I had no idea what to expect when I walked in...Ok, I had *some* idea. I expected a toy shop; flashy, mostly plastic with rounded edges, you know...toddler stuff.
Yes, they have that stuff too, but if you look further in, it is a TREASURE TROVE! I got so nostalgic walking around this shop that I almost didn't want to leave. And I found myself thinking, 'This is going to be my new 'pick me up' shop when I'm feeling blue.'
Yes, there are toys and board games, the things you'd expect to find. But there are also puppets (and Muppet characters), plush Wallace and Gromit characters (including a wee Gromit in his dog house for £2.95 which I nearly bought just out of cuteness).
Then there are kites, and pui, and juggling pins. I was all 'Wow!' and then I'd turn another corner and 'Wow!' again.
I literally tripped down memory lane as I saw little Smurf figurines. Now, I'm not ancient by any means, but those were popular back in my day and I didn't know that they even made them anymore. Seriously?
Amazing.
Price-wise, again, it wasn't what I thought it would be. For this kind of fun, I figured a premium price would have to be paid.
Nope. The plush Gromit (WANT) was only £15.95, I would have expected it to be more. Plus I thought it would be more for the extra softness.
They also have Russian dolls in the back display cabinet, which were a bit more (£12.95), but these variety were behind glass for a reason. Definitely not something that you'd let a child play with. Next to those were some beautiful jewellery boxes (some even complete with a pop-up ballerina). I'd been looking for something like this for my niece, but now I can forgo the cheap Claire's variety and get her something that will leave lasting memories.
Definitely go in. Even if you don't have anyone to buy for. I bet you come out with something. Even if it's the Gromit magnet for £2.50. read more