The best toy shops in Durban

If you love the idea of toys that are as good for little minds as they are for playtime, Mr Tickles is a great place to start. This family-run business was founded by a retired teacher with more than 40 years of experience, and its carefully selected range focuses on educational, wooden, and award-winning toys.

Expect toys, games and puzzles designed to encourage creativity, physical activity and cognitive development. The shop also offers creative arts and engaging games, making it a useful stop for thoughtful gifts that go beyond the usual plastic toys. Mr Tickles ships nationwide, too.

• Where: Shop 231, La Lucia Mall, 90 William Campbell Drive, Durban North
• WhatsApp: 064 651 2989
• Website: mrtickles.co.za
• Shopping tip: Browse the educational and wooden toy ranges for gifts that encourage hands-on play.

For affordable festive gifts, The Toy Factory Shop in Hillcrest offers a wholesale-style selection of children's toys and accessories, including educational toys for home and classroom use. It's a useful option if you're shopping for several children, looking for stocking fillers or hoping to find fun gifts without stretching your Christmas budget.

The retailer has moved its retail store to Oxford Village Centre. Its range includes toys for different ages and interests, with an emphasis on affordability.

• Where: Shop 103, Oxford Village Centre, 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
• Contact: Karen on 083 321 4936
• Website: thetoyfactoryshop.co.za
• Trading hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm | Saturday, 8.30am–2pm | Sunday, 9am–1pm
• Facebook: The Toy Factory Shop

Planning a trip to the KZN Midlands? Make a stop at Toy Hut in Hilton, a toy shop packed with options for children of different ages. Situated at the Quarry Centre, opposite SuperSpar, it stocks educational toys, games, arts and crafts, books and puzzles for babies, toddlers, boys and girls.

The shop caters to a range of budgets, from pocket-money treats and party-pack fillers to special birthday and Christmas presents. It also hosts events, including its annual LEGO Creative Day, making it worth keeping an eye on its activities if you've got a little builder at home.

• Where: Shop 12, The Quarry Centre, 57 Hilton Avenue, Hilton
• Phone: 033 343 1828
• Email: hiltontoyhut@gmail.com
• Website: toyhut.co.za
• Shopping tip: Look here for puzzles, books, craft activities and gifts for a range of ages.

Part of the Midlands Meander shopping experience, Funtasy is a destination for anyone who enjoys discovering toys and games that aren't always available in mainstream shopping centres.

Owner Cynthia Myers bought the business in 2000, and it has since moved and expanded several times. Its appeal lies in its wide variety of toys and games, making it a worthwhile stop when you're exploring Nottingham Road and the surrounding countryside.

• Where: Junction Complex, R103, Nottingham Road
• Phone: 083 305 2273 or 033 266 6999
• Email: info@funtasy.co.za
• Website: funtasy.co.za
• Opening hours: Daily, 9am–4pm
• Shopping tip: Allow time to browse if you're visiting as part of a Midlands Meander outing.

Shopping for older kids, comic-book fans or the grown-ups who never quite left their childhood interests behind? Project Mayhem specialises in collectables and action figures, with a range that includes Funko Pop! Vinyl figures, Marvel Legends, Hot Toys, NECA, McFarlane Toys and other pop-culture favourites.

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There are also pre-owned collectables and pre-orders to explore, so it's worth checking the website if you're hunting for a particular character or franchise. The business is part of KwaZulu-Natal's geek culture community and has participated in events such as ICON Durban, ComicEx and Comic Con Africa, as well as fan screenings and cosplay events.

• Where: Shop 98, Oxford Village, 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
• Contact: Call 072 789 8008 | WhatsApp 082 478 6346
• Email: info@projectmayhem.co.za
• Order queries: collectibles@projectmayhem.co.za
• Website: projectmayhem.co.za
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am–4.30pm | Saturday, 10.30am–2.30pm | Sunday, 10.30am–1.30pm | closed Mondays
• Shopping tip: Check availability and pre-order options online if you're looking for a specific collectable.