These locally-owned toy stores in Christchurch are the perfect gifting pit-stops for party season and beyond.
Toy stores can be overwhelming at the best of times, especially when we have kiddos begging for the latest trending toy or game. So If we’re going to be overstimulated, we’d rather enjoy browsing an independent store and supporting locally-owned businesses that stock high-quality brands. With plenty of cool finds to explore, regardless of whether you’re shopping for your family or party gifts, these homegrown toy stores in Christchurch should be on your radar.
Read more: These Christchurch Toy Libraries Are a Great Space (and Money) Saving Alternative
Toy stores in Christchurch:
Tiny Toy Shop
We love taking the kids to the Arts Centre for a mosey, but did you know about its onsite toy shop? Specialising in beautiful, sustainable and open-ended toys for all ages, Tiny Toy Shop believes “the simpler the toy the more complex the play,” inviting little ones to use their imagination and explore its huge array of heirloom-quality toys. With an in-store play table and tuff tray setups, we wish you luck getting your tot to leave.
Tiny Toy Shop, 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, www.tinytoyshop.nz
SmartyPants
Owned and managed by Kiwi mum of two, Sarah, Wigram-based SmartyPants is a treasure trove of mindful toys, books, gifts and activities for all ages. As “New Zealand’s leading provider of smart stuff for smart kids,” shoppers can also expect top-notch customer service, fun, and games in-store. We love their ‘pocket money corner,’ a space highlighting the price of items so that little ones can shop within a budget. With new and mindful toys added to their boutique collection all the time, you’ll always find something unique for your little ones and gifts that’ll go down a storm every time. They’ll even gift wrap for you!
SmartyPants, 59 The Runway, Wigram Skies, Christchurch, www.smartypants.co.nz
Whimsy & Wonder
Merivale’s family-owned Whimsy & Wonder is chock-full of locally crafted items and quality brands. From wooden toys to a unique selection of books and jigsaw puzzles, look for the whimsical yellow storefront and get lost in a world of goods perfect for gifting.
Whimsy & Wonder, 183 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch, www.whimsyandwonder.co.nz
The Canterbury Playcentre Shop
“Supplying quality, educational resources for over 70 years,” The Canterbury Playcentre Shop is on high rotation for treating the kiddos to new and educational toys and craft supplies. Whether you’re stocking up on PVA glue, swapping out a few things from the dress-up box or looking for educational resources, their online and physical stores are worth a good browse!
The Canterbury Playcentre Shop, 17 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, www.playcentreshop.co.nz
Nature Discoveries Riccarton
Inspiring a “deep fascination with nature,” this award-winning speciality store stocks all sorts of educational, science and nature-related products. From science experiments, astronomy and forensic kits, to outdoor toys, critical thinking puzzles, crafts and memory games, explore hundreds of inspiring and cool products catering to growing minds
Nature Discoveries Riccarton, 122 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch, www.nature.co.nz
Yellow Zebra
This locally-owned children’s toy store out in Lincoln is owned by a mum of three, Kelly, who has a wealth of knowledge in children-focused products and gifts. “Passionate about providing high-quality gifts for newborns right through to tweens,” Yellow Zebra is a one-stop shop for high-quality, thoughtful and trusted toy brands to fit any budget and need. Gift wrapping and hand-written cards are also available free of charge.
Yellow Zebra, 4/3 Vernon Drive, Lincoln, Christchurch, www.yellowzebra.co.nz
Brooks & Co.
Brooks & Co (formerly Toy Fest), is a locally owned, online gift and toy store in Christchurch that “prides itself on providing educational and quality toys.” Stocking inspiring brands, including Seedling, a 100% Kiwi-owned business based here in Canterbury, you won’t be short of fun and thoughtful choices when party season comes around.
Brooks & Co.,www.brooksandco.co.nz
Grandpa’s Toys
If you’re passing through South Canterbury make a beeline for Grandpa’s Toys in Geraldine. Owned and run by mum of three boys, Amanda, this local toy store outside of Christchurch has a great range of “quality toys, books, arts and crafts and games with an educational purpose in mind.” Each brand stocked has been tried and tested before hitting the shelves. Essentially, if her children have tested it and given it the seal of approval, then you will find it for sale! And if you can’t find what you’re after, Grandpa’s Toys will research where they can get the toy for you.
Grandpa’s Toys, 13 Talbot Street, Geraldine, www.grandpastoys.co.nz
Featured image courtesy of Pexels, image #1 credited to Tiny Toy Shop via Instagram, image #2 property of nook NZ,
