Looking to visit the best toy stores in town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top sources of trinkets in Cambridge, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're in the market for gifts to amuse and entertain.
1. Black Ink
Topping the list is Black Ink. Located at 5 Brattle St. in West Cambridge, the toy store, which also offers cards, stationery and more, is the highest rated in Cambridge, boasting four stars out of 171 reviews on Yelp.
The store isn't far from its Beacon Hill outpost, but has more room to stock the tall shelves with various gifts. The merchandise spans toys and games for kids to glass jars, books and wrapping paper for teens and adults.
Click here to check out the store website.
2. The Curious George Store
Next up is West Cambridge's The Curious George Store, situated at 1 JFK St. With four stars out of 90 reviews on Yelp, the toy store and bookstore, which offers children's clothing and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
It has apparel, puzzles, games, toys, books and much more, all themed around that famous curious monkey. For customers looking to throw a Curious George birthday party, the store sells everything from party hats to invitations to different colored balloons with pictures of George on them.
For an overview of the merchandise, click here.
3. Joie De Vivre
Peabody's Joie De Vivre, located at 1792 Massachusetts Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the gift shop and home decor store four stars out of 41 reviews.
Open since 1984, the store's website describes itself as a door into the "world of delightful items -- clever, beautiful and original, as well as just plain wacky!" Their merchandise is suitable for any age and includes classic toys, jewelry, pop culture items and even rubber ducks.
For a full picture of their lineup, click here.
4. Henry Bear's Park
Henry Bear's Park, a toy store in North Cambridge, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 20 Yelp reviews. Head over to 17 White St., Porter Square Shopping Center to see for yourself -- or click here to shop online.
It is one of seven Henry Bear's Park locations, which carries games and puzzles, art supplies, toys and books for all ages, including kites and scooters.
