I can't say enough good things about this treasure of a toyshop. The selection, decor and location are exactly right -- it's so cozy and inviting. The staff are definitely the cherry on top. My tween and his friends recently stopped in after a very hard day at school (bomb threat) and was warmly greeted by these kind souls. They had several board and card games open and encouraged the kids to try them out. We went back later to buy a few things, but it was clear that there was no obligation to buy. The enthusiasm and expertise of these wonderful employees can't be overstated. Perhaps they knew that the kids in our neighborhood were stressed out that day and needed some innocent fun; perhaps not. read more

We received a gift from here in August. When I put batteries in it never turned on. I went back to return it and they wouldn't accept it due to covid. When I explained it was broken they still wouldn't take it back or exchange it. We went back a month later and they said it had been over 30 days and still wouldn't take it. Finally a third time going back they agreed to 'make an exception' and let us return the broken toy they sold. Then the assistant manager didn't know how to process a return. Huge time suck. Horrible costumer service. read more

I'll lead this off with the caveat that I'm only an uncle, not a father, and therefore I have far less occasion to go toy shopping than I expect most toy store customers do, so I'm not an ace customer/critic of toy stores. That said, the couple times I've been to the Porter Square Henry Bear's Park, I've been really impressed by all aspects: the space is well lit and orderly, and not at all cramped; their selection is wide both in breadth within a given age group and across many age ranges; and the staff is as friendly and helpful as can be. No complaints whatsoever; would highly recommend. (One nice little bonus: unlike other toy stores in the area, e.g. Stellabella, the Porter Henry Bear has a not-insubstantial range of toys of interest to adults, e.g. Lord of the Rings Legos, zombie pirate + demon knight figurines, grown-up games like Carcassonne, etc., so you might even find something for yourself while you're there.) read more

It's close to my house and my wife likes to get her stuff done here to like getting her tiny tots here

A new convert! The previous location on Huron was not convenient for me- didn't know this was now open, and was strolling by today and noticed it open in the previous "Corners Framing" space- what a welcome change! Bright, friendly, super-easy to get to- lots of friendly but not pushy staff...it's spacious, cleanly laid out, well lit and stocked with a fairly amazing array of fun things (most of which seemed very reasonably priced). I think it'll bring a lot of competition to Stellabella toys just up the street. Not having a rugrat, I am no expert on selections of toys, but I wandered around for easily 25 minutes just browsing, before coming out with 2 belated birthday presents. I'll be back for more too! Nice frequent buyer package too. read more

Great toy selection from stuffed animals, to games and puzzles, arts and crafts, science project toys, block/construction type toys and everything in between. Gifts for babies and kids of all ages, too. Lots of unique toys as well as some of the traditional toys, such as color by number, Melissa and Doug wooden sets and Legos. read more

This is always a fun place to find gifts for your toddler friends, and it is also a really fun place to bring your bored toddler, to play with their train set. The staff is very friendly and they have a great selection of toys. They even have a public restroom with a changing table. read more

If you have kids or you know kids, or even if you just like toys, Henry Bears is an excellent place to visit. They have a very good assortment, from Lego Playmobil and Brio toys. There are plenty of toys to play with while your at the store, which though time consuming, is also very fun; my cousins favorite thing to do is to play with the remote control cars they have out (okay, it's really my favorite thing.) I think it's fun for all ages, but certainly if you have a 3-10 year old, this is the place to be. Or if you're a huge dork like me. Pros: Fun, Fun, Fun read more

Helpful staff- amazing selection of toys. I love going here and the prices are really not bad at all! Most of it was comparable to amazon. Love that, because I want to support small business but I also am on a budget :) read more

This has got to be my favorite store! And I'm 33! This is the store that every parent should bring their children. If you're a kid at heart or are a parent that totally cares about what your child plays with, it's the perfect place. I have a teenage son who no longer fits the criteria, but I have a few nieces and nephews, and I manage to go in for anyone's child I know or even for myself. I am now expecting and can't wait to shop for my baby. It's great! They have the best toys that are safe and educational. The staff is the nicest and so knowledgeable. If there's an item you'd like and they don't have it, they have it sent from the other location. They also offer gift wrapping. I'm like a little kid again everytime I step in. It's just a bit pricier than those other regular places, but it's totally worth what you get! Visit and you'll be hooked! read more

Every time I take a step in this store I feel like a little girl again and get so excited by the toys here. They have a really nice variety of books, toys, and craft kits, and are always super friendly and helpful. Their store logo is super cute, and they will wrap your present in there paper covered with that logo for free. Who wouldn't love that!? I do wish they were a little less expensive, but there is still a variety of prices that will fit anyone's budget when looking for really cool and unique gifts for the adorable little guys in your life. read more

I have entered the time of my life when many of my friends decide to procreate. Luckily, my friends are all pretty awesome so I will allow them to do that. Who doesn't like a screaming kid to hang around with every once in a while? Better yet, who doesn't LOVE a kid who isn't screaming because you spoil them rotten with toys, stuffed animals, and books? That is the kind of kid I like so when I have the need/urge to spoil them, I head to Henry Bear's Park. The store is filled with everything under the sun for kids. It's bright, cheerful, and has just enough whimsy to win anyone over. Toys and gifts there are appropriate for all ages, with a moderate sized newborn section and larger sections for toddlers and older kids. No matter what, there is something to find. I have picked up stuffed "love toys" for newborns at reasonable prices (~$6-~$8) as well as books, learning toys (BrainQuest flash cards...one even contained a slightly offensive word, which was an awesome find), old fashioned toys (think Lincoln Logs), and newer toys (lego-ish). Prices for everything are in line with what you would expect for things that are quality. Nothing here comes off as a cheap, thoughtless toy. Basically, if you know a kid, stop here and within five minutes you'll be stuck wandering aimlessly because there are so many perfect toys and books for your perfect "small friend". Associates are friendly and always willing to help you but steer clear of them wrapping things. Although it is free, they are not the fastest wrappers. The service is convenient though. Tip: If there are enough kids in your life, pick up on of the free frequent buyer's cards. They keep track of your purchase points online at the store so you do not need to get a physical card, which is more earth friendly and keychain friendly! read more

I have been to this store quite a few times in the last few years. Ioften come here to buy presents for my friend's children and must say that the employees in this store have remarkable and non-judgemental customer service skills. This is a terrific toy store emphasising on non-violent and educational toys ranging from ages 1 minute old until early teens. If you all want to support your independant business do come to Henry Bear Park. read more

Bar none, the BEST toy store in the Boston area. We love HBP! They were celebrating their 35th birthday today and they gave my son a Thomas the Tank engine train. Does it get any better than that? We will be back. read more

Let me prefix this by saying that I was so happy with the customer service, that I finally decided to sign up here to share my experience. I've walked past this store many times, but not having kids myself and only a small handful of little people to buy for, I've never had much cause to go in. I was last minute shopping for a chess board for a gift, and decided to go in here. It was so cheerful and nicely laid out that it was tempting not to brows. The person at the counter was very friendly and helpful with helping me find the two chess boards they carried. Went back to them today because there was a problem with the chess set, ended up with two black queens and no black king...makes playing chess hard. Instead of lugging the board back, I brought in the two bags of pieces, thinking that it would be a difficult process. I was so pleasantly surprised. I was helped promptly, they were soooo nice. The manager grabbed another set, opened it up and let me have the pieces from that set. I'm so used to service that is rushed, that the manager also reassured me to take my time and make sure that the replacement set had all the right pieces. Glad she did, turned out the replacement set had a broken piece and she let me switch the pieces until I had a perfect set. I know this sounds like common sense, to let a person switch around the pieces and damage out the set, but so often common sense doesn't come into play with customer service. I will definitely make it point to come here first the next time I need to pick up a gift for the kiddies in my life. Price of the chess board, by the way, felt reasonable. About 20, including tax. I felt the quality of the board was worth the price, sturdy looking wood with storage for pieces underneath...the pieces...not so much, but it is only a 20 set. read more

Based on my own experience, I have been a costumer of Henry Bears for about 18 years between my two kids and my nieces. Overall, what I love about this place is that it's a very relax and friendly environment and the employees are usually nice and friendly. They don't chase me around the store and if I need assistance, they usually try to help me right away. Toys are very expensive these days and I realized, that the difference in prices between these kind of stores is not a big deal; pretty much all of them have the same prices. What I specifically like at Henry Bears is that I can use coupons from their catalogs, their catalogs always have some kind of coupon, they also send coupons online. I love the costumer club they have, I get some kind of credit when I reach certain amount of points, and that is very convenient when you have birthday parties all the time. I'm not going to recommend any specific store over another, I think it is a wonderful thing when you have multiple choices, where you can go and get good quality toys but personally I prefer Henry Bears Park. read more

Is there a 0 stars option? I can't speak to the other locations, but the one in Porter Square is awful. The staff is unhelpful and kind of nasty. We tried to return a toy - a stuffed animal that had a seam coming apart right away. We didn't want our little one eating stuffed animal filling. We liked the toy well enough and just wanted to exchange it for one without a flaw. We didn't have the receipt anymore, but despite them having a shelf-ful of the same toy, we were told by the staff that they we couldn't exchange it. We persisted and they told us that the manager wasn't there so we'd have to come back another day. We came back another day and stood in line for a while listening to the staff being lazily unhelpful to the lady in front of us who was trying to get something gift-wrapped. Our turn came and they gave us the same run-around when we asked to exchange it., and suggested we could sew it up ourselves. They proceeded to get the manager ("Okay, I'll get her, and she'll just tell you the same thing.") who was similarly unhelpful - same issue with the lack of receipt plus now it had been too long to return (and by extension, I guess, exchange). So, we exited, but I left my mother-in-law behind who was browsing at the back of the store. I go back in to get her and find the manager and the two sales girls having a good laugh at us and our complaint. Apparently it was hilarious that we wanted to exchange the flawed toy. There was of course more to the exchange - ridiculous stuff like: Us: "Would you let your child play with this toy?" Manager lady: "Well, I don't have kids." (Not really the point - would you give any child this toy?) Anyway, we left with the same flawed toy. I guess the $20 they made off the toy is worth more to them than a happy customer. I guess we'll sew it up. I strongly recommend Stella Bella - there's one right around the corner on Mass Ave about two blocks up (west). They have a better selection, and a friendly and helpful staff, plus the same toys are generally a bit less expensive than Henry Bear's Park. After our unhappy visit to Henry Bear, we proceeded to go around the corner to Stella Bella and bought a toy for $32 that we'd just seen for $39 at Henry Bear and two staff members actively helped us find some books we were looking for. read more

I love it here myself. It's packed with unique toys, games, pillows, crafts...so much fun!

This is such a fun store, even if you are not looking for kid's gifts! it's the kind of store you can walk in and find adults happily playing with the toys, both ones we remember from our childhood and newer ones. I like how they carry seasonal products, and educational games/projects for kids. staff is friendly and helpful. read more

Oh, GREAT. Now you've moved to Porter Square, making it nearly impossible for me to avoid going in this place with my 5-year-old every time we need to pop down to the grocery store. No worries...if a trip to the grocery store now means an extra 10 minutes browsing in this wonderland of toys, I can get used to that! I love their "frequent flier card" and I feel like I've won a jackpot every time I earn some cash back to spend on more toys!! read more

Henry Bear's Park is a great little toy store in the Porter Square shopping center. It has great toys and books, and is not overwhelming like the toy aisles in the big chain stores. The store is organized & laid out nicely for browsing, and the staff is friendly. They have toys for all ages of kids and a wide selection of toys/books/games that range from educational to purely entertainment. They also have a great selection of wooden toys and puzzles if you prefer them to plastic toys. read more

I grew up going to this store. Although it is expensive, it is one of the last remaining children's toy stores that is cute and personal. And to make matters more amazing, they give you free stickers if you answer the riddle correctly. read more

It's rare that i buy toys, but if I ever need a B-day present for the little cousins or nephews, Henry Bears Park is my first stop. They are a tad overpriced, but worth it, the people who work there actually like kids, as opposed to the people at toys'R'us who just need a job. (not that there is anything wrong with that) Henry Bears Park is a fun place, They have something for everyone! Check it out. read more

I am writing because I am really disappointed in this store. I was looking forward to shopping in this amazing toy store in exchange for a gift I had received that we already have. When I got to the store I was informed about their 3 week return policy, which I was long past. I had the product in it's original packaging, which does not matter. We already have a sleep sheep so I never took it out of it's package. While I respect having policies I think that the 3 week time limit is very limiting for families with young children. First of all I did not know about this policy as the recipient of the gift. The giver just said I could exchange it. I was excited that returning/exchanging would be so easy! The store clerk stated they tape the gift receipt to the bottom of the item but it was not attached when I received it. The sales clerk also pointed to a sign that was at my knees stating there is a 3 week limit. I have not been in the store before so could not be aware of this. I am a mother, working full time, and I do not get home until 6 most nights. At that point I am making and eating dinner, entertaining my child, and focusing on bath and bedtime. On the weekends I am trying to clean up a bit and work around my sons 2 naps. Driving 20 minutes to get to this store has been very difficult for me to fit in. My son is now transitioning to 1 nap a day so I jumped on the opportunity to drive over today. All I did was get aggravated and waste gas. This makes me not want to shop here. I definitely won't for families with young children as they may not be able to make it back within 3 weeks (or 2 if the giver bought it 1 week before giving the item). I am trying to think of who I know that is pregnant or maybe I will hold onto it in the hopes that the woman who gave this to me will have her own child someday. And just one more thing, the sleep sheep is awesome but not something I would recommend for a 1 year old (I was told a store clerk recommended it) as I would hope most babies have some white noise machine long before they turn 1. read more

Love this store!! The product selection is unique and the product quality is excellent. I shop for my kids there all the time and would highly recommend it! The staff is knowledgeable and attentive with great recommendations if you are unsure of what you want to get. There is a little play area in the back of the store to keep the kids busy while I look around. The layout is great so it's usually easy to find what I am searching for with a great toy selection for all ages. read more

I still feel the same about this store, it is not nearly as good as Stellabella Toys down the street. They are nice in the fact that they host a few events for parents to bring their kids to. But the amount of toys is not even comparable to Stellabella's, I also feel that Stellabella's does more for the community as far as events, and they are much more helpful when you need help finding a gift. read more