A new toy shop has opened its doors in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn and it’s definitely worth a visit. Pipsqueak Shoppe + Salon (469 Myrtle Ave; 718-636-6044, pipsqueakshoppe.com) first welcomed shoppers this summer, offering an array of toys, books, gifts and haircuts. Owned by Alejandro Escalante and Jon Vasquez, Pipsqueak Shoppe + Salon is the second location of Escalante’s original Pipsqueak Shoppe (1124 Bedford Ave).
Photograph Courtesy: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
When asked about what they hope families take away from a visit to the shop, Vasquez listed the simple joy of being a kid again as their main goal. “I hope the toys and books encourage their creativity and push their imaginations to run wild with possibilities,” he said. “I aim to help every kid feel accepted and celebrated for who they are. We are living in scary times right now as adults. I want Pipsqueak to be an escape from that.”
Photograph Courtesy: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
And escape they will! Inside, families will find cool new toys as well as classics that parents will remember from their own childhood. A wide price range means that everyone will be able to walk away with the perfect gifts for the kids in their life, including toys made from eco-friendly materials. Handmade toys from Venezuela, bobble heads from Oaxaca, Mexico and whimsical pillows from fellow New Yorker Kate Durkin can be found on the shelves next to Jellycat plush animals, Kidrobot collectibles, Tegu magnetic wooden blocks and Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel from FCTRY.
Photograph Courtesy: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
Books featuring diverse characters, backpacks, sneakers and essentials for baby are just some of the shop’s other offerings. Kids can even get their hair cut while sitting inside of a bright yellow NYC taxi cab or a red fire truck, which will be a fun treat for little ones who are usually finicky when getting their locks snipped. Haircut appointments, which take place Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, can be made online 24 hours in advance or same day by calling 718-636-6044. Rates for cuts are $25 for babies and kids and $30 for tweens and adults with discounts available for siblings.
Photograph Courtesy: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
Families looking for cool gifts for their little ones should pop in for a visit because it sounds like a sweet toy store, book store, baby store, shoe store and hair salon for children all rolled into one!
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