fun Toys a hit with parents, too.
Bungalow Road
Where: Avon-by-the-Sea | Atlantic Highlands | Sea Bright
Details: Bungalow Road, with three locations at the Jersey Shore, offers a unique shopping experience. They pride themselves on curating quality products at fair prices. In addition to women’s apparel, gifts options include distinctive accessories, jewelry, home décor, toys, and customization services. They even have surefire hits for hard-to-please tweens. Addition items for babies and men, along with holiday and tabletop decor, provide something for everyone.
Lavender Blue
Where: Forked River
Details: This family-owned boutique offers outstanding customer service to match their unique gifts. Items include handbags, jewelry, home décor, and accessories for all special occasions. Their wide assortment appeals to women, men, teens, tweens, and babies. Plus, premade gift baskets make shopping a breeze for those who need a little help. In addition, the store has a large collection of personalized gifts that can be engraved the same day.
Quinnderella’s Toys
Where: Manasquan
Details: Named for owner Jenny Robertson’s daughter Quinn, Quinnderella’s Toys has been a staple of Manasquan for over 13 years. (Jenny also owns sister store Big Fun Toys in Point Pleasant.) She personally hand-picks each toy on the store’s shelves. This leads to eclectic offerings like dress-up skirts, marionettes, and art supplies. Staff members are available to help guests choose the best gift. Quinnderella’s also offers complimentary gift wrapping and personalization.
Toy Market
Where: Hammonton | Smithville
Details: Toy Market is the area’s largest independent toy store. They feature a wide variety of toys not carried by larger retailers, including puppets, games, puzzles, and books. The well-trained staff provides a great shopping experience, educating shoppers on toys that recipients will thoroughly enjoy. The shop also offers fun monthly events. Past highlights include arts & crafts, a dinosaur dig, American Girl parties and a “Touch a Truck” event.
The Zoo Company Toy Store
Where: Cape May
Details: The Zoo Company is a small but mighty store with all sorts of toys and gifts. Patrons can find everything from a large wall of stuffed animals and animal figures to trucks, action figures, and more. This includes Hello Kitty, kites, LOL Surprise dolls, Beanie Boos, Marvel superheroes, and puppets. They offer fun in-store activities and can assist in finding the perfect gift. Customers love the friendly staff as well as the large variety of toys.
South Jersey
Casa Vita
Where: Marlton
Details: Casa Vita is a home décor and gift-giving haven with a large variety of options for every budget. Offerings include women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, candles, books, bridal, baby, and personalized gifts. Holiday and seasonal items include festive décor and monogrammed Santa cookies. In addition to in-store gift-wrapping, they also offer online shopping. Be sure to follow their social media for updates about special events and current sales.
Happy Hippo Toys
Where: Haddonfield | Moorestown
Details: The family-owned Happy Hippo Toys offers unique toys that inspire and motivate a child’s creativity and imagination. A fan favorite for over 45 years, they sell dolls, games, books, trains, puppets, magic sets, and more. Other items include wagons, stuffed animals, Madame Alexander dolls, Calico Critters, rocking horses, Playmobile sets, doll houses, and trading cards. In addition, the store is open seven days a week and the shelves are always stocked.
Occasionette
Where: Collingswood
Details: Occasionette is a neighborhood, dog-friendly gift shop that believes in celebrating every little occasion. They have two locations in Philly, but their flagship shop in Collingswood is twice the size. Items include home décor, candles, tea towels, jewelry, bar wares, baby gifts, cards, notebooks, journals, photo frames, and more. Plus, a portion of their sales go towards local and national charitable organizations. See their website for special events.
Wonder World Toy Store & Baby Boutique
Where: Medford
Details: Located in historic Medford, Wonder World Toys offers a wide variety of fun, interesting toys from around the world. They carry everything from LEGOs and Squishmallows to Green Toys that are made in the USA. There’s always something going on at this independent toy store, including local fundraisers and kid craft days. The staff is known for their great customer service and will wrap and even ship purchases for patrons.
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Toy Stores & Gift Shops FAQs
Some brands are popular year-round, while others are seasonally relevant. In general, the most popular brands of the year are Jellycat, LEGO, Pokemon, Calico Critters, Madame Alexander, and Teeny Mates. STEM Kits, Brio Trains, and video games are also incredibly popular.
Yes! Many of the spots in our list of The Best Toy Stores & Gift Shops in New Jersey offer complimentary gift wrapping. Examples include Tons of Toys (Madison), The Front Porch (Pennington), and Distinctive Toys in Fair Haven.
Many of NJ’s best toy stores & gift shops offer personalized gifts. For instance, Lavender Blue in Forked River provides a large selection of personalized gifts with same-day engraving. Casa Vita in Marlton also sells personalized gifts.
They do! A number of the toy stores and gift shops on our list offer online shopping and shipping options. One example is The Good Life Boutique in Westwood, which actually offers a number of items exclusively online.
To find NJ’s Best Toy Stores & Gift Shops, simply visit https://bestofnj.com. We curate an annual list of the best independent toy stores and gift shops, all offering trending or personalized gifts. Our lists features at least one store from every county, so there is something for everyone.
Top Photo: © Just Jersey / Facebook
