Best of Philly

Best Toy Store

2020 Best Way to Cut Down on Toy Shopping

Rutabaga Toy Library

The biz model at Krystal Cunillera’s cheery East Falls toy lending library is simple — and simply brilliant. Pay a $35 monthly membership fee, check out up to three toys at a time (options include everything from Kick & Play piano gyms to Frozen-themed scooters), then exchange whenever your kids get bored. Not only will you cut down on spending and clutter; you’ll also be doing your family’s part to cut down on waste. Read More »

3452 Conrad Street, C2, Philadelphia, PA | 267-297-5293 | Website

2019 Best Toy Store

JaZams

You’ll feel like Tom Hanks in Big when you walk into this Peddler’s Village stalwart. Read More »

Peddler's Village, Route 263, Lahaska, PA | 267-544-5641 | Website

2019 Best Shopping Experience

The Shop at Puttyworld

Goo, slime and putty obsessives, take note: At this new shop, you can mix up custom putties, play with giant blobs of neon yellow and cotton-candy-scented glop, and occasionally get a glimpse of inventor “Crazy Aaron” Muderick. Read More »

700 East Main Street, Norristown, PA | 610-784-0607 | Website

2018 Best Smart-Kid Toys

Momo’s Tree House

This beloved toy boutique continues to swap out battery-operated playthings for more thoughtful, brainy fun: a grow-your-own-crystal set, a dino-eggscavation game, an outdoor-survival research kit, and tons of girl-power merch. Bonus: They now offer $10 same-day delivery within Center City (and free delivery to CHOP!). Read More »

205 Arch Street, Philadephia, PA | 267-457-2803 | Website

2017 Best Toy Store

Tildie’s Toy Box

Satisfy brainy tots—and their helicopter parents—at this Penn-grad-owned toy shop, which skips Disney and Marvel paraphernalia in favor of a clever, gender-neutral assortment of games, toys and puzzles. Read More »

1829 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-334-9831 | Website

2016 Best Toy Store

PucciManuli

This shop feels like the set of The Nutcracker, where items like heirloom rocking horses, model boats and life-size stuffed animals (some of which cost thousands of dollars) share space with sweet wooden puzzles, floppy teddies, and goods made by old-school crafters. Read More »

35 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA | 484-466-2067 | Website

2015 Best Toy Store

Momo’s Tree House

Every lawn game, art kit and ride-on the kids unearth here is handpicked, totally wholesome and -- most importantly -- fun. Plus, parents and babes alike really dig the free play area and craft table. Read More »

205 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267-457-2803 | Website

2014 Best Toy Store

Kids Shop at Please Touch Museum

End the frustration of the one-and-done plaything by scooping up the remarkable toys at the Kids Shop at Please Touch Museum. The same experts who keep our kiddies engaged and educated for hours give their stamp of approval to every puzzle, book and game here. Read More »

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA | 215-581-3181 | Website

2013 Best Kids' Toys

Duck Duck Goose

Theres a smart collection of owner-approved playthings the kind of well-designed, safe, decidedly non-obnoxious games, trikes, dolls and art kits that kids and parents love. But thats only half the story. DDG also sells handmade Etsy-like goods from locals; has an indoor drop-in play space that costs $9 a day; offers group activities like Build-It Fridays and Itch to Stitch Thursdays; and maintains a partnership with the Eilandarts Center, which gives you access to cool classes. Read More »

702 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ | 856-869-5453 | Website

2012 Best Toy Store

Happily Ever After

This is the type of charming throwback place that makes shopping for toys fun again. The helpful shopkeep knows everything about every book and toy, whether educational (Uncle Goose language blocks), trendy (Sophie giraffe and Olivia the Pig) or classically collectible (Robert Tonner dolls). We'll never give in to the big-box lure of a Toys "R" Us again. Read More »

230 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-627-5790