For parents who can't bare the idea of yet another Barbie or Frozen toy in their house, Tickle Your…read moreBrain might just be the answer. The focus here seems to be on educational toys to help your rugrat learn while they play (sneaky!) but that doesn't mean that these toys are boring. There's a large selection of books, fun jigsaw puzzles and other colourful games that kids would absolutely love. I didn't spy any mainstream "trendy" brands, which is just the ticket when you want a timeless toy that can be passed along to younger generations once yours outgrows it.

From the owner: toys, toy store, free wrapping, quality european wooden toys. Janod, goki, le toy van, brio,…read morelilliputiens, moulin roty, maileg, djeko, radio flyer, micro scooters, scheich, dinosaurs, dolls houses, garages, fire stations, prams, cradles, jewellery

Adopt a kid or put that reproductive system in to overdrive, because you'll want to get parental…read morewhen you visit Big Dreams. Possibly the cutest store in Fitzroy. The walls are covered in clothes, toys and decorations that would keep even the big kids amongst us happy. The window display changes regularly - from watermelon throw rugs, neon bunting and wire baskets perfect for stashing toys to porcelain squirrel lamps, coloured gumboots and raincoats - it is a delight to look at each time I pass, even if I don't venture inside. The clothing is, well, expensive. I've seen coats and jumpers here with price tags higher than what I comfortably pay for my own "grown up" clothes, but for gifts and special occasions then it would certainly be the place to come for unique and high-quality items that could be passed down to every child in your family. The toys are lovely and hard wearing and there's lots of cute gift and decorating ideas if you want a cheerful gift. I've bought a couple of smaller items here as well as a 3 year-old friendly Herschel backpack. I especially love that the staff will offer to wrap gifts for free in beautiful paper and ribbon.

When I think of venturing into a toy store to buy gifts for the niece and nephew clan, I shudder a…read morelittle. Thoughts of screaming tantrums to a backing track of Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls and The Wiggles songs flood my mind...most likely because I spent my high school years working part time at Toys 'R' Us. Big Dreams is the opposite of that. A far more calm and tranquil experience, this is a boutique shopping adventure designed for adults. Here you will find a mindful selection of well-crafted gifts that tick the educational, non-toxic, environmentally friendly boxes. Particularly if you're looking for beautiful old-school wooden toys, you're bound to find a nice keepsake for the family to treasure at Big Dreams. Come to think of it, the toys are so lovely and nostalgic that I wonder how many even make it to the kids hands? I suspect a few purchases may need to stay at Aunty Mel's house. You know, so they have something to do when visiting, right?

What an amazingly refreshing toy store- an absolute delight to behold. This store has so many…read morethings to buy it is hard to make a decision... I have three children and look for quality toys that fuel the imagination and allow creativity to flow..this store has it all, for both boys and girls. I will defineatley be back !

From the owner: You will find our site has the largest number of eco friendly toys online in Australia.read more

I was told not to take photos in the store, then the manager spoke about me to another customer…read moresaying that I was breaking the artists copyright law. I was mortified as I was only taking a photograph for my journal. I won't return as I was made to feel very unwelcome by this behaviour.

I don't like children. Don't worry, they don't like me much either. Unfortunately, I've reached…read morethat age where all my friends are having kids, and I've got a nephew too. This means buying presents. All. The. Time. I'm not a fan of Fisher Price, not in the least because there is a high likelihood that someone else has bought the same gift (this totally happened at my nephew's first birthday), so I like to get something a little different...and something that I would like to play with myself. Jasper Junior is one of my best auntie ever go-to stores. It is jam-packed with great toys, games and clothes for kids of all ages, and best of all, it is a Fisher Price-free zone. Instead, you can get a whole range of wooden toys (Brio is a particularly good brand with a great modern design sensibility) or puzzles or fancy dress costumes. I'm a particular fan of anything they have that helps kids learn languages other than English (such as French alphabet flash cards or wooden blocks with Italian words and numbers). There are even these slightly frightening dolls that are all anatomically correct, you know, DOWN THERE. (Actually, I'm planning on getting one of these for one of my brats at some stage.) The staff are really helpful too, so if you are stuck for ideas or on the appropriateness of gifts for certain ages (apparently you're not supposed to give small children sharp objects - who knew?) they can help you out. So if you are ever hungover and in a desperate rush to get to a first birthday party but need a great present with minimal fuss (like I was this morning), Jasper Junior is your place.