This is, in my mind, exactly what a beach town store should be like. DIY / repair hardware, tools, beach-themed household goods and decorations, toys, beach equipment, and more. Walking in here, you can tell it's not like other stores and you can just feel the beachy, summer vibes. Maybe that's just because of the associations I feel between this store and summer vacation, or maybe it's just because that's what this place is all about. It's a bit more expensive than some other stores, but you're 100% paying for convenience. It's one block from the beach and located right in the heart of Lavallette. In my opinion, it's a great place to have in the neighborhood. read more

Simple - You earned this because the older guy that was at front cash register (probably the owner-but who cares- YOU were the FIRST impression!) area did not even look up at my family ONCE when we came in. Couldnt say hello? Good Morning? Then when others came in immediately afterward he was all chirpy and happy. Forget you - if you dont even have the common courtesy towards all that enter your store. Seriously- Thank you whoever you were for making us NOT want to spend a dime in your store! Work on your manners. read more

Lots of toys, kids clothing, beach stuff and other assorted random things. The staff is helpful. Conveniently located close to the beach. read more

Ben Franklin - Toy Stores Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

This store is a throw back to the general stores of the last century. Ben Franklin was a competitor to Woolworth's ( still in business in europe ), W R Grant, S S Kreske's ( now k mart ) and a few more. They have morphed into more of a hardware store as well as a beach supply store. You name it, it is here. Kids will have a blast in here. Just remember you broke it, you bought it. I am so happy that this store has survived the changing economy cause in this small burb this is the store that everyone goes to. Keep up the good work people. read more

No trip to the shore is complete without a stop at Ben Franklin's. This is a great place that has nearly everything. It's kind of a hybrid beach/souvenir/hardware/toy store. I've been coming in here for 35 years or so. If you have a rental house in the area and are in need of something they more than likely have it. Many times we've needed something for the kitchen like a cork screw or something, and we buy one here then leave it behind for others to use. Beach chairs, can openers, boogie boards, ant traps, Christmas decorations, sweatshirts, postcards, puzzles, books, motor oil, sea glass, almost anything you need to complete your stay. And at the register they have a cool selection of some throw-back candy that you rarely see anymore like Turkish Taffy, Charleston Chew, Mallow Cups, and others. And they carry 'Yes and Know' invisible ink books that I remember from my childhood. I buy a new one every year. read more

If I could give no stars I would. I was shopping with my wife and three kids. We were buying hats, water shoes and toys until my six year old needed to use the bathroom. I asked a sales associate and he said they have no bathroom, then I asked the woman at the register "can my daughter use the bathroom?" And before the words were out of my mouth she answered, " sorry you are going to have to go some place else". So we did just that, we dropped our purchases and left. A gentleman came out and said, "I heard that, they are the only show in town and they know it, they are ornery and rude all year round". Well, they lost my sale and every one of my friends and family's. Go to B&B they are a block away and nice. Also all of their items are at a huge mark up, a beach cart I got at costco for 39 dollars was 70 at the Ben Franklin. read more

I hope this place is here forever. Cool stuff and they have most everything you could need. Just like the old 5 & 10 I grew up with.

This place has a wide variety of kids toys, beach supplies, tourist items (such as postcards, Lavallette figurines, etc), Lavallette sweatshirts and more. But everything is just WAY TOO PRICY. A lot of stuff is not worth what they're selling it for. But if you're a tourist that wants a little Lavallette Jersey Shore knick knack because you live a couple hours away and don't mind spending a lot, this place is for you because you will find a lot here. read more

This store has been here since I was a child. Great store from gifts, beach fun needs, home necessities. They have it all , great service too. read more

This place is awesome! And the staff is super helpful! Needed to print documents for work, and the helped me out quickly without charging me an arm and a leg. Besides that, this store is amazing. They have everything under the sun, from pillowcases to anything you could possibly need on the beach. Plus lots of household things s like tablecloths and blankets. So if you forget anything, they have it! read more

I have been purchasing items at this store since my first trip to Lavallette in 2000. Every summer there is always something I need, and they usually have it. However, the staff there, especially if there are no adult supervisors around, just DO NOT CARE. I just returned from a 4 day weekend and brought my 89 yr old mother, who was in a small transport wheelchair. Several of the aisles were blocked with items, a step stool in one, a set of tray tables in another. There were 2 young people working there - when I mentioned to the girl behind the counter that the aisles were blocked, and it was not condusive to the handicapped, she looked at me like I was speaking in another language (maybe the language of work?) then proceded to continue her conversation with her co-worker. Needless to say, I had a few choice words and we left, but not before I put down the items we were going to purchase. Last time for me in that store. Besides, they are really over priced!! read more

This is store is amazing! They have everything you need: home decor and supplies, hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies, and many toys and games for the beach! I bought Christmas ornaments and the staff wrapped each ornament in bubble wrap so they would not break on my way back home. I was amazed at how nice and helpful the staff was and how carefully the items were wrapped. Definitely will be going back there again!! read more

This store really is "as good as it gets." I've been coming here for years, both during the summer and during the off-season, and I've never had a negative experience. Occasionally, you'll get the summer employee who really doesn't want to help you, but I remember when I was fifteen and working my first job. I can't say that I really wanted to help people either. However, the core group who are there all year round are truly helpful and sincere. It's a quality store with a bit of a throwback and solid selection of just about everything. You can tell there has been a positive resurgence in the store over the past couple years as well. Long live Lavallette! read more

This place is a quirky little time warp and it's a treat to visit. We stop by a couple of times every time we are staying in Lavallette for things we need and a few fun impulse buys. They have just about everything - sort of like Amazon.com in a five and dime store. The negative reviews are not really warranted. Firstly, they don't have public bathroom - it's a busy seaside town and if they had one, they'd be mobbed. Go to a restaurant or gas station. Secondly, the store/building is probably 75 years old and was not designed with the ADA in mind. It's crowded, that's part of the charm. Sorry, it might not really be accessible for a person in a wheel chair - do you really expect them to clear the aisles? Bad prices? While I doubt they are going to hold a sale on sunblock in the middle the summer season, we've found that the prices are as good or better as any of the big box stores and we are very diligent on getting good prices on household items. I distinctly remember we once picked up a very specific type of stretchy safety release cat collar that was less than half the price of what they were in Petco. As for the person giving one star for not being greeted, are you serious? He didn't look up, well maybe the guy was doing something that required his full attention and didn't hear you - you said he was older- besides the world doesn't revolve around you. While I'll concede young summer employees may not provide the best service, but that isn't specific to the BF and hardly reason to give a very low review considering what a little gem this place is in a world filled with generic big box stores in strip malls where everything is exactly the same. read more