Testimonials from Happy Customers of Amato's Toy and Hobby

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Best toy store for children AND adults!!... I couldn't believe their selection, which definitely brought me back to my childhood; as they carry everything from the past and present. Along with all a huge section geared towards RC's and train hobbyists. Aside from the amount of toys, the staff/owner were incredibly kind. Mr. Amato in particular- He was so kind in gifting me a jar of his homemade jam, (which is absolutely delicious) and in the process, he took the time to explain how Amato's came to be- His Fathers dream, a plumbing store and a one hundred dollar bill. Fast forward to 82 years later and the store remains in operation! There's something about this heartfelt story that I've not been able to stop thinking about which probably because it has such a "Home Town" feel to it and that's something we just don't get to see anymore. So whether it be for your children or your own inner childhood needs, I highly recommend a visit to this place. We traveled about 40 min and it was well worth it. In closing I'd just like to thank you Mr. Amato... Not just for your amazing jam. But for taking the time to chat with us. Your warmth and generosity was much appreciated and did not go unnoticed. Merry Christmas to you and your family and best of luck to you/ Amato's in the future.

Kristen H.

This store's selection is out of this world. Clearly they live and love what they do. I went for kites and was blown away by the selection. The rest of the store was a sight to see, between high quality toys, and just-to-look-at large models suspended above. I will be back!

Ben A

I rate it a 5 star because my son loves it! He buys the Law Enforcement vehicles and the fire trucks! He also buys the train sets they sell and the workers let him see the trains moving! When he is down in the dumps we go to Amatos to cheer him up! Thank you for the kindness! I hope you become a very successful company one day!

Margarita C

"A Visit Back in Time for Hobbies, Toys, Collectibles and Trains!"

John S

I have fond childhood memories of father-son outings, watching the Lionel trains zip around their layout as my father was affixed to their collection of classic matchbox trucks. During a bout of highly acute nostalgia i decided to revisit this favorite childhood place. I was not disappointed, the trains will still run on request and their inventory is beyond impressive. I ended up buying an n scale trainset, which unfortunately had a defective locomotive. I was unable to return to the store until the following week and did not have the receipt for the item. This was not a problem however as the staff remembered me from my previous visit and replaced the locomotive free of charge! Amato's was a staple of my childhood; it's just as good now as it was then.

Joe T.

I was a lifer at your store but circumstances dictated a move away. Relocating back I was misinformed that you were "out of business"...very sad Am elated that your"HERE!!" Needless to say that I'm back! And will be visiting the New Britain Store as soon as humanly possible.Thankyou for helping keep this senior a teenager.A lifelong dream. Thanks for the ride.

Bobbie Y

Hopefully, you'll remember us. My husband and two grandsons went to your store looking for D&D things. Although you didn't carry any you told us we could find it at the portal. You then offered us some really warm and delicious chocolate chip cookies and told us to tell the manager in the next store that he couldn't beat that!! We DID! he got a good laugh out of it!! You then gave me some peach jam. I just had to say thank you one more time for being so kind and generous. Especially to customers who didn't buy anything! That jam was awesome!!!! Just finished it. Thank you.

Linda P

Steve, was recently in your NB store and purchased a remote control airplane for my grandsons. You talked to us about what plane would be best suited for them, as beginners. Your advise was spot-on! They have had a blast flying it in New Hampshire and are planning on taking it to Farmington this week. Thank you so much for your time and great recommendations! Judy Guida

Judy G

Great store! People are friendly. Fun place to visit. Pro tip: Park at the Webster bank over the bridge and walk over!

Liz R.

Great place, tons of new and old and collectables. Very knowledgeable staff

John D

Nice hobby and toy store friendly staff and owner.

Ben L

Great place to go and have some fun..staff are great patient and always willing to help..I highly recommend this place for everone kids all ages....

Show Time

I visited the store yesterday and think it was wonderful to see a store like this still in existence. The store is big, set in an old structure with beautiful original hard wood flooring. The variety of items, old and new that they stock is great! There is so much to look at, I don't think it could be done in a day! Personnel and customer service is top notch. My boyfriend bought a train set, he was pretty happy too! :D

Cindy S.

Very friendly, delightful people! Great merchandise and a happy, fun place to shop!

Stacey A

Loved this store as a kid ! Fond memories.....

Rebecca L

Great place for all your Christmas gift shopping ! Toys,,,,,,Hobbies,,,,,,,Games,,,,,and MORE !!!!

Tommy E

Steve and his staff go out of their way to help everyone with product issues and technical issues. For the older train buff's they have a fantastic selection of used trains, all gauges that are reasonably priced and always has an answer to problems you may be having at home. Great place to shop and visit.

Leonard L

I would like to tell you how pleased I am with both the Thimble Drome cut-away race car which I purchased from you and the entire ebay transaction. I have been collecting vintage gas powered miniature race cars for over 25 years and I have always wanted to purchase a Thimbe Drome cut-away for my collection. I have had several opportunities to purchase one of these cars in the past, but I never found a car which was in the condition I wanted. Usually, the chrome is badly pitted, the number decals are missing, etc. But the car which I purchased from you is, without question, the best example that I have ever seen. And I would like to commend you for the manner in which the car was packed...double boxed, wrapped in bubble-wrap, with styrofoam peanuts for cushioning. What more could anyone want...a car which is even better than what I expected, fast and safe shipping, and a transaction which was outstanding. All I can say is "Thank you!"

John L.

Great quality merchandise. Always has been. Always had good customer service, too, which is always a good quality in businesses. That is why they have been in business so many years.

Patti R

I'm a big fan of toys, models, jewelry kits n I'm always in New Britain so its very easy n convenient for me to go to Amatos. Awesome place. If u get a chance to go make sure u do. U won't b disappointed.

Allison Y

Loved the place. Great people to talk to, huge selection and great variety. My son and I were looking for specific car models and the elderly Gentleman at the back of the store was helpful we have been there a few time's and it is worth it

Robert A

This place is amazing. I highly recommend going here. The prices are very reasonable the staff is very friendly and they know what they're talking about. This place is just all around a good spot to go get lost in, even if you just want to start off a hobby this is definitely the spot to go to.

Saen O.

Thanks Matt for all your help with my son's r/c truck. Without your help finding the right parts, the truck would be sitting in the garage. He’s back outside using it going off the ramps and zipping it across the yard. Anyone looking for a good remote control vehicle should definitely purchase it from Amato's.

Barbara T.

I love that Amatos is still alive and well. I love your store and all of you are so friendly and knowledgeable. I have had nothing but great experiences at your store. Keep up the great work!!

Lisette M.

A great place to buy remote control vehicles! Matt is an expert and helping find the right one and purchasing parts.

Barbara T.

Matt is our R/C specialist. Here is what Abby had to say about her experience in our store. "Matt was extremely helpful. We appreciated his knowledge and patience."

Abby H.

Visited for the first time this morning and was pleasantly surprised. Not only is your store big, but the selection is wonderful. Made me feel like a kid again. The prices are good and I was very excited to find some oldies, but goodies. Parking at the drive in garage was easy and free from your validation stamp. I will definately be back!! Thank you for bringing back memories

Nicole R

I call Amato's NB my "Happy Place". When I need a break from work, I go to Amato's New Britain.

Steve Z.

This toy store is a family owned business that has always been supportive of its community. The family is very active in New Britain. The store is known for its extensive collection of model plane kits, car kits, train kits and all their accessories. Arts and Crafts products are also available and many other educational toys. They are loaded with toys that will allow your child's imagination, fine motor and gross motor skills to grow! If you want a store meant for children without the sales gimmics of Toys R Us or other chain branches, stroll into their storre! I highly recommend them.

John D

I just wanted to write you and say thanks for selling such great products - I like so many of them! I bought something from you about three months ago and now, as I was looking to buy a similar thing, I immediately thought of you and went straight to your website! :-) So - thanks again! /Peter

Peter H

greatest toy store in the area..you should visit it if you haven't, great deals on all kinds of toys, take the kids...and older kids go see.best trains in the area

Frank B

If you haven't experienced Amato's you must make the trip. It will definitely bring you back to a much more enjoyable place and the treasures are many.

Jan P

this is just like the greatest toy store around... again giving back to the community...get your toys at Amato's for Christmas this year and show your appreciation

Frank B

Thank you, you two have the absolute #1Best Hobby Store in CT. Thank you for being in business our family greatly appreciate all you have done to teach our children and make life better.

JPR

A Father's Gift: Christmas Past, Present In A Terrible Year, A Plan To Make Things Merry By SPENCER GORDON | COMMENTARY The Hartford Courant December 20, 2013 2010 was a really tough year. I essentially lost it all. In the early spring, I was forced to close my business in bankruptcy. As summer turned to fall, my divorce was final. And by the end of the year, I was laid off from my new job. Christmas was coming and, despite all that had happened, I was looking forward to the holiday. My son turned four that summer and his favorite thing in the world was trains. He watched Thomas the Train videos, read books with me about trains and played with toy trains for hours. With this in mind, I had a special gift set aside and was getting more and more excited about him opening it on Christmas. Buried in an antique steamer trunk, beneath old blankets and books was a brand new, limited edition Lionel train set — still sealed in its box. It was a gift from my father. Years earlier, I had gone to work for the same company as my Dad. The company was celebrating its 95th anniversary and had commissioned a special edition Lionel train set to mark the occasion. By the time I was hired, the sets were gone. But on Christmas, I opened a large box from my dad with one of the train sets inside. The following summer I lost my father. That train set was his last Christmas present to me. I never opened it, I just put it away. Now, two days before Christmas, I took the train set out and put it together. I wanted it ready to go on Christmas. Then, when my son opened up his gift, he could put the trains on the track and off they'd go. I set it up, placed the cars on the track, plugged it in and ... nothing. I tried again and again and still ... nothing. I didn't panic. It was still early in the evening and there was a hobby shop nearby that specialized in model trains. Key train parts in hand, I set out. The place was packed with last-minute shoppers. I finally got the attention of one of their train experts. She showed me a replacement part that would consume my gift budget. I felt a lump in my throat. Then, she put my locomotive on a test track ... nothing. After hearing the cost of a new locomotive and the broken part, my heart sank. There was no way I could afford this. My Christmas dreams were crushed. I sat in my car fighting back panic and tears. I had failed at making this Christmas special for my son. I felt defeated. But, as I had done for most of the year, I went into survival mode. I remembered seeing signs for Lionel trains in a toy and hobby store a few towns away. I called. They were open for a couple more hours. I had time. And, what's more, I had hope. My train parts in hand, I walked into Amato's. I made my way to aisles filled with train sets, cars, landscapes and tracks. There, I explained my plight. The man helping me smiled, took the pieces from me and said he would be back shortly. I looked around, considering some smaller trains sets, if I was forced to change my plan. I knew my little boy could care less about what train he got. As long as it went around the track under its own power, he would be thrilled. But the significance of this gift was important to me. Minutes later, the man emerged from the back room. He was holding my controller and a piece of track. He put the clip from the controller on the tracks and asked me if I had set things up this way. I had. With an amused smirk, he asked how much I would pay to get my train set running. I paused. "It depends, I suppose." "Well," he said, "if you take the clip and move it from here to there it will work just fine." Then he showed me. I was in shock. "Really? That's it? And what about the engine?" "I tested that too," he replied. "There's nothing wrong with it." I was dumbfounded. Suddenly, my son's Christmas surprise was back on track. I asked how much I owed. "Not a thing," he said. I shook his hand and looked him square in the eye, trying express just how much his kindness meant. He reached under the counter, pulled out a mason jar full of his homemade peach preserves and handed it to me. "Merry Christmas," he said. "Made with peaches from the tree in my front yard." I felt like I was in a Hallmark Channel holiday film. Still in disbelief, I took the jar and thanked him again. Back in my car, I just smiled. My eyes got misty as a wave of relief washed over me. I drove home thinking about all the events of that year and how my path had put me in that store on that evening. So, if there is anyone out there who doesn't believe in Santa Claus, I can tell you from experience; he is real, and he is alive and well ... working in a wonderful, old toy and hobby shop in New Britain.

Outstanding!! Fantastic shop with huge selection and great staff. I found Amato’s New Britain while searching for a shop to repair a vintage toy. It was a long shot because of the age and design and just offering to look at it alone was more than any other place would do. Over an hour and a half away was well worth the drive. Luck was on my side and Matt the super star went above and beyond to fix it to original working order. He is phenomenal - extremely knowledgeable and personable, keeping me updated and getting it done. They have earned a new loyal customer simply by their legendary customer service (the successful repair was a bonus!). Mr. Amato is a good guy and was very helpful in a variety of questions with trains and other hobby items and is a wealth of knowledge and industry history. Five stars is an understatement!

Anthony P

I can't give this place a better rating? I was thinking 10 stars....... I went in to the store to take out my layaway that would have left me with very little money left to eat and buy more gifts for my family b4 Christmas AND.... the owner came out of the back room and said I owed nothing and that a man came in and paid for some of the peoples layaways as a secret Santa..... Wow thank you I couldn't believe it. Thank you sooo much. Also the store is awesome. They have so much stuff to choose from and can't even say they have nothing in stock because they do. Everything you are looking for they have between small parts for trains and cars to big trains to lego sets and books and remote cars and other cool toys. Puzzles and used toys that you just need parts for your own stuff.... This store is great. And not expensive at all.

Jamie C

I you are looking for an old time quality hobby shop with service that cares about customers this it it. I have been coming here since I was a kid. All my children have had the pleasure of picking out toys here too. Planes, dolls and trains, they have it all.

Robert M

Steve and Sheri and the staff are more than helpful,when finding the gift or personal purchase.

Bob D

Really enjoyed last week's event - one tuneup, one expert repair advice, 2 pizza slices, one cupcake, and one purchase - a thoroughly enjoyable model train experience! Thank You!

George Y

Very nice store. I have been going here for decades. Lots of hobby items here, including Models, electric race cars, planes, and electric trains. It is a great place to go to shop with an open mind and no planned gift idea. Some cool, old school games.

Jamie C

What a cool toy store. Lots of neat hobby toys, and super knowledgeable staff. Prices are a little high but it's worth the little bit extra to ensure places like this are around to take the kids.

o s

Brings back memories They have so so many hobbies&toys FROM PAST to Future!

Did you ever wanna travel back to the old days at a toy store? This is it you will love this place itis small town America at its finest from the old fashioned oak floors to the toys suspended from the ceilings.It makes you smile just walking in.

Owners and staff are lovely and very knowledgable. The store is like walking into a toy candy shop. So many unique and amazing things to find. Always love coming here and walking around.

This toy shop is definitely a go to for quality products and top notch customer service. We have shopped there since COVID (as well as before) and the personal shopping that they offer was amazing and I felt that they truly listened to what I was looking for and recommended accordingly. They made things nice and easy and were always willing to answer questions. When we have toy store needs this will be the place we go to first.

Michelle W

The place is filled with fun old toys. My kid loves spending time here & we visit here almost every week. People working here are great & friendly

Evan G

Really neat games, puzzles, crafts, and various other toys with excellent service. Places like this are very rare to find anymore. I highly recommend it.

Sarah S

I love this store. I've had an obsession with titanic since I was a young child in 2003 I had all the books and when I finally went to Amato's and found my model titanic I was so happy. I wish the store had some better parking but other than thay. If you want pure nostalgia this is the place to go. You can actually feel like a kid again reliving a moment you thought You couldn't get back.

Kyle B

Nice family run business....Fantastic customer service....Great toys for everyone and assortment of all scales of model trains...just to name a few...

Wally B

K-L