Support local business, y'all! I randomly walked into this store because it looked so fun from the outside. Walking in, you can expect to see a collection of book (not just for children), toys, and memorabilias. The employee was super nice to chat with and told me that this place was founded by a teacher who wanted to give back to her community. Please go check out this place. read more

Grandma's Place - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

When you step into Grandma's place, you're welcomed with a rare warmth and friendliness. I felt like I had stumbled into a hug. Grandma is now retired but she opened the store over 20 years ago. Everything they have in this small shop is thoughtful and great for kids. We ended up buying a kite for a kid's birthday. They have small kites and very large complex kites ranging from $15 to $50. They have a nice assortment of books with diverse protagonists. I almost picked up the Spanish version of Junot Diaz's Lola but I resisted. My two year old would probably need to get a little older before being able to appreciate that book. They also have board books and even an embroidered first Bible. Their puppets in the store are fun. Grandma is proud that she got the puppet maker to include legs so they could be used as puppets or dolls. We left with our kite wrapped and a hand made 3D birthday card. What a wonderful store. Now I can't wait for the next kid birthday so I can come back! read more

This is an adorable toy store in the heart of Harlem. The owner is a teacher and there are so many great educational toys for children between 3-12. Great games and fantastic selection of books. The staff is welcoming and kind!!! read more

An excellent shop for toys and gifts for children of all ages with reasonable prices and a great, friendly, informative staff. I always seem to find exactly what I need there (often without knowing what I need before I go in). Last Christmas, the nice guy behind the counter gift-wrapped the game I bought really well - so helpful! This place is a treasure. Shop local! read more

A couple of friends recommended swinging by and so I took my 3.5 yo there today. It's a small store but jam packed with toys and books. My son spent probably 45 mins playing with a toy crane truck and a train track display there. The gentleman who was there who helped us was super nice and engaging with my son while I walked around to browse the store. The type of toys skew towards large selections of Hape and Melissa and Doug toys, puzzles and dolls. It's in a great location to make it part of a day of shopping and dining since it's near Whole Foods, sugar hill creamery, and all the stores and restaurants near 125th street. read more

Grandma's Place - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

My daughter received a beautiful book and thoughtful toy from Grandma's Place. We have yet to visit ourselves but definitely looking forward to seeing this Harlem gem and all it has to offer! read more

This toy store is EVERYTHING. It's quite small so it doesn't have the biggest selection (no Catan here...), but if you're looking for a gift for a kid you can't go wrong here. It is definitely geared toward the 10 & unders, with an excellent selection of books, toys, games, activity kits, and dolls. There's also a smattering of games for older kids, but the focus here seems to be infant through 5th grade. If you've been frustrated by the lack of diversity in other toy stores, you're in for a treat. This gem is family-run and thoughtfully curated. read more

I love toys! I sold educational toys when my children were young. Small children need fun ways to learn how to make things work. There is nothing quite like watching a small child's expression when they finally figure out how to put a puzzle together on their own. This store is owned by a retired school teacher. It shows because there are special toys that are very thoughtful for child development and play. Unique books for children to identify with. I brought my 2 year old niece some special hopefully soon to be favorite toys and a book. This is truly a childs paradise of pleasure. I will return soon. read more

Grandma's Place - So many items to choose from.... - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

This place rocks. Unique toys that you don't see everywhere. They have a wide selection of books in both English and Spanish, educational and just plain ol' fun toys that are awesome. It is a small location but it feels like being in a toy house--- that's a GREAT thing. Upon entering you are greeted with a warm hello. The store is family-run so it was entertaining to hear the backstories for some of the toys (not for sale) that adorn the higher shelves. I will definitely recommend this place. read more

All of the dolls that come in standard issue caucasion also come in various shades of negro!! Perfect! ....and there's a real Grandma at Grandma's Place too! read more

My favorite children's book store in thee entire world !! The vast selection of toys and books both educational and entertaining make you want to stay for everrrr!! The sales people I've encountered at this establishment are great and well informed and most of all very kind . I recommend this store to parents and caregivers alike . Visit and buy buy buy . My daughter is now a teenager and I've been going here since she was in elementary school. read more

Had an incredible shopping experience at Grandma's Place. I've always walked by this cute little shop but never had the chance to take a look inside. When I walked in I was greeted and asked what I was shopping for. My mind was set to browse for two gifts for my nieces birthday, not expecting much.. but she razzled dazzled me! She showed me options based on age and then personality while asking me questions. Left with THREE unique gifts for my girls! Gift wrapped for free and unbeatable prizes!!! Will be back for the holidays. read more

Grandma's Place - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Before you order another children's gift on Amazon or hit up Toys-R-Us, please make Grandma's Place your first stop. I don't have kids but stopped in here for a little girl's birthday present and was absolutely enchanted. Such a sweetly curated selection of toys, books, trinkets and other fun things to surprise and delight kids of all ages. You can tell that the owner adores what she does and genuinely cares about children and her customers' experience. She and her shop assistant were extremely helpful and pleasant to chat with. The dolls they carry are just adorable and they have an ethnically diverse and beautiful selection of everything from Barbies to independent dollmakers. Just a wonderful thing to have nearby. Love this place and wish I could award them even more, stars, but will have to settle for giving them my loyal patronage instead. :) read more

This lady is a true angel on earth! I had a wonderful experience in her store. This store is geared towards smart, over-achievers, and future leaders of the world. The staff is knowledgeable, and really believes in education and models that with the handpicked merchandise throughout the store. They have a variety of books and puzzles for all age ranges. I recommend this amazing place. They take CC, Offer gift receipts and are priced nicely. Thank you, again for uplifting my spirits with your loving store. Harlem sticking together and promoting education in a fun smart chic way. Luv you Grandma! Bravo read more

I came here to get a gift for my niece's first birthday. Frankly I didn't have a clue on what the best gift would be. Chelsea was friendly, helped me out a lot by asking questions and was attentive to what I was saying. I found a great toy based on her recommendation and my niece loved it. I will be going back when buying children's gifts. It also helps that this is a black owned/African American owned business. They have my full support. I recommend people check them out. read more

Grandma's place is a hidden gem! You can find all sorts of toys that cater to kids of all ages here. My daughter and I can't help but make stops here every time we walked by. I love the fact that they have a great selection of books here too! Just can't say enough good things about this charming neighborhood store. It's much more than just a toy store. The gentleman who manages the store, he's really awesome too! =^.^= keep up the great work grandma, we'll be back soon! read more

Fantastic store! Helped me out with a present for a little boy!

A gem of a shop! I was thrilled when a friend mentioned this great shop right in Harlem. I visited and found some great activities and books for my niece and nephew. I was back 2 days later for more books and met the owner, Dawn - who is lovely. They is a lovely space in the brownstone next door that can rented for a celebration. Cozy! I highly recommend walking over and plan early -- I imagine Grandma's place will be swamped for the holidays. read more

My first time being there and was a great experience owner was very nice, and very helpful. Have so many things for kids...

This is a fantastic family-run toystore near Marcus Garvey Park, just large enough to cover all the bases while making room for a few surprises. Extra points (lots) for pulling together a great selection of toys and books that represent black and brown people. The staff will also brainstorm gift ideas with you--invaluable for clueless aunties and uncles! read more

I love this place and "grandma" too! I live in Los Angeles, but on my annual trip to New York I go here to look for items to enrich my classroom. I always find a toy or book that engages and enlightens my students. The last time there I picked up a gift for a friend's children: the perfect little soft baby doll and a toy/model fighter plane model that African Americans flew in WWII. All the items very practical, child-friendly, as well as meaningful. If I have an Idea about something that I might like and "Grandma"doesn't have it, she usually knows about it and will fill me in, and even order it for me. Thanks again Grandma's Place. read more

Thanks to Yelp, I decided to pass the shops on 125th to hit Grandma's on 120th and I'm so glad I did. I found wonderful gifts for my best friend's kid's bday party - with tons of help from the staff at Grandma's. They even wrapped my gifts free of charge. The entire experience was wonderful and I highly recommend a visit. I'll absolutely be back. read more

This is one of the last old school Harlem stores. I love this place, and they carry a wide variety of multicultural books, dolls and toys. The staff is "AMAZING"! One of the cashiers remembered I was looking for a certain book and when a shipment came in, she emailed me without any prompting to do so. They are dedicated to helping their customers have a truly enjoyable productive experience. I will most certainly be back! read more

I almost never write reviews, even though I always read them. I feel compelled to write a review of Grandma's Place because it is a magical place for my two girls. They always ask to go and visit! It has become our go-to toy store for birthday party presents, learning toys and books featuring children of color. The store is small, but extremely cozy and very good about rotating product and keeping new items on the shelves. My daughters and I literally go there and spend HOURS! Dawn is lovely and the staff is always extremely nice and conversational. And love, love, LOVE the collection of black Barbies - reason enough to go! Truly a neighborhood gem - read more

Delightful little wonderland tucked into a residential block right off of the wide boulevard of Lenox. Multicultural books and dolls with African American features. You will feel like Alice falling down the hole when you discover it. read more

I want to tell you about the best toy / children's store in the world.. Anyone would love this place. It is literally "Grandma's Place" - go see Grandma Dawn, she is the sweet lady behind this amazing store. You'll walk in and find real, fun, 'contemporary classics' - no video games, just lots of good old fashioned fun, classics, and the hugest collection of puppets, and lots of great books! So much better than just getting a gift card - there's something here for everyone! If you're ever in the mood for Amy Ruth's soul food, or find yourself uptown, it's well worth a stop, especially with the holidays coming xoxo Take the 2 or 3 train to 116th street - walk up to 120th and Grandma's Place is right around the corner, nestled in the beautiful hundred-plus-year-old brownstones. I kidsit up there, and my charge always wants to stop by on the way home. Please go check it out, and tell folks you may know about it - It's a lovely place well worth the trip and a Harlem classic mom-and-pop that needs our love! xoxo read more

I am a true believer of bringing joy to children of all walks of life and this store does that very well. The displays are exceptional and children love to walk in the store and see the various types of toys, books and educational games. I've been there to experience the excitement of both parents and children so I know it's magical. read more

I went here to purchase a stuffed animal for my girlfriend and like others mentioned, the customer service here was superb. Grandma actually went out of her way to come from her residence to bring a teddy bear she had lying around that she thought I should look at after she heard I was looking for one over the phone. Her and her shop assistant took time deciding with me on an appropriate item and I ended up getting a stuffed puppy. I would recommend this store to others and love the fact their are toys that show representation of other ethnic groups. read more

As someone previously wrote, this truly is a Harlem gem. I have always walked by on my way to the dog park at Marcus Garvey Park, but never had a reason to stop in. The woman working today (Sunday) was so helpful and sweet...I forgot my yelp user name but resigned up just to leave this review. I bought 2 great books for a 4 year olds birthday, and another activity book for his 7 year old sister I was very pleased with the selection and layout of store (books right when you walk in). All the best educational brands of toys (nothing junky), and a really great book selection including cultural specific books. I also signed up for the mailing/calling list to be notified when they start back up story time. Highly recommended for the area and for NYC. read more

Nice little toy store with super friendly staff. They carry a great selection of African American themed books, as well as interesting dolls and toys. read more

This store was a hit with my little ones (ages 6 and 7). They wanted EVERYTHING in the store!! Just about ALL of the toys are educational! My duaghter walked away with a her sized cooking set (measuring cups, spatula...etc - I must admit, I have used a couple of them for cooking lol) I am planning on buying the dolhouse for my little one, it's $150.00, but HUGE! and looks well made! If not, I will be getting the bag you can color yourself... :-) read more

I love this place! The dolls, spanish and asia, black, I was blown away! I can't wait to get my girls club in there! The store is very inviting! Full of unique toys and books. My friend's daughter is potty training there and I found a good book for her she will love! Perfect! read more

This place is wonderful, a parent's savior and a kid's dream . They have so many wonderful things from my own childhood that I can share with my daughter. My daughter loves Grandma's Place . We have been here four times since the holidays. I just pray with the neighbor changing that Grandma's Place doesn't get caught up in it . We love Grandma's Place !! read more

Such a great store! The people here are so helpful. They really go out of their way to help you find the right gift! Plus the prices are great and they do a lovely job wrapping gifts (for free). It's worth going out of your way for this special place. read more

I was very positively impressed by the shop. Large variety of toys (i personally looked for wooden ones), but they have all sorts, including halloween costumes and children's books. The personnel was super friendly and careful to not overspend the budget I gave. This made me feel at ease. I definitely recommend it and will buy there again. read more

This place is a real neighborhood gem. The west village and east side are dotted with lots of stores but this is the only one like it in Harlem. Good, educational, developmentally age-approprite toys without all the overstimulation of video games and flashing light toys. Plus, something they don't have in the other parts of the city--multiculturalism and diversity. Let's support this wonderful business that serves our community so well! read more

This children's toy and book boutique is a wonderful addition to Harlem. It is on 120th street right off of Lenox Avenue and is a great find. They have a great assortment of ethnic, educational and conceptual books and toys for children ranging in age of 0-15. The majority of the toys there are of heirloom quality and promote motor skills for all children. When I went there, the owner was so nice and accommodating. She use to be a second grade teacher and is very passionate about the education of our children. She personally picks out every book and toy she place on her selves. My three year old son loves the store and so do I. If you are in town you should definitely visit this little jewel in Harlem. You will not be disappointed. read more

Ive been to this store a few times and was always impresses with the customer service and nice selection