Quite simply the most unethical retail business I have ever had the misfortune to frequent. Excessively inflated prices, draconian policies, and staff picked from the most pompous Orange County has to offer. Let's be clear, this is a nice toy shop with a good selection of well curated items, ready to catch the hearts and minds of any unsuspecting child and parent. Once you step inside, you've already lost. We purchased (among other items) one specific Robot for $90, later to find out MSRP was $40. Upon trying to return, we faced the "No Refunds" rhetoric, which is both poorly communicated and atypical the US over. I was told that "we don't get the same price as Amazon or Target" - Okay, I get that (thanks for the economies of scale lesson), but let's follow the logic to sense check the feeble justification for price gouging: 1. Purchase item at MSRP from any regular store of online retailer ($40) 2. Think of a number. Hmmm......I like 125. Great, 125% price inflation it is. Yay! 3. Apply price inflation to item, and strategically label out of sight (or not at all). A simple discussion to this effect with the young man working in the store of course fell on deaf ears. He just kept repeating that he didn't get that price from a distributor, however that simply doesn't make sense. STAY AWAY from this place. There are better independent store in Orange County. This business is just taking advantage of the local affluence, which is nauseating on so many levels, and is honestly just plain wrong. read more

The sight of a STEM shop for young'uns caught this out-of-town engineer's eye. I walked in and was intrigued by the abundant display of toys. However, I browsed around and noticed predominantly general toys. About 1 in 5 toys was catered to the development of STEM aptitude. Nevertheless, the ambience was very kid-friendly, with numerous toys sprawled about for guests to play with and pass the time. I expected 4 in 5 toys to be about teaching physics, math, biology, etc. As a mechanical engineer, I left feeling disappointed. read more

Absolutely LOVE this store. They have so many novelties. They make gift giving so special and even offer beautiful Gift wrapping. The owners and staff are always kind and helpful. I'm still finding some Great Lego builds for my Almost 12 year old! read more

Best toy store ever! Everything is so unique and special and the prices are reasonable compared to other toy stores I've visited. There is so much for kids to do here. Truly my new happy place. Shout out to the owner. He's great! read more

Any toy you could possibly imagine in a clean environment with an attentive staff. What more could you ask for in a toy store??

I buy my puzzles here, they have various types and selection. The service here is always great .

DO NOT GO HERE! I was on the phone with someone and they were being very rude when they answered and then i was in the middle of speaking when they just hung up on me. I tried calling back and nothing! read more

Best toy store hands down ever. If you are looking for something unique and special with great customer service this is the place

Great store to find amazing toys that you don't always find at Target. Staff is always helpful

I love Engine Ear Toy Store. The best toys, customer service and atmosphere. I am a loyal customer for many years. Wherever they go I find them and it is a must to go in and buy toys and more. Highly recommend this toy store. read more

Great Help and Great Selection of indoor and outdoor toys. Many life long toy choices that grow up with kids.

I came in this store with my two children. As we proceeded to look around, my children were giggling as kids do around toys as a woman proceeded to come up to us and tell us "what are we doing" , "we have cameras everywhere", "this is a place of business". I was utterly shocked and extremely upset over these words as my family and I did nothing wrong what so ever and was in fact thinking of purchasing a Lego set. I'm not sure as to why these hurtful words were said, but my children and I are people of color and I am hoping those words aren't a result of our race. I'm extremely disappointed and will never be here again. read more

Engine Ear Toys - Racist Woman - Toy Stores Near Me - Newport Beach, California

In a world amazon now rules, Engine Ear Toys is a refreshing reminder of what a joy it is to walk into an actual toy store. My son lights up at the sight of all of the fun toys, games and puzzles that is offered inside. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They go above and beyond to make children's experience positive and are very knowledgeable about fun new gift ideas. I genuinely get the feeling that they love their job and the children that come to visit. All of the suggestions from the staff (especially from Loy) have been huge hits. Yes, If you are bargain shopping you will probably be able to find toys less expensive on a website, just like everything else at a mall, but nothing can replace the joy and magic that you can experience with your child at an actual toy store. Please support this store. It's the last of a dying breed. read more

Was wondering through Fashion Island and stumbled in here! What a wonder collection of just about every toy and game you can imagine. The staff is very knowledgeable and the prices are the same as you'd find online. read more

So happy we found this store! My three friends and I had to find a game store near us because we were having a girls weekend and we all forgot one of our favorite games, Rummykub. We went online to find the closest game store and you popped up. We were greeted by the most friendly entertaining salesman (Layola, spelling?) he not only found out game but asked us if we knew some other games that we might equally enjoy based on our choice. He seemed to know every game in the store! He even animatedly showed is how to play the different games using sample games that were open. Really???? Who does that anymore? It was like going back in time!! We had so much fun. We ended up with three games! Ha ha ha!!! Mind you.... it was a really slow morning at fashion island so the salesman wasn't trying to help other guests. We got lucky!! Go when it's slow? He really brightened our day!! Thank you so much!! The perfect beginning to our weekend away!! We'll be back!! Tiffany, Sandy, Nancy and Denise read more

Me, my wife and our 2 year old love this place!! Our little one runs all around and loves to check out all of the cool stuff (they have everything!)....we are always running around just trying to put everything back! ha! the staff (and I think owners working there) have always been really friendly. I just have to comment on the people posting about this place being "too expensive" as this place is literally one of the most competitive toy shops around even looking at most on-line stuff...not to mention they are located in one of the most expensive malls in SoCal. Let's keep toy stores around and thriving in all areas for our kids! read more

UPDATE: Sadly, it looks like this is not the first time this racist woman has harassed guests as I see she is mentioned and photographed in another review. Sad, but validating in the least. Beautiful little boutique toy shop with lots of unique brands and offerings, great for gifts and surprises. The store itself would earn a five star review, if not for one member of the staff who insisted on following me throughout the store. A word of warning to minorities; one of the older women made it very obvious that she was keeping an eye on my actions as I shopped. Never farther than a few feet away from my friend and I, she never took her eye off me only (my friend is white), staring from around corners and idly shifting items in an attempt to appear inconspicuous. I was dressed appropriately and was nothing but polite. I can't imagine anything would prompt this behavior other than blatant racial profiling-- I bought my items and left. It was embarrassing and disheartening to experience, and I won't be back. That being said, all other staff members were helpful and kind. I'm sure it will be a lovely experience for most Fashion Island shoppers. read more

We went on a family adventure today to Fashion Island and I haven't been there in years. I'm not a huge fan of malls and I ain't paying no $200 for a pair of pants, but the wife wanted to check things out and I was being a team player. In strolling around, we saw Engine Ear Toys and figured we should check it out. Upon entering, one of the employees immediately greeted the kids and was very friendly and engaging. I later learned he is the manager and his name is Loyola, or "Loy" for short. I wasn't planning to buy anything and just browse around, but I happened to grab one of the games near the front of the store - Slapzi, just to take a look, and Loyola said that was a fun game and one of their best sellers. He even had an opened set and offered to show us how to play. We played for a few minutes and we decided to buy it. We bought one other game they had, I think it was called "Spot It." I have to commend Loyola for his friendliness and sales ability. If he was just standing around and did not interact with us, I would not have bought anything. They have a pretty cool assortment of toys - legos, tons of board games, nerf guns, cap guns, as well as girls toys (we have 2 boys). So... I see a lot of complaints from other reviewers about Engine Ear Toys' prices being higher than Amazon and Target. Well - you're shopping at Fashion Island - duh?? Most of the Fashion Island clientele don't mind paying a few bucks more. Me - I'm no fat-cat, but I like supporting small brick and mortar businesses when I can, and this is a cool toy store. Thanks, Loyola - we will be back! read more

It's great to have such a fantastic toy store in the neighborhood. What a great find. We hated going to the big-box stores where you played bumper carts with distracted parents. The owners of Engine Ear are kind and helpful. They even offer gift wrap for free. Great service! They will get 100% of our business. read more

Went in today to buy a toy from them. The Star Wars toy I picked was somewhat expensive but my son wanted it for CHRISTMAS, so I paid the $79 marked price. I bought the toy and we I got to my car I checked to price on Amazon as I felt uncomfortable, only to be shocked that the price was $22! The store charges 4X the price!! Four times! I immediately went back told the lady who said "sorry about that we can't match other retailers!" I said I understand but charging me 4X!!! I want my money back! To which she said I cant only an exchange or store credit?? I told her I own a retail shop and I always give unsatisfied clients their money back as it is the "right thing to do" These people not only rip you off but then have an attitude about it!! Never again. read more

Too overpriced by 50-60 percent mark up. Such a rip off and amazon sells it for much cheaper! Also the employees are young and rude and made me pay for something my son opened when I easily put back in the box. They get bothered by having kids in their small store. It's a toy store I don't know what you expect! read more

Bought a doll here for $50 bucks, only to find later that target carries the exact same one for $24.99. What a rip. Doubling the price on something is just ridiculous. Especially when it's toys for kids. On a side note, after purchasing the doll, the cashier looks at my daughter and says "does she like cupcakes?" Like she's offering to give her one. She proceeds to explain she baked them in the morning. I told her sure, she can have one... and she proceeds to say "ok that's 3 dollars." WTF. Just totally bazaar and why are they hocking cupcakes in a toy store Obviously all they care about here is money... Never coming back again. read more

Love this toy shop. They have anything you can imagine and they even gift wrap. Such a convenient place in fashion island to pick up toys for a birthday or other event. read more

This store does have a ton of options for toys, however it is extremely overpriced. I don't mind paying a little more for something in store when I can just grab it in person and not have to wait for it to be shipped, but we bought a toy in this store that was over $60, and I just so happened to look it up online and we can find the same toy in other places for $23. Save your money, I could have bought my kid 3 times the toys for the price this store charges. read more

This was a horrible experience. My son went in with his own allowance to buy a toy. After we left the store we opened it up to play with it but it was not what was advertised on the box. We decided to walk back into the store to see if they would at least exchange it. Heidi the manager told my 8 year old son no. She refused to do anything and even opened it up and watched the toy not work as advertised. She was not willing to let us find something else. We decided to leave it there and go. They can have the toy and my money. I'm very disappointed that this company has such a hard policy for a toy store. My advice is to save your money and order online for half the price. read more

This is the cutest toy Store I have ever seen. It feels like you go back in time when you walk into this store. They have a wonderful variety and are stacked with toys from floor to ceiling. The sales people who work there are knowledgeable and helped me find exactly what I was looking for as well as gave me tips on new games my family might enjoy. Be sure to stop into this very cute boutique when you are in fashion Island! read more

Dropped by yesterday with my boyfriend and was instantly greeted by an employee whose name I never caught, but he was AMAZING. I don't think I've ever been so engaged with an employee at any store, for anything! He started a great conversation about the types of board games we enjoyed playing, and got a sense of our skill/interest level, then immediately began to recommend different games, and even took us through a couple trial runs of games. We ended up purchasing SlapzIt, and it's exactly the type of game we didn't know we needed!! Thank You for such an awesome experience!! Whenever we play that particular game, you'll always come to mind!! :) read more

After reading the reviews I should have known. I saw a window display that I wanted and they said it would be "60-70% off". Even verified and asked Shadi again and it was a yes. Said it would come out of the window in 3 days. Came back 3 days later wasting our time with nothing being done and the set still in window. Waited for them to call us... never did. Went down there again...the window set was gone and what I wanted was gone. They went back in this oh so hard to reach place in the window and didnt even bother to take any of the things I wanted out. So full of excuses saying he will call the manager and he will call me in 15 minutes and never did. Poor customer service and I just feel lied to. Wont be going here again read more

Wish I could give zero stars. This place is a total rip off. My husband and son came home with a toy from there that cost $85. That seemed ridiculous to me so I looked it up and found on Amazon and Target for $35. More than doubling the price that other retailers sell for is highway robbery. Price gauging kids? I will never shop there again. EVER. I want to return it but after reading other reviews that the store owner won't return makes me not want to waste my time. read more

This shop employee took a lot of time with me! They showed me around and helped me get stuff! She was very helpful and she was very nice! I recommend going here for toys! I love this store! read more

Great store. Wrapped a present for me and it was the best wrapping job I have ever seen. Very friendly service

I would give 0 star if I could. I came by Sunday afternoon 12/3, around 4PM, was out shopping with my husband and our puppy, I saw the beagle plush toy and I gave it to my puppy as we are getting ready to go up to the register the male associate, (didnt caught his name) basically started yelling and embarassing us saying if your dog is going to chew then I would ask you to leave, this toys are for kids. We immediately started leaving as he is causing a scene and people are staring at us. I would have bought that, I was meaning to, but your attitude was not necessary. Now, I'm never stepping in to this store, I wouldn't recommend anyone to go because there's no room for toy stores with horrible customer service. read more

Horrible experience. Purchased a toy hat malfunctioned. Would not give me a refund. Said I could use credit anytime with no expiration but when I tried to use, at a later date, they wouldn't allow me and didn't honor credit. I would NEVER shop this store again. read more

Best toy store ever! Employee engaged with us in a variety of games. So fun and we won't have to read the instructions when we get home.

Better than puzzle zoo. It's cheaper and there are a lot more fun toys than the ones you find at puzzle zoo. The last two times I went, only one guy worked there. He seems pretty nice and doesn't dread working there like the puzzle zoo employee. read more

I've been to this toy store many times as my daughter loves looking at toys when the family goes shopping at fashion island. Prices on everything are wayyy over priced, similar or most of the same toys can be purchased from target or Walmart for 20-50% less. Staff is always a younger group who never welcomes customers and just talks on about their daily lives, I'd appreciate a welcome instead of knowing that a co-worker or friend bought peach rings. The owners of this place need to wake up and learn how to service customers or train the staff to do so. read more

This store is sooo overpriced! I found the exact same things at Walmart for literally a fraction of the price. My advice is to go else where or wait until they close down and have to sell everything at 50% off or more. This store charges 4x what the toys are worth. NOT A GOOD STORE! read more

Helpful staff. Great selection. Fairly pricey. But, that's to be expected at Fashion Island.

Pleasantly surprised by the selection of reasonably priced toys. The manager was very helpful and lead us to the selection where we were able to find a gift for a nine year old cousin in five minutes. The last time I went to a toy store, everything was over priced and I left frustrated and empty handed. I even found a game for our family. Although I am from out of town, when I come back to visit, I will go back to see what other treasures I can find. read more

This is a really nice local toy shop. They have a great selection of popular and classic toys as well as a knowledgeable sales staff. They carry many of our favorites such as Playmobil, Corolle Dolls and some cool retro board games. Sometimes their prices are a wee bit higher than the big stores, but I prefer to support small business. Furthermore, shopping in the store is a nice experience. Conveniently located across from Pinkberry so that my kids and I can make a date of it. read more