Do not shop here. Terrible customer service. I purchased $40 worth of balloons and they all popped or deflated upon arriving home. When I called the store to inquire about a refund, 2 employees hung up on me. The store claimed to have no responsibility for the balloons once they left the store. While I understand their position if it happened to one or two balloons, but when they all malfunction, it says something about their product. Additionally, the mark-up on their toys is wild. Stick to Amazon or Target. read more

We've been shopping here for 20+ years, buying gifts and supplies for kids and adults, for every holiday and occasion. At the moment the store is packed full of everything one needs for Halloween, which is amazing, but it's puzzling that while the owner goes to so much trouble to fill the store to the rafters with excellent product, the staff goes out of their way to be openly hostile to the customers. Unfortunately, shopping here is no longer a positive experience. read more

Floored by the prices. Just spent $93 on a Lego that was more than $30 less expensive on Amazon. They charge for gift wrapping and bags and almost everything is non-refundable. I want to support local businesses but this price gauging is atrocious. I'll go out of my way to go to HumBum or Mary Arnolds instead, where the prices and customer service are better. I will never go into this store again. read more

State News has several stores on the Upper East Side. This one is hidden down a staircase between buildings. You might pass it every day and not know. They do put signs and balloons on the sidewalk so you turn to look down. When you look down you see the windows decorated for a party or a holiday. Go inside and you'll find so much fun. Greeting Cards for everyone. Balloons galore for every occasion. Toys and trinkets. Plus every party need you may have from plates, napkins, banners, utensils and more. Everyone working there is busy stocking up this time of year. You are permitted to browse without being pestered. When you need assistance you're greeted with a smile. How could anyone NOT smile in a store with so much fun and fantasy to offer? Enjoy! read more

Modern State - Can't forget to get my friend in Florida a Card!! 11/15/17 - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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Great variety if you want to pay double the price for a toy. Horrible customer service. Was met with the nastiest attitude when calling to find out about balloon pricing. read more

Bit pricey but got exactly what I wanted Never ever ever ever seen Black birthday numbers And although they only had one of each it happen to be exactly what I wanted . Got big black numbers and confetti happy birthday black nylon balloons . They where only $3.99 for a pack of 6 but they added $1.75 each for the inserting the confetti Additional $10.50 but so worth it they where unique and fun to pop lol . Pop them on the Cieling and it's a party of confetti explosion . Learned the hard way as I lost two that hit the ceiling . This store has an amazing variety of everything . Pricey but you will find great options More than party city but the variety unique I felt read more

There are not many stores like this any more. They used to be on every corner. State news has a web site and everything they sell is listed there. http://www.uppereast.com/state-news State News used to take passport photos and I got one taken there 2 passports ago. I just had to update my passport and found out they don't do it any more. Other than that they still have everything else. The only complaint I have about the store is it is very cramped. But it is to be expected in Manhattan. read more

Modern State - Courtesy of http://www.uppereast.com/state-news - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

neeto shop when a little piece for the toolbox (...'n toybox) is needed Sketchbooks, Charcoal pencils, art supplies and a bit of everything... read more

Modern State - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

The awning says the business name is "Modern State". It's basically a stationary store that has a variety of Halloween costumes and stuff. They're currently advertising 20% off but I didn't find what I was looking for. I already got my son his Alvin and the Chipmunks costume. His costume comes with a tail. My wife and I plan on dressing up as Simon and Theodore with colored hoodies and all we need are tails. I've looked in Spirit Halloween and other party stores, and now at Modern State. No luck, all they had were other tail like accessories. The store looks pretty well organized and I can recall that this has been here for quite sometime. I always remembered this store every time I came to the Met. If you're looking for Halloween stuff and you're from this neighborhood, look no further. read more

Modern State - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

We have been a loyal customer for many years, and have always enjoyed the best service and selection. I want to give an extra shout out to Nicole. She is truly the epitome of helpfulness. She always asks spot on questions--its almost like mind reading-- to quickly assess what I need. Then presents me with the best choices. Her efficiency and knowledge is delivered with a cheerful attitude and a big smile. Materials for school projects, party balloons and favors, even slime (ugh)--State News is our go to place. And if you need help, Nicole (and all the other wonderful sales people) stand ready to help. Kay F. read more

My favorite party store of all time, they have so much variety! It's huge! Staff was so friendly and helpful.

This place has an excellent selection of high quality party goods. Whatever theme I pick I'm able to find something that fits whether I'm having friends over for a movie (popcorn boxes, Hollywood sign napkins) or a holiday dinner (matching plates and napkins of course, plus platters, flutes, and more.) If you are trying to reduce your footprint, spring for the slightly pricier stuff that can easily be reused. They also have adorable wrappings and bags of just about every size. A great neighborhood resource. read more

Low ratings for a reason. Super expensive and service is awful. SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN!

Oh. My. Gah. I love this place. Anything that you could ever need for a child's party, a classroom, a Quinceañera , a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a cotillion, Vacation Bible School, a class library, a coming out party, a debutante ball, a masquerade party, a road trip or game night can be found in this store. And it can be found in abundance. Where else can you find Travel Scrabble, a copy of "The Lightning Thief," Ugly Dolls, bulletin board trim, Jesus stickers, stress balls, European fashion magazines, dry erase markers, party hats, and greeting cards under one convenient roof? The answer: not many places. State News is beyond random, but for a teacher like me (or anyone coming upon any of the aforementioned life cycle events) it's a great one-stop shop. read more

I bought two ornaments, a card, and cough drops and paid $60...ridiculous. Based on the outside (and inside) it looks like a dollar store, and I'm sure they probably have the similar stock as a dollar store. I didn't go toy shopping, so I can't speak upon that. But, ringing up my 4 items definitely caused me to get a bit of acid reflex. My friend actually had to challenge the order because we were both quite....blown away. read more

Wow - if you are looking for any kind of party decorations, wrapping, cards, table settings, noisemakers, this place is awesome! They have everything you can ask for, even a toy and game section. Magazines and candy too. Tons of stuff for the holidays - Halloween, July 4th, St Patrick's, etc. Also a section and desk for balloon orders. Place is packed with so much stuff it is crazy! read more

State News is a bit compact and a little hard to navigate, but they have all of your party supply needs. I probably walked around aimlessly for 10 minutes, and there didn't seem to be anyone around to help me or ask a question. When I finally found what I was looking for, I wasn't disappointed, other than the prices being a bit higher than say a Party City. read more

Disorganized and management seems to go out of their way to be difficult and unaccommodating. Terrible return policy and expensive. Go somewhere else for party supplies and toys. read more

Ymmv depending on your race. The jovial mood I witnessed got exceptionally subdued when my wife got to the front of the line. Cashier #1 decided there was something exceptionally urgent elsewhere while #2 pretended we weren't there. Disgusting. read more

State news basically offers all of your party needs but the kitchen sink: Party favors, holiday decor, birthday and holiday cards, toys, magazines, every kind of candy you can imagine... My kind of place! They even have children's luggage! They gift wrap but your total has to be over $10.... read more

I think the new name is Modern State. Anyway, I'm from out of town and my daughter was giving a Grand Opening party. It was an emergency trip for more straws, 28 gift bags and I needed a Congratulations balloon because the florist where I ordered the flowers forgot the balloon. It was Saturday Dec 9, the day of a big snow storm in NYC. I found my way to the party store and they had everything I needed. What I will never get used to is how expensive everything in NYC is. The gift bags I bought were $6.00. Back home I can get the same bag for one dollar. Still I was grateful they had everything we needed and it was a last minute shopping trip. read more

Zero customer service. I was picking up the balloons filled with helium, the order was placed in advance. The balloons weren't ready. The lady on register doesn't greet customers, doesn't smile and isn't helpful in general. The guy who was filling the balloons with helium didn't tied them up at all (he left them to float under the ceiling for me while I was sighing up for a pick up 2 steps away). I tried to tie them up myself and did it too loose, so one balloon popped 2 blocks from the store (it was windy and I was walking under scaffolding) and I have to come back for a replacement. The second time the guy finally understood that it is his responsibility to make sure the balloons are tied up together and the strings are short so they aren't flapping around like crazy. The lady on a counter was still unhelpful. I don't know how anyone can be allowed to work in service with this kind of attitude. And I used to work in service. I gave it 2 stars because there was one nice person - it was a lady who cleans (I guess) there. She smiled to me and she even held the door for me when I was leaving with all my flappy balloons. I recommend to promote her as a counter person. read more

While it is nice to have an Upper East Side Party supply store, this place is unconscionably expensive. They epitomize the phrase "rip-off" and customer service is nasty or non-existent. Returns are always discouraged and problematic. I would give this place 1 Star, but it is conveniently located in a pinch. Tip : save $15 per 36" helium-filled balloon by going to cvs a block away. CVS will blow up balloons purchased elsewhere and has a great return policy. This place won't even take back a few extra unused gift bags in mint condition. read more

I bought and slider ans was incomplete ( string missing ) - they did not want to replace or refund the money . they lied that does not come with the string to contradict themselves. CHECK the have all the PART before leaving . I will not buy there any more people are rude. read more

This store has great selections of cards, toys, etc. However, staff attitude leaves much to be desired. Today I pushed the door open to enter at 9:45 a.m. and an employee came rushing up, yelling "closed". I backed out and he locked the door ( a bit late, no?). Hours are posted on door "10 a.m." open, but I had not checked my watch. Anyhow his angry attitude made me decide to shop elsewhere whenever possible. NYC has plenty of choices; rudeness to customers does not pay, I hope. read more

WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! This store is a one stop shop for parents, kids, teachers, party planners, gift givers, stationery lovers, arts & craft fiends! There is NO OTHER STORE LIKE THIS on the UES! Warning: if you dislike children, enter at your own risk---they're everywhere! Their was a location on 3rd Avenue which has been sort of boarded up for a while---maybe something happened? This new store is very impressive, literally packed to the rafters with so much stock, my sister and I couldn't believe that a stock person was tagging individual ball point pens! There's so much to look at---if you are just looking for something to do, you may just want to come on in here and amuse yourself---we did! Drawbacks would be crying children and UES parents, not to mention a curmudgeon who may well be the owner. Prices are a bit high for some items. I'm going to say State News isn't handicapped accessible as there are a few stairs to go down to get into the store---once in, the aisles aren't wide enough and it's a bit of a maze, with a section that goes down some stairs though I did notice a chair lift!!! :) Wanna know what they carry in case you're hunting for something? Here's a list but it doesn't quite do the place or stock justice---you really have to see it to believe it. Stationery & Gifts: Greeting Cards Giftwrap Gifts Frames Photo Albums Candles Stationery Arts and Crafts Stickers Magazines Candy Toys: Summer Toys - Water Guns, Super Soakers, Bubbles, Frisbees, Jump Rope, Pails and Shovels, Floaties, Tubes, Boards, Mini Pools Plush Toys - Webkins, Ty, Gund, Russ Berrie Figures - Papo, Spiderman, Transformers, Superman Board Games - Apples to Apples, Bingo, Blowkus, Boggle, Cado, Candyland, Cariboo, Chess, Checkers, Chutes & Ladders, Clue, Connect Four, Cranium, Gobble IT Jr., Go to the Head of the Class, Hungry Hungry Hippo, High School Musical, I Spy, Life, Mastermind, Monopoly, Othello, Pictionary, Rat-a-Tat Cat, Rush Hour Jr., Scene It, Scrabble, Set, Slamwich, Taboo, Trouble, 20Q, Zingo Puzzles - Wood Puzzles, Chunky Puzzles, Floor Puzzles Arts & Crafts - Creativity for Kids, Alex, Melissa & Doug, Farber Castell, Ohio Art, Hama, Playdoh, Chenille Craft, Fibre Craft Dolls - Mattel Barbie, My Scene, Polly Pocket, Bandai Bratz, Fisher Price, Carolle, Madame Alexander, Berenguer, Zapf, Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony, High School Musical Manipulatives/Building Systems - Magna Tiles, Lego, Wedgits, Knex, Lincoln Logs, Zoob, Zoomorphs, Playmobile, Clics Learning Products - V-tech, Educational Insight, Learning Resources, Orda, Mighty Mind, Super Mind, Thomas The Tank Engine Sports - Footballs, Soccer Balls, Baseballs, Bats, Knock Hockey, Basketballs Handheld Electronic Games Party Supplies: Birthday Themes - A selection of over 70 different patterns: Dora, Diego, Barbie, Disney Princesses, Spiderman, Transformers, Harry Potter, Rattatouie, Sesame Street, Cars, Pirates, All Sports, etc. Florals - Caspari, Amscan, Paper Products, Design Design, etc. Baby Wedding Anniversary Bachelorette / Engagement Solids Candle/Banners Hats/Bags Invitations/Thank You's Plastics/Platters Pinatas/Fillers Balloons: Latex, Mylar read more

Nice party and you store in the city. They offered a variety of party supplies and their selection was great. Their customer service was amazing and everyone was super helpful. I only knocked off a star because it's terribly cramped with not a lot of isle space which makes walking through while others are browsing a pain. Great store though! read more

They are so overpriced its not even funny. You will find the toys half price on toysrus.com I mean even with the shipping its much cheaper. I don't mind splurging but when I went in to purchase a gift for someone's child for $50 and then found it online at toyrus.com for $20 I MEAN COME ON! Believe me I spoke to the manager but there was nothing they could do because they have only an exchange policy. Save yourself the trouble and don't shop here. read more

the cards were 50% off and they had a lot of selection. It seems like a better version of party city.

Attached to the backside of my friend's apartment building, I thought this place was just a stationary store but I was wrong. It is a cool & exciting place for all different types of toys, office supplies & art stuff, plus they provide many customize services. The 2nd floor is a big kids paradise with toys from the past & present. I'm not sure how they fit so much stuff on the walls. The staff is also nice, helpful & very knowledgable. A nice change of pace from all the hustle of the big bad city. read more

Perfect place for party items! There are helium balloons (starting at $3.50, cute designs). Party hats, plates, napkins, candles. LOTS of baking items/decoration from Wilton and other suppliers such as sprinkles and cupcake liners/papers (definitely need to go back to stock up on my cupcake essentials). They also have a lot of toys, stationary and seasonal decorative items. I knocked off a star for their limited selection of cards. Otherwise, amazing! read more

It's too bad the customer service at the 3rd Avenue store is so poor. The hours are great, the offering is good and it's convenient, but don't expect much from the employees - they are less than personable. read more

This store is really big. It is primarily a party supply store, but it has a good (BUT SMALL) selection of professional art supplies. I had been looking for oil pastels in the UES for quite a while, and was pleasantly surprised to find a 12, 16, and 25 pack of good quality pastels at this location. The store owner didn't seem to know what supplies he had. I had to search for things myself, but I did find what I was looking for. read more

This store might have what you need, but don't bother calling ahead to find out if it's worth the trip. I needed a pinata for a friend's birthday, so I called to ask what different kinds they had. Both women I spoke with were rude and apparently too lazy to check what they had in stock since they just kept saying I would have to come in to see for myself. I shouldn't have to make the trip to 86th street just to find out they don't have what I need; that's the point of calling ahead. I'll be buying my pinata elsewhere. read more

My family and I have shopped here for years but after today's visit it will be my last time. My total was $94 dollars and I handed the cashier a $100 bill and she said that it was company policy not to accept $100 bills. She asked me to pay by credit card or else she couldn't proceed with the purchase. This is crazy my total was close to $100 and would only need $6 dollars back in change, you would think they would want to avoid the credit card processing fee, oh well I wont be back!!! This policy is not customer friendly read more

True that State News usually has what you need for kids' gifts, party favors, art supplies, etc but I was shocked at the disrespectful treatment I got from the manager the last (and I mean LAST) time I went there. Having paid for my gift, the manager arrived to tell me the price was mis-marked and insisted that I pay the difference. He was not only rude and aggressive in front of my kids, but also not aware of the common practice of honoring the price marked. Poor business manners. read more

Awful place. Over-priced, claustrophobic, rude staff and dreadful customer service. Avoid at all costs, nothing in there is worth the time.

The store has been my go to for holiday supplies. However, tonight one of the employees was so disrespectful as I was waiting on to pay after being cut off on line. The employee was looking to start a fight and rolling her eyes. I was simply waiting on line for the next register and the woman in front of me was blocking my way to hand over the credit card to the sales guy at the adjacent register. I very politely asked her if I could get by and then the employee behind the counter started rolling her eyes and saying I could have went around her. No! I could not have without pushing her over, it's a small space. After handing my credit card over I really just wanted to say forget it but I needed hannukah candles. I left the store with a bad taste in my mouth and will not be going back. It's the holidays, train your employees to be nice. read more

State News has a really nice inventory of art supplies, party supplies and toys. The prices are insane - more than twice than online suppliers. Also, the staff, sadly, are not friendly - they are not rude, but they look really unhappy - i don't understand it. read more

Rude, unhelpful and nasty. I dropped my intended purchase and headed over to Fantastic Kids on third Ave and purchased there instead. They are very nice at the Fantastic Kids store. read more