Best Educational Toy Shops In Boston

Sometimes all the big, bulky plastic toys on the "it list" for the holidays are a bit too much to take. Sometimes, you just want a toy or a puzzle that is not only unique and fun, but educational as well. You'll be pleased to find that there are several stores in the area catering to this kind of clientele.

Boing! JP's Toy Shop

667 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617.522.7800
www.boingtoys.com

Boing features educational and out-of-the-ordinary toys. Instead of rows and rows of Barbie and Superman figurines, you'll find shelves stocked with puppets, books, sorting games and train sets.

Magic Beans

312 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02446
617.264.2326

361 Huron Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.300.0171
www.mbeans.com

Magic Beans is an all-in-one store for babies and kids. They sell everything from toys to strollers. The best part is, at Magic Beans, you can find some of the lesser-known toy brands. The prices can be a bit high, but the store does carry high-end products; so while finding a super bargain might be hard, discovering a wonderful toy will not.

Tadpole

37 & 58 Clarendon St.
Boston, MA 02116
617.778.1788
www.shoptadpole.com

Tadpole is stocked with quirky items and fabulous wooden toys that will bring you back to your childhood. There are two locations and they are right across the street from each other. One store features baby stuff while the other focuses more on toys. For the environmentally conscious buyer, Tadpole has an entire line of eco-friendly items, including baskets, towels, plates, blocks, clothes and toys.

Stellabella

1967 Mass. Ave. (Porter Square)
Cambridge, MA
617.864.6290

1360 Cambridge St.(Inman Square)
Cambridge, MA
617.491.6290
www.stellabellatoys.com

Stellabella is a great place to find fun and original toys for the child in your life. The shelves are stocked with high-quality toys that you may not be able to find in the bigger chain stores. They also have a play space for kids, so they stay occupied while you shop.

Henry Bear's Park

Porter Square Shopping Center
Cambridge, MA
617.547.8424

19 Harvard St.
Brookline Village, MA
617.264.2422
www.henrybear.com

Henry Bear's Park is a small eccentric toy shop that is everything but commercial. It is a nice break from massive stores like Toys R Us. There are several unique and interesting toys to choose from, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. There is even a play area for kids to hang out and explore.