Learning Express Toys

The internet and mega-​stores have driven many small retailers from the market on the East Coast — and in Ridgewood that means commercial retail space is mostly the stuff of boutiques and restaurants. To thrive here, boutiques must offer that perfect combination of uniqueness and convenience that the demographic demands, and The Learning Express is just such a place, nestled alongside the ever changing landscape of restaurant row on Ridgewood Avenue. TLE’s staying power for many years supports the thesis that this small business has the right stuff.
TLE is not the five and dime of my youth — still it has that small town, almost «New England-​y» feel to it — and that makes it a pleasant shopping experience for me. Sure, it is pricier than the internet, but you can handle the toys, talk about choices with friendly employees in the know, the selections are smart, and all are well organized. An easy choice for that special gifting occasion for children. Our 8 year old resident expert said that it is easier for him to see and make gift choices at LTE, as compared to his experiences at Toys-​r-​Us, or similar places. Makes me wonder why there isn’t a Unilocal for 8 year olds — after all –our kids do say the darndest things!

Nice store and selection but really over priced. Worth it if your rushing to a kids bday party and need a quick present with complimentary gift wrapping :)

I never seem to find a gift I’m looking for in here. It’s a small store and the nice shelving makes everything look like its worth the price tag they put on, but you can buy the same items and sometimes the same exact brands (at least when it comes to crafting kits) for wayyyy cheaper at any craft store. They have very nice playhouse items, but it seems this is good for smaller children who don’t already have a play set, etc. Once they have it this store becomes overpriced and redundant. They do seem to keep rainbow loom in stock even when the craft stores were running out, but that craze seems to be dying out now. Maybe they will have a better selection in the summer months for older kids. Seems this is a place to look if your trying to find something particular that other stores seem to be out of, they are usually pretty good with hot ticket items.