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Play Time
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Shopping Hobby Shops Art Supplies, Hobby Shops [Edit]
283 BroadwayArlington, MA 02474
Neighborhood: Arlington Center
(781) 648-3230
- Nearest Transit:
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Massachusetts Ave @ Franklin St (350, 77, 79)
Broadway @ Massachusetts Ave (87)
Massachusetts Ave @ Avon Pl (350, 77, 79)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
34 reviews for Play Time
Review Highlights
"They have everything you could possibly need."
(in 3 reviews)
"You might not find the brand you want but they have a bit..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...books, scrapbooking supplies, all sorts of paint, easels..."
(in 3 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Ben T.
Somerville, MA
1/2/2012
Amazing, jam-packed throwback of a store. Complete with wonderful experienced women who will remind you of your grandmother, and I of course mean this in a good way. You need frames? They have them, spilling forth in two aisles, overhead, piling up on shelves, and underfoot. Pens, papers, paints, party supplies, rubber stamps, you name it, they have it, and that's just the upstairs part of the store. Prepare for your head to explode when you venture downstairs for what ails your craft-making heart. I love this store.
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Review from Rosa T.
Lowell, MA
12/14/2011
I just tried out Play Time for the first time today. I called ahead to make sure they had what I was looking for. Well, they had what I had asked for: headbands. But, I don't think I was specific enough.
The store is difficult to navigate in terms of finding what you are looking for and physically walking through the aisles which are piled with stuff.
It's a large store and has a lot of different things. If you're into beading, they have a lot! If you're into making your own hair accessories, they have almost nothing. I had been hoping to find something locally instead of having to shop online and Play Time did not fulfill this need. Depending on your craft, they may have exactly what you need and lots of it. For other crafts, not so much.
As far as their pricing, it was pretty average. They tout themselves (on their website) as a discount store and I didn't find their prices to be discounted at all. In fact, they were right on par with big stores like Michaels or AC Moore, or more in some cases.
I recommend giving it a shot as they may have what you need. But, be prepared to wiggle your way through the aisles amidst a mess of things. If you are patient, you may get lucky. -
Review from Cee A.
Boston, MA
6/14/2011
Well this place has been around forever! One has to rummage through things to find what they want, and space is limited. The prices are good and the people are soo nice.
Support your local stores! -
Review from Laurie B.
Arlington, MA
10/17/2011
Holy schnitzel! I finally went here after reading the reviews on Yelp. Honestly, from the outside it looks like a dinky place for kid's craft parties. No, this is the TARDIS of craft stores - it's much larger on the inside. They have everything you could possibly need. Plus they have their own parking in the back! The only reason that I don't give 5 stars is that it really is a mess. A lovely, grandma's-craft-closet kind of mess, but still a mess. Staff is super friendly and helpful as well.
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Review from Dani S.
Arlington, MA
11/29/2011
I love this place. First, they have a great selection of stationary. Second, when ever I need a random item for crafting, they always have it. Third, they have the best customer service!
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Review from Joanne G.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
massive amounts of crafty stuff, color overdrive
pretty friendly people
but it's cramped with stuff...a little to overwhelming for me
but I think whatever you need, you will find there -
Review from Vanilla P.
San Lorenzo, CA
7/12/2010
How many pipe cleaners do you need? A million? Each one different? You've come to the right place.
This is a crafty hoarder's dream - anything you want / need / think you'll ever need is here. -
Review from Maria V.
9/22/2008
I don't even know what quilling is, but if you do, you can get your quilling stuff here.
Feathers, candle making, needle work of any kind, any kind of fine art supply, scrapbooking supply... my brain asplode just walking in here, honest to god.
I went here two days ago and I'm still overwhelmed by how this store has *EVERYTHING* and I mean everything anyone with a crafty inclination could ever possibly need.
BRING A SHOPPING LIST BEFORE COMING IN TO THIS STORE, I'M WARNING YOU. Otherwise you'll need to be like Theseus in the Labyrinth and use a ball of string to find your way out. (A ball of string which, of course, you could buy at Playtime in any variety of materials, colors and textures.)Listed in: Makin' it in Menotomy…, Crafty hands, not idle hands
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Review from Ger T.
Arlington, MA
3/19/2008
If you're tired of the chain hobby/craft stores and have thought about lamenting the sad state of art supply distributers in the United States today...stop!! Go to Playtime!!! The name is kind of misleading. It's not a kids' toy store. Just walking in the door and seeing the crowded aisles literally stuffed with all the art supplies you could imagine will fill ANYONE will glee - even non-artists. They've got four aisles of paints (oil and acrylic) and paint supplies, brushes, modelling supplies and accessories, decent frame and matting supplies, and a HUGE selection of craft supplies. They've also got a display in the front of the store with craft wood BESIDES balsa!! (omg)
Basement level is mostly ribbon/fabric and floral arrangements, but they've got a little of everything, and you can't go wrong with their ribbon section, honestly. Go check it out. If you're looking for yarn, they've only got the cheap Red Heart stuff for kids, so you're much better off going to a real yarn store such as Spark Crafts or Woolcotts, but honestly their entire craft selection is awesome.
The only thing I wish they sold that they don't have is a drafting table/drawing table...they have easels, but to get an actual table you'll have to hit a larger store with more floor space. I think it really is a matter of space - they don't HAVE the room to cram any more stuff into that store. Beware if you're even the slightest bit artsy because if you go into Playtime, you'll probably end up staggering out with loads of cool stuff you never even knew you wanted. -
Review from Meagan H.
Updated - 11/16/2008
I am in like with this place. I enjoy shopping at Playtime (or "The Play Time" as it reads on the receipt) and love that they have both crafty sorts of art materials and then hard core arts materials. They have fun stuff and not as fun stuff. Like Japan Dryer. Or those glass jars with springs in them for oil paint brush cleaning. And a wide variety of oil paints. I also love that this place is close to my house. On the flip side, Playtime sells stuff like pompoms, and feathers, every color of construction paper you could dream of, and stickers in sheets and books. And party supplies.
My biggest temptation at this place, though, is strategically placed at the front entrance: Tom Tierney Paper Dolls. All of them! Marie Antoinette, French Film Stars, Bridal Gowns Throughout the Ages. It's wonderful.
Reading this review, I don't know why I am holding back on that fifth and final star. I guess Playtime needs to do something truly spectacular for me. Something magical. I'll keep you posted.Listed in: By the Yard, Nannying 101
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/17/2007
The basement at Playtime is where all of the action is. Ric-rac and ribbon like you've never seen,… Read more »
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Review from Bridget M.
Santa Monica, CA
1/24/2008
After having hit every art supply store and every hardware store in search of the ellusive ball chain thing I've been needing for one of my projects, a friend of mine suggested hitting Playtime in Arlington (which I'd honestly never even heard of) and lo and behold, they had it.
What organized chaos this store is! Cluttered, cramped, impossible to navigate without help, but they seem to have practically everything one could hope for whether they're a serious artist or a wanna be craftster like myself. Beads, stamps, inks, pens, paints, easels, wood, molds, really just a ton of stuff.
The store really is incredibly difficult to navigate without help and the staff (which when I went seemed to be comprised mostly of little old women) are harried, but incredibly helpful, even if it takes a while (often we'd ask person A for help, who would have to defer to person B who was helping person C find an item for another customer, so things took a while)
So I was pretty impressed. Not as convenient and snobbish as Pearl, not as slick and huge as Blick, but I'll totally go back there for my jewelry making needs.Listed in: Get Your Craft On
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Review from Nina C.
Brockton, MA
2/6/2007
I do not know how to begin describing the Playtime experience. I had to give a 4 star rating because this place has everything you could possibly need for any type of art project. I just wish things weren't so cluttered!! It was literally a near death experience trying to maneuver around boxes and stands to get to the scrap booking paper! Needless to say I moved on to another aisle but the clutter aside, roaming throughout Playtime was very exciting and I was thrilled with some of the items I found. I hesitate to begin listing the products they carry because it would probably take hours. Go and see for yourself!
There is a wide range in pricing but very fair when compared to smaller boutiques and larger chains like A.C. Moore. -
Review from Kerri O.
3/26/2008
This place would be Martha Stewart's Nightmare. She'd quit her day job, and dedicate the rest to her life to organizing it. Amy Sedaris would have an orgasm.
I make a special trip out here, every so once in a while. They literally have everything you could imagine. And the staff is truly helpful.
So, if you want to find craft supplies, great kid gifts, art supplies, or random weird doo-dahs, come on out to Playtime. -
Review from Alexis L.
Boston, MA
8/20/2007
Playtime has been around for many years, my mom introduced me to this place around the age of 2, when she herself would buy art supplies. Although cluttered and cramped, they do have a good selection of art supplies. Products range from craft items to fine art items. I personally like the selection of clays and larger rolls of paper and newsprint. The prices are not bad and you can also find small various items if you are putting together a homemade gift for someone special, they have sooo many little objects to choose from, most of them are very cute. I love the crowded atmosphere and creaking floors..it also has a distinct smell..which I love.
The salespeople do know where everything is, so don't be afraid to ask. -
Review from Regina H.
Arlington, MA
4/8/2008
I've been shopping at Playtime since I was a little kid saving my allowance to buy model horses--now that I'm a crafty adult, I'm still a loyal shopper! If you go in with a specific shopping list, you may not find everything you were looking for, but you are guaranteed to find a bunch of things that you didn't know you were looking for until you found them. I've also always had a great time interacting with the staff (though I am also the kind of person who is determined to find things myself, so that might be part of it). Yarn, glitter, glue, feathers, beads, flowers, supplies for making candles, soap, dolls, trims and rickrack, all kinds of crafting tools, needlework, tassels, googly eyes--they've got it all.
Upstairs, don't overlook the ready made frame section--excellent selection and prices! There are also interesting toys and craft projects for children of all ages, models, Dover books, scrapbooking supplies, all sorts of paint, easels, etc., as well as a great assortment of party supplies and nifty stuff for whatever holiday is close by. -
Review from Justine M.
Somerville, MA
2/27/2009
Oh Playtime, you're way too tiny and impossible to navigate and the part of me that has been in retail for way too long wants to straighten your shelves SO BAD. But I love you anyway.
This store has anything and everything you could possibly need for your crafty project du jour, as well as a decent amount of fine art supplies at a reasonable price. Between my roommate and I we have yet to go there and not find what we were looking for (and trust me, we look for some pretty obscure stuff). The employees are knowledgeable about their products (and where to find them) and always willing to help. -
Review from Katie F.
Arlington, MA
8/14/2008
This has been my go too place for art supplies since I was but a wee sprout.
they have anything you can think of....and if they don't have it, they'll be more than happy to special order it for you. In fact my only qualm with the place is that they don't carry Tombo or Faber-Castell Markers but I think if I spoke to them about it, they might start stocking them.
I'd imagine that finding what you're looking for would be a bit difficult if you weren't familiar with the place but the staff are very kind when it comes to giving directions. Not only that but the act of scanning the isles for what you need brings your attention to all sorts of nifty widgets that you hadn't even thought of.
The staff is also willing to converse with you about your little projects, which I think is important for an art supply store. I think that the more senior staff's expertise leans more towards more traditional art though, as I have asked about illustration supplies (like non-photo blue pencils etc.) and they get a bit dumbfounded. In spite of this, they still stock whatever you need. -
Review from Andrea M.
Sudbury, MA
2/19/2010
Play Time. I can see how it is a town favorite. They do have tons and tons of stuff. I often wonder how they would ever do inventory. Eee gads, it's not the most organized place. So much that when I checked out, the casher asked me what aisle I found my item at. Play Time is good, you won't leave empty handed. They pretty much have everything... great place for gifts. You could outfit a party at this place!!
I prefer AC Moore , but it's really unfair to compare the two. Supporting the little guy, I am all about it.
One of the survey questions on this is 'wheel chair accessible'... you can get a wheelchair in, but the asiles are filled with stuff, there is no way you could get one down aisles. :( -
Review from cera s.
Boston, MA
9/22/2010
This place is a clusterf*ck of art and craft supplies. Anything and everything you could ever need to fuel your creative mojo can be had here. Scrapbooker? Check. Modelmaker? Yup. Fine arts? Of course! Beads? Downstairs. Fiber arts? Yes. And so on, and on.
Seriously, I found rub-on type here. This is stuff that is so archaic they don't even talk about it in design classes anymore.
Trying to find things, that's where it gets tricky. There appears to have been a system or a structure at one point, but over time, it's been eroded a bit. Things are generally grouped into like kind, but occasionally you'll be strolling down the scrapbooking aisle and find a pad of watercolor paper or something similarly out of place.
Definitely worth a look, but make sure you're not planning to dash in and out, because there's pretty much no possible way to accomplish that. Give yourself plenty of time to explore. -
Review from Karin T.
Somerville, MA
11/18/2008
This is the greatest store ever - I can't believe how much stuff is in there! It looks horrible from the outside, with the display windows being faded from the sun. But it is a total treasure trove on the inside.
It's most useful, if you're in a hurry, to ask the staff where something is. I swear they all have amazing memory, because they always KNOW. And the store is so chaotic that sometimes the answer will be "oh, we have those red/white checked tablecloths, but they're hidden under the blue/white checked tablecloths." As long as you can roll with the awesome quirks of not being a giant chain store, you will be very happy.
I don't have kids yet, but they have a great selection of kid craft projects and birthday party stuff.
I had been going to Pearl since I was a little kid, and I was so glad to find Playtime so that I could stop going to pretentious and obnoxious Pearl. -
Review from Kathleen D.
Cambridge, MA
12/11/2006
I worked at Playtime for a couple of years in high school. They have everything. Fake flowers, doll heads, unpainted boxes, fabric, yarn, painting supplies, puzzles, cards...literally everything. It can be overwhelming. It's so quiet you'll feel like you're in a church. So dead you'll think you're in a graveyard. With bad music. Don't hesitate to ask for help. They know where everything is. Organized chaos.
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Review from Katie P.
Irvine, CA
6/18/2011
This store is a gem. Yes, it's crowded and overwhelming, but it is a true craft store for people who like to make things--not just buy cheap decorator items. In general, I've found the staff helpful, but they vary. Some are kid-friendly, others are not. Some really know every nook and cranny of the store and will help you rummage around for what you want, others just vaguely wave toward a distant aisle. The 5 stars here is for the selection, good hours, easy parking, and local flair. They also have a wonderful selection of kids crafts, including many aimed at boys or gender-neutral, something that I really appreciate.
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Review from jesse b.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2007
The yarn selection was okay but the woman behind the counter was very creepy and rude. I had been in to this shop a couple times when I was in college and remember the staff being strange but this time the woman ringing me and my friend up was outright rude, nosey... and just plain creepy. service is as important, if not more important, to me than selection and I could have found better yarn and much better service elsewhere.
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Review from Angela L.
Alameda, CA
9/13/2008
This two-story store has it all as far as craft supplies go- you name it, you'll find it. I have regularly come here my whole life for yarns, fimo, painting supplies, drawing supplies, crocheting implements, and so much more. This place is great for kids and creative adults alike!
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Review from M. Deloris D.
Arlington, MA
3/13/2008
I'd seen Playtime many times, I just wasn't inclined to enter it. With a name like Playtime, in a family friendly town like Arlington, only the worst images came to mind. I thought it was some kind of kid corral. I was sure I'd encounter screaming children a la Fox Library rolling in drool on brightly colored foam mats and passing germy toys around to share the viral wealth. Was I ever wrong? Playtime is a craft/art supply store whose inventory provides PLAYTIME for all!!! Downstairs they carry craft supplies, ribbons, embroidery floss, yarn, needles, etc. I will say that their yarn and needle selection left something to be desired but it suffices. The place is kind of cluttered. It's clear they've stuffed all the good stuff they could into their existing space. You can find some of just about any art/craft supply you need at Playtime. You might not find the brand you want but they have a bit of everything and the staff is knowledgeable. I spent half an hour looking for a skein of yarn, I finally asked a sales lady and by some magic and a cloak trick, it materialized. A couple bits of advice:
1. This place can be overstim central so when you enter, go with a plan so as not to have your head explode.
2. Have fun. It's PLAYTIME! -
Review from Andrea C.
Arlington, MA
8/20/2006
They have a lot of things in this store. Students are always in here for their project needs. Downstairs has a lot of beads, fake flowers, styrofoam, yarn, ribbon, etc. and upstairs sticks to painting supplies, poster board, and tons of knick knacks. You could come in for one thing and go home with a bunch of goodies and treats. Some things are a little expensive and the stale atmosphere and contant magic 106.7 can get to you. But the women who work there know where EVERYTHING is so don't be afraid to ask.
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Review from Marc H.
Boston, MA
2/19/2009
A good alternative to the arts and crafts chains, Play Time might not have the sheer volume of good that the chains have, but the service is more personal and the space is more appealing. Play Time has been around forever--I'm not sure how well they are doing in this economy, but can only hope that they can continue to stick around for as long as possible in the center of town.
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Review from s b.
Oakland, CA
12/17/2008
This is a very well-stocked arts and crafts store. I would say they lack quality knitting and sewing supplies. But for all other craft projects, they have a lot! They have posterboard, a million kinds of markers, clay, paints, ribbons, jewelry-making things, and lots of little figurines and other craft-y things. A great place to have in Arlington!
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Review from Linda N.
Belmont, MA
12/12/2008
Okay. Play Time is crowded and crammed and maybe dusty but if you have the time to poke around you will find treasure. This place has anything and everything you could imagine in the way of arts and crafts materials. It's been around forever, and the inventory has just built up in the aisles.
The ground floor has the art stuff, from sketch books and a variety of papers (from handmade to different types of drawing tablets -- tracing and bristol and even Arches watercolor blocks) (well, they used to have Arches, I haven't checked lately...) . There are art supplies of all sorts, craft kits, model kits, and party favors. The downstairs has notions, beads, styrofoam shapes and weird bits like packaged shells and dowels. The point is, the breadth of choices --- whether it's frames, matte board, molded cardboard boxes or origami paper -- is (dare I say it?) AWESOME.
It's worth a trip if you're into crafts of any kind. And there are loads of birthday present ideas too. I love Play Time! -
Review from Claire M.
Arlington, MA
9/9/2009
This store has Everything. Granted, you'll need to search high and low to find it and the place is often disorganized, but they'll likely have what you're looking for. From artists' supplies to craft materials to party goods I'm always surprised by what I find. Prices are high on many items, but I expect that from a local shop and think that the variety of inventory makes it worthwhile. Staff aren't great, rarely smile, but if you browse on your own you can avoid them.
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Review from Tree M.
Arlington, MA
8/9/2009
Being Arlington born and bred, I've been going to Play Time for as long as I can remember. If you need anything related to arts and craft supplies, you'll most likely find it here. They have everything from various sized canvas board and sketchpads, to endless variety of pens and markers, even some model building kits.
The only real complaint I have is more of a pet peeve about how the organization could be better. The aisles are a bit cramped and the shelves are usually spilling over and sometimes onto the floor. It can also be quite a hassle to find what you're actually looking for. Usually there are random items strewn together on the shelves, with no real order or pattern discernable. The prices are a bit high but in my experience, that's usually the norm with non-chain stores.
The other thing that sort of bothers me is the basement level. It always has this weird smell to it and the workers down there have been less than pleasant on numerous occasions. They always seem to be rather squawky and are always squabbling with each other. There have been quite a few incidents where the women downstairs on the register have made snide remarks or have just been plain-out rude to myself or other customers.
Most recently, I hurt my foot and had to wear a walking cast. I was there just before closing, just needed to pick up something quick from the basement. I had what I needed and had paid. During the entire purchase process, the woman at the cashier just kept staring at cast with a rather snooty look on her face. I finished paying and started my way up the stairs. With a bulky cast, I have trouble on the stairs so I took some time going up the stairs since I had already fallen about twice on the stairs since I got the walking cast on. The whole time, I could hear the woman at the register scoffing, sighing and snickering at me. The first time I heard her, I turned around and saw her rolling her eyes. When she saw me looking at her, her eyes bulged and she managed this fake smile.
It's a nice place overall, just be careful when you venture down to the lower level. -
Review from Andrea t.
Arlington, MA
9/16/2010
This place is an organizational disaster and a crafter's dream. I actually like the mess- browsing is like a treasure hunt, with great finds in every aisle. And if you actually are in the market for a specific item, the staff is helpful :)
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Review from Joey T.
Lexington, MA
3/28/2009
I won't go into much detail about my visit to Playtime. Suffice to say the ever-companionable Trixy was involved in an "incident" there. I had been quietly browsing Rhodia notebooks among the art supplies upstairs when I heard the faint noises of what sounded like an episode of Jerry Springer. I followed the shrieks, groans and caterwauling down a wide stairway to their source. There among the tightly-packed aisles of ribbons and notions in the basement, two grey-haired women clerks and Trixy were locked in a death struggle. All three were clawing, scratching, and rolling on the floor trailing multi-colored bits of ribbon and lace. By the time I got there, they had already crashed through a stack of styrofoam planters and upended a display case of beads and silver trinkets. The Arlington cops didn't seem to take it too seriously when they showed up. "Craft store assaults are pretty common" they told me, "These old broads can get nasty".
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Review from Teri C.
Arlington, MA
3/4/2008
It's a bit messy and definitely cramped, but I've found that it hasn't failed me yet. Ground floor is paints, clays, paper products, and other art related items while the basement is knitting (cheap yearns only), some sewing supplies and other random crafty things that didn't belong on the ground floor. And I'd like to point out that they don't carry as many paper dolls as they did 15 years ago, if that is important to you.
