It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the new toys that seem to be coming out every day! One big advantage of shopping at an independent toy shop is that, not only will your child get bragging rights at their unique toys, but you’ll be able to support these businesses and their efforts at keeping the excitement for toys alive. Whether you’re looking for a toy that’s out of the box or perhaps want to try something more sustainable with a toy borrowing service, here’s 11 independent toy shops in South London to excite the imagination!
Toy Box Tots
Online service across South London
Toy Box Tots is an independent toy box renting service where you can rent a toy box with toys themed around books! Just a few of the benefits of this service include less waste for when your kids get bored easily, as well as less storage usage! The service is run by two local mums who wanted to give their children a wider and more exciting selection of toys to play with without breaking the bank! Each of their boxes is based around a children's book, which they bring to life with super fun, stimulating and age appropriate toys and at the end of the rental period, the book is yours to keep! Take advantage of your South London Club membership and get free delivery and collection (usually £10) and first box free in a subscription package.
Toy Box Tots
Puppet Planet
787 Wandsworth Rd, Clapham, London SW8 3JQ
Puppet Planet is an obscure toy shop that is for adults as well as children! They make uniquely-crafted puppets that have a timeless and traditional look that they are known for. There is a magical, awe-inspiring feel to Puppet Planet; the moment you step through the door you're confronted at every turn by what must be the largest congregation of puppets anywhere in the country. Expect everything from traditional, vintage and collectors' puppets, to modern, children's toys and t.v. puppet celebrities! Don’t forget your South London Club card and get 5% off all puppets and accessories and 5% off party bookings and workshops!
Puppet Planet
Beckenham St.George's Church BR3 - Giclée Art Print
Clapham 90s Style Unisex T-Shirt
Just Williams Toys
226 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1EN
Just Williams is a family-run toyshop that has become incredibly successful since its opening in 2006, having previously won Independent Toy Shop of the Year in 2017! Their team are highly trained to give the best advice on what toys would be perfect for your little one. They stock all of your children’s favourites, from classic wooden toys, to delicate dolls and action figures. Not only is this a toy shop, but the staff actively encourage the children to play with the toys and experiment with what could become their new favourite!
Just Williams Toys
Apple Tree Children’s Cafe
27 – 29 Norwood Road Herne Hill London SE24 9AA
Apple Tree is a children’s cafe and playroom, perfect for any South London family that are quickly running out of storage space for all the latest toys. This place has the magical power of being captivating for both children and adults, with a calm atmosphere that is fully staffed to give parents a break and a wide selection of sensory toys and activities to keep kids occupied for hours on end! In a nutshell, it is a place to learn through play and do so without constant, constraining supervision. Don’t forget your South London Club card and get 10% off food from our menu and 10% off play for 1-5 year olds!
Apple Tree Children's Café
QT Toys
90 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6QN
Established in 1983, QT Toys is an independent toy retailer stocking all your children’s favourite brands. From adorable dolls to action-packed Lego sets, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. Despite this, the family staff are dedicated to having a curated stock of toys they love and think their locals will love too! Just a few of the themed toys you can browse either in store or online include wooden toys, role play, robotics and more!
QT Toys & Games
Lewisham Toy Library
Shop 46, Lewisham Shopping Centre, London SE13 7EP
Unlike most toy shops, Lewisham Toy Library understand that it can be very expensive buying children toys; not only do you have to consider the child's age, interests and educational needs, but you also need to buy toys fairly regularly as your child develops and grows out of them. That’s why this innovative company have given Lewisham children the opportunity to discover new and exciting toys in this toy lending service. Lewisham Toy Library gives access to over 2,000 of the best toys and games, from old classics to the latest releases! Don’t forget your South London Club card and get 20% off membership!
Lewisham Toy Library
Ottie and The Bea
12 Old Dover Rd, London SE3 7BT
Playfulness and creatively have deeply inspired the atmosphere and products at Ottie and The Bea. They are an independent children’s shop selling a wide range of curated products your little ones will adore, from toys to books to party supplies. The store was established in 2010 by Julia, with the name of the shop inspired by the names of her two daughters. With all of the products Julia stocks in her store, her core aim is to spread joy and creativity to Blackheath locals.
Ottie and the Bea
Blackheath 90s Style Unisex T-Shirt
Crystal Palace Transmitting Station SE19 - Giclée Art Print
Green Owl Toys
80 Elmstead Ave, Chislehurst, Bromley, BR7 6EG
Green Owl Toys specialise in classic wooden toys, each handmade with care to inspire your child’s imagination and creativity. They try to be as eco-friendly as possible, having a strict plastic-free policy with their packaging. One of their most popular items is their role play range, with intricately designed medieval shields and swords for hours of fun for your child! They also sell popular and unique board games where the whole family can join in.
Green Owl Toys
Papagaio
45 Westow Street, London, SE19 3RW
Papagaio pride themselves on giving their loyal customers high quality and quirky toys to put an exciting twist on playtime. Their selection of toys can be enjoyed by all ages and interests, ranging from pocket money prices to something special for an upcoming birthday. They also stock charming and beautifully-made clothes from 0-7 years, with many items that can be a perfect addition to a unique wardrobe your friends will be lusting after!
Papagaio
Fun Learning
60 Northcote Road, Battersea, London SW11 1PA
With 26 years of experience and knowledge in children’s development, Fun Learning is an independent toy shop that is constantly inspired by children’s imagination and toys that can inspire them. Their staff are incredibly helpful and know the store inside out, so they can help you curate the best gifts for any child you’re shopping for. They often offer hands-on experiences in store if you visit with your children, so they can get stuck in and give their toys a good try out before deciding what they want to take home.
Fun Learning
Kids Stuff Toys
Putney High Street, London SW15 1TW
This family-run toy shop currently has four generations involved in the company! Kids Stuff Toys have a dedicated team of staff that love toys possibly as much as your child does! They love giving their customers the best advice when it comes to toys, from classics to the latest trends. Just a few of their most beloved products include action toys and figures, construction and vehicle toys, outdoor games and much more! Still not convinced? Kids Stuff Toys have been nominated Regional Toy Shop of the Year twice and National Toy Shop of the Year 6 times!
Kids Stuff Toys
What Is The South London Club?
The South London Club is a local discount card to help support small independent businesses across South London whilst saving all who live, work & play in South London money! With over 850+ local discounts to choose from, you will discover & explore all the best hidden gems in South London. Join over 7,000 of us & celebrate all that's independent & South London!