All craft roads lead to Playtime--an unassuming yet remarkable arts and crafts supply store in Arlington Center. As a gifter, I don't fully understand how I didn't know about this place before, but I'm so glad I do now. I went for a family project recently when closer craft shops didn't have what we needed. There's an abundance of arts and crafts supplies here, housed in two interconnected basement rooms, along with an impressive paper and picture frame selection (among other items) on the first floor. The atmosphere is one of a kind--more like an arts-and-crafts boutique curated by the owner, with items you won't easily find together elsewhere. Because of the sheer breadth, some categories (like fabrics, for example) have a smaller variety, which is just an observation, not a critique. Ribbons are unrivaled. If you don't have time to wander, ask--the best part of our experience was the owner, Carol, and the staff (thank you, Lilly). They are wonderfully kind, patient, and creative, offering thoughtful, gentle advice for your projects and genuinely care about their customers. Tip: There's a parking lot in the back or bus 87 drops you off right in front, literally. Highly recommended local business. read more

How in the WORLD have I lived in Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge for decades and not known about this place. A friend recommended coming here w/ my mom to look for yarn for her knitting projects and my friend prefaced that this place was the BEST for any type of arts, crafts, decor, etc. Well, WOW!! And funny enough, my mom used to go to this store when she was a little girl in the late 50s-60s to get Nancy Drew books. She said it was EXACTLY how she remembered as a kid. I was awe struck by everything this store had. I will definitely be making this place a regular stop for gifts for people and for fun. Forget going to places like Michaels. Come to this local, family-owned business which I guarantee will have whatever you are looking for. It's an incredible place. read more

Congratulations to Carolyn Levosky, owner of Play Time and her terrific staff on the 80th anniversary of Play Time. The store is an absolute treasure of a business founded by Carolyn's father in 1945. This independent and locally owned business has art and crafts supplies plus holiday and party items! read more

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Anything you need for creatively and serious art work is in this store . I love the organized chaos and options galore . A perfect paradise for artists ! read more

In my next life, I want to live next door to PlayTime. Outstanding supply house for a multitude of crafting types Now if I could just find a nearby apparel fabric shop with Joann's selection. read more

Great arts and crafts store with shelves bulging with possibilities! Always helpful folks there. Prices are fair and market. From high end to cute tchotchkes. There is so much to choose from that often you can find a cheaper alternative right there if cost is a concern. I've always found what I needed. Need inspiration a a creative jolt? Wander down the aisles of playtime. Inspiration will surely come. read more

Play Time is a gem of an art/craft supply store. There aren't too many like this left. I have never left there not finding what I need for any art project. Please never close!! read more

Great store with a wealth of variety. If you can't find what you want, just ask. I have bought tubes of watercolor, oil, tempera, and even face paints as well as craft work, wools to mend sweaters and frames - some old funky ones as well as trendy modern types. Yes, support them - of the last independent local stores - they really care about you. read more

I love this place! For a relatively small store, their inventory is great. Their prices are very competitive. Try them before Michael's or Blick and support a small, local business. Also great for birthday presents, diy framing etc read more

This is one of the, if not THE, last independent art/craft stores in eastern Massachusetts. If you need paint, yarn, paper, pens, markers, craft supplies, even model car kits, you MUST visit Play Time. Oh, they also have a huge selection of greeting cards... scrapbooking items, storage items, brushes, balsa wood for school assignments, books, EVERYTHING. I have been going there since I was a kid, and if they ever go out of business during my lifetime, it will be a very sad day indeed... read more

This place is unbelievable if you are into any type of crafts. There are tons of writing instruments, papers, stationary, puzzles, models, artist brushes, paints, canvases and that is just a smattering of the first floor inventory. Down stairs you will find ribbons, embellishments, beads, knitting & crochet supplies, jewelry making supplies, crystals for clothing & jewelry, containers, hand made paper, cookie cutters, kids craft kits and more. It would take the day to explore it all even though the space is not large. We drive 35 minutes to go to Play Time because it has what we need & what we didn't know we wanted! read more

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Toys, paper, paints and so much more! I always find gifts for artistic types. Parking lot.

Playtime is a wonderful store with pretty much everything a crafter or artist could want. The staff are always friendly and the prices are reasonable. I bring my crafty friends here when they visit and we have such fun exploring. read more

This place is amazing. A third the size of Michael's in Porter Sq with twice the selection. Friendly creative staff. Love looking for gems among the crowded aisles. Prices are great too. You just want to go home and make something. read more

While exploring Arlington we stumbled upon Play Time. it literally has every art supply and party decor supply you could possibly imagine. They also have a basement entirely dedicated to sewing/knitting/floral design/paper mache. The prices are also better than any big box craft store. The staff were incredibly friendly and very appreciative of the customers. if your in Arlington please these lovely place and keep it thriving. read more

i love coming here. something always sparks my creativity. For both a hobbyists and fine artists

A town institution. They have So Much Stuff - craft, art and decoration/party related. A great resource for buying gifts for the craft- or art-minded person, or picking up that particular brand of pencil you like. It's worth taking a few minutes to explore the aisles, there is truly a staggering amount of inventory in this place. Support your local business! Play Time is really special. read more

I needed pipe cleaners for my dog's Halloween costume. I came here on a Sunday afternoon. It is a little bit overwhelming as the aisles are packed with stuff. I pretty much walked around aimlessly for 5-10 minutes looking for pipe cleaners. I saw people going into the basement, and that meant MORE STUFF! I found a multipack of what I needed. The top floor has paints, crafts, paper, markers, and everything else. The basement had fabric, holiday things, buttons, and so much more fun stuff. Be prepared to spend a little bit of time exploring, but that is part of the charm. I only spent $1.50, which was good because my dog wore that part of her costume for 2 1/2 seconds. read more

Play Time - pipe cleaners found in the basement! - Art Supplies Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

This place is so much fun!!! I came in looking for yarn, and they had a ton to choose from. I thought I might learn to crochet, and the sales lady helped me find the right crochet hook. I also found gymp! I haven't used gymp since I was 10 years old at camp ! I'm going to try making a lanyard with it. They have too much great stuff to list all of it here, but this is some of it: paints, pens, coloring books, toys, pipe cleaners, beads, empty spray bottles and other containers, sewing needs, and even empty lip balm containers! So if you want to make your own lip balm, you could put it in one of them. A great selection of ribbons, too. Can't wait to go home and play with my new stuff! read more

I always go to Playtime when I need arts and crafts supplies - not only because they have every crafting material under the sun, but because it's always so fun to wander the aisles and get inspired for new projects! A really wonderful store, and preferable over big chain art stores like Blick any day of the week read more

OMG this place is a goldmine for all creative activities. Prepare to have your right brain stimulated. As a techie, I am especially impressed with their selection of modelling plywood, brass, plastics, paints, styrofoam, you name it. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the prices are good - this is as good as it gets! read more

We call this "the Very Dangerous Store" and all of our friends instantaneously know what we mean. If we had unlimited money and unlimited time, we'd just set up camp in this store and NEVER LEAVE. For the crafty-minded person, this is an awesome place to go. They don't always have the best of everything (their fabric selection is a bit small) but if you're looking for the basic-to-midlevel stuff, to get started or to supplement what you already have, this place is amazing. And for sudden birthday parties where you need to find a gift for a kid in a hurry, you really cannot beat this store. The one problem with this store is that the aisles are VERY cramped. When I'm wearing my backpack, I'm always wary of knocking something over. Anyone who is mobility-challenged will have real problems inside this store. read more

This place deserves 5 stars for being an old-school "we have it all" kind of art supply store. - It's located in an older building in the area. You can tell this location was probably an old department store or drug store from 100 years ago. I like that. It's not a big-box store. It's the type of place you used to "discover" before the internet and be glad you did. - They have most everything here. When you walk into the first floor, you'll find paper and art supplies - aisles crammed with stuff. Crammed meaning it's hard to walk down them. But you'll find frames, canvases, paints (oils, acrylics, watercolors), brushes, party supplies, pens/pencils/charcoal, etc. Cashiers are in the back. Downstairs in the basement is a mind-boggling amount of stuff for jewelry and small crafts. Beads - tons of beads - fabric, ribbon, bows, boxes, small crafts, decorative stuff. It's insane. - My main issue with the store, which supposedly had everything, was that it did not have what I needed. I have recently taken up painting. (Pictures - oil. Although I do still paint rooms). And I found that while they had a lot of brushes, they had precious few of the kind I needed. I needed big brushes. Or rather, brushes that had long bristles. They had tons of brushes with small/short bristles, but I needed a boar bristle or similar natural style 1' or 1/2" brushes with long (2" or more) bristles. They had some cheap ones. I bought those. - I also am upset because I spent an additional $20 on two tubes of stuff that was not what I needed. I asked for liquid white at the counter. The woman there, who was knowledgeable, acted like she'd never heard of it. At the time, I wasn't sure what it was, only that I've bought it online and other artists know what it is. She asked if I meant gesso and said "the white paint you put on a canvas and paint over with oils". I said yes, that's it. She directed me to the gesso - an acrylic paint. It didn't sound right but what do I know. I bought a white and a clear. Not until I get home and compare it to the liquid white I own do I learn that gesso is completely different from liquid white. Liquid White is an OIL paint - it's titanium white oil paint mixed with linseed oil and a little turpentine/paint thinner. It's used in the oil wet-on-wet technique, a common technique. You paint on a thin layer of liquid white onto your canvas, then paint over that while the paint is still wet. What she had sold me was gesso, an ACRYLIC paint that dries very quickly and is meant to pre-treat a surface for painting. So, if I wanted to paint a bowl or piece of wood, I'd prime it with gesso first, and let it dry overnight. Two completely different things. I was upset she didn't know what I needed - I've since learned online that other people have had this issue and just end up buying oil liquid white online (not found at many places) or just make their own (which I'll end up doing). - So - that's my story. This place has a lot of stuff, but they kind of didn't. read more

Craft mecca!!! They have EVERYTHING you could possibly want - endless aisles of supplies and inspiration. Can't wait to repeat this store over and over. Prices are competitive with Blick (the only other store I've seen with a comparable inventory), great staff, and a huge parking lot in the back. read more

How many pipe cleaners do you need? A million? Each one different? You've come to the right place. This is a crafty hoarder's dream - anything you want / need / think you'll ever need is here. read more

This store has everything for both serious artists (ground floor) and dedicated crafters (basement level), including tons of Japanese and Czech seed beads and DIY jewelry supplies, plus ribbons, macrame supplies, paints, polymer clays, etc. The upstairs level is more for artists but the basement level is just as large and filled with everything a craft lover needs. Ask if they give a discount if you are a member of a local craft society. They also have a decent sized free parking lot behind their building, which is an absolute blessing for the area. Decent prices and a nice variety of options make this my first choice for arts and crafts. read more

If you're tired of the chain hobby/craft stores and have thought about lamenting the sad state of art supply distributers in the United States today...stop!! Go to Playtime!!! The name is kind of misleading. It's not a kids' toy store. Just walking in the door and seeing the crowded aisles literally stuffed with all the art supplies you could imagine will fill ANYONE will glee - even non-artists. They've got four aisles of paints (oil and acrylic) and paint supplies, brushes, modelling supplies and accessories, decent frame and matting supplies, and a HUGE selection of craft supplies. They've also got a display in the front of the store with craft wood BESIDES balsa!! (omg) Basement level is mostly ribbon/fabric and floral arrangements, but they've got a little of everything, and you can't go wrong with their ribbon section, honestly. Go check it out. If you're looking for yarn, they've only got the cheap Red Heart stuff for kids, so you're much better off going to a real yarn store such as Spark Crafts or Woolcotts, but honestly their entire craft selection is awesome. The only thing I wish they sold that they don't have is a drafting table/drawing table...they have easels, but to get an actual table you'll have to hit a larger store with more floor space. I think it really is a matter of space - they don't HAVE the room to cram any more stuff into that store. Beware if you're even the slightest bit artsy because if you go into Playtime, you'll probably end up staggering out with loads of cool stuff you never even knew you wanted. read more

I really LIKE this store for its product, they have a variety of laces and tulle which I use a lot for my business. So that part is a 5-star. But their customer service is totally bipolar, at least on the lower level. I've been there numerous times, and today, I had a lady who helped me before go off on me, a grown pregnant woman, like I was her misbehaving 5-year old grandkid, after I questioned the price of the lace I've purchased before and it was different price every time. Not only that her first comment was "Do you know this is $3 per yard?!!" OK, what's the implication there, I don't look like a person who can afford it? And then when I mentioned that a few weeks ago, she sold it to me for 25 cents (I was wrong here too, it was 89 cents, after I looked at the previous receipt). And then she attempted to try to put me in my place for even suggesting that she ever helped me. Previous visits, I had to stand and wait for the two ladies to finish conversation about some other employee they were not happy with before being rung up, and on other occasion, I disturbed the cashier while she was deeply involved in some cutting out and gluing craft she had neatly laid out on the counter, and she had to move it with a great annoyance to cut out the stubborn and space consuming tulle I was buying. I should probably grow a thicker skin when I go to that place, because it is only down the road from my store, and often times I need some things from there, so I would definitely return for the product. But definitely not for their customer service. read more

I enjoy going to Playtime when I feel like adding to my art supply horde. As a mixed media artist that's always looking for new materials and inspiration. I always encounter something unique at Playtime. It has everything you never knew you needed! With that in mind, it can be difficult to find things and they do not have a wide selection of basics like Michael's and Dick Blick. However, I like to shop local and don't mind paying an extra dollar for the occasional item. That's my customer/artist review. From a business perspective... I'm not sure how they stay in business. Good location and a vibrant artist community? Clearly the owner does not know how to inventory items. It's almost as if things just get randomly purchased and thrown onto a shelf. Customer service is also bizarre. I have shopped at Playtime many times and there always seems to be an issue between employees or with another customer. A few weeks ago when I was paying for an item, two employers were fighting with each other over who would ring-up my purchase and who would take a phone order. Yesterday, a man asked if they sold large pre-stretched canvases. After waiting nearly 10 minutes the employee said that she couldn't get to it out back and he would have to wait for the manager who would be back in an hour. Clearly he was very upset and left. It makes me wonder what "out back" looks like? An enormous pile of art supplies that won't fit on the overflowing shelves out front? I like this store but it surprises me in this economy that they don't try a little harder to do basic customer service- smile, clean, etc. Regardless, I'll keep going back but don't be surprised if an elderly lady snaps at you while perusing the button/silk/felt marker/Christmas wreath isle. read more

After having hit every art supply store and every hardware store in search of the ellusive ball chain thing I've been needing for one of my projects, a friend of mine suggested hitting Playtime in Arlington (which I'd honestly never even heard of) and lo and behold, they had it. What organized chaos this store is! Cluttered, cramped, impossible to navigate without help, but they seem to have practically everything one could hope for whether they're a serious artist or a wanna be craftster like myself. Beads, stamps, inks, pens, paints, easels, wood, molds, really just a ton of stuff. The store really is incredibly difficult to navigate without help and the staff (which when I went seemed to be comprised mostly of little old women) are harried, but incredibly helpful, even if it takes a while (often we'd ask person A for help, who would have to defer to person B who was helping person C find an item for another customer, so things took a while) So I was pretty impressed. Not as convenient and snobbish as Pearl, not as slick and huge as Blick, but I'll totally go back there for my jewelry making needs. read more

I do not know how to begin describing the Playtime experience. I had to give a 4 star rating because this place has everything you could possibly need for any type of art project. I just wish things weren't so cluttered!! It was literally a near death experience trying to maneuver around boxes and stands to get to the scrap booking paper! Needless to say I moved on to another aisle but the clutter aside, roaming throughout Playtime was very exciting and I was thrilled with some of the items I found. I hesitate to begin listing the products they carry because it would probably take hours. Go and see for yourself! There is a wide range in pricing but very fair when compared to smaller boutiques and larger chains like A.C. Moore. read more

This is my favorite store of all time. Everything you need is there, but so aren't the most unusual items. I always go in for an item but come out so inspired. Decorative paper, ribbon by the yard, watercolors, yarn, beads, pens, stickers. Just so many beautiful things! read more

This place is wonderful. The ladies who work here are so knowledgeable and eager to assist and instruct. I came here for way too many dollars with of Sworvski crystals for my fitness competition, and I came without any information and tools and left feeling like an expert. I need to explore learning about new arts and crafts hobbies so that I can find more reasons to come here! What a treat this place is! read more

Play Time. I can see how it is a town favorite. They do have tons and tons of stuff. I often wonder how they would ever do inventory. Eee gads, it's not the most organized place. So much that when I checked out, the casher asked me what aisle I found my item at. Play Time is good, you won't leave empty handed. They pretty much have everything... great place for gifts. You could outfit a party at this place!! I prefer AC Moore , but it's really unfair to compare the two. Supporting the little guy, I am all about it. One of the survey questions on this is 'wheel chair accessible'... you can get a wheelchair in, but the asiles are filled with stuff, there is no way you could get one down aisles. :( read more

Play Time is Wonderland for me. Anything you could possibly need for you project - they have it. This place is huge. Then you discover there's a downstairs. Then you discover there's another room downstairs. It's HUGE! I love to knit, so I spent a good amount of time in the yarn section. I love their supply and will continue to buy my stock here. Seriously, anything you can think of or could possibly need for you project, do give this place a try. The prices are great, the size of the store is immense, and the staff are very nice. read more

Best craft, art and stationary store I've ever been to! I can find almost anything. It's also my daughter's favorite store. Been coming here for 10 years. Perfectly quirky and nostalgic, one of a kind place that I hope stays with us for ever! I read more

I've been shopping at Playtime since I was a little kid saving my allowance to buy model horses--now that I'm a crafty adult, I'm still a loyal shopper! If you go in with a specific shopping list, you may not find everything you were looking for, but you are guaranteed to find a bunch of things that you didn't know you were looking for until you found them. I've also always had a great time interacting with the staff (though I am also the kind of person who is determined to find things myself, so that might be part of it). Yarn, glitter, glue, feathers, beads, flowers, supplies for making candles, soap, dolls, trims and rickrack, all kinds of crafting tools, needlework, tassels, googly eyes--they've got it all. Upstairs, don't overlook the ready made frame section--excellent selection and prices! There are also interesting toys and craft projects for children of all ages, models, Dover books, scrapbooking supplies, all sorts of paint, easels, etc., as well as a great assortment of party supplies and nifty stuff for whatever holiday is close by. read more

Playtime has been around for many years, my mom introduced me to this place around the age of 2, when she herself would buy art supplies. Although cluttered and cramped, they do have a good selection of art supplies. Products range from craft items to fine art items. I personally like the selection of clays and larger rolls of paper and newsprint. The prices are not bad and you can also find small various items if you are putting together a homemade gift for someone special, they have sooo many little objects to choose from, most of them are very cute. I love the crowded atmosphere and creaking floors..it also has a distinct smell..which I love. The salespeople do know where everything is, so don't be afraid to ask. read more

This place would be Martha Stewart's Nightmare. She'd quit her day job, and dedicate the rest to her life to organizing it. Amy Sedaris would have an orgasm. I make a special trip out here, every so once in a while. They literally have everything you could imagine. And the staff is truly helpful. So, if you want to find craft supplies, great kid gifts, art supplies, or random weird doo-dahs, come on out to Playtime. read more

This has been my go too place for art supplies since I was but a wee sprout. they have anything you can think of....and if they don't have it, they'll be more than happy to special order it for you. In fact my only qualm with the place is that they don't carry Tombo or Faber-Castell Markers but I think if I spoke to them about it, they might start stocking them. I'd imagine that finding what you're looking for would be a bit difficult if you weren't familiar with the place but the staff are very kind when it comes to giving directions. Not only that but the act of scanning the isles for what you need brings your attention to all sorts of nifty widgets that you hadn't even thought of. The staff is also willing to converse with you about your little projects, which I think is important for an art supply store. I think that the more senior staff's expertise leans more towards more traditional art though, as I have asked about illustration supplies (like non-photo blue pencils etc.) and they get a bit dumbfounded. In spite of this, they still stock whatever you need. read more