This place was a cool little toy shop located in downtown Claremont Village. The store was very clean. The lady working was really nice. We got a couple of gifts for my granddaughter's 3rd birthday. We didn't seem to spend too much! The selection here was really good. My favorite thing here was the giant sized Superman when we walked in the front door! Overall, a good short visit! Will come back for future toy needs! read more

See all

Marvelous toy store. I went in to grab gifts for my nephew and the selection was fabulous. They have a lot of options for kids and adults! From board games to puzzles, fidget toys and more! They offer gift wrapping and they do a great job! They also sell birthday cards. Everything you need in one place! Very friendly and helpful as well. It's nice to see a shop keep alive the magic of playing and learning. read more

Boon Companion - Toy Stores Near Me - Claremont, California

See all

This is a wonderful toy story with the different selection of toys. Have toys for all ages and we bought some things for our grandson. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area. read more

This place is a great location to stop with the kids, or alone. They have a life size Superman (great for an IG pic) and a wide variety of toys for toddlers, school aged children, and adults! If you are looking for a last minute birthday party gift, this is the place to stop. Although the prices are slightly higher than what you would pay on Amazon online, it is a local business and they need support to remain successful. Don't get me wrong, I have a budget and like to save, but I also believe in helping small businesses which is why I buy things from this store when I am in the area. If you have children, there are many toys out for them to interact with and the employees did not seem to have a problem with it. The area is a little small to move a single stroller, so I would not take in a double stroller if you have one. My only recommendation is for the owners of the store to invest in a form of security to prevent theft. There didn't seem to be anything at the door to prevent someone from steeling which could be the reason for one of the employees walking the grounds in a manner more like a security guard. That made it a little odd, but I could not blame him since kids could accidently walk out with something. Just a suggestion. read more

See all

I was walking with my family past the open front entrance of Boon Champion Toys and spotted a beautiful new Disney Beanie Babies Sparkle Ariel! These are a brand new product and my child is obsessed with The Little Mermaid so I had to get it for her. I spent $20.75 after tax. Everything in the store is displayed nicely and is very organized. The owner was at the register and was very friendly and kind. I'm happy to support this small mom and pop business, especially during these trying times with COVID. Be sure to check this toy store out yourself! (: read more

Boon Companion - I purchased The Little Mermaid Beanie Babies for my child at $20.75 after tax. Happy to support a small business like Boon Champion Toys! - Toy Stores Near Me - Claremont, California

See all

What a wonderful place !!!! The Boon Companion has been a long standing fixture in the Claremont Village and is well known to locals and out of town visitors as well. I have shopped at this terrific corner toy shop for almost 40 years and they have always brought delight and joy. The wonderful owner John is such a friendly and caring host to all of his customers. He has a very good knowledge of the vast selection of items in his store and is always ready to assist you with suggestions and ideas about gifts and toys. So, I would strongly suggest making a trip to experience this place for yourself. Boon Companion is truly a gem of the community. read more

My go to place when I need to buy a present for a young person. Staff is always helpful. I tell them the age and they steer me to the right sections. Also, and most importantly for me, THEY WRAP for FREE!!!! read more

I always feel like buying something here even though I can probably find most of the stuff online or elsewhere for lower price. I guess it stems from wanting to support a local mom & pop business as well as the nostalgic look of this place that takes me back to my childhood. Some of the items are quite unique and this place has several wooden toys that look like the ones I used to play with when I was little. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm buying these toys for my daughter or for myself. I bought a wooden rocking horse recently and my daughter loves it. I like watching her ride it and saying "horsey, horsey." I also bought a wooden abacus here a while back and use it to teach my daughter how to count. I didn't like coming here in the past because the previous owners were grouchy and mean. They really looked like they were tired of living. The new owner is cool and quite helpful. Now I usually make a point to stop here whenever I'm in Claremont Village. It's located diagonally across from the Claremont Library. read more

See all

Adorable little toy store! Makes my heart happy to see a small business. I went in out of curiosity and ended up buying a puzzle! I got hooked at a cruise Wonderful customer service. It was fun reminiscing my childhood with so many toys from back then. Please come see it and if you can, support it. Hey, Toys R Us is gone so... read more

Boon Companion - Toy Stores Near Me - Claremont, California

Gotta love an old fashioned toy store, right? They have my childhood favs like kites and yo-yos. Great service, nice quality, and easy to navigate unlike BIG retailers like Target, etc. With the loss of beloved Barbara Cheatley's and other of my Claremont favorites, I spend a lot less time in the village. But, Boon's is worth the trip even though I live in Upland, not Claremont, and have to face the awful parking situation in the village. Boon's is truly a gem in our area. read more

So sad. This store has great items, old-fashioned dolls, games, figurines and such. I don't understand how they could choose such fun stock and have such a horrid attitude towards their CUSTOMERS!?! When my kids were smaller I would have to brave the owners to get some of this stuff because I did not know anywhere else that carried the Geiff Animal and Medieval figures they had (now I know, Thematic Attic in Covina has them--but that has a grumpy person in there, too--see my review on them) And now, the reason for the One Star: the owners. This is the grumpiest, most miserable couple I have ever encountered, anywhere. Why on earth these two would own a store that caters to children--those loud, exuberant, happy little people-- I have no idea. With their personality they should be tethered to an ironing board in the back of a dry-cleaner that caters to the very, very, very old...... preferably where they have zero contact with the general public. The last straw was the time I went in and my daughter dared to touch a doll. The owner was on her like a SWAT team on a perp. My daughter actually jumped she snapped so sharply at her. Go to Mrs. Nelson's. At least they act like they like kids. read more

Every year we go here when we're in Claremont for Record Store Day. The only reason we go here is because my daughter is with us and it only seems fair that she gets to go to a toy store after we shop at the record store for hours. Not sure what their problem is? The store itself is very quaint but the proprietors are unfriendly, unwelcoming and downright rude. No greeting when we come in, no asking if we need help finding anything (we could be the only customers in the store and they still ignore us) and no thank you when we're leaving (even if we buy something, no thank you at the end of the transaction). I want to support small local businesses, but when I'm treated so rudely, it makes me want to go shop at Target, Amazon or even WAL MART! How they survive is beyond me??? read more

Really cool toy store with some retro sections. Great to take the little kid through- as well as for nostalgia. Well kept, clean and orderly. read more

Terrific toy shop in Claremont. We're in there about every week with our toddler and they have new toys regularly. Good prices. Good selection for toddlers to younger kids. It's always important to support a small business when you can. read more

Great company! The employees here are so helpful! They have a great selection. They offer gift wrapping too! Come here instead of the big box stores! read more

The last of its kind. An independent toy store. I love the warmth of the owner and the way he welcomes people to come in and shop. They wrap gifts at no charge and have a unique selection of toys and books and games. They've been around for a long time and so proud to support them read more

Perfect local toy store! Wide variety of stuffed items, games, toys, legos, and more!

I absolutely adore this store! My kids love shopping here and we love supporting our local small businesses. We go out of our way to shop here instead of Target or Amazon because we truly want to keep our local Claremont stores in business . The owners are always pleasant and happy to see us. And, they get a special two thumbs up from us for not trying to be the mask police. Even Claremont PD isn't enforcing this lame mask mandate (which is not a Law)! So, please don't let the bad reviews detour from supporting this lovely Toy Store. They truly are a gem in the Village that we'd like to keep around for a very long time. read more

I totally agree with Janine R. In spite of the fact that they have a little Thomas the Train track in the store, I felt the owner's glare most of the time. My son really wanted to buy some of the toys there but I just couldn't wait to get out. In the end we spent less then $8 on a gadget they had on the way out but refuse to go back. Janine R. is spot-on, very unfriendly people! read more

Stepping into this store is like stepping into a time machine... this is what you would imagine a toy store looked like in the movies / stories. Sure, the price is a bit higher than other places (Walmart, Toys r Us) but the quality of the toys are better. It seems like they have pre-selected the toys so that they're at a higher quality. Along with that, they do offer some advice (if you ask them first) on things. For example, we bought a kite the other day. I chatted with the gentleman working there for a while, found out where he went for kite flying. We ended up going to the same park that he used to go; my son and I had a great time. The kite was high quality, not like those cheapo ones you buy at Walmart. I think it's the non-material things that makes the difference in price worthwhile and meaningful. I'm glad that this store exists in Claremont and not being swallowed by those mega-stores... read more

The most joyless toy store!!!!! In a time when we are encouraged to shop local and independent stores, which I support, this place makes me long for Walmart! It truly is more unpleasant than a trip to a big box store!!! The owners of this musty smelling place are unfriendly and disdainful. They completely ignore you, and answer in monosyllables if you gather up the courage to ask a question. The toys are overpriced, and most you could find elsewhere for much less. What amazes me is how long this place has been in business. I guess Claremonters have been habituated to poor service for high prices by this and many other businesses in the village. I want to shop local, really I do. Just give me some good service for those premium prices! read more

I was disappointed that a cashier was eating inside of the store. During Covid and locked down, people should Not be putting mask down. And a woman who wore mask, the masks was uncovering her nose every time she spoke. One was eating and the other one had nose keep exposing her nose. I would like to support small businesses but Not if they are Not following Covid 19 guidelines. read more

This Store Has Many Good Toys For Kids To Play With.Some Of The Toys Are Educational But Not On The High End Electronic Side. The Prices Are A Bit Steep But They Sell Things You Will Not Find At Other Stores. They Tend To Have Higher Quality Toys For Kids. I Do Agree With The Other Reviews That The Owners Leave Little To Be Desired. They Seem To Be In A Perpetual Bad Mood, May Be They Should Pass The Baton And Let Others Run Their Store. read more

I support local shops and this is a great toy store. Smaller selection but you know your money is going to people and not corporations.

Such a lovely shop and always has just what we're looking for! We appreciate having this sweet store in our community and the kiddos do, too:) read more

We did all our Christmas shopping at Boon's this year. John the new owner is amazing and can help you find the perfect gift for that hard to buy kid. We are so happy he has bought Boon and is in Claremont. read more

Boon Companion - Got our Christmas puzzle from John this year at Boon. The Spanish Steps. - Toy Stores Near Me - Claremont, California

Awesome selection, good old school toy store with great toys and games. The staff was amazing

Nice little toy store. Most of the toys are on the higher price then what i can get other places but we did buy something that was the same price. They have a good selection of the certain stuff that they carry. My daughter is into the calico critters and they have a good selection. they had somethings we havent seen before, im guessing because hi price and thats why they still have them?? read more

Came here on Small Business Saturday to buy Christmas presents for my nieces and nephews. Left with an armful! They were helpful but not too helpful, if you know what I mean. Lots of folks in the store but checkout was very quick. I'll be back! read more

I LOVE this toy store. It's hard to take my kids shopping but when I am here I always feel welcomed and like my kids are safe to run around and play. This is a thinker store. They not only have mainstream toys, but they have toys to help with development and skill building. My daughter loves puzzles and building things so I come here for all her presents. The blond lady who works here always answers all my questions and goes out of her way to help me find what I need (I think the owner's wife?). I love supporting local too! This store is truly a gem! read more

I just wanted to echo some of the other reviews below. This seems like a nice enough little toy store on the surface, but the owners are always just a sour, glaring pair. One expects something at least feigning to be fun and happy in a toy store. If I wanted glaring and sour faces, I could visit relatives instead. read more

This store is under new owners. The new owner helped us when we went there, greeted us, and shook my hand for coming. The new owner seemed more than gracious for us coming in. It was our first time in Claremont and we love going in these kinds of stores. Our kids had a great time looking around. Just from this alone, if we are in town again, we will stop by. From reading previous comments, I would have they were talking about a different store. I hope the change in management keeps this store's doors open. A definite jewel. read more

NEW OWNERS! Super nice couple running this place now. They are always there to help you find what your looking for and really make you feel welcome unlike the previous owners. They carry a little bit of everything plus some really unique, hard to find items. I love this little shop! read more

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! This is a great family-run toy store in the Claremont Village. The owner, John, is very friendly and helpful. They have a great selection and I would rather shop locally! My kids love this store...they have reorganized things so it is easier to get around and feels more spacious. Great store!!! read more

NEW OWNERS. GREAT STORE. Worth a little extra just to walk around and look at the diversity of a REAL old fashioned (non- franchised) toy store. read more

One of my favorite things about living in Claremont is the amount of mom and pop stores I can support. If I'm going to spend the money, why not support cute, local independent businesses instead of the multinational conglormerates? Boon Companion is adorable and just the right size that I don't feel like I'm going to completely lose my mind with the "I wants" from my 6yo when we visit. Like many independent stores, the pricing is a bit higher than you would pay at Target or Toys R Us, but that is expected. Boon's is very organized and it's very easy to browse and find new things to be excited about. I love that the vast majority of the toys are focused on pretend play, educational play, and games. I look forward to many years of shopping at this store! read more

One of my favorite toy stores! I always get lost in here for hours playing with all of the different toys on display. They always have something new and interesting! I found a bunch of the things here and crossed some off my Christmas shopping list. read more

I am a 32 year old woman and I think back fondly on my trips to boon companion. Now that I live in seattle, I had to find a new "smart toy" store...yes, I do still buy toys, and no I don't have children. Even as a child I recall the owners being kind to me. My mom would frequently drop me off there to browse while she ran other errands. They would always treat me kindly and let me drool over the madame Alexandria dolls, even taking them out of the case so I could see them more closely. God, do they still sell zoob tubes there?! In any case, to anyone who found the owners of this store "rude", perhaps you need to look at how you or your children are behaving as customers, because I never had a rude experience (nor witnessed one) in all my trips to the Boon Companion. If you go shopping to hear someone tell you hello and goodbye, shop at Walmart. read more

Great store and a variety of classic and trendy toys of the day! However, the pricing on most items is rather upscale whereas you could find many of the same items at Target for close to half the cost. I was in need of a unique birthday present which I did find and I was looking forward to having it gift wrapped as is the tradition at this store. On this particular day, they were out of stock on gift wrap and offered no alternatives such as a gift bag or ribbon. Sorry, but I think if the shop is going to charge upscale pricing, you should at least think of a Plan B for gift wrap, a complimentary special touch that all customers appreciate. read more

This store is a local Claremont gem. Please DISREGARD comments about the ownership--the store is now under NEW OWNERSHIP. A very friendly and helpful younger family has bought this store. It has an excellent selection of high-quality and unusual toys. Unlike the box store competitors, the quality of these toys is *real,* not just junk-as-soon-as-you-get-it-out-of-the-box. My three kids have never been disappointed with a toy I bought from Boon Companion. read more