The Toy Shop is a lovely little addition to the scenic Clydeside town of Helensburgh…read more I am aware I have given quite harsh reviews to other local businesses in the area but thankfully this place merits a good one. With four nieces and nephews under the age of two who all have more toys than they can handle, I know how difficult it is to find something they will love that they don't already have. But on my first visit to the Toy Shop, I immediately spotted a few things I could buy them. This isn't one of those bohemian toy shops that is more for adults than children. Definitely worth a visit if you have little ones.

Meticulously set up and beautifully presented, the Toy Shop is an integral part of the traditional…read morehigh street feel which resonates across West Clyde Street. Stocking a wide range of goodies for kids aged 0-12, it's not only young children who love this place, but also adults who recognise the rarity of an independently owned toy business in this day in age. In fact, how about adding a rocking horse for those over 6ft so we can have a shot as well?

This shop really brings me back to my childhood, it's got a retro appearance, with bright toy box…read morecolours and the windows chock full of toys and games. They specialise in traditional toys here, you are unlikely to find really complex electronic gadgets, just good old fashioned fun. There are loads of board games, lego, child's dolls, for some reason Warhammer, and a few things I had never seen before. It is a bit of a shambles as well, but in a cute independent shop way, you can get lost in amongst piles of toys and games. The people there are great as well and you can see that they enjoy selling toys to little kids, and bigger kids as well. I did see a few adults having a cheeky peek around and it was amusing realising that they were enjoying it more than the kids. Since the closure of Woolworths there are few toy stores around any more, and even fewer independent toy shops. Toys Galore is there to bring fun to people and in that respect it succeeds. A great place for gifts, either for children or for those who still claim to be 'young at heart'

They're not kidding. This place is overflowing with toys of all kinds - board games, dolls, action…read morefigures, that Warhammer stuff that the weird kid in school used to paint. And, given it's an independent store, it really isn't that expensive. Monopoly and Cluedo were £15. Now, I'm 22. And as a child I never had that many toys. My parents bought me books to turn me into the verbose, intolerant specimen I am today (I'm really very nice, and so are my parents but that doesn't work for reviewing purposes). I used to get so jealous of my classmates, with their cool toys. I did have loads of Lego, mind. Given this deprivation as a child you'd think I'd go wild in a place like this. You'd think I'd be sliding down the isles on my knees, crashing around with glee. Or at least, you know, be a bit excitable. Not so. It was dark and eerily quiet. It all felt a bit serious. It was everything a toy shop shouldn't have been. Mr Magorium wouldn't be impressed.

When I saw around the Phoenix that there was a Smyths opening I was intrigued as the only other one…read moreI'd seen was at the Glasgow Fort. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to pop in and see what it was all about. Inside it looks like high rows (even for me at 6ft +) of toys, games, cuddly toys etc. There is a large range of Lego (sometimes in places you don't expect), Disney and film related goods (Star Wars, Minnions, etc) for all ages of kids, even board games. In comparison to the Glasgow Fort branch (which I believe is being revamped), this store appears to be a lot bigger (not that you could tell by the tiny store front) with a wider range of items, some of which I didn't expect including items for babies, bikes and 'ride on' cars etc for younger children. I also noticed some interesting items close to the tills (most of which were unmanned at the time) and some kids party items such as balloons, paper plates, wrapping paper, etc just behind. I'll definitely pop back when I need something for my wee nephew or my god daughter, when the usual shops don't have whatever if the latest craze.

I love the big displays they often have in here, usually LEGO related, and their supermarket-style…read more"3 for 2" offers are great as well. Nice big shop with plenty of variety in store, and room to play on the toys... I mean "make sure they're suitable for the kids". It can be a little scruffy at times, but I guess that's the price you pay for running a business that attracts young children!

Toys R Us really is a toy emporium! I don't think there is another store quite like it in the UK…read moreand the store on Helen Street is exceptionally huge! If you are looking for a toy and Toys R Us doesn't sell it, it probably doesn't exist! The store is divided into toys for girls, boys, babies and preschool children. There is also the games wall where you'll find all manner of board games and jigsaws. I am a big fan of the construction wall which consists of a plethora of lego and meccano type toys which would keep kids and adults amused for hours! There are also multimedia toys such as Wii and PS3 games and Hannah Montana TV sets. I love the Universe of Imagination section in Toys R Us also which contains learning toys such as leapfrog computers and arts and crafts. Toys R Us also has a good selection of kids and adults bikes which they can build for you in the shop. Although most of the Babies R Us stand alone stores have closed down the Toys R Us store on Helen Street contains a Babies R Us department within it. This sells cots, buggies, breast pumps, all sorts! Be warned, if you take your kids into this store they may never let you leave!

A wonderful store that sells all things geeky. Although not quite as extensive, just like the chain…read morestore Forbidden Planet this store gets regular deliveries of many of the latest comic books and additionally has a very extensive collection of older ones. There is also a collection of manga available as well as many other geeky things such as action figures, board games and trading cards. The shop keeper himself is very helpful and knowledgable about the goods he sells, and is perfectly willing to give advice if needed. I highly recommend this store! 5/5

Great shop! Loads of stock, all varieties. Comics are sold bagged and boarded! Real friendly…read morestaff. Saves having to travel to Glasgow to get your comic fix!

Maves treasure trove is a more accurate name,this shop is full of things you didn't know you…read moreneeded,from "keep the kids quiet for a while" toys at one pound to paintbrushes,bin bags,buckets-and spades!- curtain poles,cables and chargers of every kind all at a great price. Get down and get what you need,I challenge anyone but the meanest,grumpiest person to come out empty handed! Service with a genuine cherry manner,a big smile and a desire to help the customer,that's why I prefer small independents like this over Tesco anytimr

Many moons ago this was a large John Menzies but for the past decade or so it has been WH Smith. It…read moreis quite a well stocked store considering the size of the town, and they have a good range of books, magazines and stationery. They also have a musical section and a small array of toys and games. Given the number of newsagents in the town I'm always surprised that such a large company continues to maintain such a prominent presence in this small town, but they do, and it's to our advantage most of time time, especially since the closure of Woolworths. Most of their goods are a bit overpriced and can be bought from local shops for less, but it is a good benchmark and keeps some competition up in the town.

Stopped in here a few weeks ago for a quick look - and didn't emerge until almost an hour later…read more With the exception of a small Disney range, most of the products on sale here are quite old fashioned - but there is something for everyone here. From traditional wooden trains, puppets and dolls, to swords/shields and the occasional drone - you will find it here! The staff seemed really friendly, and were on their hands and knees playing with some kids as their parents were wandering about. I spent the whole time resisting the urge to buy every other item (especially their awesome robots) - for me obviously (yup, big kid here!).

Roz M & Rob K are right - this is the kind of toy shop that dreams are made of! It's got a lovely…read morewelcoming vibe to it (thanks to the lady behind the counter who is incredibly sweet and helpful) and all the stock seems like it's hand-picked and of a high quality. I was in to buy a #socialmediasanta present (presents go to Shelter Scotland to go to a kid who otherwise wouldn't get a gift on Christmas day) and I like to double-up my good-deed doing by supporting a local business at the same time. Hence, my first visit to The Big Top. As soon as I walked in I saw a wall of books which were perfect - a great range of books on interesting topics and for different ages, and all reasonably priced. I had a little bit of a look around - there's a wall of cute plastic animals (remember the farmyard animals you had as a kid?), lots more books, wooden toys and railway sets and the CUTEST collection of kilted bears I've ever seen. Yes, you heard right - bears wearing kilts. These are made in Scotland by a famous kilt-maker (not sure who) and they seemed of really high quality (as well as being adorable). They are definitely going on the to-buy list for all my Australian nephews and niece! If you've never been here, then definitely go - it's the definition of a hidden gem! And if you love dogs, there are two in the store which makes the experience all the more exciting.