Excellent variety of toys, mostly with educational capability Beautiful store. Very helpful. I went in wanting a gift for a 4 or 5-year-old and since I haven't stopped for toys and 30 years I was happy that they had some good suggestions read more

I would give negative stats. I feel silly I even purchased because the red flags were there, customer service was horrible and the cashier seemed more annoyed that we were even there. There were signs everywhere saying Nee Doh is non refundable. And finally they claim to get shipments in daily with new Nee Dohs when no other stores can get any. Any who, bought 3 and all were knock offs. I wouldn't support a store that takes advantage of its community and customers. They had an amazing inventory that I wanted to go back to shop, but I wouldn't ever go back. Very disappointing! read more

See all

Stop selling fake Needohs and claiming they are real. Sorry you earned this 1 star. Waste of a drive over there highly disappointed.

I love to support small businesses, however, when the customer service is not there, and the prices are double elsewhere, I don't feel like it's worth it. I went there this evening to look for Christmas presents. I walked in, and the girl behind the register asked if there was anything specific I was looking for-- I told her I was looking for things for my three-year-old-- she pointed to one small section and told me that is going to be the only section for the three-year-olds. I took a look and didn't find anything... I would have turned around and left, but I also have a seven-year-old, and was interested to see if I could find anything for him. The store does in fact have many things for three-year-olds throughout the store, not only that one tiny group of shelves that she pointed out to me. As I was walking through the store, the girl behind the register kept whispering to another girl who was sitting behind the counter. It was awkward, and made me feel as if they were talking about me. Also, my interactions with the girl at the register as I was purchasing what I had found were very awkward. She was not personable, standoffish, and not at all helpful. Lastly, as I mentioned, the prices are double that of other stores. I picked up a Yahtzee game that was $16.99, thought that that seemed excessive, and googled "Yahtzee game". The price was $8 everywhere else. I understand being a small business and trying to make a profit, but really!?! I gave two stars, as opposed to one because they do have a good selection... you will just be paying double for it. read more

First I'd like to a complaint. False advertising, me and my friends walked in looking for the viral needohs. They knew exactly what we were looking for. The workers then told us that they did have needohs. I decided to purchase mine first, as for my friends they decided to not get them. I wondered why, so once I walked out the store and had purchased what I was looking for. I was the angry fueled with anger. They gave me a fak, selling fake needohs and advertising was terrible as well as overpiced. It felt like something you'd get in a teacher treasure box. read more

Very helpful person working. Lots of great discounts. Appreciate it. Wish it was bigger but heard it's moving into a bigger building next door. read more

It really is a great store. It was my first time going in to the store. The only reason why I give this place a 2 is because they do not inform you on the return policy. A book was not going to be compatible with my work and I was unable to return or exchange it. read more

The worst toy store in Modesto. Their return policy states "store credit only on returns". I am a pediatric therapist and bought a toy from Hands On Educational Supply. The toy was not easy for the kids to play with (it never worked for the kids!) I returned to the store to exchange it with all parts packaged exactly the way it was purchased; and, they refused to take it back. The worker stated "we'll you touched it. We can't sell it to someone else when it's been touched by you." I will never return to this over priced toy store. I tried to support a "mom and pop" shop; but not when they don't support their long time customers. See ya Hands On. You just lost another customer to Amazon. read more

Great place to buy teacher supplies! It was clean and the staff was extremely friendly. This will now be my go to place for teacher supplies! read more

The customer service was terrible. The owner was extremely rude, I am a first year teacher and needed assistance with finding a certain product. She belittled me in front of other customers and she made sure to tell the other customers that I was looking for a product that didn't exist. I will not be recommending this store to any of my colleagues. read more

Awesome place. Cool toys for kids and the educational stuff for the kids are really good. My kid had fun there.

If you are an educator, parent or have a special child in your life, then Hands-On is a must. The store is quite large. You may be overwhelmed by all of the toys (educational of course), books and posters that greet you. Fortunately the store is very well laid out so you should have no trouble finding what you need. The staff are also really helpful and will kindly take you to the section in question and help you locate the item you are looking for. read more

If I could leave zero stars, I would. I have been an educator for 21 years and have shopped at Hands On for all my supplies, decorations, etc. I have likely spent thousands here and the customer service I just received was PATHETIC. Online on multiple platforms it states that the store was open until 6:00. I walked in the door at 5:00 to grab a Christmas present and was told we needed to "leave" because "she closed her machine" even though the door was unlocked. I let her know that the hours posted online were incorrect and she proceeded to call me a liar. I will NEVER be returning here and will be letting all of my colleagues know that this is not a reputable business. read more

Bought borders and posters today. Their prices are great! Cheaper than Amazon and you get more! The staff are so helpful. I definitely recommend this store! read more

5 stars by default as they are the only dedicated teacher store in Modesto. They do tend to have just about anything for the elementary school teacher. Not inexpensive, but if you need it, they probably have it. Real nice and helpful staff, too. They have another store in Turlock. read more

This place reminds me of all the cool things about being a kid. The owner operates the store with a small staff who encouraged us to try out the various toys, puzzles, and art supplies. They have a unique selection. I will definitely be returning especially for birthday party gifts for the kids friends. read more

I have been going to hands on since I was little and my mom ran a preschool. Now that I am a teacher, this is my go to spot for anything I need to use for my classroom. I love that carry a variety of items that coordinate to decorate your classroom & tons of other items that are useful in the classroom as well. Also, if they are out of stock they are more than happy to order items and you don't have to pay for shipping! It comes in a timely manor and they call you when it comes it to go pick it up! read more

They were moving their store into another suite before I got a chance to get the items I needed. I will have to go back another time to give a better review. The store has possibility- I did not get to fully witness all of them. read more

This is a store where a person could spend a lot of time in. You don't have to be a teacher/educator to appreciate a store like this one. I have been in many stores similar to this one and I find this one to be much more organized with alot more items of interest. I picked up 4 items which I can use in my work. This is a store that I will go back to as needed. read more

Great selection, and a helpful staff! I needed to pick up a math practice book for my 4th grader. How one goes from honor roll to barely passing within a few weeks, I don't know! Grrr! Anyhow I found what I needed quickly, the store is very organized. If I were a teacher I could get lost in there, so many neat educational items to spark a child's interest! read more

Hands-On has a great selection, huge store and friendly staff. Prices are a little high but it beats ordering it online, paying shipping and waiting for the product to arrive. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. Horrible customer service. I will NEVER go here again. I went in to exchange an item and they told me no. Okay, no big deal. But the way the lady treated me was incredibly rude. "I don't know who told you that but we don't do that here!" and "look at it, I can't sell that!" (it was opened but other than that new and in perfect condition). It was completely unnecessary and way over the top especially because I didn't argue with her whatsoever I just replied "oh okay". I still can't believe I got yelled at and treated like a second class citizen for trying to exchange something when I was told that I could. read more

The store carries a decent amount of stuff. Most of the employees are very helpful and nice! They hired a new person that is not very knowledgable and needs more training. She is not very helpful and easily confused. They need to have a better tracking system and more consistent process in place. Sometimes they charge you ahead of time and sometimes they don't for orders. Hope they can get back to being the fantastic store they previously were! read more

Great place for educators, staff is helpful and there is a large selection of resources.

I feel like I always get the things I need here. I've been visiting hands on for many years. I like their new location, too. My child was having trouble with multiplication and the owner gave me some great advice. It seems like everyone here is always happy to help. Shop with confidence. read more

In the beginning when we first started shopping here, I thought it was a pretty neat store. Since then I've grown tired of the fact everything is way over priced, most of it's been on the store shelf for ages. they pretty much don't accept returns (except store credit) and the last time I was there they overcharged me on my credit card. in addition to that, some may call them helpful, but to me, it's pushy. Don't expect to be left alone for more than a couple minutes. read more

The only store I've ever heard of that will only return items for store credit even when there is a receipt and the item is unopened and packaging is perfect. The only way you would know this is if you were to read the small writing on the bottom of the receipt, the spot most stores usually put "thank you for your business". Which by the way is informing you of the store's policy after you've already made a purchase. Also, the Prices are outrageous. read more

My daughter and I love this store. There's lots of great educational toys and even a couple of tables with a train set and calico critters on display. Sometimes on rainy days when we can't go to the park, I take my daughter there to play. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. So far, I mostly just buy the calico critters which can be a little pricey but we just wait til they put em on sale and stock up then. read more

I was looking for a place that had lamination for good price. Office depot, FedEx, staples, etc, wanted too much for lamination. With some research educational supply stores are the best. When I walked into the store I was welcomed with smile and got all my lamination done within 5 mins. I had lots of 2x3 maps for heroclix. They only charged $0.75 a foot, for 6 maps it cost $17 including tax. When I walked around the store they have lots of educational materials for k-12. Also stuff, college clubs can use. Will be coming back here for all my laminating needs for heroclix. read more

I had by far one of the worst experiences here last Saturday. I have an autistic son who is 11 years old and non-verbal. As I was purchasing my items my son had on his head phones and was galloping around a few displays and singing along. Out of nowhere (back of store) an employee (confirmed is the owner) grabbed my sons shoulders and yelled at him "look at me, you look at me". I turned and sternly told her he is not going to look at you he is autistic and when I am done paying we will leave. Unfortunately I returned later by myself to buy the 1 item I went in there for and the same employee who grabbed my child came to ring me up. She recognized me and proceeded to tell me how sorry she was that my son is autistic. When I got home in shock this truly happened I looked at my receipt for a name of this person. Her name is Deborah/Deb/Debbie and is sadly the owner of this store. Why in the world would anyone with ignorance or that behavior work in customer service let alone a teacher store???? read more

I have been coming to Hands-On for years. It's a great place for educators and parents. The selection is always good and if they don't have it, they will order it! I could spend all day here. Surprisingly their toy selection is really good and almost all educational. Everyone is really helpful and knowledgable about the product. For the person with a 1 star vote, I advise you to work retail and see how you feel at the end of the day. I like how this store is not a chain and really intimate with their customer service. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Absolutely POOR customer service! Drove in from out of town and arrived shortly before closing. The owner walked up to us and told us they were closing in 2 minutes. She was rude! If you have customers in your store, especially there to do Back to School shopping, you don't tell them to hurry so you can go home. Left what I had in my hands at the counter and won't be going back there anymore. She could have easily locked to doors and allowed us to finish shopping. She lost out on a big sale from me. read more