One year later and this review still stands! The older woman behind the counter is always so sour. I had to pop into this store recently since I didn't have time to go elsewhere and I regretted it immediately. They have so much potential but they just don't care. read more

Me and my friend walked into the store just looking to just look around (no hoodies on or anything) and she rudely asked us if we needed anything. we moved farther back in the store and she followed us more toward the back when we were just looking at the pool footballs and she had followed us back there again and asked if we need anything, we said no and she rudely asked what we were doing and we said just browsing. I don't like to look at things this way but I feel like she was being racist because I was black. After I told her we were just looking around she then told my friend to give her his Safeway bag that he got when we bought candy he gave her the bag and we got it back crumpled up when we left. SHE WAS DEFINITELY RACIST. DONT GO read more

I have never written a bad review on yelp but after my experience I am disappointed to say I will never be coming back here again. I entered the store with my African American friend when we were rudely asked if we needed anything. We brushed it off and went to the back of the store when she than followed us and said again if we needed anything. We told her we were just browsing when she told us that we had to put our shopping bag we purchased from Safeway in the front of the store next to her. Overall in the end we left the store only receiving a sour attitude from the clerk and a now wrinkled store bag. read more

Awesome selection of LEGO sets. And the place is immense. Worth a visit if you need a present for your son, daughter, nephew or niece. I'd go back again check out the rest of the store But to be honest I was a bit put off at the check out counter when I paid. I purchased $200.00 worth of LEGO's and when I asked for a bag the lady at the counter said "that's 40 cents." I pretended she must have been speaking to the person behind and just walked out. read more

I've never written a yelp review before but after such terrible service I had too. I've been to this store multiple times and every time I go the cashier has a terrible attitude and I'm convinced she doesn't like children or people at that. She is a miserable old lady. read more

Toyhouse has been serving children of all ages for over 50 years. Many adults who went there as a child continue to go their now to shop for their children, grandchildren, and friends.  Earlier during the pandemic, I saw children standing in front of the Toyhouse looking in the window. I imagined they were waiting to get in to search for some of their favorite coveted toys or discover new jewels. Toyhouse is well stocked with card and board games; stuffed animals--large and small; science kits; dress-up and makeup items; Legos; children books; arts and crafts supplies; tractors and trucks; and even retro Lava Lamps. There is something there for everyone that is looking for new toys. read more

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I love this toy store. I think they're so fantastic. Great selection of legos and some awesome children's books too. Nice to live so close as well, but that's just me. read more

Came in on X-Mas Eve and asked what time they closed. Was told by the young lady behind the counter 5:00pm. Came back at 4:15 to knock off the last of the things on the list. Turns out they closed at 4:00. Very disappointing. I've always tried to support this business, but no more. Going to have disappointed kids tomorrow morning. read more

Imagine taking your kids for a surprise visit to a toy store, only for it to be a major fail because the store is closed! Sadly, I checked their website/Yelp/Google and all indicated that they're open on Mondays, contrary to the cardboard sign on their store that said closed Mondays. I like supporting local toy stores, but if they don't have the decency to be respectful to their customers by posting actual hours, they can say goodbye to my business. If you've read this far, thanks, and please support your local toy stores -- just not this one! read more

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Don't recommend, my sister walked with her friends and they are innocent 6th grader and the lady at cashier basically kicked them out. So I went in there just to see what was going on, and I said I was looking for some thing for my little cousin and then I said I would come back later with my mom and then I walked out with my sister back to the Korean market next-door and she followed me out. There knocked on the window, the market and she was like so you guys are all together and I was like yeah right, but I was still looking for something for my little cousin and then she said yeah and walked away. That's really creepy. do not come here. I also saw a lot of kids from a different ethnicities and she let them walk in, but we are all Asian and she didn't let us in. read more

This store is suuuuuuper overpriced and don't grant refunds except for store credit. How are they still in business?

If you've ever entered a store and been "hawked" from the door, it's an uncomfortable feeling; and if your black it's sadly an all too familiar feeling. It makes one feel unwelcome. This time yesterday, I stared back at the owner to let her know I saw her. Ironically, your store and your cash register have "welcomed" our $'s for years (gifts for our son, his friends, family). This time, I'd had enough. To make matters worse, the owner caught a price discrepancy on what we'd purchased. The transaction went through and I asked for the nerf water blaster ($26.99) to be wrapped. Instead of allowing the clerk to finish wrapping what we'd paid for, she took the blaster back to the shelf to see whether it was a labeling mistake or a price tag swap. With no consideration for our time, she took her sweet time to decide whether it was a store error or "shopper's mischief". Instead of confronting her in front of my son and amidst other customers, I chose to not react. The irony is that I've chosen to support this small business for years because I believe in supporting small business. Perhaps this owner can take a closer look at her staff (who generally are quite nice and friendly), or perhaps other Montclair businesses who know how to take care of customers professionally and fairly, regardless of what one looks like. Sadly, we will take our $'s elsewhere from now on, because we can! read more

Lady at the front: cashier? Owner? Idk but she was MISERABLE or she's racist. I greeted when I walked in: she looked right thru me and back down & said nothing. Yet she kept glaring my way as if I was stealing ?! Bought my granddaughter her sticker book because I said I would BUT I will NEVER be back - & you shouldn't either. Shopping should be pleasant, not ugly. Ewww read more

I want to support local however I have continued to receive poor customer service from who I can assume in the owner, who continues to be unfriendly. Today when my kids aver their own money to buy toys, she questioned the validity of their $1 bills. I'm sorry but.. come on. Their toys were each under $20 I am not trying to chewt up Their bills are crispy because they came from the US mint and they are brand new . Yesterday we walked into browse and dk not buy and again, looks of did you steal something bc we didn't purchase. I'll be taking my money back to Five Little Monkeys toys ! read more

I have come in several times! I love this place! I live in Pleasanton CA. We recently had a toy store open up in town. It's nice, but my grand daughter and a couple of her friends started to go in and were kicked out because they had starbucks drinks (all with lids) and the woman there was quite rude about it. That doesn't make me want to go there.! Montclair Toyhouse is the place to go!! Always friendly and helpful! read more

Wonderfully stocked neighborhood toy store. I look forward to returning with my grandchildren. Barbara was helpful and lovely to talk to.

Ive always tried to support this locally owned business even when the selection was lacking or the prices were not competitive. The gentlemen who works here has always been helpful and nice. However, my last interaction leaves me questioning whether I will ever return. I purchased a small toy ahead of Christmas which was broken when the box was opened. I went back to the store, toy in hand to ask if they had another one. I even mentioned that I'd be willing to purchase another one, I just wanted a replacement. The woman dismissively said, "we don't have anymore, and they break." Before I could ask another question she turned her back on me to answer the phone. When she hung up and started walking away, I said, "I Had another question" and she rudely said, "no you didn't" and threw her hands up her hands and walked away. So, that's that. I guess I don't look like the type of person worth anything more than rude comments and a dismissive tone. read more

I had a horrible experience at this over-priced, cheap quality place. We are new to the Montclair area and decided to support a local small business. Yet in retrospect, after visiting here 3 times, I have consistently felt very unwelcome. Being in this toy store never felt like what a toy store is supposed to feel like, joy, magic, but rather a hunted house with grumpy miserable people who work there. How can you own a toy store and have no joy in you heart for a child getting a gift? We had picked up a few small items (spending a total of $50) and asked the woman at the counter to wrap them individually because its a tradition that we give one present a time to make it special for our child. She lectured me on "saving trees" and was very reluctant to help us. Even before that, my child was having fun playing with the toys to choose the one she wanted and I could feel the woman at the counter urging us to get out of the store. Never once did she smile at us. I have never been to a store that was so awful, and disrespectful.  This is outrageous, how are they still in business?! I strongly recommend not supporting this store.We will never go back there. read more

This a great toy store with a huge selection of toys for many ages. I especially love all the crafting toy options. It's a quick and easy stop in on your way to a birthday party. read more

It felt as if I was inconveniencing the owner by shopping in her store. I try to support local shops but not this one.

Worst toy store ever! They have a captive audience in Montclair and they don't appreciate the community the way they should. Frankly, their customer service sucks. The guy who runs the place has been seeing us come in and buying things for years and he never goes out of his way to say hello. Honestly, I think he sees "sucker" on everyone that comes in. Yesterday I stopped in and I saw a toy that was $10 ... yet at Target it was $5. Come on ... double for crap? If you are going to charge double at least be nice while you do it. read more

Definitely will never buy anything from here. Walked in with my niece, greeted the lady who worked there just for her to stare at me with a disgusted expression with no words coming out her mouth. Also note another Caucasian family walked in after me and she had no problem saying hi to them. That's should tell you enough. read more

The lady I just spoke with who claimed she was the owner was so RUDE! I'm visiting from out of town and called to buy a game of Monopoly and it was priced at $30. I simply said it's no more than $20 at Target, Walmart, etc. her response was, "well buy it from there," "then said, "she's tired of people asking her to go down on prices!" She didn't even give me a chance to ask if she could match the price because she interrupted me and I was calm. I totally understand the answer would be no but tone is key. She was so disrespectful and that's not ok. You don't get to talk to me or any potential customer any kind of way so I will NOT be shopping at this store. Ever. read more

I try to support local business, but every time I walk into this store I feel very unwelcome, instead of magical toy kingdom it feels sad and haunted with a grumpy staff behind the counter. Tell me your story...why do you work at a toy store again? I would love to see them supporting the Oakland Teachers during the strike in their neighborhood, not really any sign of that. Solidarity schools could have used some support - some books stores in the area have even invited kids for storytime and books were discounted for classroom. The prices are high, the selection is just okay, not really many of the trending toys, and I don't dare to ask any questions. read more

They have an amazing selection but the absolute worst customer service. I'd rather throw my money at Amazon or Target. I try to shop small business whenever I can but refuse to give this store any more business. I think perhaps my skin is the wrong color because there was another family that was being treated very well. read more

What does one do if one has time to eight hours to kill? That's the question Miss Bad Idea Bear and I faced as we tried to find out how to spend the day with each other without one of us ending up dead out of boredom or end up killing each other. I'm joking of course because Miss Bad Idea Bear is one of the only women I could spend a whole day with and not want to jump out of a building to escape the monotony. So we came here looking for a game or too. Wow...small selection and overpriced. Do you want Legos? They're marked up by 40% for some sets. Yikes...highway robbery at it's best...so we ended up going to Target instead. 3 stars to support local small business...but that's about the only thing going for this place. read more

Purchased a very neat dracula puzzle here, and had a difficult time picking one out since they have so many awesome puzzles! Lots of fun things for kids, but will be back when I finished with this 1,000 piece one. read more

This is one of the Montclair Village's charming little stores that I love! I love supporting a small town toy store- way better than going online!! Great place for last minute kid gifts! Plus, they will help you with gift wrapping read more

I have been coming here over 30 years - since I was a kid, and this place is definitely a wonderfully stocked toy store. However, I came in today (alone with three small children) and made a purchase for a long road trip. After returning to the car, one of my small children needed to use the bathroom so we ran back and and they refused us service. While of course a retail store may not have a public restroom, I literally cannot fathom a TOY store that does not understand the needs of small children and refuses to be gracious enough to let young kids learning to use the toilet go when they need to. It's one of multiple times that the customer service there has been rude, curt, and dismissive, which makes it a hard place to want to share my business with when there are tons of other great Bay Area options. read more

Unfortunately I will not come back to this toy store and I urge others not to. The woman working there hovered, in a rude and menacing way, around my two small kids while they were picking toys. Instead of being friendly, her first response was to tell them to clean up. All they did was pick a couple of stuffed animals. Another example was when my two year old picked up a coloring book and the woman walked over to her and said to her "where did you get that from" as if accusing my two year old of stealing. Reallly? A two year old?? It was all extremely rude. And here is a thought - if you own a toy store, don't get mad when kids play with toys? I can't help but think it was race related as my kids were POC. Very disappointed and it left a very disconcerting and disgusted taste in my mouth. You just don't talk to kids like that in any scenario, especially not in a toy store. read more

Rudest woman at the front I've ever met. I wish I left earlier. I shouldn't have felt so uncomfortable in a toy store. What the fuck? You could feel how cold she was with her body language and the way she talks. This woman should be avoided at all costs and does not care about the customers. read more

Toyhouse Montclair has been there for what seems like forever. I remember as a mulleted 5th grader in 1985 - there were 2 places in Montclair Village that you could buy gifts for whatever birthday party you were going to. Toyhouse, and The Paperclip. And while The Paperclip is long gone, Toyhouse remains. Of course, shopping a small local business as opposed to Target or the horrifically soul-sucking Babies-R-Us means you're going to pay a premium - but in some cases, that's okay with me. Free gift wrap. read more

My son went into this Toy Store, on Wednesday, April 25 at around 2:00 p.m. My son explained to me, his mother, that he made a comment, "This product would be cheaper at Target." in front of Rick, the stores owner. My son then stated that Rick pushed him physically and said, "Maybe you should go to Target." My son felt humiliated, and was very concerned that an adult would treat a child in this way. When I called the store to ask them about the incident, they said, my son was a liar. I have never been to a store that was so disrespectful to its customers, no matter what their age. This is outrageous! I strongly recommend not supporting this store. read more

I shop here all the time. They have a nice variety of toys, basic art supplies, books. The owner is very knowledgeable and helpful if asked. He always offers help. Is he warm and fuzzy? No. Do I care? No. I personally don't need to be coddled in every one of life's transactions. I can't believe the bad reviews here are all regarding this man's personality. Sensitive people tend to have bad experiences wherever they go. And a kid accuses him of pushing him? Give me a break. Over a Target pricing comparison? Teach your child why prices are cheaper at Target. And to respect adults. read more

Had a disappointing experience shopping at this store. I purchased a toy only to find it was missing pieces. I returned the very next day to get a refund and the store clerk indicated my only option was she could order me another one. I told her I did not want that, as I had already made two trips to the store and did not wa t to make a third, nor did I trust the next unit would not have quality issues. I insisted on a refund. I actually was going to look for a different toy but when we got into this pissing contest I kept insisting and finally left with my refund. She banned myself and my family from shopping there ever again. Funny, as I don't think I ever would. read more

This place was in business when I was very young and I am not so young now, but it is still a great toy shop. As for the old guy, he is no Mr. Rogers, but he is very nice and cares about kids so stop saying bad things about him. HMPH! I like how they run things here. When the Beanie Baby phase was in high gear, they sold the bears (more valuable to collectors at the time) at list price ($6) and only sold one per person to allow more people to get a chance to buy one. They could have hiked up the prices or sold the lot of them to greedy traders for faster turnover, but they didn't. Toyhouse sells good, quality toys and offers excellent service. Also, their complimentary gift wrap is pretty and perfect when you forgot to buy a present until just before the party. read more

Not sure why this shop is getting bad reviews, but... I needed a specific Bruder Trash Truck (a rear loading one) for my son's birthday. They had one in stock, but it was a returned item (one of the trash bins it came with was broken). The kind gentleman behind the counter sold it to me with a bit of a discount (which says a lot cause those Bruders are kinda expensive). Not only that, he phoned me a week or so later to tell me that they had a replacement trash bin that he gave to us at no charge. And also, every single time we've been there (with or without our son), the gentleman has been nice and courteous to us and always asks if there's something he can help us with. Love the Toyhouse! read more

I like the Toyhouse, it's a great little neighborhood toy store that has just the right mix whereby you aren't overwhelmed by aisles and aisles of toys but there is usually something that fits the bill. It's a bit overpriced but they don't exactly get to sell in bulk, so the premium is often worth it for the convenience factor. The owner can come across as a bit crotchety but he's nice enough. Anyway overall it's a nice spot and one I frequent quite often. read more

Great selection for little kids and really nice gift wrap :)

We've always had wonderfully friendly service at this store. We never fully appreciated this store until our first child came along. The store has been great at keeping us supplied with gifts for birthdays and holidays. We've always had great service from the gentleman we see there, but the woman who is there can be a bit distant and somewhat surly at times. Still, we love our neighborhood toy store. The store is long and narrow, so navigating a stroller around can be a bit tough at times, esp. if a shipment has just arrived. read more