Walk into TJ’s Toys & Party Supplies and feel the magic. Rapunzel’s long blonde hair hanging from a tower window, a princess tea party room, superhero costumes, balloons and squishy toys galore, a slime workshop–it’s a child’s dream come true.
Adults, too, can feel the magic when they drift back to their own childhoods while shopping for their children or grandchildren. The huge store, located at 4541 Loop 322 next door to PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center, takes its name from the first two initials of the co-owner’s name–Tammy Jeanette Clark, who goes by Tammy. Clark is the general manager of the family business.
With Halloween coming up, TJ’s is the perfect place to shop for the whole family, from little kids to parents–with plenty of superhero and princess costumes or accessories to create your own.
“We try to keep it more family-friendly,” Clark said. “We don’t want to scare kids.”
The “Party Supplies” part of the name means more than just a full array of themed plates, napkins, cups, plasticware, table coverings, party favors, balloon arch kits and wall and ceiling decorations. It also means that TJ’s will supply the whole party.
A recent addition to the store is the beautifully decorated party room that is available to rent.
The room is perfect for a tea party or a gathering of older children. Clark and her team offer free consultation and advice, custom party packages, theme coordination, budget-friendly options and seasonal specials.
Clark, who is the mother of three children, had been planning to open a toy store for about a year and a half before opening TJ’s. Her dad owns PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center, so when the space next door to PrimeTime opened up, it seemed like a natural decision. The only problem with the available space was that it was too big just for toys. Party City had recently closed, which prompted an idea.
“Parties and toys just kind of fit together,” Clark said.
The result is a one-stop shop for all the presents and party supplies you’ll need. TJ’s even features a “birthday box” to fill with items that a child has requested and free gift wrapping. TJ’s has been open a little over a year, with a grand opening held on July 19, 2025. The opening was a labor of love, with practically the whole family involved.
“My dad and I did all the toy shopping,” Clark said.
Her husband, Cy Clark, works at PrimeTime and “kept the house running” while Tammy was getting ready to open the store. They are the parents of two boys ages 12 and 9, and one girl age 6. The kids, along with sales representatives and TikTok and Instagram photos and videos, keep Clark in the know about the latest trends. Her 12-year-old son found a display of Goat Guns, which are kits for making miniature guns of all varieties, at a toy convention.
“Oh, look how cool,” was his immediate comment, and now TJ’s has its own array of Goat Guns, plus Western toy rifles.
A sales rep tipped Clark off in January to the coming squishy toy craze. Those are squeezable blobs that come in a variety of shapes and are fun to squish. She was glad she took the sales rep’s advice.
“They sold out immediately,” she said, “and went bonkers in February.”
When Clark opened TJ’s, she wanted it to be a special, magical place, filled with quality toys and party supplies. The store’s website describes it as just that.
“TJ’s Toys & Party Supplies was born from a simple belief: every child deserves access to high-quality, educational toys that inspire creativity and learning.”
TJ’s carries some gifts for infants, but most of the toys are for ages 2-14. Clark’s own children have a good eye for what’s hot among children their ages. They are home-schooled, and the 6-yearold is a frequent visitor to the store. But they all enjoy the experience of coming to TJ’s.
“They all love walking through the store and asking people if they can help,” Clark said.
The store website site has a section titled “Our Philosophy,” with several subheadings. One is “Celebrating Childhood,” which captures the essence of TJ’s.
“From the perfect toy that sparks a lifelong interest to the party supplies that make birthdays magical, we’re here to help celebrate the wonder of childhood.”
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