Savvy Shoppers’ Survey

Woolgathering
318 E. 84th St. (1st & 2nd Aves.)/212-734-4747
Tues 10:30am–7pm, Wed–Fri 10:30am–6pm, Sat 10:30am–5pm.

The Edge: Everything for the knitter. § A small shop with a good variety of different types of yarns. Instructions given. Has samples of handmade things to show different designs and styles. Offers workshops and instruction. Custom sweaters available for sale or design to order. § “Unusual yarns, good instruction and advice.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 35 30 35 30

West Side Kids
498 Amsterdam Ave. (84th St.)/212-496-7282
Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.

The Edge: Quality books and educational toys for young children. § Books and educational toys, along with videos, puppet theaters, arts and crafts supplies, and the standard toys and party favors. Find inexpensive stocking-stuffer toys at the front of the store.

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies

Warner Brothers Studio Store
800-795-9277 x2 for locations
Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun noon–8pm.

The Edge: Hollywood kitsch. § Lots of memorabilia and labeled items from Warner Brothers’ films and characters. § “Great novelty store.” “I don’t like my children being a walking ad!”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 37 33 33 30

Village Chess Shop
230 Thompson St. (West 3rd St.)/212-475-8130
Daily noon–midnight.

The Edge: Competitive chess games and everything for the chess aficionado. § Come to play for about $2 per hour or to buy basic to special chess sets. Find unusual chess sets (in brass, ebony, onyx, pewter, and more), as well as backgammon and cribbage sets. § “Unusual selections, good conversation.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 45 40 35 35

Toys “R” Us
800-401-TOYS for locations
Mon and Thurs–Fri 9am–9pm, Tues–Wed and Sat 9am–8pm.

The Edge: Likely to be the lowest prices in town for toys. § The country’s largest toy chain finally made it to New York. All the latest toys, bikes, wagons, cars, and crafts. Don’t expect help and, at Christmas, it’s every parent on his or her own. No delivery. Discounter. § “Big selection, but the prices aren’t great and the lines are long.” “Don’t go the day before Christmas!” “Keeps kids busy.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 39 22 20 35

Star Magic Space Age Gifts
745 Broadway (8th St.) 228-7770 / 275 Amsterdam Ave. (73rd St.) 769-2020 / 1256 Lexington Ave. (85th St.) 988-0300
Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm.

The Edge: The stars steal the show here. § Features maps of the stars and constellations, and telescopes in all sizes. Also books, games, and toys— all related to the stars. A cluttered, fun place to take the kids and not worry about breaking the bank. § “Great for stocking stuffers.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 29 33 30 31

Rita’s Needlepoint
150 E. 79th St. (Lexington & Park Aves.)/212-737-8613
Tues–Fri 10:30am–6, Sat 10:30am–5pm.

The Edge: Top drawer. § Beautiful things, very unusual canvases, fine wools, and helpful people—but very costly. § “Gorgeous canvas and good help, but expensive.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 40 40 40 30

Red Caboose
23 W. 45th St. (5th & 6th Aves.)/212-575-0155
Weekdays 11am–7pm, Sat 11am–5:30pm.

The Edge: New and old model railroads. § New and antique trains, including vintage Lionel and American Flyer models, and remote-controlled cars and boats. Also construction models. Great selection and range.

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies

Penny Whistle Toys
Manhattan: 448 Columbus Ave. (81st St.) 873-9090 / Westchester: Pound Ridge 914-764-8699 / Long Island: Bridgehampton 516-537-3875
www.pwtoys.com
Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm.

The Edge: Upscale store with unique children’s toys, especially craft kits. § Large selection of good children’s gifts, including craft kits, jigsaw puzzles, toy cars, trucks, and dolls. § “Unique gifts.” “Nice selection.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 40 42 42 38

Noodle Kidoodle
516-677-0500 for locations
Mon–Sat 9:30am–8, Sun 11am–5pm.

The Edge: Has the latest craze. § A must for Beanie Babies. 15% off. Internet address: www.noodlekidoodle.com § “Cute toy store, but steps hard for stroller set.” “Fine array of toys and such.” “Good for computer games.” “Okay for a variety of things.” “Okay offerings, but no great deals.”

Leisure hours & parties
Toys, games & hobbies
quality style service value: 39 34 31 31