Best Online Toy Stores for Kids and Collectors in 2024

Platforms for e-commerce have exploded in all areas of shopping, and toys are no exception. On the contrary, the pandemic encouraged online shopping, and the trend continues. With so many options right at your fingertips, toy shopping has become easier than ever. Kids who want the coolest new toy and collectors dreaming of something special alike gain from buying toys on the web.

Convenience, quality, and authenticity all play an equal part in picking an online store. This guide looks at the best online toy store picks of 2023 and beyond. Here's what makes them the best toy sites and how you can pick one or multiple new favorites.

Best Places to Buy Toys Online

Take a peek at some of the great stores you can come by online for a collectible or a fun toy for kids and kids-at-heart.

ToyShnip

ToyShnip online toy store is a family-run toy store that is small but always welcomes a personal touch. They have over 130,000 amazing items, from collectible statues to Marvel FiGPins and action figures (like Goo Jit Zu toys).

Being an online-only store lets ToyShnip put all its focus into one spot, have competitive prices on toys and trinkets, and earn its place as one of the best toy website options available. They take care of each toy, treating them as collectibles and shipping them out in mint condition. Their care for quality becomes obvious from raving customer reviews.

What sets ToyShnip apart the most, though, is their passion for toys. Their inventory is always up to date with both trending and hard-to-find items, so there's something new and exciting for casual shoppers and collectors alike.

Fat Brain Toys

Fat Brain Toys makes safety a priority. Parents know that the toys they buy here are of the highest quality and standards to keep their kids safe. Fat Brain Toys offers an impressive selection of toys, games, and gifts for kids of all ages and interests. They also help kids learn. And why not? Playtime can be educational and enjoyable at once.

They have rightfully earned many awards and an appreciative fan base. This, combined with their innovative products, has established Fat Brain Toys as one of the best toy retailers around.

Big Bad Toy Store

Big Bad Toy Store is one of the best toy sites, a haven for collectors of all kinds, casual or enthusiastic, offering action figures, toys, and collectibles. With an inventory that includes both kids' and adults' items, you can find exactly what you're looking for at this store.

The website is easy to use, so you can view categories, new arrivals, or featured pre-orders. This retailer is committed to quality and authenticity, so when you buy from them, rest assured – you're getting the real deal. If you like to get your hands on limited edition or popular items first, Big Bad Toy Store has a neat pre-order system for upcoming releases.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods is one of the most unique toy stores online. Its commitment to sustainable and responsible practices is evident in its selection of eco-friendly items with minimal environmental impact. You'll find a unique, diverse range of products to suit everyone. If you like quirky gifts, handcrafted pieces of art, or just the good old toys, it's all there.

Uncommon Goods supports independent artists and designers, so whatever you buy is authentic, high quality, and original. And they don't just talk the talk. They're actively involved in the community, too, giving back to charitable causes.

HearthSong

HearthSong is one of the best places to buy toys online because it understands the magic of childhood and encourages imaginative play with toys that are age-appropriate and high quality. For nearly four decades, they have been there for the kids who are experiencing the joys of their formative years. 

The store's commitment to outstanding service and wholesome, age-appropriate play has made them a mainstay in the industry, fulfilling their vision of adding wonder to every childhood. Being a part of TEAL Group Holdings gives them access to resources to keep offering the best products.

Kidding Around NYC

Kidding Around NYC has been around the New York City toy scene since Gary Grant started the store in the 1970s. It's a place where people of all ages go to find something special and create lasting memories.

This store strives to make each visit something special, so they focus on diverse products and brands for different interests and age groups, including the Early Learning Centre, Addo, and more. Their mission is simple: bring joy and wonder to every single childhood.

Hasbro

Hasbro has been a mainstay in the toy industry for decades. For over four decades, this renowned brand has introduced new toys and games to children and avid collectors alike, including Monopoly and the Transformers franchise. This company has been at the forefront of the toy industry with captivating and entertaining toys for people of all age groups with figures, educational toys, and much more.

Not just a toy-making powerhouse, Hasbro is dedicated to ensuring every product meets its high standards for safety and quality. The company's dedication to making a positive impact doesn't stop there either with its involvement in different charitable causes, most notably its commitment to corporate responsibility. 

Mattel

Mattel is a global behemoth in the toy industry. It's home to some of the most iconic brands we all know and love. They are constantly pushing for innovation and top-quality products to captivate and entertain children all over the world.

Not to be outdone by other notable toy manufacturers, Mattel is dedicated to responsible and sustainable business practices. They also recognize diversity and inclusion, so their toys appeal to all children regardless of background. Finally, Mattel is involved with various charitable initiatives worldwide that support education and promote children's well-being.

The Entertainer (The Toy Shop)

Gary Grant started out in the 1970s with a humble toyshop. Over the years, The Entertainer has grown into a fantastic spot for many toy buyers. Everyone who visits leaves with lasting memories. The Entertainer has a clear but simple goal: to fill every childhood with wonder.

They want buyers to feel like they're entering a world of dreams and imagination. To achieve this, they continuously expand their quality offerings and cater to everyone who walks through their doors to ensure each person has a unique experience.

Toys R Us

Toys R Us is an iconic seller of kids' toys, well-known and loved the world over, and many readers may have grown up with it. The store has high safety and quality standards in place and a huge selection of products.

The website is fairly user-friendly, with every possible toy and game at your fingertips and a seamless checkout system. What's more, Toys R Us frequently has some amazing offers and discounts.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Toy Store

Trustworthiness and authenticity are the name of the game. Children of all ages should have access to a diverse selection of safe, age-appropriate toys – plus, making sure you get the best price always helps.

Look at customer reviews and community feedback to see if the seller is reliable. And also, don't forget that eco-friendliness can make a real difference, so if that matters to you, look out for eco-packaging or sustainable manufacturing.

Pros and Cons of Shopping Online for Toys

The biggest plus of online shopping for toys is convenience. It's fast, you can compare prices from different websites, and there's a massive selection for even the rarest or international items. Plus, you get the excitement of waiting for a package to arrive, which some people love.

However, there are drawbacks. You can't physically touch or inspect the toy, which could lead to surprises when it arrives. Also, free shipping isn't always a given, and delivery delays happen a lot during busy seasons. Packaging materials and shipping can mean extra waste that might not be recyclable or reusable. On top of that, returning or exchanging items online isn't as easy as in person.

Make Your Move: Where Will You Shop Next?

Shopping for toys is wondrous (and sometimes a bit draining). When surfing online stores and browsing through the most popular toy retailers, remember that trust and authenticity are key. With ToyShnip, you can count on a huge selection of over 100,000 brand-name collectibles with quality assurance — pretty amazing for collectors and forever-kids.

The family-owned ethos of ToyShnip is apparent in every product, and they truly make an effort to bring joy. So, for an authentic blend of variety and passion for your next purchase, ToyShnip should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

What is the biggest online toy store?

Toys R Us was once the go-to store for finding toys online. But with the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon, they've stepped aside a bit. Amazon is now one of the biggest toy stores online.

What are the top eCommerce toy stores?

ToyShnip is one of the best online collectible toy stores, while Fat Brain Toys offers amazing educational toys, and Big Bad Toy Store is a hit with toy collectors. Mattel, Hasbro, and The Entertainer are also classics worth checking out.

What is the best resale site for toys?

eBay is where many go to find used toys. But there are others, like Kidizen and Mercari, that resell pre-owned items.

What is the alternative to Toys R Us?

When Toys R Us started to have difficulties, other stores stepped in to take the spotlight. Walmart and Target increased their toy ranges, and other big contenders such as Amazon, ToyShnip, and Fat Brain Toys gained acclaim.

How do online toy stores ensure the safety and quality of toys?

Good toy stores worth trusting put safety and quality at the top of their list of priorities. They get items from reliable makers and have detailed product descriptions. Many let you read reviews from people who have already bought the toy so you can see if it's worth getting.

Are there any online toy stores that focus on sustainable or eco-friendly toys?

Sustainability is getting more and more prominent, even for toy stores. For example, Uncommon Goods, EarthHero, and Green Toys specifically sell eco-friendly and sustainable toys.