Play Talk

The Play Talk Blog shares stories, play ideas, and parenting resources to support growth, creativity, and joyful learning at every stage.

January 5, 2025

Organizing Your Playroom

Organizing can be a challenge, especially when kids are involved. Here are some tips to make organizing your kids play space easy, stress free and even FUN!

Read moreabout Easter Baskets by Design

March 1, 2019

MANHATTAN TOY STORY: Why Under the Sea?

August 2, 2017

Tangled Up in Bleu - Jeanne Bleu, Our Creative Director

July 14, 2016

The Creation of MiO: Part 1 First Steps

The Creation of MiO: First Steps - Part 1 of this 3 Part series MIO – FIRST STEPS The original idea for MiO sprang from a series of events - a lecture at the Nu...

June 17, 2016

Behind the Scenes: A Toy's Journey From Idea to Best Friend

At Manhattan Toy, we find joy in making playthings for kids! Our wish is to create toys that become childhood favorites, but a lot of work goes into making unforgettable toys. Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a Manhattan Toy approved friend? Take a visual tour with us to see how our newest baby collection is coming to life! STEP 1: TREND RESEARCH The whole process begins with trend research. We travel the world, searching our surroundings for inspiration - store visits in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tokyo - trade shows in London, Paris, New York - along with trend forecasts and web research. This helps us to deve...

June 2, 2016

Is It Fun? Is It Safe? Is It IRRESISTABLE?!!

February 8, 2016

Sneak Peak at NY Toy Fair

NY Toy Fair is coming up this week and it is one of the biggest events for us each year, if not THE biggest. Planning for this event takes several months. Read more below for a small glimpse at what...

November 8, 2015

Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

It’s almost that time again! Every year, members of the “ASTRA” (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) participate in Neighborhood Toy Store Day. Saturday, November 14th, is the date of this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day. ASTRA retailers across the nation...

July 15, 2015

The Magic Behind Top Ten Toys

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the Greenwood area in Seattle, Washington there’s a fascinating toy store by the name of Top Ten Toys. Just off 85th street, Top Ten Toys has Seattle’s largest selection of classic, hands-on and fun...

May 14, 2015

Your Yukon Toy Destination: Angellina's Toy and Children's Boutique

In Whitehorse, the capital city of Canada’s Yukon Territory, there is a remarkable place you ought to visit. The Yukon offers many extraordinary sights throughout the year. You may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or witness the wonder...

April 15, 2015

The Story Behind “Big Blue Whale”

When you find yourself walking down historical 19th street of the Houston Heights shopping district, there are several boutiques and shops you may come across. Perhaps you find yourself inside a thrifty antique store, or seated in a comfy chair...

October 22, 2014

Neighborhood Toy Store Day: Nov. 8, 2014

It’s almost that time again! Every year, members of the “ASTRA” (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) participate in Neighborhood Toy Store Day. Saturday, November 8th, is the date of this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day. ASTRA retailers across the nation...

August 14, 2014

Retailer of the Month: Brilliant Sky Toys

This month’s featured retailer is Brilliant Sky Toys and Books. Director of Vendor Relations, Whitney Hall has worked at the Brentwood, TN location since it opened in 2010. This August marks the four year anniversary of this franchise location. As a...

July 9, 2014

Retailer of the Month: ABC & Toy Zone

ABC & Toy Zone in Rochester, MN has been in the business of selling toys for almost 20 years and has a bright future. And, we're extraordinarily proud to say that Manhattan Toy has been working with them 18 of...

July 2, 2014

Our blog is moving next week!

We are thrilled to say some blog changes are happening at Manhattan Toy, and all for the better! We've been so happy to get our blog up and running on Blogger, but now after developing a good editorial team, content...

April 23, 2014

Retailer of the Month Feature: Five Little Monkeys

The History and Magic Behind the locally-owned, family run, green certified, San Francisco Bay Area toy store Owner Stephanie Sala opened the first Five Little Monkeys location in Albany, CA in 2001. Opening her own toy store, was not part of...

March 7, 2014

Today is National Salesperson Day!

We would like to take a moment and thank all of the Sales Groups, Sales Representatives and Retailers that promote and sell our toys and gifts. We greatly appreciate the efforts from all of our Road Warriors! Each one of you is...

February 5, 2014

Retailer of the Month Feature: Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's

Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's is a sweet family owned and operated store in The Glebe, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Our partnership started a long time ago, because of our mutual love for Whoozit, and it's blossomed ever since. Specializing in quality...

January 29, 2014

Adventures with Manhattan Toy

Guest Blog Post: Grace at The Daily Obsession Cabin Fever is a term my husband uses to dramatically announce that he is delirious from being trapped our apartment for too long. With the winter temperatures and all that white stuff on the...

January 22, 2014

Embrace the Cold and Get Outside!

Don't let the blustery weather keep you inside all winter long. Just bundle up and prepare for the outdoors the right way. Here's our tips great for little ones and adults alike! Fuel up. Whether off to school or going out to...

November 6, 2013

Retailer of the Month Feature: The Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop

The Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop in Berkley, Michigan is truly one of a kind - starting with it's history and Grandma Kay Parish who opened a small doll repair shop in 1948. Today, it now stands as a legend in the...

October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!

We hope you have some spooky and fun plans today whether is be trick-or-treating with your kids or friends, a party at your child's school or at your office or just watching something haunting on TV. Because many at our...