West Roxbury Toy Shop Staying Strong After 25 Years

West Roxbury business owner Maria Toffoloni knows how to find the perfect toy for each individual child.

That’s why she decided to open her very own toy shop, Kids R Kids, on Centre Street, 26 years ago. 

Her store carries non battery operated toys that develop the child’s brain.   Her goal is to educate customers on what types of toy’s make children use their imagination.

Take one glance inside and you will see a little girl playing with the choo-choo train or a boy fiddling with the toy trucks.

Her store carries everything from dress up clothes, snap circuit toys, science books and volcano makers. 

“I can’t go to Toys R Us,” said customer Patricia Richardson who likes Toffolini’s store for its small structure atmosphere. “There’s a better variety here and you can get it all in a concentrated area.”

Just spend a moment in Kids R Kids, and you will soon realize how Toffolini assists her customers everyday, whether they need a toy for a birthday party, Christmas gift or for a particular family member. 

“Eight-year-old boy!” loyal customer Lori Deane says before even saying  to Toffolini.  Immediately, the West Roxbury business owner points to the perfect gift, and Deane can move on her way and get in and out in two minutes so she has time to pick up her children at the Lyndon School.

Patch sat down with Toffoloni to learn more about her and the business.

Patch: When you open?

Toffoloni: 26 years ago, in 1987.

Patch: Why did you open here?

Toffoloni:   I lived here and realized West Roxbury needed a local toy shop.

Patch:  Why type of toys do you sell?

Toffoloni:  Quality toys that are different than what is sold at Toys R Us,  more hands on products and developmental toys that challenge kids’ minds.  I don’t sell battery toys because kids don’t use their minds playing with those.  With my toys, kids create a story and use their imaginations. 

Patch: What do you like best about working in West Roxbury?

Toffoloni: It’s more of a personal service.  I’ve seen mothers become grandmothers and teens become moms.  People come from all over especially when they grow up in West Roxbury.  They seem to always come back.

Patch: What are your most popular products?

Toffoloni:  Nothing in particular is a hot item.  It’s not about a fad here.  It’s people shopping for a birthday party, searching for the right gift for a child.  Looking for the right match for a particular child.

Patch: What did you do before opening this toy shop?

Toffoloni: I was working in an office and I hated my job.  It all started with my nephew, who was the only kid around in my life at the time.  I would always take him to a toy store and buy him a gift.  He found the big places overwhelming and I always found something really cute in smaller place.  Year after year, going somewhere else, I decided West Roxbury needs a toy shop.

Patch:What advice would you give to opening a small business?  Was it difficult to start up?

Toffoloni: As long as you love it, no.  It’s the love. I love the kids, I love the toys, I love talking with them. 

Patch: What is your favorite thing about working in West Roxbury?

Toffoloni:  The people.  They are the nicest, sweetest, they’ve been with me or 26 years.  They’ve been loyal .  They’ve been with me through my pregnancy and when my kids were growing up.  That’s why I cant shut this store down.

 
Patch: What could Boston do better for small businesses?

Toffoloni: The parking and making the bus stops smaller.  They take up too much space.  How can an old woman to shop here if there are no nearby spots.