Top Brookline, MA Local Independent Toy Stores

December 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Today I don’t write about real estate in Brookline, MA, but about my other passion: shopping.

Shopping for children can be most challenging, yet fun and gratifying experiences. For a gift guide for anyone and a well organized shopping plan, turn to Pragmatic Mom’s post on the 12 Days of Shopping. Then find the right stores.

It may be hard to beat prices of online and in big chain toy stores, but you can’t compare the shopping experience to your local independent toy store. You find several of these fine shops in and around Brookline, MA. Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, chances are you have to go to a toy store, so try one of these fine establishments and make it an adventure for the kid in you.

Magic Beans.

For toys and baby gear, Magic Bean is a well established Brookline, MA store, located in the heart of Coolidge Corner. It has a space for the kids to play so you can do you shopping in moderate peace. Although the store is a bit crammed at times, the staff is extremely helpful.

Location: 312 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA Phone: 617.264.2326 Online: mbeans.com Twitter: @mbeans

Henry Bear’s Park.

Huge store in Brookline Village with an excellent selection of toys for all ages. There are several areas for play – a train, dolls, and reading area. The store is well organized and can suck you in for hours. Bring your little one with you for an opportunity to choose toys and books together.

Location: 19 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA Phone: 617.264.2422 Online: henrybear.com Twitter: @henrybearspark

Irving’s Toy and Card Shop.

Step into a time machine and visit the 50’s in this old-style toy store run by Ethel Weiss since 1939. Take your kids with you, or leave them at home for some real fun. This is your spot to pick up small toys, candy, and delight the little kid in you. It’s a must! Irving’s is located in Coolidge Corner, across from the large Kehillath Israel synagogue.

Location: 371 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA Phone: 617.566.9327

Boing! Toy Store.

For interesting wood toys and earth friendly play things, take a trip to Jamaica Plain’s Boing! There is plenty of room to play and great staff. There is a 20% discount on any toy you buy for the toy drive, a great idea and an opportunity to teach kids to make a difference for other kids.

Location: 667 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: 617.522.7800 Online: boingtoys.com Twitter: @boing_jp_toys

Stella Bella Toys.

With locations in Cambridge, Dedham, the trip from Brookline is worth it. This is a favorite spot for my girls as we visit the Legacy Place in Dedham location often. The selection of crafts, dolls and trains far exceeds what you expect in a small urban space, and they still leave plenty of room for play. Stella Bella also has a free gift wrapping station!

Location: several including Davis Square, Inman Square and Legacy Place. Phone: (617) 491-6290 Online: stellabellatoys.com

Kids R Kids.

Packed with toys of all kids for all ages, this West Roxbury, MA toy has something for everyone. It seems every time I pass by it the large shop’s window is calling me for another visit. If you come with children, there is a large train table for play, but otherwise the store is not ideal if you have a running toddler with you. Plenty of parking, located across the West Roxbury branch library.

Location: 1952 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA Phone: 617.323.3991

Eureka! Puzzles.

For older kids and adults who love puzzles and games, go to Eureka! Puzzles in Coolidge Corner. Mechanical puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and every kind of toy to exercise your mind. You’ll find gifts in all price ranges and probably end up buying something for yourself.

Location: 1349 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA Phone: (617) 738-7352 Online: Eurekapuzzles.com Twitter: @eurekapuzzles.com

This post was inspired by my recent Hannukah shopping sprees which I enjoyed immensely. One of he great things about living in Brookline, MA is the selection of independent local stores offering wide selection and superior shopping experience.

If you are shopping for a bigger ticket item, like a house or condo, you can search my database for homes for sale in Brookline, MA

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Three West Roxbury Houses Priced in the $400,000′s

October 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are 55 houses on the market in West Roxbury, 19 of them are priced in the $400,000′s. To make your West Roxbury house search a bit easier I’m reviewing three homes in superb locations worth a look.

9 Park Street, $469,000. New to market, this is a 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bath home of approximately 1700 sf. Beautiful located in the Highlands, 9 Park Street is surrounded by grand historic homes just a short walk from Centre Street. It’s a red house, situated on a corner lot. The house has a wood burning fire place in the large living room, an oversized dining room and big kitchen. You’ll need to pass through the half bath to access the door to the back yard. Four well proportioned bedrooms upstairs, and a walk-up attic suitable for storage.

The basement looks as if it was finished many years ago and can probably be easily restored to a usable living space. The rest of the home needs a facelift, cosmetic updating throughout. You’d have to paint the house immediately, the kitchen and bath renovations will be necessary in the coming years, but the house is livable as it is. For a classic home in a convenient and prestigious area, this is a great choice, but only if you don’t mind investing some sweat equity.

204 Weld Street, $434,900. Three bedrooms, 1.5 bath, 1400 sf colonial. Located on busy Weld Street, this unassuming white side-entrance colonial has a new kitchen and cheerful colors. The main floor features a half bath off the new kitchen, a living room, dining room and heated sun-room. The best part is the expansive deck, with stairs down to a level yard.

Three bedrooms upstairs are simple and serve their purpose. The house is bright, comfortable and clean. Perfect for a young family who wants outdoor space. For 1400 square feet, it’s a good choice if you are looking for a super-easy commute to the city.

120 Russett Road, $425,000. Brick bungalow of about 1400 sf, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It’s like a Cape and a Ranch had a love child. Almost all the living space, including bedrooms, are on the first floor. Walk directly into the dining room, which is completely open to the living room. This large space is flooded with light from the many windows. Kitchen is a bit awkward but also had good light and is easily tolerated with all white finishes.

The hall in the back of the home leads to two well sized bedrooms and a bathroom. Walk downstairs to find a slightly musty finished basement. With a little bit of work, this space will be much more usable.

From the main level you have stairs leading to the second floor. There you find a large master suite, complete with skylights, generous closets, and a private bath.

Located between Weld Street and Centre Street, you can easily walk to catch the train or get on the bus. Walk to shops and restaurants. It’s a quiet area populated mostly with single family homes and two family homes. From 120 Russett you only have to walk 3 minutes to Hynes Field, one of the best hangouts for dogs, kids, and sports lovers. It’s one of my regular hangouts. See you there!


120 RUSSETT RD, BOSTON, MA 02132
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MLSPIN data last updated at December 12, 2012 7:32 PM ET
Filed Under: Review of Local Listings, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,