The best toy stores in Melbourne

Founded in Melbourne more than 25 years ago, Jasper Junior still evokes the same magical, nostalgic, warm and fuzzy feelings as it did on day one of its opening. Inside, you’ll find a wonderful mix of heritage toys that will have children captivated and send adults down memory lane. Some of the most popular toys here are the treasured nesting Babushka dolls that are all handmade and painted in Russia – Jasper Junior is known for being one of the few stockists for popular imported products. Find classic soft toys by Merrythought, including lovely handmade English teddy bears, as well as figure playsets by German brand Playmobil and dolls by Les Rosalies.

Since opening in 1972, Childplay’s philosophy has been to encourage children to learn through play. So if you’re a parent who is conscious about giving their children educational, high-quality and sustainable toys, then this Clifton Hill spot will be your new go-to shop. The bright and playful storefront gives you a taste of the fun that lurks inside, but it’s what goes on behind the scenes that really sets Childplay apart from the rest. Quality and care are highly considered when selecting stock, and priority is given to toys that are Australian-made, sustainable, battery-free and made to last. 

Lego fans in Melbourne are already incredibly lucky, with two Lego stores and a Legoland Discovery Centre at their fingertips – but they've just got even luckier. Melbourne Central is home to one of the largest Lego Certified Stores in the Southern Hemisphere. It's the perfect destination for children and adults who are still children at heart, with fun areas like the Pick a Brick Wall and Minifigure Station to explore, and you can even leave your mark by using the Mosaic Maker to leave a portrait of yourself at the Personalisation Studio.

Be prepared for a nostalgia hit when you arrive at Geppetto’s Workshop in Sassafras — this store stocks the type of toys you’re only likely to see in Disney movies. Find marionette dolls, hand puppets and finger puppets, jack-in-the-boxes, kaleidoscopes and other collectables. It’s worth visiting just to experience its old-world charm, with puppets dangling from the ceiling just like in Pinocchio.

Stranger Than Paradise Gifts opened in 2015 with a small, hand-picked range, but it's since grown into a toy wonderland where you can spend hours browsing for the perfect gift for kids and adults alike. Although small in size, the store is packed to the absolute brim with 1960s-inspired vintage bots, party games, ceramic animal light fixtures and otherworldly knick-knacks that you won't find anywhere else.

Anime fans can rejoice at Critical Hit. Whether you want to cosplay as your favourite character or deck your room out in the cutest Japanese plush toys, this is the place to go. Stocking an extensive range of all things anime, this toy shop has everything from Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z, and even Harry Potter products. Critical Hit isn’t just limited to toys – you will also find merchandise, figurines, games, manga and posters.

Firstly, who isn’t a fan of Lego? Whether you’re eight or 48, these little building blocks have let the most creative minds run free for decades and now there is a whole shop dedicated to it right here in Melbourne. The Lego themes are constantly changing to keep things fresh and exciting, so arrange a playdate with the little ones (or your mates) and even walk away with some limited edition sets.

This family-owned shop is a hub of eco-friendly sweetness. Since it opened in 2004, Honeybee Toys has specialised in non-toxic and wooden toys sourced from sustainable European forests. From baby toys and dollhouses to trucks and scooters, the shop has made an effort to cater for all ages of childhood. 

Formerly known as Small Dreams, this toy emporium has moved to a bigger space (hence the name change) to accommodate its growing range of clothing and treasures for kids. The folks at Big Dreams are against the ‘often impersonal and prescriptive plastic toy range’ found in department stores. Instead, the shop supports the idea of interactive play that also stimulates the imagination, as it feeds the developmental learning process. Big Dreams avoids manufactured plastics, opting for natural wooden materials that educate kids during playtime.

KidStuff’s policy is that if the toy, game or puzzle doesn’t encourage the development of a child's mind, creativity and physical wellbeing, the shop will not stock it. Instead, you'll find colourful and fun toys and games from recognisable brands like Lego, Meccano and Sylvanian Families and featuring characters from Toy Story, Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty.

The Tree Top Toy Shop values ethical and environmentally sustainable products that excite the imagination. Stock is displayed without the packaging so you can give your toy a test-run before buying. Expect to find puzzles, baby gifts, clothing, dress-ups, games and musical instruments.

The Teddy Bear Shop recently transformed into a working-from-home showroom in the Yarra Ranges, but still boasts one of Melbourne’s largest stuffed toy collection. Stocking reputable brands such as Charlie Bears, Steiff, Hermann, Nici and Merrythought, it’s clear these guys take the teddy quite seriously. Each bear comes with a birth certificate upon purchase.