The focus of this category is on toys and playthings, used primarily to provide entertainment, primarily for children.
Since this is the shopping area of our directory, we will concentrate on toy products, including manufacturers and retailers who produce or distribute toys and playthings as a primary product.
The origins of children's toys go back to prehistoric times, with figures or dolls representing infants, soldiers, and animals, along with child-sized tools, found at archaeological sites, and toys have always been an important part of childhood. From classic wooden blocks to high-tech gadgets, toys help to foster creativity, imagination, and learning.
Historically, toys were made from natural materials like wood, cloth, metal, and clay, and there is still a niche market for such traditional toys, which are cherished for their simplicity and durability.
The 20th century introduced plastic to the toy industry. Today, the majority of children's toys are made from plastic. While many have lamented the domination of plastic in the industry, plastic also brought such toys as Lego bricks, Barbie dolls, and iconic action figures.
Still, growing concerns about the environmental costs of plastic and a yearning for simpler times in childhood have led to a resurgence of some of the more traditional toys. While still a niche part of the market, there is a growing demand for toys made of wood, metal, or other materials other than plastic.
On the other end of the scale, the introduction of electronic components has led to the creation of video games, remote-controlled vehicles, and interactive toys, although we are covering Computer & Video Games in another part of the directory.
Today, the toy industry has incorporated advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 3D printing, producing smart toys that can interact with children in more personalized ways, sometimes blurring the lines between play and education.
While there are many toymakers and toy manufacturers, large and small, some of the companies that have established themselves as leaders in the industry include Mattel, Lego Group, Hasbro, and Spin Master, while Toy "R" Us has become an iconic toy retailer.
Toymakers who specialize in wooden and metal toys include Bannor Toys, Uncle Goose, Maple Landmark, Hornby Railways, and Erector by Meccano.
These and other toymakers, toy manufacturers, and toy distributors are appropriate resources for this category, along with websites offering toy reviews and comparisons.
Categories
Action Figures & DollsEducational Toys | Novelty ToysWooden Toys |
Recommended Resources
Owned by BB Novelties, based in New Jersey, the online shopping site specializes in a wide range of toys, collectibles, and games, including products from popular brands like TY, Funko, Star Wars, LEGO, Pokemon, and others. Its online catalog may be browsed by category: Top Brands, All Brands A-L, All Brands M-Z, Groups, Pre-Orders, and Quick Links. Subcategories are listed along the left margin navigation. Coupons and discounts may apply, and gift certificates are available.
https://www.bbtoystore.com/
Build-A-Bear Workshop is an American retailer headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri that sells teddy bears, stuffed animals, and other characters. During store visits, customers go through an interactive process where the stuffed animal of their choice is assembled and tailored to their own preferences, including various scents, sounds, looks, and outfits. Other Build-A-Bear brands include Build-A-Dino, Beary Fairy Friends, Honey Girls, Kabu, and Promise Pets. Completed toys are available online.
https://www.buildabear.com/
The specialized retailer in Newton, Iowa is known for its large collection of farm toy collectibles, offering a wide range of farm toys in various scales, including 1/64, 1/16, 1/32, 1/43, and more. Its inventory includes both older, out-of-production items, and new releases, making it a good destination for collectors and toy enthusiasts. Online shoppers may browse by farm vehicle type, clearance items, and other criteria.
https://daltonsfarmtoys.com/
The British toy retailer was founded in 1981, and is based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England, where it was founded. The retailer has more than 150 stores across the United Kingdom, as well as in Jersey and the Isle of Man. Its products may also be purchased from its online business. Online shoppers may browse by age, type of toy, learning skills, brands, and special offers. A store locator is also included.
https://www.thetoyshop.com/
Founded by, and named for, Frederick August Otto Schwarz, the iconic toy store has been in operation for more than 150 years. The store location in New York City is provided, along with directions, hours of operation, and contacts. Its history, VIP, and in-store experiences are outlined, and career opportunities are noted. Online shoppers may shop by age, brands, new arrivals, holiday items, or by product catalog. Gift cards may be purchased, and its returns policies are noted.
https://faoschwarz.com/
Founded in 2001, the company is headquartered in Comstock Park, Michigan, and offers delivery and installation in homes and commercial establishments within its service area. Showroom visits are by appointment only. Its games include Air Hockey, Bubble Hockey, Crane Machines, Dance Games, Dartboards, Driving Games, Foosball, Gun Games, Golf Games, Pinball Machines, Ping Pong, Pool Tables, Redemption Games, Shuffleboard Tables, Skee-ball Games, Video Arcade Games, and others.
https://www.gameroomguys.com/
Hasbro is a multinational toy manufacturer and entertainment holding company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Hasbro owns the trademarks and products of Kenner, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, and Wizards of the Coast. Larger retailers carrying Hasbro products are featured, and its online shopping area features dolls and other toys that are listed by brand (Hydro Pods, Nerf, Star Wars, My Little Pony, Power Rangers). Shoppers may also shop by age or category.
https://shop.hasbro.com/
Located in Valencia, California, the online retailer offers a wide range of toys, collectibles, and games for children and collectors, including such brands as Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Disney, Ford, and Lamborghini, with free shipping on orders above $75. Its categories include New Arrivals, Star Wars, Best-Sellers, Flying Figures, Big Heads, Heli Balls, RC Helicopters & Drones, RC Cars & Trucks, and Playsets and STEM. Its policies are stated on the site.
https://hobbytron.com/
In business for more than fifty years, KidKraft's products are sold in over ninety countries, and include toys, dollhouses, furniture, and play sets for children. Online shoppers can shop by age or by skill, browse dollhouses, kitchens and pretend play, play sets and activity tables, kid's furniture, outdoor toys, or its bargain outlet. Its shipping, delivery, price matching, return, and promotional policies are stated, and warranty registration is available.
https://www.kidkraft.com/us_en/
The well-known brand specializes in creating high-quality toys and play equipment for children. Founded by 1969, Little Tikes' product range includes items like its Cozy Coupe cars, playhouses, sandboxes, trampolines, and sports and outdoor toys. Shoppers may shop by age or by product type, and make purchases online. Promotional offers, instruction manuals, warranty information, product registration, and product recalls are noted, and an affiliate program is available.
https://www.littletikes.com/
Known for its wide selection of toys, games, and books for children of all ages, Mastermind Toys was founded in 1984, and is located in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. Its product selection includes educational toys, arts and crafts supplies, dolls, action figures, books, and apparel. Online shoppers may shop its categories for Toys, Books, Apparel, Gifting, or Sale. Store events, offer details, and store locations are noted on the website, and a blog offers play tips and fun facts.
https://www.mastermindtoys.com/
Founded in 1945, Mattel is a US-based multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company headquartered in El Segundo, California. It has a presence in 35 countries and its products are sold in more than 150 countries. Mattel is the second-largest toymaker, in terms of revenue, after the LEGO Group, and is the manufacturer of Barbie and Hot Wheels, along with many other toys and games. Its product catalog may be browsed online, and product ideas may be sent to the company via a web form.
https://about.mattel.com/
Plushie Produce specializes in food-inspired plush toys that blend charm, comfort, and creativity. From adorable fruit plushies to whimsical dessert-themed stuffed toys, our collection offers high-quality plush decor, perfect for gifts, playtime, and home accents. With a focus on unique designs and premium materials, Plushie Produce delivers cozy companions that delight kids and adults alike. Discover a playful world of plushies that bring joy to any space. Go ahead, play with your food!
https://plushieproduce.com/
The company buys and sells pressed steel and metal toys of the 1920s and 1930s. The website features a virtual museum with photos and information about various toymakers, including American National Toys, Boycraft Toys, Buddy L. Toys, Dayton Toys, Gendron, and others. An introduction to the company, an inventory of toys available for sale, and information about the types of toys the company is willing to buy, are featured, and an online contact form is provided.
https://www.pressedsteelmetaltoys.com/
The online retailer specializes in a wide variety of puppets and puppet-related items, including hand puppets, ventriloquist puppets, animal puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, and stage puppets, catering to parents looking for toys for their children, as well as professional puppeteers, schools and other educational programs, churches, medical offices, and others. An itemized product catalog is provided, and purchases may be made online. Sale items are noted.
https://thepuppetstore.com/
Founded in 1971, Tower Hobbies is a well-known retailer of hobby products, particularly radio-control (RC) products, such as cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, boats, and model trains. The store also carrie parts, tools, and accessories used in these hobbies. Its brands, a holiday gift guide, and an introduction to its Loyalty Club are set forth, along with a product catalog, company history, conversion calculators, RC dictionary, coupon codes, and an affiliate program.
https://www.towerhobbies.com/
Family-owned and managed since its inception in 1984, the renowned toy retailer is headquartered in New York City, although the business is online only, and does not have a showroom. They offer a large selection of both new and vintage items, catering to collectors and hobbyists of all ages. Their inventory includes everything from classic 54mm toy soldiers to detailed play sets depicting historical battles and scenes. Plastic and metal toy soldiers, small-scale figures, and books are available.
https://www.toysoldierco.com/
The American toy, clothing, and baby product retailer was founded in 1948, and is headquartered in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The retail chain once had several stores throughout the United States and in other countries, but filed for bankruptcy in 2017, closing all of its stores in the US, UK, and Australia by 2021, and later opening more than 400 stores within Macy's in 2022. It is currently a subsidiary of Tru Kids, Inc. Shoppers may browse its products by age group.
https://www.toysrus.com/
The family-owned business is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its location, store hours, and contact data are provided, and online shoppers can browse its product catalog by brand, age range, and department (outdoor toys, new & cool, games & puzzles, books, maker kits, STEM and science toys, arts & crafts, baby toys, early learning toys, dress up, imaginative play, tween and teen, plush, active play, impulse, and others. An events calendar is included.
https://www.toysunique.net/
Toys R Us UK has made a comeback after bankruptcy and is now operating in nearly eighty stores throughout the United Kingdom, within WHSmith stores, a British retailer headquartered in England. Stores carrying the Toys "R" Us brand can be found through the website, and its product catalog is featured online, which currently highlights its Geoffrey the Giraffe product line of toys and children's printed and electronic books. Gift cards are available in the store.
https://toysrus.co.uk/
Based in Wicken, Milton Keynes, Buckingham, England, the family-run business was established in 1992, with a focus on outdoor child's play equipment from a number of reputable manufacturers, including Creative Playthings, Playtime Series, TP Toy, Plum Play, BERG, and All Out Play. Online shoppers can browse by brand, product category, climbing frames, trampolines, or clearance items. Swings, slides, and playhouses are also available. Store locations, hours, and contacts are given.
https://www.wickentoys.co.uk/
