The Toy Chest — Local services in Hope Township

When I was a kid, the toy stores I grew up with in NYC where TOYS R US, KAY BEE TOYS, and FAO SCHWARTZ. Now as an adult, and as a father, those experiences are mostly gone. Long gone are the two toy giants, and although I am happy FAO is back, it’s not quite the same.

Today we have TARGET and WALMART, with the latter being a joke, and the initial mention being a competitive war zone god forbid you want an exclusive or a nostalgic toy to share in fun with your child — too many trolls, scalpers, and poachers in the toy world these days.

But behold Kirk, and his awesome toy store in Hope, NJ. Located about 36-42 min from me, this is truly a destination area, and well worth the drive. The little 2 story barn looking structure contains everything from NECA action figures, to Diamond Select Marvel figures, to retro Godzilla and Star Wars, all the way to SideShow, Hot Toys, and PLAYMOBIL, lego all the way to retro cap pistols, slime, books, retro games and more!!!

Kirk, the owner is a real pleasure to deal with and a true conversationalist, and guru of toys. The man knows his toys!!!!!! The experience is so great, that I find myself visiting often, even without my son haha! It’s so fun and so cool, I want to spread the word to the world, and drive tour buses to the locale — that’s how great the place is. Whether you are new to toys, a hard core collector, or just need something special and fun for that next birthday, The Toy Chest in Hope, NJ is worth every mile. And if you live in NYC, guess what? It’s worth the gas and tolls.

And for you adults looking for something to do afterwards, a mile down the block is an amazing brewery and restaurant with a great outdoor seating area — Buck Hill I believe it’s called; great IPAs and make sure you try THE CHICKENATOR! I’m telling you, this is truly a great trip and you can make a nice day out of it — toys for all ages and then grab some great food and drinks...

You owe it to yourself to experience this toy store. In two words: Willy Wonka. The owner, Kirk, is as close a living embodiment of the beloved character as exists anywhere. I have visited the store a number of times since it opened and each time I feel 'the magic'. For all adults who are old enough to have warm memories of visiting dedicated toy stores in their youth, and the excitement and wonder that it provided, you need to check out this place. I totally enjoy going here for myself, but my daughter is now almost 4 years old and I was looking forward to bringing her. Man, her eyes were huge. Her mouth wide open. Every direction she turned in she saw other things she needed to show me. The owner is the real McCoy. One part business owner and 5 parts a grown up kid who is excited about everything in his store and LOVES to talk to you about it. Whatever age you are shopping for, there are a multitude of choices housed in the two level converted historic house. If a toy store could live and breathe this would be it. From the sheer amount of products inside, to the cozy feeling, and the fact that its in little Hope, NJ ( you feel like you found it). I just left the other day and realized as a grown man there is no other single store, and store owner, that brings me the child like happyness of my youth. The magic of old still exists....at...

Who would have guessed? I had passed this place so many times in my travels going to fishing spots. I finally stopped in with my wife and we were there for at least an hour "oohhing and aahhing" at all the toys we remembered from our youth. In addition there is a truly great selection of all new and contemporary toys. But, 30-somethings and over will truly be blown away by the selection of vintage 70's-90's toys. The owner KNOWS his stuff and jumps at the chance to talk about anything and everything toy related. He's not just pushing product, he is a true guru of toys. My wife and I picked up numerous things ranging from Twilight Zone and Star Wars to vintage Fischer Price record player and a 'sleep-tight' bedtime story book for our baby. The store's location is in a beautiful and secluded part of NJ. It appears odd to have such a cool store in the "middle of no where". But, after being in it you have that feeling like you found it and the location seems perfect. All in all a definite 5 out of 5. GREAT family...