Review Highlights
“First off, I want to go back here to shop just so I can watch them gift wrap!” in 5 reviews
“They really have a lot of quality toys and helpful staff.” in 3 reviews
“A neighborhood toy store with incredible service, family run, lovely employees that bend over backwards to be helpful.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
Amenities and More
About the Business
Business owner information
Judy I.
Here at Mary Arnold Toys, we have an 86 year tradition of excellent customer service and carry a great selection of toys from newborns to tweens. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect present or toy for every occasion. We offer free gift wrap, free local delivery, same day messenger service in Manhattan, and we can ship items throughout the US. Can't get to the store? No problem! Online Ordering available. Along with our online store, Mary Arnold Toys has a variety of newborn toys, arts and crafts, dress up, Lego products, board games, puzzles, science kits, plush, puppets, and outdoor toys.
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Overall rating
30 reviews
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1 star
- 7919320Jul 21, 2023
NYC longest continually running toy store, Mary Arnold Toys is a gem and I'm so glad we found it on our recent trip. They have toys and accessories for all ages, from newborn through tween.
Our 6year old was enamored with the bedazzled swim goggles and picked up a new barbie. She used her new debit card to pay and the lady working at the counter was so patient as she navigated remembering her pin, taking much longer to pay than I'm sure most customers do.
We will certainly return on our next visit!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Aug 29, 2022
There aren't too many toy stores left so this store is a little bit of a diamond in the rough.
It's mostly for younger kids but my niece who's 11 years old loves to come here still.
Decent sized store and a decent selection of toys. They have some name brand things as well as independent or less name brand toys as well which is nice. Action figures, games, sports stuff and I want to say drones and bikes even. More of a boutique shop and the folks that work here are super nice and polite.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Apr 25, 2022
I went to Hunter College in the 90's and at that time, Mary Arnold Toys was in the 60's and much MUCH smaller. I loved going there because they often would have action figures that were hard to find elsewhere. Sure I paid a slight mark up, but it saved me the trouble of searching hours and hours for it all over the city and I didn't have to pay scalpers. I have fond memories of many trips to the OG store, so I was really ecstatic to find out the store had survived in the decades since *and* grown!
The current location, a bit further up in the UES, Mary Arnold Toys is now located in a shop that is easily 3x the size of the one I went to all those years ago. This shop caters heavily to younger kids (so it is not an older collector's paradise or anything) but that's awesome. Lots of families live in this area and I imagine this must be a wonderful place for them to visit with their parents and pick up something cool. There is a wide variety of items from plush animals to educational toys to funny desk toys like a "Cat-a-pult" which fires small PVC cat figures! I actually did find a "Transformers" action figure I had been looking for, so they do have a few.
Price-wise, the action figure I purchased was probably about 1/3 more expensive than it would have been at say, Family Dollar. But once again one has to consider the time and money involved in searching for the figure (I've looked for about 3 months with no success) and of course being in the UES. I happily paid the extra few bucks and it felt nice to buy a figure at Mary Arnold once again after a long absence.
The staff is super nice and helpful and will help you pick something out if you're note sure what to get. They also offer gift wrapping which is a huge time saver. If you're in the area, I definitely recommend a stop at this wonderful shop!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - 500024929514Dec 23, 2020
I was in the area so I stopped in to see what kind of stuff they had. It is a smaller boutique type toy store which a lot of different stuff. They have all sorts of toys for all ages. I'm assuming the prices are higher here since it is located in the UES. I love supporting local businesses so I hope this place survives in the face of Amazon. I will say it was busy when I was in here and they have staff floating around to help you find what you are looking for. Come check it out!
Helpful 16Thanks 0Love this 16Oh no 0 - Ljubica C.New York, NY011Mar 27, 2023
This place has a truly impressive curated selection of toys, games, costumes and some books too. Friendly owner as well.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Olivia M.Bowie, MD11327Nov 4, 2021
Fabulous selection of wonderful toys. This place was a highlight of our recent trip to Manhattan. We were able to get some wonderful items for our five-year-old grandson. The reason for the loss of one star is that they followed us around the store (my husband is African American) too much for my taste. Enough so that we were slightly uncomfortable.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 5000386571858Nov 4, 2017
My favorite toy store Upper East Side! We were waiting out front this morning until 10am when she opens. Most businesses would go right by the clock to open the door. Not Mary Arnold. She let us in.
I love the selection of toys. I especially love toys that take me back to my childhood. The price range of the merchandise is broad enough that anyone can find a gift or that special toy surprise without being disappointed.
I go to enjoy the seasonal items too. They're gearing up for the holidays. If you're in the neighborhood check out the Steiff Bear in the front window. Beautiful huge bear from a historic company.
Inside you will find my favorite Dolls in a glass case under the register. Madame Alexander was very popular in the 1950's. My Mother being a seamstress would make tiny clothes for mine. The store bought wardrobe was beyond my parents budget. I did get a doll on very special occasions. I wish I still had my doll collection! Oh well. Can't take it with you!
I'm a kid at heart. I like this store. Visit Mary Arnold and see if you agree!Helpful 57Thanks 0Love this 60Oh no 0 - Joanie A.Centerport, NY1503Feb 9, 2021
Best place to get toys!!!! What a great place to bring your child !!! They were so friendly! Kathy rang us up and made our first toy store experience INCREDIBLE! What a treat during covid for some normalcy and great memories. They were so clean and covid compliant. I felt so safe and comfortable. Just tell them what you're thinking of and they bring it right to you!! Can't recommend this store enough.
They even do gift wrap!!
Can't wait to come back to this toy store on Lexington Avenue!!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Robin G.Manhattan, New York, NY0181Jan 18, 2021
Great store, helpful staff. Quite a big selection of toys and games.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Lin P.Manhattan, New York, NY025Dec 1, 2020
I love this toy shop! They have toys and games for all ages and even have seasonal holiday options. I came in looking for a gift for my nephew, and the owner helped me pick out something just right. They also gift wrap for you. There is something special about the personal touch here -- check them out first if you are someone who auto-pilots to buying on Amazon!
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