Harvard Square Hero
 

Buying toys is a joyful experience and a highlight for many adults and children. But finding the right toy for each child can be challenging. Here are some common-sense ideas:

Babies enjoy interacting with their parents or caregivers the most. They are very tactile and visual and like brightly colored mobiles, musical toys, rattles, and objects with different textures.

Toddlers like to play with boxes, building blocks, and containers, as well as soft toys and dress-ups. Toddlers also enjoy simple musical instruments that they can shake and bang.

Preschoolers and school-age children like toys that let them explore, solve problems, and use their imagination and senses. Examples are construction sets, coloring and sculpting materials, puzzles, and costume-making materials. Games that encourage older children to play together are also recommended. 

The safety features of toys have to be the primary focus!
The first rule of safety is to follow the age recommendation on the package. For children up to 3 years old, pay particular attention to the following rules:

No small parts, which could cause choking if swallowed.

No long cords, ribbons, or elastic, which could strangle.

No button batteries, which could cause poisoning if swallowed.

No toxic paint or toxic materials.

 

Useful Links

Age-appropriate toys for children >

Important rules for Toy Safety >

  

 
 

Specialty Toy Stores in Boston

Anime Zakka Shop Online   
Family owned anime business based in New England. Carries items ranging from figurines, plushies, pins, to bags, bento boxes and Japanese novelty items.

Newbury Street, Harvard Square

Boing Shop Online   
Popular local Jamaica Plain toy store with a broad following. Boing offers quality toys including games, fidgets, craft sets, puzzles, trains, science kits, Legos & other gifts for infants to adults.

Jamaica Plain

CAMP   
Toy store known for its innovative concept of merging retail, play, and experiential activities. Offers immersive experience where children and parents can explore, play, and discover together.

Burlington Mall

Go Calendars Games and Toys Shop Online   
Toy store offering toys, games, puzzles and calendars.

Burlington Mall

Henry Bear's Park Shop Online   
Independent toy store stocked with toys, games, puzzles, construction sets, baby toys. "...we're an independent toy store that believes play is not only fun but also integral to physical, social, and mental growth..."

Harvard Square, Cambridge

JoyBis Toys   
Established toy store at the the Square One Mall offering broad variety of toys including plush toys, games & activities, science & nature, cars and radio control, action figures, animals, creative toys, dolls, electronic toys and construction toys.

Square One Mall, Saugus

Learning Express   
Learning Express is a toy store specialized in quality and educational toys and gifts for children.

Newton

Lego Shop Online>   
Toy store specialized in LEGO brand toys and kits. Lego bricks are loved by adults and children worldwide and can be combined in countless ways to create intricate models and structures.

Burlington Mall, North Shore Mall, South Shore Mall, Natick Mall, Assembly Row,

Tadpole Shop Online   
Local store for baby products including strollers, car seats, nursery items, clothing and toys. Tadpole offers high quality baby and children’s products from companies that make products of high quality and sustainability.

Back Bay

The Hobby Shoppe   
Independent toy store specializing in high quality developmental toys. "...We believe that building the child’s wellbeing is essential through play...."

East Boston

 

 

Other Toy Stores in Boston

Marshalls Shop Online   
Popular chain of discount department stores men, women, teens and kids offering clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods toys and gifts.

Downtown Area, East Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Roxbury, Liberty Tree Mall, South Bay Mall, and more
T.J. Maxx Shop Online   
Popular chain of discount department stores for brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories , home-goods and gifts for men, women, teens and kids.

Downtown Area, Newbury Street, Newton, Cambridge, Square One Mall, South Bay Center
Target Shop Online   
Department store chain for everyday products at low prices. Offers general merchandise—including clothing, household goods, electronics, computers, cameras, audio, toys, video games, groceries and more.

Back Bay, Cambridge, Somerville, South Bay Center, and 20 other locations near Boston
Toys R Us at Macy's   
Iconic toy store brand at Macy's department store.

South Shore Plaza, Square One Mall
Walmart Shop Online   
Chain of nationwide department stores offering discount grocery and consumables, health and wellness, technology, computers|cameras, video games, audio, office supplies, hardware, apparel and home goods.

Saugus, Lynn, Quincy, Braintree

Great Shopping Areas in Boston

  • Shopping Malls in the Boston Area

    Many have predicted the end of the mall, as we all seem to prefer shopping online. However, malls are more…

  • Outlet Malls in the Boston Area

    Outlet malls in the Boston area are increasingly popular with shoppers. As a matter of fact, the Wrentham Premium Outlets…

  • Department Stores in Boston

    Department stores are known for their variety and convenience, providing shoppers with the opportunity to find a diverse selection of…

  • Stores at Copley Place

    Copley Place is a high-end shopping mall right in the heart of the city. It is located in the center…

  • Shopping on Charles Street

    Charles Street is likely the prettiest street in Boston. With its cobblestone roadway, its gaslights, and classic Boston architecture, it…

  • Newbury Street Boutiques

    Come to Newbury Street to experience the special atmosphere of Boston’s own glamor district. Nestled among historic brownstone buildings, you…

  • Prudential Center Shopping

    Prudential Center is a high-end shopping mall right in the heart of the city. It is located in the Back…

  • Shopping in Downtown

    The Boston Downtown area is a popular shopping district frequented by locals as well as visitors. Stretching from the Boston…

  • Shopping in the Seaport Area

    The seaport area in Boston is the newest addition to the city’s neighborhoods, and without exaggeration, it is by far…

  • Shopping at Assembly Row

    Assembly Row is a story of metamorphosis and of making something from nothing. A once neglected barren area, it has…

  • Shopping at Harvard Square, Cambridge

    Two blocks wide and wrapped around Harvard University is Harvard Square, one of the most interesting and eclectic shopping areas…

  • Best Shopping Areas in Boston

    Shopping in Boston is a lot of fun, whether you decide to shop in the city or in the suburbs.…

  • Wrentham Village Outlet Stores

    Wrentham Village Outlets is New England's largest outlet mall. It is easily reached within a 35-minute drive from Boston. It…

  • Shopping on Newbury Street

    Newbury Street is world-famous for its upscale shopping, dining, and beautiful brownstone architecture. It's home to hundreds of stores and…

  • Shopping Centers in Boston

    Boston offers a diverse range of shopping centers, each with its own style and clientele. In most US cities, a…

  • Shopping at Cambridgeside Mall

    Cambridgeside is an attractive shopping mall located across the river from Boston in Cambridge. With over 80 stores, it is…

  • Burlington Mall Shopping

    Only 40 minutes from the city center,  the Burlington Mall stands as a premier shopping destination. This expansive mall has…

  • North Shore Mall Shopping

    Only 40 minutes from the Boston city center, the North Shore Mall stands as a premier shopping destination. This expansive…

  • Square One Mall Shopping

    Square One Mall, located in Saugus, Massachusetts, is a prominent shopping destination only 30 minutes North of Boston. The mall…

  • Shopping at South Bay Center

    South Bay Center is a shopping and entertainment complex located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Known for its diverse…