Stuffy and overpriced. You'd think a store that specializes in children's in items would be more welcoming to parents than come in with their kids. Also, any place that has an "exchanges only" return policy only cares about getting their money - not your satisfaction. Beautiful stuff in there, but you can get it someplace else without the attitude. I live around the corner and love shopping local but I'm a set with them. read more

5 stars all the way!! Absolutely love this store!! The toys are such great quality and the clothing is too!! They helped me so much with wrapping and picking out things around the store!! Some of the best employees always have a smile on their faces!! read more

I would give ten stars if I could! This store is always my go-to for all of my friends' kids' gifts and they are always a hit. Today I panicked because I got a late invite to my best friend's son's barbecue tomorrow (a Sunday). At 3:45PM I called the store (they close at 4PM) wondering if they were open on Sunday. Due to Covid19 they are having limited hours but Nancy immediately volunteered to help me pick out a gift and then DELIVER it free of charge to my house in Quincy. Above and beyond! Also they do free gift wrapping which is a huge plus! So important in these pandemic times especially to support small businesses. I will forever be shopping at the Toy Chest in Milton, MA! read more

Wonderful experience recently picking out a baby gift (great summer blanket and a pair of socks). The women behind the counter were extremely friendly, professional and pleasant and one woman quickly moved out to suggest, show options and ultimately find an appropriate gift. There were other people in the store at the time and they did a terrific job managing multiple tasks while gift wrapping the present, suggesting a card and checking me out. My wife and I have been coming here for years and have always found the selection to be topnotch and the service exemplary. The store is a real treasure in the town of Milton. read more

My husband and I went to the store with our son today. I am a huge fan of Zutano clothes and was excited to see that a local store carries them. I usually order them online. First issue, the elevator is out of service. We had to carry our Uppababy stroller up the stairs, not an easy task. Second, we were not greeted by any of the young employees that were very chatty at the register. Third, it was very difficult to move our stroller through the store. I live nearby and I will never go back. It was a waste of time. read more

I am beyond upset by the terrible experience I had to deal with today at The Nutshell in Milton! After 15years supporting this small business and having spent thousands of dollars on gifts, the lack of courtesy and respect was beyond insulting! I went in to exchange a gift which was still in it's original Toy Chest box with bow & wrapping paper (never opened). I explained to the staff that I only want to make an even swap for baby girl clothes. I made a mistake and purchased boy's items. The allowable exchange date was 1/14/22. I understand it is 1wk after, but since she and the owner know very well who I am, and the box was still wrapped, all clothes with original tags attached and box never opened, the right thing to do for a loyal customer is to accommodate them. Not in this place. The staff opened the box and took out the "7" items I purchased. She then told me "I have to see if we still carry these items and if we do I may be able to exchange." I am sorry but what does that exactly mean? When you go to any other store, they do not challenge you when you want to return items. She then started to look at the clothing racks and found one of my gift items and said "oh we have this one but it is on sale." Again what does this mean??? I can exchange but for the sale price now? Then she picked up a hat with tag still on inside the gift box and said , "This is a final sale. Blue color hat does not matter, anyone can wear blue." This dialogue from her went on and on for about ten minutes with all of my gift items. I finally told her to please stop with excuses. Beyond ridiculous! I took all of my items and left the store. I agree 100% with Katherine K. 8/17/21 review "It's an absolute mystery why people running a toy store are so miserable." I will NEVER go back to buy a single item from this store!! read more

This store has some unique gifts for children -- like smencils! I've purchased things for my nieces and nephews several times. Each time I go in here, I am ignored. Typical Milton pretentiousness I'd say. The last time in there I yelled obnoxiously to get help locating an item. It was funny to watch the sales girl come to the rescue. Not sure why I keep coming back. Probably because it's close to my home, I'm lazy to drive elsewhere, and I like to patronize the little guys. Toys here are pricey. And don't even try sifting thru the clothing racks: $54 for a tee for a baby girl? Please. They do really nice gift wrapping though. read more

Well staffed with friendly and helpful employees. I purchased two box toy sets for my son's third birthday (a huge hit). They wrapped it for free and I was set to go. The toys I bought were cheaper here vs what it's currently going for on amazon. Even if they weren't, I'd come back just to support another local small business. Thanks! read more

The employees in this marginal baby "boutique" think they are far superior. I went in to find a certain toy for my 6 month old son. When I mentioned to one of the employees that I was concerned of the safety of the toy, she repeatedly asked if I leave him unattended ... and started talking down to me , like I was unfit or something.... Really? She didn't let up until I let her know that my husband, myself, and my NANNY keep a good eye on him! I don't get offended often , but left furious!!! I don't need anything enough to shop here ... EVER again. Oh and I am pretty sure I make more in a week than this place or its employees make in 6 months .... Not that it should matter! #rude #neveragain read more

It was our first visit to the Nutshell. The store is adorable and in a cute building that has other stores and a cafe. The selections were nice and of good quality, but it is a little pricey compared to the stores in the mall. It's likely because the manufacturers of some of the products are local or hand made. We went in for boys clothes and accessories, but the selections were extremely limited. Granted, like women's clothes or other baby clothing stores, there's always going to be more to choose from for girls, but I found this place particularly scarce on boy items, even in the toy section. This isn't a complaint, but more of an observation. If there is one thing I would change about the store, it would be the sales section. All the sales items are stuffed in a narrow, short nook, where really only one person could fit when browsing so you'd have to wait until the person is done in order for you to have your turn. It was dingy and dusty back there so it feels more like a place of the forgotten! If it were seat up where it's more accessible, brighter, and clean I think the items would sell really well and quick! Especially, because after some digging, i found things that can be used for some great DIY (Do It Yourself) projects like for nurseries. We'd definitely visit again, but if we're shopping for boys again, it's likely this place won't be our first choice. We'd be better off at the mall. read more

After years as a customer at the Nutshell, I'm finally writing a review after an aggravating experience today. The Nutshell is Milton's go-to toy shop for endless birthday party gifts and holiday presents. Prices are higher than Target, but the selection is good, they wrap gifts nicely, it's close, and I like supporting local businesses. The biggest problem with the Nutshell is the way shop staff treat and interact with customers. Smiles are hard to come by, asking for help makes you feel like you've put them out. The overall vibe is unwelcoming at best. It's better now that my kids are older, but when they were smaller I was always worried we'd get kicked out for normal kid behavior. Still, we keep going for the reasons above, and we hold our breath until we leave. Today, though, my 8 year old daughter and her older brother went into the shop to spend a bit of birthday money. She picked out a $9 pop-it-style fidget spinner and a couple of other things. When the kids started to play with it, it was clear it wasn't great quality and the plastic was splitting. They returned to the shop within minutes and asked for a refund, only to be told it was final sale and they could choose another. They did, and that one was also flimsy. Minutes later, I went up myself to ask for store credit, and received the coldest treatment and inflexible response. I insisted and explained that if my daughter was going to spend her $9 at the Nutshell, it shouldn't be on something that was going to break by the end of the day. The woman huffed and shuffled my receipt, and said she'd be willing to have my daughter choose something else right then. I explained we didn't have time, but would return if she could give us store credit. After more back and forth, she then gave me a cash refund. We spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars there every year, are loyal customers, so I would have expected them to want to make sure a child was able to leave with something that would be of decent quality. We show up every time with smiles, cheerful hellos and thank yous. I'd expect a minimum of courtesy and kindness in return. It's an absolute mystery why people running a toy store are so miserable. read more

I called The Nutshell today looking for a few last minute birthday presents for my son. The owner answered and I told her what I was looking for. She sent me a text with a picture of 7-8 items. I picked out 3 and called her back. She wrapped them and brought them down to the front door for me. It was during the Coronavirus and I didn't want to go into the store. What a great experience. So helpful and a great selection. I highly recommend The Nutshell and what amazing service! read more

The Nutshell always has exactly what I need, even if I rush in there 5 minutes before a birthday party. The staff are always great at recommending age and kid appropriate gifts, within a price range. The fact that they gorgeously wrap everything is a huge bonus! Now, if only I could keep my kids from peeking in their display cabinets when we visit the Milton Marketplace. ;) read more

I have a 5 year old and 7 year old daughter so we are on the birthday party circuit and I often find myself looking for an age appropriate gift. I just have to say the sex and age of the recipient and I am given several options at various price points. The clerks always have first hand knowledge about what kids like since they see what kids are asking for when they are in the store. I don't know why others had a bad time - the staff has never been anything but helpful and pleasant - and they gift wrap! Need a birthday gift? You can be done and wrapped in 15 minutes for less than $20 read more

This toy store is one of my biggest mom-hacks, making my life easier! They gift wrap anything perfectly at no extra cost, and even have little birthday cards for each age that you can throw in too-- a one stop shop that makes birthday gifts even easier than amazon. I don't even have to buy wrapping paper anymore. I stop in for every birthday party gift we need- they have a great selection and if I don't know the child well they're always happy to offer recommendations based on the age and what kids tend to enjoy the most. My son also loves the store. They have many learning and activity based toys, Melissa & Doug, etc, not just plastic and tv character based stuff like at most stores these days. read more

Went w/ my mother-in-law to get a christening outfit for my 2-month old son (w/ baby in tow). We were greeted immediately upon entering the store by a super-friendly woman. She brought us over to the correct area, and helped w/ picking out an outfit (laid out various styles/sizes for us to browse). In the process of choosing, a second associate came over to comment on how cute the baby was. Not a super-expansive selection, but there were a few choices among styles. Seemed like a cute toy store from the brief-browse I gave the rest of the store. read more

Great store for birthday gifts. Friendly staff. Helpful. Had a good experience buying for an age I wasn't use to buying for.

I ran in for a gift not realizing they were closing in 10, and the folks behind the register couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. I worked retail for years, and I know it's tough to close down, and that last straggler is such a pain. So thank you, not only for the help, but the creative ideas for my gift and I'll definitely be back again! read more

I was disappointed as I had heard good things. Staff was condescending and made me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Sad as I live closeby and might have been a regular but I won't go again. Plus it's overcrowded and had difficulty getting stroller through. Overall unpleasant and pretentious. read more

Buyer beware! Bought a plush toy and upon getting home discovered that it had a hole in it and the stuffing was falling out. Returned to the store with the receipt and was told that they did not accept returns on plush toys for sanitary reasons. So they have the right to sale you a defective item and you have no recourse. The policy is printed on the receipt in small print. I failed to check the return policy on the receipt as I was too busy handing over my hard earned money for one of their overpriced defective items. I like the idea of supporting a local establishment but will avoid this place in the future. Had I bought this at Target, there would have been no questions asked. By the way I was not looking for a refund, just a toy that didn't have a hole in it when purchased. read more

Dreadful shopping experience, and I've been here a number of times. Why would I keep coming back -- unique toys, cute boutique clothes, free gift wrapping, but it's really NOT worth the attitude. I've come with kids in tow, and thought I was being treated rudely because the kids were hands on. I've come without kids, and got the same attitude. Ugh. Dressed up, dressed down, spend $10, spend $100, each time I get the "we don't need you" attitude. Last visit was the icing on the cake though. I was in with my daughter buying a gift for a classmate who has everything. We were not greeted until we browsed the communion dresses, and then we were glared at as if we were covered in chocolate and about to ruin the pristine white condition of the dresses. We were just looking, so didn't ask to try anything on-- I'm sure that would have been a nightmare! As we were standing in line to purchase the toys we had selected, the two customers in front of us were each offered a coupon for their next purchase. I thought hmmm, maybe we'll come back for another gift for an upcoming party, of course that was until we were wrung up and sent on our way WITHOUT being offered the coupon. Never again, Nutshell. You are simply too rude for me to spend my money there. I'll go to the Toy Box in Hanover and get treated like a queen, thankyouverymuch. read more

I have been going to this store since it opened. I have always had wonderful service and their children's clothes are beautiful. They also have great toys and books. read more

The Nutshell/ Toy Chest is the ultimate definition of one-stop-shopping! There are clothes, toys, and even complimentary gift wrap(which is better than I could do)! The clothes are very affordably priced for the quality and brands that they are. Also, the toys are extremely affordable, since I stop here weekly for a $20 birthday present which they also wrap for FREE. I was very disappointed to read negative reviews about the staff since I have only seen the staff be helpful and caring. They recognize me each time I walk in and always help me find a gift, did I mention they wrap too?! Overall The Nutshell/ Toy Chest is great for any occasion and I recommend it for all. read more

Had no idea what I was going to buy for my friend's children and the staff made it so easy! I told them the ages of the children and how much I wanted to spend. If that wasn't good enough-they wrap FOR FREE! Will be back for Christmas gifts! read more

Went to pick out a christening gift...was greeted promptly and asked if I needed any assistance. After browsing the store I settled on a few items which were then beautifully wrapped by a very pleasant salesperson. A wonderful place to shop! read more

Best customer service!! I am always greeted with smiling faces, and their free gift wrapping is always a plus.

We were visiting another store when my daughter noticed the toys and fun things to look at as we were walking by the Nutshell. She wanted to go in and I reluctantly conceded. I have to say I was happy that I did. We were greeted upon entering the store, and asked by a very nice girl if we needed any help as we walked around. The women behind the counter (I think one was the owner) were personable and pleasant as we checked out our purchase. This was a much different experience. It's been a couple of years so perhaps they have turned things around. I will definitely be back! read more

We've been coming to The Toy Chest and The Nutshell for years and years. Always superior quality toys, clothes, and books. Yes, the prices are a little more than at, say, a big-box store, but there's good reason- The items are "vetted", so you know they're good quality, the staff is always helpful, and the gift wrapping is free. There's added bonus in supporting our small local businesses. read more

I've been going to The Nutshell for several years and it's fabulous. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. It's my go-to for birthday gifts for my kids' friends because the selection is so creative and the wrapping is gorgeous. We recently bought my son's communion suit here and the experience was seamless and easy. I've purchased lots of fun party clothes here too. Just love the place! read more

The best! I have been buying birthday presents for my daughter's friends here for years - the staff is super friendly and knowledgable about age appropriate gifts, the prices are reasonable and always free gift wrapping! Consistently a fantastic customer experience. I love the Nutshell / Toychest! read more

3rd time shopping there this year and yet again they make sure a girl is watching and following everything I do and look at. Won't ever shop there again, they make me feel uncomfortable and like a shoplifter. read more

Like this place. Free wrapping and they do a really cute job of it. Biggest issue is that they only let you get a merchandise credit if you want to return something, so not a place I do holiday shopping in bulk. Best for the bday presents that you have to grab last minute, wrapped and done. read more

this store is adorable, a lot of great items.... the staff is BEYOND RUDE !! i wasnt greeted, helped or even looked at... i do love their clothes and i like to go to smaller businesses... but they lost my business, i walked out and left a handful of clothes at the counter read more