Our Top 3: Charming Boutique Toy Shops for Birthday Emergencies
The Lowdown:
The never-ending birthday calendar is in full force in Amsterdam. And while the ultra-efficient parents calmly order gifts online weeks in advance, let’s be honest — how many of us have been that mum, scribbling inside a birthday card while perched on the edge of a bakfiets, parked outside a toy shop, en route?
If this sounds uncomfortably familiar, consider this your safety net. Below are our top three rather lovely boutique toy shops to bookmark for those Saturday-morning “oh no, I forgot a present” panics — or, equally, for a leisurely wander when you actually have the luxury of time.
Goochem Speelgoed
The delightful toy shop, Goochem Speelgoed, in Amsterdam West feels like stepping back in time. Think beautifully made wooden toys, thoughtfully chosen games and shelves that quietly remind you of a slower, more tactile childhood.
Alongside toys for all ages, you’ll find a carefully edited selection of books and charming fancy-dress pieces — the kind you don’t see everywhere else. It’s a shop to browse without rushing, soaking up a little nostalgia along the way and leaving with a gift that feels genuinely special. A feast for the eyes and a masterclass in thoughtful curation.
Imagine Cadeauwinkel
Situated on a busy corner on Amstelveenseweg, it’s quite possible the beautiful shop windows of Imagine Cadeauwinkel have already caught your eye. If you haven’t yet stepped inside, consider this your nudge — you really should.
This is a gift shop with a strong focus on children, without feeling exclusively so. Upstairs, alongside a curated selection of more grown-up treasures, you’ll find a space dedicated to tasteful baby gifts. Downstairs, two generous rooms are filled floor to ceiling with thoughtfully chosen, high-quality children’s toys — from board games and playful accessories to stylish school bags and lunchboxes. It’s the kind of place where finding that special something feels refreshingly quick and easy.
Cedille
Whatever toy or children’s accessory you’re hunting for, Gelderlandplein favourite Cedille is a reliably good place to start. The range is impressively broad — from fancy-dress outfits and swim toys to arts-and-crafts finds, plus plenty in between.
The staff are genuinely friendly and happy to help, which makes browsing feel easy rather than overwhelming. And if activity books are what you’re after, this is a particularly strong stop — the selection here is one of the best.
Ideal for last-minute present panics when you need something good, fast — and with helpful staff on hand to save you from that inevitable toy-shop brain freeze.
