Tinker Toys: Shops in London That Still Sell Classic Toys

If you think London is a place for kids, think again! Sure, it's a major world business hub where some of the biggest companies operate. It's also a finance capital, where most prominent of financiers and analysts cover the world economy. Not to mention the capital is also the home of the most famous and historic British Royal Family. But while there are so many indications pointing that your little ones won't enjoy London, there are still some shops out there they'll likely enjoy. Namely, the toy shops. And some even sell the classic ones you, your parents, and possibly your grandparents played with.

 

Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop

Arguably the most famous of the classic toy shops here in London is Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop. From vintage dolls to wooden toy cars, the knick-knacks your grandparents used to play with are all on offer here. It's a charming boutique of both classic and contemporary playthings that both invites a feeling of nostalgia and a tinge of fantasy. Their prized pieces are mostly mini theaters, the type wherein parents would hold puppet shows for their kids during the rainy days. Complete with painted sets and real curtains, you and your kids will have ball setting up shows. 

Source: Benjamin Pollock Toy Shop Facebook Page

 

Cachao Toy Shop

Along the beautiful Primrose Hill area, near the London Zoo, the Cachao Toy Shop invited families to take a look at their vintage toy selection. Wooden knick-knacks and helium balloons mostly make up their product lines. But for those little ones who want to learn while they play, there's also a number of science sets and arts & crafts toys. These will help enhance their general scientific knowledge and improve their creativity around this period of their development. As for the parents, they can take the load off and have a nice cup of coffee in the cafe that's just beside the store.  

Source: Cachao Toys Facebook Page

 

Little Hero London

Do your kids love playing 'war?' Do they pretend they're soldiers and they fight the bad guys of their country? If this is what makes them excited, they'll love whatever you might buy them from Little Hero London. All about the military, the Fulham shop offers a wide array of toys, action figures, and even costumes of soldiers who fight in battle. And they're not just in camo either! Some toys here even depict the classic military uniforms pf past eras, such as the Napoleonic wars, the Middle Ages, and more. 

Source: Little Hero London Facebook Page

 

Just Williams

The facade alone already looks like a place your kids will enjoy visiting. With their bright blue exterior and their colorful sign, Just Williams is a classic toy shop through and through. And what makes this even more exciting for kids is that they'll probably afford a lot of the toys here themselves. From the bouncy balls and colorful beach shovels to the fun bubbles and sparkly stickers, a lot of the prices here range from only £5 and below. Of course, you'll probably still pay for them. But if they ever use their own allowance of gift money on a toy from here, they'll never forget it! 

Source: Just Williams

 

Puppet Planet

Who doesn't love puppets? They're adorable, quirky, and so much fun! Kids can spend hours playing with them, pretending to be different characters, and letting their creativity take control. Well, the Puppet Planet store in Clapham knows how much joy these silly playthings give kids so that's what they mostly provide. From fuzzy hand-puppets to the more sophisticated marionettes, this is arguably the biggest mecca for puppets in all of London. Perhaps even in all of the world. And in interesting investment would be to have a marionette puppet look like the person you're going to give it to. That'll be quite the gift! 

Source: Puppet Planet Facebook Page

 

Semmalina Star Bags

Unicorns, lollipops, and bubbles. There's only one place in London that's filled with these magical items: Semmalina Star Bags. Specializing in party bags and quirky toys, they offer a wacky collection of both classic and contemporary playthings. With each bag that they provide, you might find a candy bar, a ballerina miniature, or even a magic wand! Though slightly on the more feminine side of the toy spectrum, little boys can still have fun with their fine selection of sporty goods. Bouncy basketballs, wooden bats, and mini toy cars. It's all about having the best fun here! 

Source: Semmalina Twitter Account

 

Sylvanian Families

Admit it, Sylvanian Families are insanely charming. These bunny miniatures are so cute and adorable, you might end up liking them more than your kid does. And if you both have a passion for these quaint families, there's a store wholly devoted to them up on Highbury. All of their shelves are stocked with the classic 80s collectible, as well as house sets and new costumes for your already-owned bunnies. In fact, with whatever you can purchase here, you'll be able to build an entire Sylvanian neighborhood in your house! 

Source: Sylvanian Families Shop, London Facebook Page

 

The Harry Potter Shop

Practically every kid in the whole wide world knows Harry Potter. If they don't it only means they're too young to get to read the books or watch the movies yet. However, here in London, Harry Potter is its own institution. And for the fans who want to get their Harry Potter fix in the British capital, you'll only need to go to King's Cross station. It's here where The Harry Potter Shop welcomes muggles to take part in all of the magic. Action figures, dolls, costumes, wooden wands, mugs, and more are all on offer here. All to help you feel as if you're actually part of the magical world. 

Source: The Harry Potter Shop

 

London may be a sophisticated cosmopolitan city, but it's not without its charging childlike charms. These toy shops are perfect to keep your kids happy and entertained, as well as give you a tinge of nostalgia during your trip!