If I Were a Toy...

If I Were a Toy is the adorable revamped store formerly known as Giggles and Green. I posted a piece about them last August. Joanna Kayata is still the owner. She simply decided to add more toys and games, while selling less clothing. *They now offer haircuts for kids, too! Little ones all over Carroll Gardens & Cobble Hill can now sport terrific trims by their professional and kid-careful stylists :)


They sell a wide array of fun and educational games, activity sets and toys for a range of ages. I am partial to Eeboo. I simply love the design and illustrations they use on their products :)


If I Were a Toy offers a nice range in sizes and prices. It's the perfect stop to pick up a birthday or baby shower gift! They also sell Peaceable Kingdom line of cards :)

une petite leçon française ? Little Pim


You still have a chance to purchase their remaining clothes, hats, mittens and cute rain jacktes!



Plenty of practical playthings for babies.

Stacks and stacks of great games and building sets.

Decor and art supplies by Melissa and Doug. Cute lunch boxes by Crocodile Creek :)



As for activity time: Monday & Friday offers Jitterbugs a music class for ages 3 months to 5 years. Visit their site for details.

Tuesday & Thursday is Playtime with Lori for ages 3 mos. to 4 years of age. Interactive play with arts & crafts, music, games, activities, snacks and storytime :)

Ya'll come back now...

Saturdays from 10-12 noon it's Art Outside the Lines for 3-8 year olds. Read more on their site.

Visit If I Were a Toy and give your child the perfect cut, craft supplies and a space to make some art! Shop product lines from Manhattan Toy, Gund, Alex, Colorbok, Shylling, Isa Booties, Brain Quest, Skuut, Tiny Love and more...

Thanks to Joanna for letting me show off the new & improved Carroll Gardens Toy Store! Continued Success to you and Virginia!!

If You Were a Toy, what would you be???
xo, Allyn

Giggles and Green

This is Giggles and Green, the super cute, super friendly neighborhood shop specializing in all things kids! It's perfectly situated across from Carroll Park in Brooklyn, NY.

Joanna Kayata is the owner and she is committed to being Green 95% of her products are organic. Most of the clothing is made in the USA and imported items are produced through fair trade practices. Giggles and Green celebrated their 1 year anniversary this July '09 :) I will add a link to their site once it is up and running.

In the summer months they sell refreshing ices in their courtyard, which kids and adults enjoy! However, on this particular day, it awaits maintenance :( A few people came in to ask about it while I was here. *This fall/winter they will sell hot dogs, pretzels, soups & hot cider, too!

Here is Joanna (right) with Virginia (left) who is credited with keeping the store so very neat & organized. Below, is the wall behind the register where they've just started posting kids' artwork and photos of babies & kids in their clothing. Couldn't resist including my dog pic here ;D

Giggles and Green carries a large selection of educational toys and children's products by Melissa and Doug Started in 1988, they've been leaders in creating a wide array of toys and activities for the kids' market.

Clothing here is all made from natural fibers using only organic dyes, with the exception of raincoats ;)

Still plenty of beach time in August!

Smart is good and Brain Quest sees learning as a fun adventure! Their Question/Answer decks and Workbooks are sold here.

Above are some adorable games by Eeboo one of my very favorite companies! I dream of licensing artwork to them :) I highly recommend Bingo! in French or Spanish. Love these little diaries & stationery sets, too.

Below is G&G's small, but well organized playroom where they offer art classes 3 days a week. The summer sessions have just finished, but will start up again in September on Saturdays. For now, it's a great spot for kids to draw, paint or play while you do some shopping!

Starry Night --kids paying homage to Van Gogh here!

Above, the g diaper starter kit. These are breathable, plastic-free and biodegradable! This is a great company, check out their website if you haven't already.

All in the family--below is the chiropractic office of her brother & sister-in-law. Once part of Giggles and Green before it sold retail. They decided to leave up the vibrant murals by Joanna's friend, Julio Candelario. I've included the one in their bathroom below.

Giggles and Green is located at 369 Court Street across from Carroll Park right by the F & G lines. They also sell products by Manhattan Toy, Green to Grow BPA-free baby bottles, Isa Booties and many more top notch companies :)

Telephone: 718.222.2444 / Hours: M 10a-6p, T-F 10a-7p and Sat/Sun 11a-6p