Buzz
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to consider online shopping for all your needs—but doing so would mean missing out on the enchanting experience of visiting a physical toy store. Whether you’re searching for classic wooden toys, rare manga collectibles, exquisitely designed teddy bears, or a massive LEGO set, these globally renowned toy shops have something special for every toy enthusiast.
1. HAMLEYS, LONDON
Located on Regent Street in London, Hamleys stands as one of the most legendary toy stores worldwide, attracting 5 million visitors annually to its wonderland of playthings. Established in 1760 by William Hamley, who first called his High Holborn shop “Noah’s Ark,” the store’s success led to the opening of its Regent Street branch in 1881. Despite facing challenges like temporary closures during the 1930s depression, surviving five bombings in World War II, and showcasing its toys at the 1951 Festival of Britain, Hamleys has remained a cherished London landmark. Today, its seven floors are packed with toys, games, puzzles, and costumes, complemented by lively in-store toy demonstrations that captivate visitors.
2. LARK TOYS, MINNESOTA
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Lark Toys
Located in Kellogg, Minnesota, Lark Toys is not just a massive family-owned toy shop—it also features a functioning carousel adorned with intricately carved and painted animals, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a children’s bookstore, and a store dedicated to fudge and sweets. The store offers a wide range of classic toys, including puppet theaters, and provides numerous interactive spaces for kids to engage with. Additionally, their “memory lane” section showcases a delightful collection of vintage toys, creating a small museum-like experience.
3. KID’S CAVERN, MACAU
The ultra-modern Kid’s Cavern toy store, located in Sands Cotai Central, Macau, debuted in 2012 and features a breathtaking interior design. Spanning 35,000 square feet, the store showcases larger-than-life superheroes, vibrant LED displays, and even a suspended toy plane. Alongside a vast selection of toys from top brands, the store offers children’s clothing and accessories. However, the highlight for any child is the enchanting candy shop, filled with every imaginable color and type of sweet treat.
4. LEGO STORE, LONDON
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Opened in November 2016, the LEGO Store in Leicester Square, London, is the world’s largest, covering 9800 square feet. The store is adorned with impressive LEGO creations, such as a life-sized London Underground train made from 637,903 bricks and a towering 20-foot Big Ben model, complete with a functioning clock that lights up at night. The store pays homage to its London roots with LEGO figures of William Shakespeare, a bowler-hat-wearing mascot, and a LEGO rendition of the famous London tube map. Beyond these stunning displays, visitors can purchase nearly every LEGO set imaginable.
5. STEIFF MUSEUM AND SHOP, GERMANY
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Steiff, the world-renowned teddy bear manufacturer, was founded in 1880 in Germany by the inspiring Margarete Steiff, who built the iconic brand despite facing significant challenges from childhood polio. The legendary Steiff teddy bear, designed in 1902, gained global fame at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair when Hermann Berg, an American toy buyer, recognized its potential and ordered 3000 bears. Marketed as “teddy” bears in America, inspired by President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, these bears became a timeless success. Today, visitors can explore the Steiff Museum and Factory in the brand’s hometown, featuring an extensive collection of animals crafted over the years. The museum also houses a shop offering the full range of Steiff creations, from classic teddy bears to towering giraffes. Bargain hunters can visit the factory outlet nearby for discounted Steiff toys.
6. SI TU VEUX, PARIS
Nestled in one of Paris’s most picturesque covered arcades, Si Tu Veux in the 2nd arrondissement is a charming, old-world toy store. This delightful shop offers a curated selection of traditional European wooden toys, games, dress-up outfits, and puzzles, captivating even the most tech-savvy children and drawing them away from their screens.
7. KIDDYLAND, TOKYO
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Situated in Tokyo’s renowned Harajuku district, the flagship store of Kiddyland is arguably the world’s most stylish toy shop. Known for its exclusive collection of original Japanese toys, many of which are unique to Japan, Kiddyland is a haven for fans of iconic characters. Spread across four floors, the store features Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, chicaboos, Snoopy, tamagotchis, and a plethora of other adorable Japanese brands.
8. THE LITTLE DOLLHOUSE COMPANY, TORONTO
The Little Dollhouse Company in Toronto stands as one of the few specialty dollhouse stores in North America. Visitors can explore 85 fully assembled dollhouses, each meticulously furnished with miniature accessories. The store also features a workshop where artisans craft everything from tiny cereal bowls to intricate chandeliers. Catering to both beginners and serious collectors, the shop offers options ranging from a toddler’s first playhouse to a lavish $50,000 miniature mansion.
9. CHARLES RO SUPPLY COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS
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Charles Ro Supply Company
Located in Malden, Massachusetts, Charles Ro Supply Company is arguably the largest toy train store in the U.S., boasting a 30,000-square-foot space filled with the most extensive collection of model trains nationwide. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the store operates its electric train system across six tracks spanning three floors. The setup features G-gauge and O-gauge trains traveling through diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, mountain passes, a town, and a vintage depot, captivating both children and adult enthusiasts.
10. FORBIDDEN PLANET, LONDON
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Forbidden Planet
As the world’s largest chain of comic book stores, the London flagship on Shaftesbury Avenue serves as its iconic hub, brimming with merchandise tied to comics, manga, science fiction, and cult television series. The store is a treasure trove of collectibles from franchises like Dr Who, Star Wars, Adventure Time, Marvel, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, offering something for every fan.
