Building the Community for Play: Help Us Expand Boing! Toy Shop into a Play & Event Space

By the Boing! Toy Shop Team | Jamaica Plain, MA

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica Plain on Centre Street, Boing! Toy Shop has been Boston’s beloved destination for curated toys, games, and unique gifts since 2001. Over the years, we’ve grown into so much more than a local toy store—we’ve become a cozy neighborhood hub where families gather, kids discover new passions, and lifelong friendships begin over a game board or a trading card session.

Now, we’re ready to take our next big leap forward—and we need our amazing JP community to help us make it happen!

We are thrilled to launch our crowdfunding campaign on Patronicity to expand Boing! into a dedicated, multi-purpose Play Space and Event Center right here in Jamaica Plain.

What’s Coming to Boing!? A Space Built to Bring Us Together

This expansion is about creating a warm, vibrant gathering space where neighbors of all ages can play, learn, celebrate, and connect from morning to night. Here is a look at what we’re bringing to Centre Street:

🎈 All-Inclusive Kids’ Birthday Parties

Taking the stress out of party planning! Our dedicated event space will allow families to host unforgettable kids' birthday parties where we handle everything—from setup and decorations to tasty snacks and fun activities. All you have to do is show up, celebrate, and make lasting memories.

🧩 Open Play & Indoor Play Passes

Looking for a safe, joyful, and creative indoor environment where your child can explore and make new friends? We’ll be offering flexible one-time play passes as well as monthly play subscriptions for open play sessions throughout the week.

🌙 Evening Workshops, Classes & Adult Nightlife

Play isn’t just for kids! In the evenings, our space will transform into a lively community venue for adults:

• Interactive Workshops & Creative Classes: DIY crafting, skill-sharing, and community gatherings.

• Open Mic Nights & Stand-Up Comedy Shows: Showcasing local Boston talent for date nights or fun evenings out with friends.

• Expanded Game Nights: More space for tabletop board games, card tournaments, and community play!

  How Your Support Helps (And the Rewards in Store for You!)

  Turning this dream into a physical reality requires real structural work. Every dollar raised through our fundraiser will go directly toward:

  • Build-Out & Construction: Creating a safe, accessible, flexible, and beautifully designed play and event facility.

  • Equipment & Furnishings: Outfitting the space with high-quality play structures, seating, lighting, audio/visual setups for events, and party supplies.

  🎁 Donate & Unlock Exclusive Perks & Sponsorships!

  When you invest in our community space, we want to give back to you! Depending on the contribution tier you choose on our Patronicity page, you can unlock fantastic perks, including:

  • Exclusive Merch & Boing Bucks: Claim limited-edition Boing! gear like custom stickers and exclusive t-shirts, or earn Boing Bucks and e-gift cards to spend in-store.

  • Play Passes & Memberships: Secure day passes, 10-visit passes, or monthly family memberships to be among the first to experience the new play space.

  • Custom Birthday Packages: Lock in an all-inclusive, custom-themed birthday party package for up to 25 kids!

  • Major Sponsorship Opportunities: For higher-level contributors and local sponsors, unlock top-tier sponsorship rights—including naming rights for our new play space, reading nook, or event space!

  Let’s Build Something Great for JP Together!

  Jamaica Plain has always been defined by the strength, heart, and spirit of its people. By backing this project, you aren't just supporting a small business expansion—you are helping build a lasting community asset that will serve neighborhood kids, parents, artists, and neighbors for years to come.

  Here’s how you can be a part of this change today:

  1. Donate Online or In-Store: Head to patronicity.com/boing to choose your tier and claim your rewards online, or stop by the shop to make your donation in person!

  2. Shop Local & Buy Gift Cards: Keep supporting our everyday shop! Every purchase made in-store, online, or through gift card sales directly supports our day-to-day operations and business growth.

  3. Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, school groups, and local neighborhood networks!

  4. Tell Us What You Want to See: Have a vision for a class, workshop, or comedy night? We want to build this space with you! Stop by our store to drop a note in our suggestion box.