Shopping Kids Activities Melbourne
Got the desire to shop to you drop, pick up that next birthday present or catch a good toy or bookstore in Melbourne? Here's where we love to head when shopping is calling.
Or if you can't face the crowds for a shopping spree on a rare, kid-free afternoon, catch our Big Style for Little Ones: On-line Guide.
322a & 324 Carlisle St Balaclava
Little Lulu is owned by the 'grown-up' Lulu right next door on Carlisle Street. It houses lots of happening brands (Munster, Minti, Purebaby, Monstar and more) throw in some wooden toys, baby goods, nursery/kids room fittings (blankets, mobiles, night lights), books, hair accessories, funky melamine plates and sophie the giraffe and you've got the perfect mix all sorted. This is where we head if we're after a great birthday present...they'll even gift wrap it too and you can pick up a birthday card from the counter. Afterwards you can zip around the corner on Orange Grove and visit our favourite local kid-friendly cafe, Little Captain.
155 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Owned by local Mum, Mudpuddle is your trusted little store at one end of Chapel Street for the likes of Oobi Baby, tiger tribe, Micro Scooters, Sylvanian Families and Willow and Finch Kid, walnut shoes and other well know favourite brands. Apart from clothing you can pick up accessories and toys. If you need a sweet fix, head next door for a sugar high at Sugarlicious and be knee deep in lolly delight!
Shop 5 Royal Arcade 331 334 Bourke Street Melbourne and Chadstone Shopping Centre
If quality toys are high on your radar head here. Stocking the absolute best in money can buy. Amongst the wooden toys, you'll find French brands, quality dress-ups, gifts, teepees, dolls prams, vintage tin toys (we have a few), skittles and more. If it's long lasting you're after you can be sure these toys will go the distance. Speaking from experience, we still have a Bajo Wooden Train purchased here a number of years ago and it's still going strong.
5 Degraves Street, Melbourne CBD
You'll be hard pressed not to walk out of here with a purchase or two. Just the beautiful and creative window displays will be enough to coax you in and start you browsing. The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly to chat to. Latest release books are to one side of the wall, in the middle more new reads and baby board books, then there's bookshelves of classics, old school favourites and pop up books. After a book purchase pop over to Little Cupcakes for a little treat and coffee fix. There's also a store in Carlton North if you can't make it to the CBD.
771 Nicholson Street, North Carlton
This is a toy store that knows its stuff, where toys are sold by knowledgeable staff and what special toys they are. there are toys of every description from handcrafted wooden cars and blocks, gorgeous German dolls and ferocious flying dragons. Every shelf and corner holds a surprise - toy pirates and knights do battle on the shelves breaking only for tea in the well equipped Playmobil camper van.
234 Collins Street, Melbourne
You might be familiar with Shophouse as an online retailer? They're now open for business in the City. This recently opened store isn't just for the kids though, it stocks a range of maternity wear with my personal favourite maternity jeans, Mavi. Shop the store for Cocoon Couture, Bobble Art, Oobi, Purebaby, Penny Scallan, Moppit and more.
NGV International St Kilda Road and NGV Australia Federation Square.
A must if you're a visitor to Melbourne and need a gift or souvenier to take home is the NGV Shop. The kids section may be small but it oozes quirky, fun and 'something a little bit different'! From the famous Make Me Iconic Melbourne Toy Tram, Nano blocks, Micador art supplies, Planks, little (and reasonably priced) goodies to the really great selection of quality kids books, this is one shop that you'll be popping back to time and time again.
If you're exhausted from all that shopping, we have some City Eats covered from cafes, picnic spots, cupcake breaks or a noodle joint.