Jesse’s & Evan’s Toy Stores in Hamden, Orange

image from evanandjessestoys.com

Jesse’s & Evan’s toy stores are the best local antidotes against those impersonal, big box toy stores.

Honestly, shopping at Jesse’s or Evan’s is such a refreshing experience.  For one, you’re likely to meet the owners Mickey or Lori while shopping.  I’m just a regular Joe and I’ve met both on different occasions.  They pride themselves in hand picking the best educational toys on the market, and so far as I can tell, they do a darn good job.  With this, they can also answer any toy-related question you throw at them.  More, they  go out of their way to help you find the “right” toy.  During a recent visit to Evan’s, I was looking for a gift but didn’t have anything specific in mind.  After browsing for a while, Lori came to my rescue when she noticed I was at a loss.  What struck me the most was that she patiently showed me one toy after another, after another, after another…until I finally decided on the perfect gift.  I really expected her to show some sign of frustration because I admit, I was a pretty wishy-washy customer that day.  But she just kept smiling.  She never ran out of suggestions and let me take my time.  All this AND free gift wrapping.  Score!

If you haven’t already discovered Jesse’s and Evan’s toy stores, make it a point to shop there the next time a kiddo you know needs a shiny, new toy.

the essentials:

Hamden – 1647 Whitney Avenue, #203-230-2840

Orange – 185 Boston Post Road, #203-799-1301