“Kind staff, great selection of toys and games, my go-to store for when I need gifts for my niece and nephew. Free present wrapping is clutch, and their rewards program often has actually great deals. Thanks, Boing!”
“Very cool spot. Went in looking for a specific Bandai model line and found it within five seconds of entry. After that, exploring the shop was fascinating. They seem to have laid it out from low to high difficulty projects, from the front to the back. Up front were my silly Japanese robot models, then shelves of TTRPG textbooks, then printable miniatures, all the way back to the store with the historically accurate scale models, history books, and tabletop terrain materials.
Very cool, will be back for more Bandai stuff.”
“I love their selection of games and puzzles and the staff here are beyond kind and helpful. To the sweet sweet human being who yippee with me about your dice options, I adore you ♡”
11AM - 8PM
349 Newbury St, Boston
Toy Stores
“Anime Zakka is a nice store located near the end of Newbury Street, close to Uniqlo and Muji. It is below ground, leading you into a place to be immersed by anime and Japanese pop culture.
I enjoyed browsing and wandering around the store, as there were many products I’ve never heard of or seen. I found Tomica cars, a product I’ve never seen in Boston before but know many car collectors may enjoy looking at. I also found many stuffed animals I never knew existed for products I like, such as Miffy.
The only downside is the products I did know were overpriced. I am a big fan of collecting lottery items, and they were nearly double the price at the store compared to what I could buy it for at online retailers.”
“Mudpuddle is a wonderful little toy store with a wide selection of board-games, sport activities, and many other items. Mudpuddle also has amazing birthday presents for younger kids, and they giftwrap at the store. Never fails to keep the little ones happy.”
“Such a great idea and execution. We stopped here on a rainy day with our 4yo and 6yo daughters and decided to make some magic potions. I think it’s a little expensive but our kids loved making their potions.”
“I recently took a small little vacation to get away from the Arizona heat and decided to do some comic book hunting on the North Shore.
I cannot recommend Harrison's Comics enough for any fan of pop culture or collecting. Wrestling? A section for that. Godzilla? A section for that. Back issues of Absolute Batman!? THEY EVEN HAD A SECTION FOR THAT.
Their comic selection both new and old were incredible and everything was so well organized.
I need to give extra thanks and praise to Quill and Tenley (I hope I spell both your names right!!!) both were incredibly hospitable and made each day of my hunting special when I popped by.
I had made a good amount of purchases (including an awesome Kenner Swamp Thing figure), so much that it wouldn't fit in my bag, Quill and Tenley made sure my items got back to me safely and securely helping me ship everything back.
I wish Harrison's Comics continued success and I look forward to returning hopefully next Summer!”
10:30AM - 5:30PM
24 Union Park, Boston
Toy Stores
“I feel like I’m in Europe every time I walk into this sweet spot - it is my favorite in Boston. It is full to the brim with treasures - the most beautiful children’s clothing and thoughtfully curated selection toys that you can enjoy in your home and make the most magical gifts. Everything I have purchased there is treasured by me and my children. The owner and her mother who work together there are a dream and such a pleasure to shop with, they have helped me on countless occasions. ❤️❤️❤️”
10:30AM - 5PM
663 E Broadway, Boston
Toy Stores
“I love this store ! they have such high quality clothing! I buy my nephew clothing here for his birthday and the holidays. The people working here have always been so helpful as well!”
10AM - 7PM
260 Essex St, Salem
Toy Stores
“Wicked Good Books had a great selection of books across the board. I appreciated that they had a whole section of books that highlighted Salem’s local history and a whole other section on witch themed books. They also had other books across many genres great for all age ranges. They also had friendly, helpful staff. I would definitely return next time I’m in Salem!”
“Our family loves Battleground! They're one of the few places that still carries Lorcana cards, and we're so happy they do. They're very kid friendly, and are always so kind. They've consistently gone above and beyond offering answers and solutions. Brianna has been especially wonderful, and has even given our daughter free promotional cards and stickers. They make our day every time we come in, and we're so happy to have such a great local game store so close by!”
9AM - 6PM
488 Main St, Melrose
Toy Stores
“Lilah Rose is one of my favorite little shops. Any time I need a gift for any occasion, I always make a stop at Lilah Rose. Everything in the shop is so fun and cute and there's really something for everyone!”
“This is a toy store(visited the Brookline location)with a variety of toys, books, creative projects and various other items. The little friends love visiting @ Henry Bear's Park!”
“Stumbled in while exploring Beacon Hill, had a very particular ask from our 3 year old and somehow had what we needed. Unique and curated selection of toys, and they did a beautiful job with wrapping it up.”
“A really cute toy store. Amazing people, amazing products. It’s always a joy to go to and I go out of my way for this one specifically due to their stock and personality. If the other Henry Bear’s Park stores don’t have it, this one is for sure to. There’s a puzzle actively being worked on when you go in, there’s a very welcoming energy.”
10AM - 5PM
46 White St, Somerville
Toy Stores
“Made my first visit yesterday for my 5 month old baby. What a cute store with such high quality goods. It's so nice to shop in person at a local business and see and feel what you want to buy! I got a cosy sleep sack for my baby and hope to be back soon.”
“This store is full of high quality toys for kids of all ages. It’s a must visit if you are looking for gifts kids will actually use. Staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable- thanks for the help Asia!”
“I wanted to share my fantastic experience we had at Lakeshore specifically with Meghan ( I hope that was her name) From the moment we asked for help she went ABOVE AND BEYOND for us. We have a grandchild who is severely disabled. She took the time to ask just the right questions in such a polite manner to find us the best toys and activities for him. I’m not a big reviewer but I believe, we have such terrible customer service in general in a lot of stores. Most employees hate their job. Not this young lady, she absolutely loved her job and it showed . I felt so good to see someone who enjoy what they were doing and it beamed through her to me and my wife’s experience. The service she showed will stay with her no matter where she works she will always put 100% into everything she does.
We were so lucky to have her help us that day find just the right activities to help our little one enjoy his gifts. We will be back and thank you again for making our stop there an enjoyable one .
To Lakeshore specifically, this employee is someone you want to hold onto for a lifetime . This is what will make your company grow !”
“Oh my god I am so Happy I live near Boston they say New York has everything but they do not have Charles Ro. This is by far the coolest store I have ever bean to if you love trains you have to come here. They have everything on beautiful displays and most items are in stock ready to come home with you today. If the model train manufacture makes it Charles Ro has it.”
“I have been in this store twice in the past 2 weeks and both times Olive was working. She was absolutely wonderful! I had so many questions about certain items and she answered them plus some . Olive made me feel so comfortable I didn’t want to leave and just keep shopping. The store was very clean and very organized. Everyone that walked in was greeted and welcomed with a beautiful smile from her. These days great customer service is hard to come by . I will definitely be shopping there for all my toys, hobbies crafts and more . Thank you Olive !”
“Went for an artist signing and it is a nice little shop tucked away in an indoor mall type building. It's not very big but has all the usuals + very friendly staff”
“Outstanding customer service from Susan!. Great products and a team who cares. I like to support local hobby shops but when you really need something the local stores do not stock, Guillow's on line store is super.Thanks Susan,Bob”
“Friendly, helpful staff and a great stop for thoughtful gifts. I come here for gifts of all occasions, especially in the cases I'm not too sure what to get someone.”
“Great little spot full of really cool and unique gift ideas, I find myself here often when I'm on Market St. sometimes it's something in the window that draws me in, other times it's just curiosity but this place never seems to disappoint. Worth a visit if you have the time and worth making the time for if you don't.”
10AM - 6PM
58 Clarendon St, Boston
Toy Stores
“I had a great experience with the staff here! I was looking for a particular car seat that I couldn't find in store anywhere else. I was able to verify over the phone that they had one in stock. The staff let me purchase the seat over the phone so that when I arrived I could do a quick grab and go. The associate who helped me, Emma, was great!”
“I love all the unique finds in this store ! But what I especially love is that my first time in here Jaxson went above and beyond to make me feel so welcome to always come back and receive the same awesome customer service! This was my third time in the store today and I was filled with good energy between Jaxson and (I believe the very helpful woman's name was..) Beth!!!? She's got some fabulous energy .. a doer!!! My second time here I'll be completely honest ... the checkout wasn't as helpful ... it just seemed as get me in and out ... and I missed Jaxson's energy from my first visit that I mentioned to them how it was my second time in and "where's the nice young man who helped me last time" ... all the workers adored him when I mentioned him. And being around the service industry for years , some people just have that energy that draws u to want to go back!! Jaxson has got that and I'm sure he will be very successful in life always!!! Love feeling welcomed and not judged where I go .. as the first time I went in I did feel a sense of being followed for stealing ... maybe it was my paranoia but I had a big homeless looking jacket on ... my hair was a mess ... I honestly hadn't showered that day ... and I felt so uncomfortable showing up until... JAXSON!! Keep up your good energy kid!! U can change a lot of peoples day!!! And u are going to make it so far in life!!! The paper store should just hand u the business ! ;)Happy holidays!!!Also I read the review about the "vulgar" language ... Get a sense of humor lady... we are all adults... and we wouldn't have children that are unaware of that language running around or walking in the store unattended ... unless ur just an irresponsible and ignorant parent... that review should be taken down Lady acts like she never saw a swear word ... ur kids see worse on the internet love ! Xoxo (this is in reference to her complaining about the adult humor oven mitts and socks )”
10AM - 9PM
1 S Market St, Boston
Toy Stores
“We went into the store today (July 5, 2026), right when they opened, because we needed a souvenir for our visit. The guy behind the counter was welcoming! We explored the first floor and then the 2nd floor where they had more stuff. They have a wide selection of souvenirs, including Boston Celtics, Bruins, and New England Patriots items. There are tons of Boston shirts, sweatshirts, and more! There’s something for everyone!
I would have given it a perfect 5 stars, but we picked up a Boston Red Sox hat. When we got back to the hotel, we discovered that the hat still had the magnetic security tag. Luckily, the store is just a short walk away. I went inside, showed the tag, and explained that we bought it earlier and the tag was still attached. The staff, who had checked us out, didn’t react at all. She seemed a bit annoyed and didn’t apologize or mention anything. You work at a souvenir shop and should smile more!”
10AM - 9PM
478 Artisan Way, Somerville
Toy Stores
“I love the store, excellent products with discounts all year round.
Excellent quality and without a doubt the best children's clothing store/brand! The staff are very friendly and attentive.”
“Walking into this retro game store feels like stepping straight back into childhood. Every shelf brings back memories, and somehow they have just about everything you could ever hope to find—and then some.
What truly sets this place apart, though, is Dom. He's the kind of owner every small business hopes to have: welcoming, genuine, incredibly knowledgeable, and someone who truly loves what he does. His prices are fair and competitive, but his kindness is what left the biggest impression.
Watching how generous and thoughtful Dom was with my boys meant more than he probably realizes. It's rare to meet someone who takes the time to make kids feel special while creating such a warm, nostalgic experience for the whole family.
If you're into retro gaming—or just want to support an amazing local business—do yourself a favor and stop by. You'll leave with more than just games; you'll leave with great memories.
Thank you, Dom, for reminding us that outstanding customer service and genuine kindness never go out of style.”