Creatoyvity

Time for an update, and this time, as a mom I have a few more moments that leave me wanting more and/​or scratching my head.
Still, after umpteen visits, I’ve never been approached of offered help. I just find this odd, especially given the plethora of choices within the store — everything from matchbox cars to blankets to a (very limited) selection of Zutano clothing. Its just bothers me that the employees stand behind the counter, gossiping and making a ton of noise but fail to even acknowledge customers unless they’re approached and spoken to first.
I like to peruse, but bringing my child here is somewhat difficult as they have no stroller ramps to get in an out of the store, making it a challenge to get in there unless I carry or wear her. The doors also push out, which means you have to open the door, stop it with your body, and heave the stroller up on the stoops by yourself, because lord only knows the staff won’t help you.
I sound like I’m ranting, so the negativity will stop there. There selection of toys, games and odds and ends is wonderful — something for every age, interest and child, for sure. The store is clean, ideally located on the corner of Rochambeau and Hope, and fairly priced. I do go here for gifts for the children in my life, of which there are plenty.
They just need to do something about their staff!

I love having a local toy shop nearby. It’s small but has toys for all ages. I love that they are not divided by gender.

I will start by acknowledging that I have a rambunctious crew of little ones: perhaps some of you can relate. But I have come to dread going in to this kids’ toy store with my actual kids, as some of the staff clearly can’t wait for us to leave. I feel pressured to buy stuff as sort of an apology and spend the last 5 minutes replacing all the toys on the shelves, even ones my kids didn’t play with. I asked once to close a propped open door so my toddler wouldn’t run out to the street and got sighing and eye rolling; another time, I was scolded for opening a box to examine a toy truck: «you’d better buy that!»
Overall, it makes me long for the bland anonymity of a superstore. Walmart doesn’t smile; neither does it humiliate you while charging you a 20−40% markup.
The other day at the Rochambeau library, I apologized for my kids’ behavior and the librarian, bless her heart, said — «Don’t be ridiculous! Your kids are just being kids, and we are here for them.» Creatoyvity could stand to learn a thing or two from their neighbor about having a little benevolence toward harried moms and their tots, i.e., their alleged target consumers.

If you’re on the hunt for a child’s gift, skip the big box toy store and head straight here. This shop is filled to the brim with awesome toys and it has something for everyone.
From toddler toys to crafts for tweens, they’ve got it all. And these are quality toys that stimulate the mind, not plastic-​y/​electronic toys from China that fall apart over time.
This store makes me wish I was 10 years old again, because I know I would have loved all of the craft kits in here!
Recently I came in for a 1^st birthday gift, and it was very easy to find because all of the toddler toys are grouped together and have the appropriate age group labeled on them. They also have a good selection of toys that «grow with baby» that you can alter over time to be age appropriate.
I was greeted when I came in the store, but no one hounded me offering help. The employees are definitely pleasant and helpful, but you need to ask for assistance. I honestly much prefer this style of customer service because I always feel awkward in small shops when people are following me around.
And I can’t get over the free gift wrapping! They even made me a super cute curly bow out of ribbon with a nice mix of colors. It was an awkwardly shaped box so I was super happy that I didn’t have to do it myself… I’m a terrible wrapper.
Next time I need a child’s gift, I’ll be back!

I don’t have children, and feel I have been an adult since the age of 10, but now I know people who have kids and have the desire to be the person who gives the best birfday and holiday related gifts.
Cousins are vegans, into natural seeming products, my best friend’s son likes simpler toys, where am I to go? After several horrible experiences at big box stores in their toy sections (cut to 45 minutes in toys r us and not making it past the distraction that is Barbie and how much she has changed and made me sad) I started looking into local or smaller toy stores. There is one in the Emerald Square mall I like, but really didn’t feel like making the trek to the mall on a cloudy day. Unilocal pulled through for me and I was on my way to Creatoyvity after a thorough inspection of their site.
Their website made shopping here so easy, as it says what they actually had in stock on the items. With a few ideas I was on my way. I wasn’t expecting as much to be in the shop as there was! Sections of play kitchen items, blocks, a whole wall of playmobil trains and accoutrements. The front of the store starts off with the more unisex toys that are perfect for tots from birth to age seven or so. The more gender specific toys seem to come with age and are located towards the back of the store.
I wandered around without anyone approaching me the whole time, but I may have looked crazed as I held about 4 toys (one may have been an item I wanted for myself) and was muttering loudly if I could get away with buying a toy that was ages 3+ for a 2 year old. (Those are just recommendations, right? Not hard and fast standards).
Once I came to a decision (and put down the child’s record player I could not justify buying for myself) I made my way to the cash register. One woman was closing out bills and taking gift wrapping instructions while another girl was furiously making the awkward toys into beautiful presents. I suppose since there was a steady stream of business and that everything I saw leaving the place had been gift wrapped, perhaps this is why I hadn’t seen anyone working out on the floor. I also would prefer to be left to my own devices when shopping and only assisted when I want assistance.
I’ll be back though, I have a third birthday party to attend in a month or two.

This store is really fun! They are an intimate toy store with helpful staff who will give you gift recommendations by age if requested. They have a toy selection that you won’t find at a large store. They are definitely my go-​to store for last minute birthday party gifts for my kids’ friends.
My favorite part is that they have toys out and available for kids to touch and play with. They let you linger in the store for a half hour while your kids play with the trains or other fun toys, which is really nice.
The only reason I gave them four stars instead of five is that they are a bit pricey. I’ve seen some of the toys they carry priced quite higher than what I’ve seen at larger chain stores.

This is the place I come to when I want a good quality toy or something other than the run-​of-​the-​mill big box store toy selection item. Creatoyvity has a great selection for boys and girls, toddlers up to bigger kids, educational toys and popular trendy toys. The staff member working never approached me as I wandered aimlessly trying to find something for my new great niece and her big sister. I did, eventually, figure out what to buy but struggled because the infant toy selection is very lean. A huge plus is the gift-​wrapping (the cashier even wrapped the inexpensive ‘big sister’ token gifts!). Four stars and not five because it is more pricey than it needs to be. I like to support local businesses though so I’ll pay the extra and just consider it a gift wrapping fee.

Best toy store: progressive and creative toys. 5 stars for what they carry but… the staff acts like they work at the DMV or other depressing place more than a kids’ store (but I remind myself that I go for the toys and then simply tolerate the check out process).

Sometimes when I just have to get that special kid a cool, unique toy… this is where I go. Yes, kids have too many toys, especially too many crappy toys that they don’t play with. (Trust me… I am a mom to one of those tykes.) However, Creatoyvity has some really neat stuff. They have lots of crafty, «make it yourself» kits… which keep kids occupied for hours and give them some pride in their handy work. You can find those uncommon wooden toys and dollhouses that don’t fall apart in 2 months. They have a plethora of board games and Legos (which are always great gifts)! I have noticed that recently they have been stocking a few more ubiquitous items… my 4 yos jaw dropped when she laid her eyes on a Disney princess Barbie (as I shrieked in terror and fruitlessly tried to redirect her); however, right next to that Barbie, was the «Dawn» doll I had in 1972! They get a 5 star from me for the sheer nostalgia factor!
The only down side of Creatoyvity that made me vacillate between a 4 and a 5 star rating, are their prices. They have many very reasonably priced toys/​crafts/​gifts, but they also have some totally outrageously priced baby accessories! I guess they are trying to appeal to the wide ranging income demographic of the East Side, and I can’t hold that against them.

I love this store. You can always find great toys or gifts for the kids and quality baby products. Everyone who works here is super sweet!

Good selection of unique toys (not the plastic commercial stuff made in China that falls apart). Helpful staff.
Best part: FREE gift wrap.
I like supporting a local business instead of a big box chain with poorly made toys.

What’s not to like about a neighborhood toy store that’s actually in your neighborhood?
I’ve known Russ and the gang since they opened Creatoyvity, and the store keeps getting better and better.
— Cool games? Check.
— Educational toys? Check.
— Gifts for under $ 10? Check!
— Things kids can buy for themselves? Check!
Lately they’ve even started carrying strollers and baby gear. (Not that I need that stuff anymore.)
And of course, they’ve been strong supporters of my work as a storyteller and author. My CDs and books are always in stock, and from time to time I stop by and tell stories.
Don’t go to a big-​box store for party gifts or big gifts. Save yourself the trip, the gas, and keep your money circulating locally!

If you’re looking to a buy a unique gift for a child. Look no further and go to creatoyvity! They have an excellent selection of toys including building toys, art supplies, kitchen toys, trains, instruments, bath toys, etc. These aren’t toys you’d find at your chain toy store– you’ll find Haba brand toys and others that are imported from other countries. I came here to buy Christmas gifts for my daughters and the people who work there are SO helpful and kind and will help you with anything. OH and they wrapped all my items for free! LOVE this toy store.

Creatoyvity gets major points from me for carrying a lot of Hello Kitty items. They also stock a number of other popular toy brands for which I am highly nostalgic, including Lego, Playmobil, Breyer, and Gund. The toys are a good mix of fun and educational (not that those categories are mutually exclusive), and all are selected to appeal to kids. Slightly pricier than your average chain toy store, but consider spending a few extra dollars to support a local business.