Top 20 Best Toy Shops in the World
Looking for inspiration for your next family outing or a nostalgic adventure across the globe? This unique and detailed blog-style article dives into 20 of the best toy shops in the world, spotlighting their stories, the magic they offer, and unique shopping experiences that make them must-visit destinations.
Hamleys – London, England
Address: 188–196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT
Why Visit: Often dubbed the world’s oldest and largest toy store, Hamleys traces its origins to 1760 and moved to Regent Street in 1881. The flagship spans seven floors, carrying over 50,000 toy lines. It boasts live toy demos, costumed staff, and even a Wafflemeister for a sweet treat.
FAO Schwarz – New York City, USA
Address: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Why Visit: Iconic for its giant dance-on piano made famous by the movie Big, FAO Schwarz is America’s oldest toy retailer (est. 1862). Beyond classic plush toys and games, expect luxury collectibles like a crystal-encrusted mini convertible.
Pain d’épices – Paris, France
Address: Passage Jouffroy, Paris
Why Visit: A nostalgic retreat tucked into a 19th-century passage, Pain d’épices enchants visitors with dollhouse accessories, miniature treasures, and tactile, playful charm.
Kiddy Land – Tokyo, Japan
Address: Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo
Why Visit: A four-floor explosion of kawaii culture, Kiddy Land is brimming with Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli, and Pokémon gear. Expect limited editions, adorable collectibles, and a blissful sensory overload.
Kid’s Cavern – Macau, China
Address: Sands Cotai Central, Macau
Why Visit: Spread across 3,000–35,000² ft, this megastore dazzles with hanging planes, superhero zones, candy departments, and everything in between—part toy store, part mini theme park.
LEGO Store – London, England
Address: Leicester Square
Why Visit: The world’s largest LEGO outlet (opened 2016) features epic creations like a life-size Tube, illuminated Big Ben, and a Pick-A-Brick wall for hands-on fun.
Steiff Museum & Shop – Giengen an der Brenz, Germany
Address: Steiff Museum, Giengen an der Brenz
Why Visit: Home of the original teddy bear, this museum-store hybrid honors Margarete Steiff’s legacy. Browse classic bears, visit a plushie petting area, or shop rare collectibles.
Si Tu Veux – Paris, France
Address: 2nd arrondissement, Paris
Why Visit: A boutique bursting with traditional wooden toys, dress-up pieces, and screen-free enchantment, perfect for unplugged childhood vibes.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop – London, UK
Address: 44 The Market Building, Covent Garden, London
Why Visit: Established in 1851, this charming shop specializes in Victorian toy theatres, music boxes, puppets, and old-world whimsy.
Kip’s Toyland – Los Angeles, USA
Address: Farmers Market, Los Angeles
Why Visit: L.A.’s oldest toy store (since 1945), founded by WWII veteran Irvin Kipper. From Slinkys to board games and Lincoln Logs, it’s a family-run staple of nostalgia and charm.
Detsky Mir – Moscow, Russia
Address: Central Children’s Store (Detsky Mir), Moscow
Why Visit: Once the USSR’s flagship children’s store (opened 1957), now Russia’s largest with over 1,100 stores. It’s part department store, part immersive play zone featuring Lego and Nerf areas.
Forbidden Planet – London, England
Address: Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Why Visit: The ultimate comic and pop-culture emporium offering sci-fi, manga, collectible toys, and cult fandom treasures—perfect for the adult collector.
Mytour.vn
Lark Toys – Kellogg, Minnesota, USA
Address: Lark Toys, Kellogg, MN
Why Visit: A family-run wonderland featuring a working carousel, mini-golf, vintage toy “memory lane,” and a fudge shop—a mini theme park that reinvents toy shopping.
Mastermind Toys – Canada
Address: Multiple locations across Canada
Why Visit: A nationwide favorite for educational and imaginative play. With science workshops and craft classes, it’s a hub for smart, creative family time.
The Entertainer – UK
Address: Over 170 stores across the UK
Why Visit: Known for affordability and fun, many UK families rely on it. Stores often include soft play zones or birthday rooms for party-ready fun.
Toys “R” Us – Global
Address: Over 700 shops across ~25 countries
Why Visit: A global legacy retailer with a wide selection, play spaces, and character meet-and-greets, ideal for large toy runs.
Smyths – Ireland & Europe
Address: Headquarters in Galway; 300+ stores across Europe
Why Visit: A family-owned toy powerhouse in Europe, Smyths acquired many Toys “R” Us stores and now offers a vast toy selection.
Pop Mart (Collectibles) – London, UK
Address: Camden Market (plus others across UK)
Why Visit: A trendsetter in adult collectibles—selling blind boxes and designer art toys that cater to the recently mainstream collector culture.
Bandai Namco Store – London, UK
Address: Camden Market, London
Why Visit: A fun, immersive destination for manga and anime fans, featuring gachapon machines and exclusive collectibles tied to gaming culture.
Collectibles Surge & Jellycat – UK
Address: Various stores like Selfridges, London
Why Visit: Plush toy brand Jellycat has gone viral, drawing adult collectors with its quirky “amuseable” designs, now a crowdsourced sensation at major retailers.
The Guardian
Why These Toy Shops Captivate Globally
- Heritage & History: From Hamleys (1760) to Benjamin Pollock’s (1851), these stores carry centuries of wonder.
- Immersive & Interactive Environments: Stores like FAO Schwarz and Lark Toys merge shopping with immersive experiences.
- Collector Appeal: Pop culture hubs (Forbidden Planet, Pop Mart) and branded shops (Jellycat) tap into adult collectibles.
- Global Reach & Accessibility: Chains like Smyths, Toys “R” Us, and Mastermind offer scale and convenience.
- Cultural Diversity: Explore French miniatures at Pain d’épices or kawaii icons in Tokyo’s Kiddy Land.
Final Thoughts
These 20 best toy shops in the world offer so much more than toys—they offer magic, heritage, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to explore from home, these destinations celebrate wonder and play in beautiful, global ways.
