MonkeyFish Toys: Fun Toys and Events For All Ages

Much like their name, MonkeyFish Toys is not your typical toy store. Emma Olafsson, daughter to the owners, came up with the name one afternoon after swimming lessons when her mom asked, “What should we name the toy store?” The words came tumbling out of her mouth one after the other:, “MONKEY FISH”! Mike Olafsson, owner, was an avid toy collector long before opening Monkey Fish Toys and then his wife, KC, joined in on the fun. Both worked two jobs to make sure their store kept its doors open during a time when brick and mortar stores were closing daily.

Through lots of hard work, MonkeyFish Toys has a simple guiding principle; they will have cool new ways to play for everyone – including a puzzle for mom, exclusive LEGO collections items for dad, and aisles filled with dolls, games, crafts, stuffed animals, imaginative play and more for the young at heart. Many would credit their success to their range or variety of unique products, friendly staff, and their creative events for kids.

What also stands out is their success attributed to philanthropic efforts and giving back to the community – MonkeyFish hosts We Buy Toys events throughout the year; they are always available to take gently used toys to be donated to partners at Cradles to Crayons and the Ronald McDonald House or do toy drives for CHoP and Toys For Tots. MonkeyFish Toys also supports many of the local schools in fundraising efforts by donating MFT gifts cards and toys as raffle prizes. Over the last year, “community support” and “shop local” was a high priority.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the owners of MonkeyFish started helping the local community by giving out brochures for local restaurants and businesses and selling smaller products from other local stores. For example, for Valentines Day, they partnered with a local bakery, Buttercream Bliss, and sold their hot chocolate bombs for the holiday. “It takes a village” says KC, very happy with the response of this support for small businesses.

MonkeyFish Toys recognizes the convenience and benefits that some consumers enjoy when shopping online (with larger retailers), and are well positioned to offer the same services – even better! Their website www.MonkeyFishToys.com has easy navigation; and options for complimentary gift wrapping and same day delivery services – and at this time, Free Delivery for the Chester County area.

Another service liked by many of their customers is their ‘Birthday Bins’ program where kids can shop in store or virtually, fill a bin with things they want, and later have any friends or family buy the products (in-store or online) that were selected – at a special Birthday Bin discount.

Regular online shopping just doesn’t provide that same feeling of community that comes from shopping local. For the next holiday, birthday, or big event, consider shopping with Monkey Fish Toys! A new way to play is waiting for you!