OMG...did you ever grow up wanting a room full of toys and crazy things on your wall? Well I did and when I first went to this place, I thought I had found my dream room. There are so many crazy toys and nik naks everywhere that its so hard to walk out with nothing in-hand. When you walk in, be sure to also be aware of what they have hanging in the store otherwise you might miss something cool. They have the classic children's books, and jesus paraphernalia, sushi paraphernalia, and large rubbery insects and animals. They also have small little toys that are cheap and then also the large cooler toys for adults, but what makes this place great is that mostly you will find toys you played with growing up and always wanted to buy it again if you lost it, or broke yours. If you have never been here before, make sure to give yourself enough time to explore and look around because it is so easy to spend a lot of time here. You can find the perfect gag gift or office or friend gift here. I know lots of people who have trouble picking out gifts for people but here, its so easy to find something small to pick up. This is also a place to keep in mind for when Christmas or any holiday comes around because they have the perfect stocking stuffers. They also have a cafe so be sure to check out that. For Vegans, you will love this place, they also have toys lining the wall throughout the cafe. So I know I have said a lot of great things about this place but there is one thing you should know. The only downfall of this place is that the parking is hard to get so just be aware of where you park and read the signs upfront otherwise you might get towed. Thats the only bad thing about this place. If your a UT student, you gotta check out this place, its what makes Austin Weird. read more

This is a great funky Toy Shop. Terra Toys is probably a bit better. They have a similar selection, but Terra has more. Also, Toy Joy's parking can be a bit tight. They do serve Vegan soft-serve icecream. It was good, but it tasted like it was a yogurt base. If you've ever had Neo's in Houston, this might be a bit of a let down. read more

I think the place is overrated and would like to have seen more American vintage toys. That said, there were several fun trinkets to see.

What else can be said about Toy Joy that hasn't already? As an Austin native and self proclaimed semi-professional toy enthusiast, it is known as the mecca of childhood fun and one of the happiest places in Austin and I personally think it deserves it. Short of it: Oozes personality and fun! Great ever changing selection of goofy stuff! A staff of people that love to do what they do! Come in even if you don't have a need to buy anything just to have some fun! Long version: I've been going to Toy Joy for years and it never disappoints! From a glance the place may appear cluttered but when you look closer you'll see every inch covered in fun discoveries and they have something for everyone! What I like best is that they walk the line of true kids store and grown up kids store. They have both fun things to decorate your home or office, goofy versions of practical tools and accessories, but the grand majority of their selection is really meant to be played with, either by a 5 year old or an 85 year old. They have sections with ultra safe and adorable baby toys as well as sections with popular costume accessories (neon hats and fake mustaches) that have supplied UT undergrad theme parties for decades. Besides being such an awesome embodiment of the fun loving, laid back personality of this great city, Toy Joy also has the details that can make retail shopping a fun experience. The staff really love their jobs and take pride in the place, you can see evidence of their funny signs all over the shop, advertising some of the smaller products and their antics demoing the toys can illicit more than a few laughs! They are also eager to help with any questions and after purchasing a product, no matter how large or small, they can wrap it in an ever changing selection of free gift wrap! I haven't read the other reviews for it in a while, but some of the cons I've heard people mention are really just specific to a few people in my opinion. I will warn that parking is limited but besides their own lot, there is a shared lot with Buffalo Exchange further behind them, and often plenty of parking in the neighborhood one block back with no limits on where you can park there. What's extra awesome is Toy Joy actively tries to warn people about the not so friendly other businesses in the area who do like to tow, so if you're worried about your car just ask! They really do want you to have a great experience at their shop! It can also get crowded in the store, especially on weekends and holidays, but as long as you don't come in carrying the weight of a weeks worth of stress on your brow (which would be hard to hold on to once you give a Rody pony a bounce!), its usually nothing that could ruin the experience! and lastly, I've heard another customer complain about prices there once, and that just irked me a little. It's true that some of the smaller knick-knacks could be found occasionally cheaper or in bulk bags at like a dollar store or wal-mart, but being a local business they can't always get the product for the same rates as the corporations. On the grand majority of what you're going to find there though, things are actually fairly priced and they make up for other shortcomings by the fact that they have much more unique things than you would find in a big chain! Sure, a few of the products can be found elsewhere, but the variety in one place can't be beat! Sorry for the long review, just had to get off my chest how great Toy Joy is! I don't think I can build it up enough, go in there if you're in Austin and you haven't yet! Lose a few hours looking around and just exploring the space, say hi to the friendly staff, and buy yourself a fun little treasure! You deserve it! read more

oh wow!! can't believe there aren't more reviews about Toy Joy!! Honestly, the BEST toy store in Texas, this place has everything. Be prepared to take it in small doses, this place can be pretty intense all at once... break it down into a three day thing if need be. Toy Joy rocks and is worth a trip to Austin itself! read more

Place has every awesome toy from every part of the globe. If you are looking for variety but don't have issues of parking in a garage and paying $8 then it's worth going because there is no parking anywhere around. read more

I have never had so much fun in a store ever. My face hurt from smiling and laughing. It was wonderful to feel like a kid again. Thank you toy joy :] read more

My fav place for the best toys ever. I can stay here for hours and be fully satisfied and entertained.

Really interesting stuff here. You would need 3 plus hours to see it all. I bought some "cat lady band aids" lol. Prices are steep but some things.... you just cant find elsewhere. read more

*LOVE* this place!!! I've gotten a number of interesting things from here: a) name bracelet (that I got about 4 years ago, still use) b) squishy balls c) a ribbon hangy-thingamabob d) other crap. this place is fun. toy = joy. the name is spot on. read more

You must go. Yes, it's that good. I don't always buy something but I always find great things here for my nephews and nieces. They love the cool, retro toys. read more

The Wee Wee Willie peed on my hand--shoulda guessed something bad would happen when I agreed to the mock innocent request of the sign, "Pull down my shorts?". Soundtrack was "Ninetendo songs streaming from Grooveshark". They sell a keychain of a clear pregnant figurine with her fetus showing: whoa. I will be back for that. They have Buster/ Lupe's hand chair. read more

When I saw this online I thought it would be a cool place to visit. The cool toys and neat things appealed my eyes. They are located on the corner and getting in the parking lot was interesting as well. When we first walked in we were so intrigued by the odd gadgets they had. Hello Kitty mania and odd stuff like Ugly Doll. It would be a great place for Sanrio fanatics and ppl who like odd things. I had fun looking around and noticed the overpriced japanese stuff. Peperro for $4 and candies that are double the actual cost... you can actually get these at the asian market for half the price. Enough of the toys they had I tried one of the drinks as well. I got the pineapple milk tea w/soy and it was really gooood! Not too sweet and perfect bobas, The drink was made out of good stuff no powders which is a plus! The price was $3 for a med size which is decent for the product. Another great thing I noticed was the bobas were kinda warm which made it taste excellent. read more

The toys here are awesome, of course, but it was the vegan soft serve ice cream that drew me in. Upon your arrival, you will immediately be slapped in the face with a kazillion Hello Kitty and Sanrio toys. If you continue onward into the abyss, you'll find everything from the classics (Rubik's cubes, Rody horses, paper dolls, wind-up toys, Duncan yo-yo's, etc.) to the newer stuff. They even have toys here that I think adults would love (my boyfriend couldn't stop playing with a Star Wars lego man flashlight), so I don't think this spot is limited to children. On your way out, stop at the counter and grab a cup of the vanilla soft serve with Oreo crumbs. You won't be disappointed. read more

Do you love toys? Knick knacks? Hello Kitty things? Dinosaurs? Things that are fun, but that you really don't need? Then you will love this place (even if you just said yes to one of those)! Toy Joy is the kind of place that takes everyone back to feeling like a kid again. There is something for everybody and every time I visit I am awestruck at some new fangled fun thing they have that they didn't have on my last visit. I don't know how they fit everything that they carry inside of that store. There is such a great selection. My personal favorite is the areas that you can buy singles of small toys like plastic babies, plastic rings, dice, etc. And everything is priced so nicely! Stop in here or risk regretting it for the rest of your joyless existence. Yes, it's that good. read more

Pretty cool place. A little overwelming. So much in such a tiny space. I walked the whole store but feel like I only saw 1/2 the stuff in there. Will definetly go back when I have a few hours to kill. Some of the items seems s little pricy but what can you expect when shopping in down town austin. read more

Extensive and eclectic selection of toys. Whoever does the buying here does a great job. Not your run-of-the-mill toy store. I bought a few old school toys and the funnest Smarties-branded noodle for the pool. read more

Ugh, so cool it hurts. This is such a cool place to just wander around and check out unusal, hard-to-find and straight-up bizarre toys.

A great place to waste some time re-living your childhood! The toys are very unique and are good for a laugh. I have never actually bought anything in there (it's a bit pricey) but hey, you are supporting local business! read more

I am so happy I found this place. When the Sanrio store closed, my heart was broken. Toy Joy has repaired the damage, and I am in love again! read more

This is an all in kind of place for toys. Their selection is large and I happen to be a sucker for selection. The only down fall is there wasn't a selection of vinyl toys however they had something to one up it, a small cafe in the back stocked with godzilla toys. I found a few pieces that were a must have into my collection. read more

What a cute toy store! Good for kids and adults. An excellent place to find one of a kind stuff, like the nose pencil sharpener. Awesome.

One thing I didn't expect to find at Toy Joy when I visited was Bubble Tea. I consider myself a bubble tea connoisseur and I was excited to hear that there is no powders put into their bubble tea. I went with the coconut milk tea and pretty much could've died and gone to heaven after having a couple of sips. read more

Who doesn't love a walk thru wall-to-wall toys of yesteryear? This is complimented by delicious almond milk lattes available at the adjoined café and vegan soft serve. And the staff is nice in the typical old-school Austin way. read more

A toy store in Austin for sure. The parking is questionable. Sometimes it's not a problem, sometimes you have to park a couple lots over or in the neighborhood nearby. Not totally sure if you're allowed to do that...I do it anyway and hope for the best. I always end up walking by their frozen yogurt stand. I really need to quit doing this, because I always end up getting bubble tea. Why? I have no idea, I can't stand bubble tea. It just seems like the thing to do at Toy Joy. They have a vast variety of toys, gag gifts, trinkets and so forth, but it's all crammed together with blind corners. It always seems like a type of frenzy in there with the loud college students and the loud children. I always find myself looking at the teenagers and college students and thinking "What are they doing in here?" but then I realize that I'm almost 30 and in a toy store and set my stones aside for later. That's the thing with Toy Joy though, it's a fun place to be no matter how old you are, but you always feel a little silly shopping there for yourself, especially when you leave with a bag full of stuff that you really don't need, but you also couldn't live without, hence my pink, sparkly wallet... read more

This isn't your typical Toys-R-Us peeps! This is a bonafide toy explosion gone wild! Lots of really cool/funny/silly stuff. Just walk in and browse the selection, it's places like this that makes Austin well, ...Austin! read more

I'm pretty sure it's impossible to walk out of here without a giant grin on your face! This place is filled with all kinds of fun oddities. It's not your average toy store in that there are no aisles of Barbies and ponies in pink boxes, brain-building educational contraptions, and plastic assault rifles with sound effects. Instead it has toys that are old-school, funny (and perhaps a bit geeky) that will delight even the biggest of kids. They also have awesome holiday decor and funny hats. You can obtain bubble tea and ice cream treats in the colorful Asian toy room and flashing your GoLocal card will get you a free soft-serve cone! read more

These guys are the best. Wide variety of toys and gag gifts. Super friendly staff. Can't say anything bad about them. Went with the kids and we all left with some fun toys. read more

This is a toy store for EVERYONE. Take your Uncle Fred, your toddler, your mom, etc. While you are there, have some tasty vegan soft-serve. Toy Joy is an outing even more so than a "store." It's the first place I take anyone from out of town! read more

This may be the most interesting store I've ever been to. I bought a 15 or 25 cent ring that I wear a lot but all of their stuff at least for the most part is pretty expensive and is just fun to look at. read more

This store is awesome for all things eclectic. It's great for gag gifts, gifts of nostalgia, or just taking a tour down memory lane!

Not your average toy store for sure. Lots of fun gifts and a good selection of green/eco toys. They also have a large selection of Hello Kitty (etc) goods. The vegan soft serve is sooooo yum! read more

5.0/5.0 Stars! Best god damn vegan soft serve ice cream I've had yet. I had a root beer float, which I hadn't had in a LONG time, (made with natural root beer) and I LOOOOVED it! Plus a neat store to walk through; so much to see. read more

They have the coolest stuff and a huge section of hello kitty. Always fun to just peek in here.

One of the best toy stores I've been to in a looonnnggg time. There are toys for actual kids in this store, but there are soooooo many awesome items for the grownups as well. If you're looking for a unique gift or simply something to bring a smile to your own life....visit Toy Joy. read more

Best Toy Store I have ever been to in my life. They have some really amazing toys and gifts. My kids love it and I love taking them just because I am also so entertained in this place. I love the 100's of cubbys full of tiny toys, most of which are the same I had when I was a kid. It's a crunchy mom's dream come true. Screw Toys R Us. read more

rad. colorful. odd. nifty. wonderous. ridiculous. everything. if you can't find something to buy in here (for anyone on the planet) - you need more help than i can give you. read more

Really fun place - lots of nice novelties, and the handmade signs add a touch of local flavor. I think there is a stormtrooper eating a Torchy's taco. Bought vanilla soft serve next door and it was awesome. read more

I went here the other day with the intention of finding a birthday present for my six year old nephew. From the moment my fiancé and I walked in the door, we just wanted to play and touch everything. We found some cool 90s toys to get him, although we had to go to Toys R Us to get him some Despicable Me themed stuff(they don't carry more recent type of toys at Toy Joy). We also brought home toys for us to keep. This place is awesome! read more

They have a good variety of toys, though they can be a bit pricy. Lots of cat related toys, which I found super amusing :)