Toys play an important role in a child’s development and Melbourne hosts a variety of exceptional toy stores to discover where imagination knows no bounds and the joy of childhood comes alive!
We’ve pulled together a list of the best toy stores in Melbourne, offering a treasure trove of delights for kids of all ages.
Embark on a delightful journey through Melbourne’s most whimsical toy stores today.
Best Toy Shops Melbourne
1. Jasper Junior
For a memorable Melbourne toy store experience, Australian owned Jasper Junior will delight kids with beautifully crafted toys and gifts – perfect for both learning and play.
We also love that this store considers best practices for sustainability, fair trade, inclusivity and the support of local makers.
For imaginative play, the Wooden Tool Box allows little hands to build and explore with over eight beautifully made tools by French designer Janod.
While the Uncle Goose Classic Blocks With Wagon incorporates simple learning with play. Kids will love building and knocking down towers with the set of 28 wooden blocks featuring colourful letters, numbers and animal images on the sides. The wagon is a fun element for kids to pull along as they play.
Jasper Junior, 269 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065, (03) 9417 4139, fairies@jasperjunior.com,
2. Gepetto’s Workshop
With fun and durability in mind, Gepetto’s Workshop provides high quality puppets and toys which are truly special. The store itself is a whimsical playhouse and for grown-ups, a throwback to all the joys of childhood.
With fun quirky puppets of all shapes and kinds, prepare to be surprised and delighted.
The Monster – 30 inch / Blue is a popular choice and sure to bring lots of giggles to a group of children and adults alike.
For kids who want to control the puppet themselves, the joyful little Cindy – 14 inch / Peach, requires one hand to operate, making it easy and enjoyable to bring the story-telling to life.
Gepetto’s Workshop, 371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, 03 9755 3300, assist@geppettosworkshop.com.au
3. Honeybee Toys
For nearly 20 years, Honeybee Toys have been providing toys that are holistic, sustainable and handcrafted by some of the world’s best toy makers.
Perfect for preschool children, the Bauspiel Colour Track Blocks are decorated with different coloured sparkling stones that will ignite the imagination and encourage spontaneity.
Honeybee Toys, 264 Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144, 03 9500 8632, hello@honeybeetoys.com.au
4. Big Dreams
At Big Dreams, you’ll find adventurous toys that are all about empowering little dreamers.
Kids will be buzzing with the range of puzzles, games, books and toys available including the award-winning Skwish Classic, created by an engineer from NASA.
Discover the range of Big Dreams clothing and shoes for all ages too.
Big Dreams, 267 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, (03) 9489 2193, online@bigdreams.com.au
5. Childplay
Since 1972, Childplay in Clifton Hill has operated with both play and learning in mind.
Inquisitive kids will be drawn to the variety of play options from puzzles, arts and craft, role playing and dress ups, to classic toys for both indoor or outdoor play.
To develop lateral thinking, creativity, gross and fine motor skills, the Connetix Tiles – 100 Piece Set is perfect for any age.
Childplay, 151 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill VIC 3068 (03) 9489 7037, hello@childplay.com.au
6. Lego Certified Store
At Melbourne Central you’ll find the largest LEGO® Certified Store in the Southern Hemisphere.
With a range of hands-on activities in-store for kids and adults to tinker away at, this store is a fun shopping experience for everyone.
Create your own personalised portrait out of LEGO bricks, play at one of the LEGO or DUPLO tables or just explore the extensive range of LEGO sets to purchase and build at home.
LEGO Certified Store, Melbourne Central, Level 2, Cnr Latrobe and Swanston Streets, (03) 9671 4120
7. The Teddy Bear Shop
For Melbourne’s biggest collection of stuffed toys, head to The Teddy Bear Shop.
They’ve been importing and selling a massive range of soft toys for more than 29 years! Each adopted bear receives its own birth certificate upon purchase.
The Teddy Bear Shop, 14 Reserves Rd, Mount Evelyn VIC 3796, 0438 670 738
8. Stranger Than Paradise
Family-run business, Stranger Than Paradise, specialises in unique toys and gifts with passionate and helpful customer service.
Kids with big imaginations will love the range of novelty toys including the Schylling – Curly Pop Fire Breathing Dragon which breathes fire as you give it a squeeze.
Stranger Than Paradise Gifts, 101 Errol st, North Melbourne VIC 3051, (03) 9328 1663, strangerthanparadise101@gmail.com
9. Critical Hit
For families into pop culture, look no further than Critical Hit on Little Collins in Melbourne.
With a range of toys, merchandise and games from Disney, anime, Marvel and more this locally owned toy store also sells many rare pop culture finds and is sure to delight fandoms both young and old.
Build your deck with the Yu-Gi-Oh! – Egyptian God Deck: Slifer the Sky Dragon, add characters like Naruto: Shippuden with Noodles to your collection, or raise an Angel in an Evatchi Mari container with the Evangelion – Mari Tamagotchi.
Critical Hit,Shop 1/377, Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, 0448 773 030, info@criticalhit.com.au
10. Legoland Discovery Centre
Occupying 2800 square metres of FUN at Chadstone Shopping Centre, the Legoland Discovery Centre is everything little LEGO fans dream of.
More than just a toy stop Melbourne families can play and explore more than two million Lego bricks, be inspired by LEGO displays, visit a 4D cinema and test their building skills at creative workshops run throughout the day.
Legoland Discovery Centre, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148
11. The Little Toy Shop
In Carlton North, wander through The Little Toy Shop to uncover a large variety of wondrous knickknacks.
Something truly special is the vintage ‘Tilly’ The Notting Hill Bear. Any child will light up at the sight of the plush bear in its soft faux fur jacket and cute plaid dress.
For kids with allergies or other sensitivities, the all-natural, handcrafted Goki Nature – Dump Truck is a beautiful quality toy and a top pick.
The Little Toy Shop, 737 Nicholson Street, Carlton North VIC 3054, 03 93880407, hello@thelittletoyshop.com.au
12. Poppyshop, Carlton
Poppyshop on Lygon Street, Carlton has been open since 1965 and has long been a favourite toy shop for many Melbourne families. Inside the eclectic treasure chest of collectables you’ll find mechanical toys, mobiles, dolls, animals, board games, organically safe cuddly toys and a huge range of cards.
Poppyshop, 283 Lygon St, Carlton 3053 03 9347 6302
13. KidStuff
To inspire a playtime that’s full of curiosity and learning, head to Kidstuff. With various locations in Melbourne and across Australia, the Kidstuff franchise has been providing families with enjoyable, educational toys for more than 50 years.
Gaze into space with the Wonderstuff Astronomical Telescope, or enjoy outdoor adventures with the Wonderstuff Walkie Talkies.
Kidstuff Emporium, Level 3, Shop16, Melbourne Emporium, 287 Lonsdale St, 1300 57 88 33, online@kidstuff.com.au
14. Toymate
Australian owned and operated, Toymate offers great customer service and an exceptional range of toys.
Families that enjoy a good boogie will love the Lollipop Wireless Disco Karaoke System. It has multi-coloured flashing lights and connects to your smartphone.
Highpoint, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Shop 6206/7, Level 2/200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong VIC 3032, (03) 7007 8088
Westfield Fountain Gate, MM2A, Westfield Homemaker Centre, 23 Brechin Dr, Narre Warren VIC 3805, (03) 9055 8159
Nunawading Homemaker HQ, Homemaker, Hq, Tenancy 11-12/372 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading VIC 3131, (03) 7007 8075
Watergardens Shopping Centre, Watergardens Town Centre, 399 Melton Highway, Tenancy SC210A, Taylors Lakes VIC 3038, (03) 7007 8074
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