Brain Shoppe

Brain teaser puzzles, logic games, smart toys, STEM kits, practical books, novelties, and fun stuff for all ages.

Real customer reviews from Google

Love this shop! Best gifts and cool stuff!

Sunni Dawson
4/08/2026

What a great store, filled with dozens of things that I wanted to buy. I selected two new games that look like a lot of fun. I never heard of either game before, and we have a floor-to-ceiling closet filled with games. They have a very wide selection of choices, something for everyone.

Lisa Fields
3/24/2026

Wonderful mix of unique games and puzzles! Friendly, helpful staff!

Lisa Briere
3/20/2026
Such a cute store and the clerk was so friendly

Rebecca Chamberlain
3/08/2026

What a treasure this local game store is. Reasonably priced fantastic games and puzzles and more for all ages. Customer service was also excellent!

Janet Shortall
12/22/2025

Absolutely love this store! My husband and I were just going to stop in for a few minutes. We ended up there for an hour!

Reenie Kirby
12/21/2025
Great store!! So much variety in brain games for kids, family and friends! Expect the unexpected!
We will go back!💫
We weren’t looking for anything, but ended up with a game and dog phone stand😃

Mark Cox
12/19/2025

We walked in on a whim not knowing what to expect and it is a super nice shop. Not just kids toys, they have so many cool brain teasers and puzzles for grown ups and kids alike. Super friendly staff and fair prices. We’ll be coming back for gifts and fun game night supplies!

Karina Borrero
12/13/2025

I visited The Brain Shoppe on the Ithaca Commons today with my Secret Santa form for a work colleague, and I had an amazing experience! Drew was incredibly helpful—he carefully read the form, asked thoughtful questions, and helped me find two perfect gifts. I also picked up a few additional items for my family. Drew’s knowledge and attentiveness made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend this shop to everyone!

Denise Thompson
12/12/2025
Very cool store with tons of “brain games” located in the downtown Ithaca commons. Lots of games/puzzles you can’t really find anywhere else. We stopped in while wandering the commons and were impressed with all the offerings. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Nate Hartrich
11/14/2025

What a fun little shop, walked out with two stocking gifts for our grandkids.

Carl Jennings
11/10/2025

What a fabulous shop!! I wandered in while visiting Ithaca this past week and walked out with games I cannot wait to share with my grandchildren. In addition to the unique items in the store, which is bright, open, uncluttered and just a perfect invitation to roam - there is also the gentleman who was working there (I believe the owner) who was So Helpful! He was knowledgeable about the games, how they worked, what the experience would be and truly helped me pick out the ones we felt would work best for my grandchildren and our "family game" nights. He was honest when he shared which ones were new to the store and that he had not yet experienced or learned about. Having him as a resource was a game changer for me (no pun intended) : ) I wish I lived closer because this would be my go-to store without a doubt. If you're near by - it's a Don't Miss !

Claire Miller
10/31/2025
Stopped in here while traveling through the area look business. Amazing and fun shop. Owner/staff were very helpful and have me recommendations and great banter to help me choose the perfect mind-puzzle for my spouse. 10/10 shop, highly recommend!

Metin Vargonen
10/28/2025

Wandered in on a whim while walking the Commons. Such a cute and fun place!! There were so many games we hadn’t heard of before. We took home one game and one wooden puzzle!! Great for adults too.

Paige
10/15/2025

A great store, with awesome games and mind teasers. Always something unique!

Claire Birkenheuer
9/14/2025
Thank you for having such unique, challenging and fun products. The interactive puzzle bar is great!

C Caputo
9/07/2025

The store was pretty cool and it had awesome interactive puzzles and other games that is intriguing! The staff was pleasant and helpful.

Sharmin Chowdhury
9/07/2025

Very nice store! We bought a very lovely book about mindfullness for children. It’s a good store to find a present. Greetings from the Netherlands.

Ieke Gorissen
8/14/2025
My kids did not want to leave!

Stephanie Kearney
8/08/2025

Absolutely obsessed with this place. It's not just fun for my kids I had fun to ! Bought a brain puzzle game and I can't wait to go back and buy more. There's so many options it's hard to pick! I also love that it's not like a traditional toy store everything here is educational gets your kids and your brains going they have puzzles that will keep your kids intrigued and busy for hours my new favorite place!

Amanda Marie
8/06/2025

Our whole family found so many fun, interesting things at the Brain Shoppe!

Leah Stormo-Soles
8/06/2025
Very cute place, love how you can test out the wooden games and the tricky metal separators!!

Maddy Reed
8/05/2025

Great store to test your Brain

Alex Jimenez
7/28/2025

Lovely store!

Amanda D'Alessandro
6/30/2025
Looking for the perfect gift for 11 year old. Staff could not have been more helpful, and the selection is great!

Laurie Eagan
6/22/2025

Had a great experience visiting the store. The salesperson was very helpful. Lots of interesting toys and games reasonably priced.

Robert Schwartz
6/19/2025

Absolutely love this store! The staff is always amazing and there is always something worth buying.

Leah Sussman
6/16/2025

Special discounts, announcements, brainy stuff… Be smart, get on our list.

thebrainshoppe

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Mar 20

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Come down for free balloon animals, fairies, dragons and other creations… 11am-1:30pm on Saturday March 21!!!! #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #fairyfest #fairyfestival #amazingpete

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thebrainshoppe

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Mar 9

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Gump is back in stock 😎 #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca

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thebrainshoppe

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Feb 14

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New games and puzzles for 2026 ❤️ Come see us this weekend!!! #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacalovesteachers

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thebrainshoppe

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Feb 4

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Friday 5-7pm!! Come to opening night of our awesome exhibit of Abey Mills street and music photography! All prints for sale! 📸
#downtownithaca #ithacagallerynight #ithacagallerynight1 #ithacacommons #ithacaisgorges

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thebrainshoppe

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Dec 6

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Meet Cubebot and his best friend, Milo! Fold them out from a cube into a variety of poses. Best stocking stuffer!! #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca #stockingstuffers #stockingstuffer

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thebrainshoppe

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Dec 4

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Pretty please vote for our holiday window display!! We want to win! Link in bio 🙌✌️🧠 #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca

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thebrainshoppe

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Nov 25

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Traveling for the holidays? We have tons of puzzles and games that are FUN for long trips!! 🥳 🚙 ✈️ 🛶 #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca

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thebrainshoppe

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Nov 10

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NEW! Psyched to have the Western Lands Preservation 52 card deck at the Shoppe 🧠 With each deck purchased, WLP preserves 30 sq.ft. of forest land! 🍃
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#westernlandspreservation #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #shoplocalithaca #ithacaisgorges #forestpreservation #naturalforest #naturelovers

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thebrainshoppe

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Oct 22

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#smartgifts #downtownithaca #shoplocalithaca #🧠

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thebrainshoppe

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Sep 26

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The Apple Fest scavenger hunt is here! Can you find the hidden letter “o” in our store?? More info @downtownithaca 🍎 #applefest #appleharvestfestival #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacaisgorges #shopsmallithaca

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thebrainshoppe

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Sep 17

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New keepsake puzzle boxes around the Shoppe! 🐱 zen cat 🐢 turtle 🐘 elephant 🦋 butterfly 🌻 sunflower 🐉 dragon 💀 skull
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#ithacacommons #downtownithaca #ithacany #ithacaiszen #ithacaisdebatable #appleharvestfestival @brassmonkeygoods

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thebrainshoppe

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Sep 11

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FREE bookmark with your purchase of any smart book while supplies last! 📖 #downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacaisbooks #ithacaisbooksfestival

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thebrainshoppe

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Jul 7

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Too hot outside? Come on in and cool off at the puzzle bar!🌞🧩
Summer hours:
Sun 10-5
Mon-Wed 10-6
Thurs 10-7
Fri-Sat 10-8
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#downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #ithaca #ithacacommons #shoplocalithaca #shopsmallithaca

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 27

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Something about summertime just makes us wanna solve a murder…and we’re in luck! University Games always comes in clutch with a wide array of murder mystery games to solve on your own or with a group😈🔪 And we may or may not have quite the selection of other murder mystery-themed games and puzzles…👀☠️
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Ages for games in the first 2 slides: 14+
Ages for games in the last slide: 18+
Number of players for first 2 slides: 1 or more
Number of players for last slide: 6-10
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#downtownithaca #ithacany #shoplocalithaca #shopsmallithaca #visitithaca #universitygames #murdermysterygame #ithacaisgorges #ithaca #ithacacommons ...

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 24

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Have you tried to solve any of our tavern puzzles yet? Come on in and give ‘em a shot! We have 3 on display you can try out, and 11 other ones you can buy to take home after you’ve mastered those😎 And we’re always happy to help out with a hint or two…🤗
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#downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #ithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca #shopsmallithaca #tavernpuzzles

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 20

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We are in no shortage of all different categories of Fluxx games over here! Whether you wanna go crazy at game night with Fluxx Remixx, or you wanna learn a new subject the fun way, we have what you’re looking for🧪☄️🫀
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All for ages 8+ for 2-6 players, Anatomy Fluxx for ages 12+ for 2-6 players
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#downtownithaca #ithacacommons #shopsmallithaca #shoplocalithaca #ithacany #fluxxcardgame #ithaca #ithacaisgorges ...

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 13

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🚨NEW GAME ALERT: BLOCKBUSTER PARTY GAME🚨
In this nostalgic board game, your group splits into two teams to compete for the most points. And like all great blockbuster movies, the game happens in 2 parts: Movie Buzzer Battle and Triple Charades Jeopardy🎞️ It even includes a Blockbuster parking lot sign inside!! For movie lovers far and wide, this game is sure to bring the vibes of the good old days to your next party or game night🍿📽️
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Ages 12+ for 4 or more players.
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#downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca #blockbusterpartygame #90skids #nostalgia ...

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 12

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Need a deck of cards, but like, a cool deck of cards? Come on down to the shoppe and grab some Lingo playing cards! A regular 52-card deck with lingo and slang from the language, including the english translation, on each card! Or go for the street food or nautical flag decks to expand your palette and learn how sailors communicate over long distances🌮🥖⚓️
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#downtownithaca #ithacacommons #ithacany #shopsmallithaca #ithacaisgorges #shoplocalithaca #lingocards ...

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thebrainshoppe

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Jun 11

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🚨NEW GAME ALERT: TELESTRATIONS🚨
Ever since we’ve been open, you’ve been asking for this game, and we finally have it in stock! How does the game work, you ask? Think of the game Telephone, but with drawing🎨 Perfect for your next family game night or party with friends! 😎
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Ages 12+ for 4-8 players.
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#downtownithaca #ithacaisgorges #ithacacommons #shoplocalithaca #shopsmallithaca #telestrations #boardgames ...