The latest update for The Best Independent Toy Stores in NJ is written by Vinny Parisi.
There’s nothing quite as magical as stepping through the doors of an authentic, old-school toy store. Local toy shops are staffed with friendly, attentive folks who love children and genuinely want to make them smile. New Jersey is home to several wonderful independent toy stores that carry a great selection; including unique items not found in larger retail stores.
Many of these locations also offer personalization and gift wrapping to make shopping even easier. Whether looking for the perfect holiday season gift or just giving the kids a fun afternoon, these shops won’t disappoint. Check out Best of NJ’s list of The Best Independent Toy Stores in New Jersey.
Quick Click Guide: Select a County below to find The Best Independent Toy Stores nearby.
| Atlantic County | Bergen County | Burlington County | Camden County | Cape May County | Essex County | Mercer County | Middlesex County | Monmouth County | Morris County | Ocean County | Sussex County | Union County | Warren County |
Atlantic County
Toy Market
Location: 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.
Bergen County
Tons of Toys
Location: Westwood | Wyckoff
Details: Expert customer service, free gift wrapping, and a large assortment of toys; that is what makes Tons of Toys one of the go-to toy shops in Northern NJ. They stock brands like Melissa & Doug, Fisher-Price, Mattel, LEGO, Marvel, Disney, Calico Critters, Pokémon, Paw Patrol, and more. They also offer Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox video games and consoles. Every aisle features games, toys, puzzles, craft projects, science kits, and beyond.
Burlington County
Wonder World Toy Store & Baby Boutique
Location: 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.
Camden County
Happy Hippo Toys
Locations: Haddonfield
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.
Cape May County
The Zoo Company Toy Store
Location: Cape May
Details: The Zoo Company is a small but mighty store with all sorts of imaginable 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 and the large variety of toys.
Essex County
Just Kidding Around
Location: 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, their host regular activities including hands-on craft nights.
Mercer County
JaZams
Location: 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.
Twirl Toy Shop
Location: Pennington
Details: Twirl Toy Shop is where “toy testers are always welcome.” They stock a curated selection of products for preschoolers, elementary kids and tweens, plus an array of STEM toys. Gift wrapping is always free, and Twirl can also put together goody bags for a special event or party. Patrons can even call and place a gift order over the phone for pickup; then either walk in or have a staff member run it out to the car. Talk about convenient!
Middlesex County
Genus Boni
Location: Metuchen
Details: Genus Boni adds a unique twist to the toy-shopping experience. They sell educational toys, board games, models, STEM learning kits, building sets, 3D puzzles and handicrafts; but this 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 all gift selections.
Monmouth County
Distinctive Toys
Location: Fair Haven
Details: The efficiently-designed store layout inside Distinctive Toys makes it easy to navigate the large selection of toys. They offer classic and innovative options for everyone from babies to tweens. This toy store organizes aisles by age group and toy category for easy browsing. Gift options include board games, action figures, LEGO, interactive robotic toys, craft projects, and popular toy trends. They also offer free craft classes, special events, and complimentary wrapping.
Quinnderella’s Toys
Location: 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. The store also offers complimentary gift wrapping and personalization.
Morris County
Jabberwocky
Location: 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 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.
Serendipity Toys & Books
Location: 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.
Ocean County
Big Fun Toys
Locations: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: The motto at Big Fun Toys is “shop yourself silly!” With more than 20 years in the toy industry, Big Fun Toys 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. A unique selection of toys, great prices, and free wrapping makes this toy store a favorite for parents.
Sussex County
The Chocolate Goat
Location: 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—or “goat” in Polish—offer wonderful customer service as they help pick the perfect gift.
Union County
Toy Division
Locations: 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; as well as 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.
Warren County
The Toy Chest
Location: 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 favorites 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, too. Their “Top 21” list displays the store’s most popular toys.
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Top Photo: Tons of Toys / Facebook
