Best Toy Stores & Children's Boutiques in NYC

Jennie Utsinger:  This small Bay Ridge toy store has a well-thought out collection of educational and creative toys, games, and books. They also offer free gift-wrapping on site, so it's a perfect place to pick up a birthday present.

Jennie Utsinger:  Hipsters head to Babesta to outfit their kids in trendy city-inspired clothes. The store offers a curated selection of kids' clothes from indie designers around the world. You can also find plush slices of pizza, unicorn stickers, and a wooden spaceship kit among their selection of designer toys. There's also furniture and gear for all of your baby needs.

Jennie Utsinger:  My Little Sunshine has a Tribeca and a Chelsea location. Both stores carry stylish upscale labels, such as Bobo Choses, Mini Rodini, Oeuf, and Blu Pony Vintage. There's also a selection of toys and books. Bonus: your kids can have their hair cut while you shop!

Jennie Utsinger:  This whimsical shop is worth a visit even if you're not shopping for a toy or gift. The shop is filled with hand-crafted wooden toys from around the world. There are dollhouses, pull toys, instruments, cars, marble runs, coin banks, and intricate mechanical models. Playing Mantis also carries handmade dolls, animals, and puppets.

Jennie Utsinger:  Conveniently located across the street from Bleeker Playground is the family-run store, Teich Toys & Books. Teich carries a range of classic toys, books, games, and art supplies, including knit & wooden toys. Kids will love climbing on the large wooden locomotive and looking at books charmingly displayed in train cars.

Jennie Utsinger:  Yoya carries a selection of boutique children's clothing from US and European brands, along with carefully chosen toys and accessories. Should you want to bring Yoya's design aesthetic to your own home, the owner, Cristina, also offers interior design services for children's bedrooms and playrooms.

Jennie Utsinger:  Picnic is located in the heart of kid-friendly Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. This neighborhood boutique stocks boys and girls' clothes from newborn through size 12, along with a small selection of shoes, accessories, toys, and books.

Jennie Utsinger:  Grab a snack at the cafe - and a coffee for mom - and browse the adorable children's section at McNally Jackson Books in Soho or Williamsburg. In addition to storytimes, the stores host a variety of author events.

Jennie Utsinger:  Novelist and Brooklyn local, Emma Straub, owns this bookstore in Cobble Hill. Lounge on one of the comfy beanbag chairs with your kids while you listen to storytime.

Jennie Utsinger:  Kidding Around chooses toys, dolls, and games "to inspire creativity". Their two locations in Grand Central Station and the Village include brands such as Plan Toys, Haba, Hape, Djeco, and Green Toys. You'll find costumes, science kits, games, marble runs, dolls, blocks, pull toys and much more.

Jennie Utsinger:  Books of Wonder is NYC's oldest and largest children's bookstore, offering a huge selection of books, including limited editions and original children's book art. In addition to weekly Storytimes, Books of Wonder hosts launch parties, meet the author, and a variety of other events for kids. My favorite spot in the store? The wall of Oz, an entire bookcase devoted to Oz books by L. Frank Baum and his successors.

Jennie Utsinger:  This beautiful Brooklyn toy shop carries a careful selection of toys and unique clothing, including Waldorf dolls, brightly colored Grimm blocks, and felt fairies. The owners donate a percentage of sales to schools and organizations that provide services for children.

Jennie Utsinger:  This huge airy DUMBO bookstore is a must-see for little book lovers. The children's section has an excellent selection of books, including classics and current children's books.

Jennie Utsinger:  The Strand's "18 miles of books" includes a huge children's section on the second floor. On the weekends, Strand's twice-daily Story Time & Crafts provides an added draw: popular children's book characters, such as Elmo, Pete the Cat, or Madeline, attend the events, delighting young readers and parents alike.

Jennie Utsinger:  Inspired by the owners' two children (and dog!), this DUMBO children's store has a carefully selected array of clothes, shoes, toys, and books for kids aged newborn through 10. Apparel brands include Pink Chicken, Rylee and Cru, Mini Melissa, and Old Soles. Toys include current popular trends and classic favorites.