These locally-owned toy stores in Christchurch are the perfect gifting pit-stops for party season and beyond.
Christchurch has a genuinely impressive lineup of independent toy shops, from inner-city boutiques to suburban finds. Whether you’re after a birthday gift, a rainy-day activity, or something a bit more special than the usual big-box options, these locally-owned stores are worth knowing about.
There’s a big difference between grabbing a toy at the supermarket and actually browsing somewhere with a considered, well-curated range. Christchurch’s independent toy shops tend to stock higher-quality, open-ended, and educational toys that you won’t find everywhere else, and most are run by parents who genuinely know their stuff.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a purchase, it’s also worth knowing that Christchurch has several toy libraries where you can borrow toys before you buy. A great way to test whether something will actually hold your child’s attention before spending the money.
Last updated: March 2026
Toy stores in Christchurch:
Tiny Toy Shop
Tucked inside the Arts Centre on Worcester Boulevard, Tiny Toy Shop is one of those places you could easily spend an hour in. It specialises in beautiful, sustainable, and open-ended toys for all ages, with a strong focus on heirloom-quality brands that encourage imagination over screen time. There’s an in-store play table and tuff tray setups, so getting the kids back out the door is the real challenge.
28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City | tinytoyshop.nz
Toytime, The Colombo
A newer addition to The Colombo’s family-friendly lineup in Sydenham, Toytime stocks a wide range of toys, from jigsaw puzzles and magnetic tiles to imaginative play and learning resources. It’s a great pit stop if you’re already at The Colombo, and a solid option for kids’ birthday gifts in the central city area.
The Colombo, 363 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch | thecolombo.co.nz/store/toytime
Whimsy & Wonder
Family-owned and based in Merivale, Whimsy & Wonder is a lovely browse for locally crafted items, wooden toys, books, and jigsaw puzzles. Look for the yellow storefront on Papanui Road. It’s the kind of independent children’s gift shop where you always come out with something you didn’t know you needed.
183 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch | whimsyandwonder.co.nz
The Canterbury Playcentre Shop
With over 70 years of supplying quality educational resources, the Canterbury Playcentre Shop is a reliable go-to for toys, craft supplies, and learning materials. Whether you’re restocking the dress-up box, stocking up on PVA glue, or hunting for open-ended educational toys, both the physical store in Sydenham and the online shop are worth a browse.
17 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch | playcentreshop.co.nz
Yellow Zebra
Out in Lincoln, Yellow Zebra is owned by Kelly, a mum of three with a strong background in children’s gifts and products. The store stocks high-quality, trusted toy brands from newborn through to tweens, and the personal knowledge behind the curation really shows. Free gift wrapping and hand-written cards are available on all orders, making it a genuinely stress-free gifting option.
4/3 Vernon Drive, Lincoln, Christchurch | yellowzebra.co.nz
Brooks & Co. (online)
Brooks & Co. is a Canterbury-owned online gift and toy shop stocking educational and quality toys, including Seedling, a 100% Kiwi-owned brand based right here in Canterbury. A good option when you want something a bit more thoughtful and would rather browse from home than head to the shops.
Grandpa’s Toys, Geraldine
Worth a mention even though it’s a little further afield. If you’re passing through South Canterbury, Grandpa’s Toys in Geraldine is a proper independent toy shop run by Amanda, a mum of three boys, with a great range of quality toys, books, arts and crafts, and games chosen with education and longevity in mind. Every product has been tried and tested before it hits the shelves, and if they don’t have what you’re after, they’ll track it down for you.
13 Talbot Street, Geraldine | grandpastoys.co.nz
Not sure what to buy? Try before you commit
If you’re buying for a young child and aren’t sure what will actually hold their attention, Christchurch’s toy libraries are a brilliant resource. You can borrow toys for a set period and return them when your child inevitably moves on. It’s a great way to try before you buy, and a much more sustainable approach to building a toy collection.
