As we head into the holiday season, it’s time to start planning gifts for all the kids in your life. Right now, all the box stores are rolling out the latest and greatest on the market. While these toys tend to be some of the flashiest around, they typically are destined for the same fate where they’re played with for a few hours before either breaking or being forgotten about entirely. If you’re looking for what kids actually want, I’d love to tell you all about Boing Toy Shop. This darling toy store is stocked with favorite products that will give your child endless hours of imaginative play.
About Boing Toy Shop
Since Boing Toy Shop opened in 2001, it’s been dedicated to helping families find high-quality toys and gifts for all ages. The local shop was started by long-time Jamaica Plain resident Kim Mitchell and is staffed by knowledgeable experts who are passionate about pairing you with your perfect product.
Whether you’re shopping online or browsing through the store, you can find someone who will give you answers and make sure you find exactly what you need. The shop is here for the long haul, establishing relationships that have lasted for generations. Many of the parents shopping there today were once the starry-eyed kids searching for the ideal toys to buy with their birthday money.
One of the best things about the shop is how committed they are to the community. The shop is located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood and is thoughtful with how they interact with the area. They get involved with tons of local non-profit charities as well as the schools. When you spend your money with them this season, you’re helping to support groups such as Spontaneous Celebrations, KidsArts, and The Regan Youth League.
The proceeds also go to the Curley K-8 School, the Mendell School, the Haley School, and the Elizabeth Stone House. On top of donating 10% of their annual salary, the shop employs local teens and partners with groups such as the Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center to offer invaluable job experience to diverse groups of young people.
Boing Kindness Club
As if all this wasn’t enough, Boing Toy Shop is intentional about raising kind kids. The store has a Kindness Club that encourages children to find ways they can be empathetic to those in their lives. Kids can go into the shop and tell the employees about the acts of kindness they’ve done. The shop will let them fill out a small card and display it on the wall. They’ll also let the kind kids pick out a small prize from the gift basket.
You can check out this incredible shop at 667 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.
Products
For over 20 years, Boing Toy Shop has won awards for their unbelievable toy selection. The shop has toys for all ages and makes it a breeze to shop for specific age groups. You can find developmental toys for infants from brands such as Fat Brain Toys and International Playthings. Stock up on colorful stackers, buy sensory toys, or grab a super soft snuggler blanket. You’ll find Dimpl teethers and cuddly stuffed animals. Their water toys will make bathtime a little more exciting, while their puppets will kick your child’s imagination into high gear.
Toddlers can build up their creativity with some easy-grip crayons or Play-Doh packages. You’ll find old favorites such as Mr. Potato Head as well as newer items such as the Tegu magnetic shape train.
As kids get older, they can build up their stash of Wardmaps trains, Magna-Tiles sets, and Squigz stackers. The shop has Lego sets (including their iconic botanical collections) and craft kits. You can also stop by and find a huge selection of games that will liven up your next family night.
Readers will positively adore the shop’s extensive book selection. You’ll be able to find classic titles, including Harold and the Purple Crayon, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Olivia, and The Gruffalo. The titles are full of representations from different cultures, and you can buy tons of books in foreign languages. They also have books that will teach your little one more about the world through science and history topics.
Specialty
On top of providing kids with lifelong memories through their products, Boing Toy Shop hosts regular events people of all ages will adore. During months with an extra Saturday, they host 5th Saturday celebrations. These events offer seasonal activities, indoor games, and small gifts your child can take home. They’ll also honor those more obscure holidays with fun activities. Want to compete in a frog jumping competition? Then stop by for Frog Jump Day! Love reptiles? Stop by during National Reptile Day so you can meet a bearded dragon. They honor World Hunger Day by collecting canned goods, and Giving Tuesday puts the store’s proceeds toward Toys for Tots.
Holidays are a little brighter with Boing!. The store brings in Santa, so your child can meet the jolly old elf and tell him what they really want. The shop also has events for Halloween, including a Candy Buy-Back Program that lets you exchange excess treats for serious discounts. All the candy they receive gets passed along to local organizations.
Finally, if you’re not following their page on Facebook, you’re missing out! Every day, the shop selects two new names and posts them. Kids with the listed name get to stop in for a free prize.
Boing Toy Shop
As we head into the holiday season, a reliable toy shop is one of the best assets you can have. Stop by Boing Toy Shop today so you can have the perfect gifts for the little ones in your life.
If you’re looking for another way to make this holiday season a little more memorable, let’s chat! I’m a Boston-based photographer, and I adore working with parents to plan relaxing photo sessions for their gorgeous families. As a mom myself, I know how quickly this time flies by, and I want to make sure you can remember every second. I would love to connect and show you my portfolio so you can decide whether I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
