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New Charles Street Children’s Store to Offer Something for Every Child

Lindsay Perrelli has made it her mission to ensure that every kid, from toddlers through age 6, who visits The Happy Journey, the children’s store she’s opening at 73 Charles St., will find something that appeals to them.

“I have hand-selected every item in the store and take care to deeply learn about the history of each unique brand,” she said. “My focus is quality. I’d like to think there’s something for everyone – ranging from tiny trinkets to larger toy items, adorable stuffed animals, games and books.”

Perrelli, a soon-to-be 28-year-old Pinckney Street resident who originally hails from Connecticut, relocated to Boston after earning a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Ithaca College in Upstate New York to pursue a master’s in Elementary and Special Education at what was then-Wheelock College. Upon earning her post-graduate degree in 2017, she spent two years as the lead teacher at Boston Children’s Hospital, educating children ranging in age from 3 to high school students who were too sick to learn in a traditional classroom. Most recently, she worked as a “pod teacher” for first-grade students during the pandemic.

As an educator, Perrelli wants The Happy Journey to reflect her love of teaching, so a whole selection of the approximately 700-square-foot retail space will be devoted exclusively to educational games hand-selected by her.

“I want customers to be able to ask me for suggestions and advice relating to education,” she said. “I am a store-owner now, but will always be a teacher.”

A room at the rear of the store will accommodate what Perrelli describes as “a child’s play and learning oasis,” replete with a magnetic wall, two coloring stations, and a fairy-lit play tent, where, she said, “kids can freely go in and read or play.”

The Happy Journey will sell only the highest-quality toys hand-picked by Perrelli, which, she said, can’t be found in an ordinary toy store.

“I did a lot of research and didn’t just want to sell general toys so I took the time to find the highest-quality toys because I want people to know they’ll find something of value when they come in,” she said. “All of the toys in the store are made of quality wood, and I have some amazing European wooden toys that I am so excited to share with the kids.”

Perrelli has also designed “Mini Minds,” sensory kits for the store, which, she said, “promote imaginative play, calms and engages children, and enhances fine motor development.” She spent more than a year working on the kits, she said, and personally selecting every item that goes into them.

Besides being a teacher and now a small business owner, Perrelli is also the author of a recently published children’s book, also called “The Happy Journey,” available online via Amazon and Barnes & Noble. “The Happy Journey” book will be for sale at the store, and Perrelli hopes that when customers see it there they’ll readily make the connection between the two.

Perrelli has also forged a partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and intends to donate proceeds from certain items for sale at The Happy Journey to the hospital as her way of giving back to the organization that gave her a start in teaching. “I’m really excited about this, and it’s going to be a really big part of the store,” Perrelli said of this partnership. “I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to give back to those that gave me so much and inspired me to realize where happiness comes from, and I hope that I can continue to do this for a while.”

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• Massachusetts

The Happy Journey

73 Charles St, Boston , Massachusetts 02114 USA

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Learn more about this business on Yelp .

Reviewed by Courtney F.

what a find! I wandered in looking for a special gift for a great neice who frankly I don't know very well since we live in Ga. Kathy helped me, asked about her interests, and when I mentioned... Read more

Reviewed by Samuel C.

Very helpful staff and great selection of children's toys & gifts. I've been in twice to get gifts for my nieces. Big credit to the buyer who has the smaller store filled with quality products,... Read more

Reviewed by Me M.

I love Charles Street. So charming. Then I came across this sweet adorable shop! The owner is as lovely as her store is. She has a collection of whimsical & classic gifts & toys for babies to... Read more

View 3 reviews on

• Sun: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Tue - Fri: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Shop Boston’s Best Toy Stores for Unique Gifts

Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping at our favorite toy stores in Boston. Hint: They have great gift recs

The holiday countdown has begun! We know for many parents that means thinking about finding that perfect gift for family and friends, even while driving around to see holiday lights and heading out to find your tree . Sure, it’s always easy to shop online, local toy stores in Boston have some of the coolest gifts for kids in town. With everything from personalized recommendations to gorgeous gift wrapping and free local delivery, these independent toy stores make holiday shopping a breeze. Here’s where to shop small this year.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blue Bunny Books (@bluebunnybooks)

1. The Blue Bunny Books & Toys

This "little shop with a big mission" was opened back in 2003 by children's book author, Peter H. Reynolds, the brilliant mind behind The Dot.  The large blue bunny outside welcomes kids into the cozy shop that's not only got a great selection of toys, but books as well. As you can imagine, the authors who "hop" into the shop for book signings and readings are some of the best around. Find all sorts of unusual and interesting toys for everyone on your list (no matter what the occasion) when you stop in this store in Dedham.

Insider Tip:  Gift wrapping is always free at this friendly store.

577 High St. Dedham, MA Online: bluebunnybooks.com

Related: The Best New Children's Books of 2022 (So Far)

Let's just say you'd have to be crazy not to shop here. CouCou (pronounced “koo-koo”) is the French word used for the globally popular children’s game of Peek-a-boo. The store, located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, offers a wide selection of uniquely curated products for ages 0-10, including clothes, toys, crafts, homewares and gifts, imported from around the globe.

24 Union Park St. Boston Online : coucou-boston.com

3. Magpie Kids

Featuring shiny new things to spruce up your kiddo’s nest, Magpie Kids focuses on modern toys. It’s where you’ll find locally made toys, as well clothing and gift items from recognizable brands like Milkbarn, Angel Dear, and Plan Toys. Stop in to find that just-right gift, whether you're shopping for baby's arrival, baby's first birthday, or any other memorable milestones for your kids. Whatever they're into—arts and crafts, playing music, reading, or just making believe—they've got what you need here.

46 White St. Somerville, MA Online: magpiekids.com

Related: 15 Incredible Gifts for a Three-Year-Old

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Happy Journey Toys (@thehappyjourneytoys)

4. The Happy Journey

One of Boston's newer toy stores on the block, The Happy Journey was opened not too long ago by Lindsay Perrelli, an elementary school teacher and children's author. It’s everyone’s go-to spot for educational, high-quality toys, books, and games that Perrelli has personally selected. Stop by each season to browse the skillfully built displays that are as appealing to parents as they are to kids. 

73 Charles St. Boston Online: instagram.com/thehappyjourneytoys

5. Henry Bear's Park

With eight Boston-area locations to choose from, you'll definitely find what you need at this super-cool toy store. Shop their online store where you can find gifts sorted by age and interest, as well as some super fun options like personalized surprise packs . With free shipping on orders over $50 and free gift wrap, this is a great option for those who want to check gift buying off their list, but haven't quite gotten around to it yet this year.

Find your nearest location here . 

Online : henrybear.com

6. Magic Beans

You can get tons of toys plus all the essential baby gear you need all under one roof at Magic Beans. They've been around since 2004, so they're totally up on all the hot toys and new products that you need. And did we mention they're parents, too? Takes one to know one when it comes to finding gifts and products your kids will actually use.

361 Huron Ave. Cambridge, MA

200 Linden St. Wellesley, MA

Online : mbeans.com

Related: 14 Unique Gifts for Two-Year-Olds

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boing! Toy Shop (@boingtoyshop)

7. Boing! Toy Shop

This toy shop is a community favorite and has called Jamaica Plain home for over 20 years. It is run by a local mom who is focused on building community and giving back. Don't worry—she also loves stocking the shelves with the coolest toys around. The oversized Alien Boingers that are hanging around outside the store set the tone for your shopping experience here. It's all about fun and finding that just-right toy, book, or game that will be played with time and time again. 

Good to Know: There's free local deliveries of orders over $50 and free shipping on orders over $75. 

Insider Tip: We can't get enough of the Boing's Kindness Club that encourage kids to perform random acts of kindness in their community for a small prize.

667 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA Online : boingtoys.com

8. Eureka! Puzzles

This toy store right in the heart of Coolidge Corner focuses on puzzles, board games, brain teasers, and STEM gifts for kids of all ages. Make shopping for kids easy on everyone in the family (we're looking at your grandparents) when you create a wish list for your kids. It's the best gift to give those who are doing the shopping. And if you're looking for something a little different to give this year? Why not try a personalized puzzle on Eureka's new puzzle press . 

Parents-to-be know that Tadpole is the place to go for baby registries and all the gear you'll need to bring the little one home. They also have a ton of unique gifts for kids like including STEM toys, LEGO sets, puzzles, and more. It's a great spot to shop for the toddler in your life.

58 Clarendon St. Boston Online : shoptadpole.com

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