Grandma’s Place

This is one of the last old school Harlem stores. I love this place, and they carry a wide variety of multicultural books, dolls and toys. The staff is «AMAZING»! One of the cashiers remembered I was looking for a certain book and when a shipment came in, she emailed me without any prompting to do so. They are dedicated to helping their customers have a truly enjoyable productive experience. I will most certainly be back!

This place rocks. Unique toys that you don’t see everywhere. They have a wide selection of books in both English and Spanish, educational and just plain ol’ fun toys that are awesome. It is a small location but it feels like being in a toy house— that’s a GREAT thing.
Upon entering you are greeted with a warm hello. The store is family-​run so it was entertaining to hear the backstories for some of the toys (not for sale) that adorn the higher shelves.
I will definitely recommend this place.

Thanks to Unilocal,I decided to pass the shops on 125^th to hit Grandma’s on 120^th and I’m so glad I did. I found wonderful gifts for my best friend’s kid’s bday party — with tons of help from the staff at Grandma’s. They even wrapped my gifts free of charge. The entire experience was wonderful and I highly recommend a visit. I’ll absolutely be back.

I almost never write reviews, even though I always read them.
I feel compelled to write a review of Grandma’s Place because it is a magical place for my two girls. They always ask to go and visit! It has become our go-​to toy store for birthday party presents, learning toys and books featuring children of color. The store is small, but extremely cozy and very good about rotating product and keeping new items on the shelves. My daughters and I literally go there and spend HOURS! Dawn is lovely and the staff is always extremely nice and conversational. And love, love, LOVE the collection of black Barbies — reason enough to go!
Truly a neighborhood gem —

A gem of a shop!
I was thrilled when a friend mentioned this great shop right in Harlem. I visited and found some great activities and books for my niece and nephew. I was back 2 days later for more books and met the owner, Dawn — who is lovely.
They is a lovely space in the brownstone next door that can rented for a celebration. Cozy!
I highly recommend walking over and plan early — I imagine Grandma’s place will be swamped for the holidays.

Delightful little wonderland tucked into a residential block right off of the wide boulevard of Lenox. Multicultural books and dolls with African American features. You will feel like Alice falling down the hole when you discover it.

As someone previously wrote, this truly is a Harlem gem. I have always walked by on my way to the dog park at Marcus Garvey Park, but never had a reason to stop in. The woman working today (Sunday) was so helpful and sweet… I forgot my Unilocal user name but resigned up just to leave this review. I bought 2 great books for a 4 year olds birthday, and another activity book for his 7 year old sister I was very pleased with the selection and layout of store (books right when you walk in). All the best educational brands of toys (nothing junky), and a really great book selection including cultural specific books. I also signed up for the mailing/​calling list to be notified when they start back up story time. Highly recommended for the area and for NYC.

Nice little toy store with super friendly staff. They carry a great selection of African American themed books, as well as interesting dolls and toys.

This place is a real neighborhood gem. The west village and east side are dotted with lots of stores but this is the only one like it in Harlem. Good, educational, developmentally age-​approprite toys without all the overstimulation of video games and flashing light toys. Plus, something they don’t have in the other parts of the city – multiculturalism and diversity. Let’s support this wonderful business that serves our community so well!

All of the dolls that come in standard issue caucasion also come in various shades of negro! Perfect!
…and there’s a real Grandma at Grandma’s Place too!

I want to tell you about the best toy /​children’s store in the world.
Anyone would love this place. It is literally «Grandma’s Place» — go see Grandma Dawn, she is the sweet lady behind this amazing store. You’ll walk in and find real, fun, ‘contemporary classics’ — no video games, just lots of good old fashioned fun, classics, and the hugest collection of puppets, and lots of great books! So much better than just getting a gift card — there’s something here for everyone! If you’re ever in the mood for Amy Ruth’s soul food, or find yourself uptown, it’s well worth a stop, especially with the holidays coming xoxo Take the 2 or 3 train to 116^th street — walk up to 120^th and Grandma’s Place is right around the corner, nestled in the beautiful hundred-​plus-​year-​old brownstones. I kidsit up there, and my charge always wants to stop by on the way home. Please go check it out, and tell folks you may know about it — It’s a lovely place well worth the trip and a Harlem classic mom-​and-​pop that needs our love! xoxo

This store was a hit with my little ones (ages 6 and 7). They wanted EVERYTHING in the store! Just about ALL of the toys are educational! My duaghter walked away with a her sized cooking set (measuring cups, spatula… etc — I must admit, I have used a couple of them for cooking lol) I am planning on buying the dolhouse for my little one, it’s $ 150.00, but HUGE! and looks well made! If not, I will be getting the bag you can color yourself… :-)