Buying original and engaging gifts year after year may be a formidable task but toy shops will always present you with charming games and trinkets suitable for all ages and interests. They're enticing magical worlds inviting you to enter and relish the colourful shelves and the cheerful spirit they radiate. It's of no surprise that kids are fired up when an outing to the toy shop is mentioned. Who doesn't like to be surrounded by a myriad of amiable toys of all shapes and sizes?

Although toy shops transmit delight and fun, some stores have introduced online platforms where people can conveniently order any product from the comfort of their home. Having all toys at the tip of your fingers is efficient and economical as prices can easily be compared and choosing the most suitable toy can be a quicker task.

Toy shops provide a wide selection of fun games and toys for boys and charming toys for girls. Here are some of the most common playthings found in these shops:

Which are the ideal baby & toddler toys?

Baby toys are very easy to choose since at that age kids would still be mainly experimenting with sounds and sensory objects. Babies will be happy with toys having catchy sounds and fun buttons to press, such as rattles and musical tables. Toys for babies should fulfil certain safety criteria so it's best to check with the staff or read about the product to ensure it's safe to play with. On the other hand, toys for toddlers, such as building blocks, playsets and basic puzzles would ideally help them discover the world around them and learn elementary stuff. Do not hesitate to ask staff for recommendations if you feel lost among the vast selection of toys. They'll know the best toys suitable for specific ages.

Why are educational games important?

Educational games are crucial while kids are growing up as learning through play is one of the most practical ways to expose children to new objects and skills, such as spelling, reading and basic math. The main purpose of educational toys is to invite a child to learn in a fun and active way. Such toys and games can also help them to learn a language, play an instrument or perform daily activities, such as tying shoes. The best educational games are disguised as regular toys, fun and easy to use and play with, while concurrently helping in their development. Who said learning cannot be fun? Colouring books, musical toys, clay modelling, kits and models, magic and scientific kits, can all be found in toy shops.

Physical Toys

Some toys are specially designed to promote activity and invite a child to chase, throw and catch and push around. Large number of options can be found for newborns up to teenagers and adults. Qualified staff at a shop should be able to propose suitable solutions according to the children's age. Options to consider include balls, hula hoops, kites, sandboxes, skates, skipping ropes, fidget spinners, soccer tables, battery operated vehicles and ride on toys.

Puzzles & Board Games

Puzzles and board games help in developing several skills, including hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Board games, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and other games create a good opportunity for children and adults to interact and play together. Difficulty levels vary according to age.

Other toys you can easily find include action figures, doll houses, dolls, kitchen playsets, soft toys, toy cars and toy guns, wooden toys and other classic and modern games for kids.

Whether you're looking for a birthday or a Christmas present for your outdoor, musical or creative kid, visiting a toy shop is always a good idea as you'll have a multitude of brands to choose from. Along with gifts for kids, most toy shops also offer party goods, such as balloons, decorative napkins, party bags, cake candles, party plates and cups, party hats, banners, confetti for baby showers, bachelor parties and hen nights. Back to school products include school bags, pencil cases, stationery and lunch containers, and seasonal items like Halloween and Carnival costumes, masks, wigs and decorations may also be found in some shops. Mugs, frames, perfumes and other gifts for adults are also available in some stores but are not so common and the selection would not be so vast.

Most toy shops provide a gift receipt so presents could be exchanged within a specific time frame if needed.

Visit the number of toy shops located all around Malta and Gozo and filter out results on Yellow in order to find the toys you are inclined toward in the fastest way possible. Sort out your gifts now! Have a look at these fun games to play at the family dinner table.