Art of Play — Local services in New York

If you haven’t visited Art of Play yet, it’s time to treat yourself to one of the most delightfully unique shopping experiences in Brooklyn. This store isn’t just about selling toys and games; it’s a thoughtfully curated collection of hand-crafted items that will spark your curiosity, creativity, and yes—your sense of fun.

The store is full of unique games, puzzles, playing cards, and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Think beautifully designed objects that feel like they were picked just for you—whether you’re into mind-bending puzzles, joyful automatons, or the perfect deck of playing cards. Everything feels like it’s been hand-selected with care, so you’ll never be wading through shelves of generic, mass-produced stuff. It’s a place that makes you want to spend time browsing, because every corner holds something cool and unexpected.

The space is perfectly designed to let you wander and explore without feeling cramped. It’s open, airy, and has a table where you can dig into a game or try out a puzzle. The design strikes the perfect balance—clean, minimalist lines that allow the curated items to shine without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.

One of the best parts of visiting Art of Play is the staff. They’re not just there to ring up your purchases; they’re genuinely excited to talk about the products. Whether you need a recommendation for a gift or want to chat about the latest Karakuri puzzle, they know their stuff. They’re approachable, friendly, and always happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for (or just point you in the direction of something you didn’t even know you needed but now can’t live without). Pro-tip: ask Hal to show you the log. Trust me.

And if that weren’t enough, Art of Play also offers weekend magic shows! They're bringing in some of the best, world-renowned magicians and sleight of hand artists. Being able to watch close up magic in such an intimate setting is both magical and mesmerizing. I was lucky enough to see Andrew Frost while I was there and it was nothing short of incredible.

In short, Art of Play is a gem of a store that feels less like a shopping trip and more like a mini adventure. With its carefully curated collection, welcoming atmosphere, and a little bit of magic in the form of weekend performances, this Brooklyn spot is well...

Great little store, feels like walking in a harry potter movie set. Found 2 puzzles and a beautiful deck of cards as a gift. All well received gifts. 2 stars off for customer service. What's retail if the customers leave feeling a little awkward?

UPDATE: They contacted me and exceeded past standard customer service. I appreciated the email they sent. I have recommended the store to my people.

When the store is full, they seem to only speak to a 'certain type' of person. For example, while standing at the register the staff member never looked at me, while he began a new conversation with someone not even at the register, "Did you know we have events here?" he mentioned to two people, once while I was shopping, once while I was standing there trying to check out. He never looked at me standing in front of him and he never told me about their events, but maybe because I'm AA he thought I wasn't the type of person wouldn't be interested. It was very obvious ignoring. Too bad, because my girlfriend visiting next weekend would love to go to...

This is where time folds and wonder unfolds. Art of Play feels less like a store and more like a portal—one that invites you to rediscover your sense of curiosity. Every corner encourages you to linger, to marvel, to play. The shelves are filled with objects both whimsical and refined—from puzzle boxes and spinning tops to beautifully crafted home goods—all designed to ignite the imagination. The selection is deeply thoughtful and delightfully strange: a celebration of play, design, and discovery. It’s a space that makes you pause, think, and smile, with something for everyone, whether young or old.

At the time of this review, I haven’t yet seen one of the weekly magic shows—but they bring in world-class magicians from around the globe to perform in a hidden theater, and I can’t wait to return for it.

The charm of this place lives not only in the treasures on display, but in the people who share them with you. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate — they make you feel like you’ve stepped into something rare...