Toy shops over the decades

Toy shops have seen significant changes over the decades. In the mid-20th century, local independent toy stores were popular, offering a limited selection of toys. In the late 20th century, large retail chains like Toys "R" Us became dominant, providing a vast array of toys under one roof. However, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, many traditional toy shops faced challenges, and some even closed down. The shift towards online shopping continued in the 21st century, allowing customers to access a more extensive range of toys with the convenience of home delivery. Additionally, interactive and tech-driven toys gained popularity, reflecting advancements in technology. As time progressed, toy shops had to adapt to changing consumer preferences, embracing both in-store and digital experiences to stay relevant.

Here we take a look back on the traditional toy shops from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s.

Toy Shops in the 1950s

In the 1950s, toy shops were quite different from what we see today. They were often small, independent stores, usually located in local neighbourhoods or on main streets. These shops carried a more limited selection of toys compared to the massive variety available in modern toy stores.

Toys in the 1950s were often simpler, reflecting the technology and manufacturing capabilities of that era. Popular toys included classic items like wooden trains, dolls, teddy bears, marbles, board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, and simple construction sets.

The shopping experience was more personal, with shopkeepers interacting directly with customers, helping them choose toys and providing personalized recommendations. Many toys were displayed in glass cases or on shelves, and children would often browse the store with excitement, carefully selecting their favourites.

Packaging was also simpler and more straightforward compared to the colourful and elaborate packaging we see today. Customers usually paid with cash, as credit cards were not common during that time.

Overall, visiting a toy shop in the 1950s was a charming and nostalgic experience, with a focus on traditional toys and a sense of community in the local shopping area.

Toy Shops in the 1960s

In the 1960s, toy shops continued to be predominantly small, independent stores, much like in the previous decade. However, there were some notable changes in the types of toys available and the overall shopping experience.

During the 1960s, there was a surge in the popularity of action figures and dolls. Iconic toys like G.I. Joe, Barbie, and Ken gained immense popularity, revolutionizing the toy industry. The popularity of dolls with different outfits and accessories added a new dimension to imaginative play for children.

Additionally, the 1960s saw the introduction of iconic board games like "Twister" and "Operation," which quickly became favourites among children and families. These games added an element of physical activity and skill to traditional board gaming.

The decade also witnessed the rise of battery-operated and remote-controlled toys, showcasing advancements in technology. Toy robots and cars with remote controls became a hit among kids, providing them with interactive and futuristic play experiences.

In terms of the shopping experience, the 1960s still offered a more personal touch compared to modern toy shopping. Customers could interact with knowledgeable staff who could demonstrate how toys worked and offer recommendations. The packaging of toys started to become more colourful and attractive, catching the attention of children and parents alike.

Overall, the 1960s toy shops provided a mix of traditional toys and innovative, tech-driven playthings, contributing to the joy and excitement of children during that time.

Toy Shops in the 1970s

In the 1970s, toy shops experienced significant changes in both the types of toys available and the overall retail landscape. The decade saw a continued rise in the popularity of action figures and dolls, with iconic lines like "Star Wars" action figures, "Barbie," and "Ken" remaining sought after by children.

During the 1970s, the toy industry also embraced the growing fascination with electronic toys. Electronic handheld games, like "Simon" and "Mattel Electronics Football," became a sensation, showcasing the increasing integration of technology into playthings.

Additionally, the decade witnessed the advent of popular construction sets like "Lego," which allowed children to build and create their own structures using colourful plastic bricks.

In the 1970s, toy shops began to adapt to the changing retail landscape by adopting more organized and vibrant displays to attract customers. The use of eye-catching store displays, and creative packaging became more common, adding to the excitement and allure of shopping for toys.

Furthermore, large retail chains started gaining prominence during this decade, offering a broader selection of toys under one roof. Toys "R" Us, which opened its first store in 1957, expanded its presence and became a well-known destination for toy shopping during the 1970s.

Overall, toy shops in the 1970s reflected a blend of traditional playthings and innovative electronic toys, with more emphasis on organized displays and the emergence of larger retail chains. This era set the stage for the evolving landscape of toy shopping in the following decades.

Toy Shops in the 1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for toy shops, witnessing a massive boom in the popularity of various toy lines and franchises. This decade saw an explosion of innovative and iconic toys, many of which have remained beloved classics.

Action figures continued to dominate the market, with franchises like "G.I. Joe," "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe," and "Transformers" captivating the imaginations of children. These action figures often came with intricate designs and accessories, encouraging kids to collect and engage in imaginative play.

Another significant development was the rise of video games, which started to make their way into homes through consoles like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). These consoles led to a surge in video game-related merchandise, including action figures, plush toys, and board games based on popular video game characters.

The 1980s also witnessed the "Cabbage Patch Kids" phenomenon, where these distinctive dolls became a cultural sensation, leading to long queues and even occasional store stampedes during the holiday season.

LEGO continued to be popular, expanding its offerings with various themed sets, such as LEGO Space and LEGO Castle, capturing the imagination of budding builders.

Toy shops in the 1980s saw increased competition, with large retail chains like Toys "R" Us, Walmart, and Target gaining prominence and offering an extensive selection of toys from different manufacturers.

Additionally, the packaging of toys became more elaborate, featuring eye-catching illustrations and designs to appeal to young shoppers.

Overall, toy shops in the 1980s were buzzing with a vast array of action figures, video game-related toys, dolls, construction sets, and more, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for children and their families. Many of the toys from this era have left a lasting impact and continue to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts today.

Here at The Vintage Toy Box, we aim to capture the essence of these decades, and the traditional toy shops of yesteryear.

Order now for Christmas

Toys are flying off the shelves both in-store and on-line, and our elves are super busy behind the scenes packing and sending out orders, packed to the brim with goodies.

We have games and puzzles for every age, stocking fillers galore, classic toys, gift packs, beautiful heirloom toys, wooden toys, cars, dolls and so much more … but not for long! Stock is selling out quick, and we now have a lot of orders on backorder with suppliers, with no guarantee of when they will arrive. Rest assured though - if it's online, it's in stock! Make sure though that you complete your order in one go, as you don't want to be pipped at the post!

We have a huge range of payment options available to spread the cost, as we get it, Christmas soon adds up. So, take advantage of Paypal Pay-in-4, or Afterpay, alongside all credit cards through our secure payment system, or Paypal. Don’t delay, order today!

Orders are all being sent out within two business days, but we are starting to notice that orders are taking on average one or two days longer to reach their destination than last month.

Our last official day for orders for Christmas Delivery this year will be the 13th December, but we're recommending that you place all orders well before then if you want your goodies to arrive on time.

We're adding tracking to all of our orders once they're on their way, so you can track them with our delivery partner Australia Post.

This year is a year like no other, so let's all work together to spread joy!

It's Official | Our Canberra Toy Store is Re-Opening

We’re so excited — it’s official - we have a re-opening date for our Canberra toy shop in the fabulous Dirty Janes Emporium in Fyshwick with the easing of ACT lockdown restrictions. Yippee!!!

Drum roll please …

We will be re-open from 10am Friday 29/10/2021, 7 days a week!

We are so happy to be able to once again share the happiness and spread lots of fun and laughter from our delightful physical toy store. We can picture all the smiles now, and oh, what a vision, and how good it feels!

Strangely, whilst our Fyshwick toy shop itself is set to re-open, we’re still not quite sure when we ourselves will be able to visit it from Regional NSW, as we’re still awaiting the big announcement of reaching NSW 80% targets. Rest assured though, we’re all stocked up and ready to go, go, go!!

We have been so busy behind the scenes, making up so many of our fantastic Stocking Filler Packs - great value stocking filler bundles made up of some of our best selling classic toys and games. We knew they’d be popular, but we have been delighted to see how fast they’ve been flying out the door!

This amazing pack includes the following guaranteed fun, classic toys and games:

• Juggling Balls

• Dominoes

• Little Box of Marbles

• Jacks

• Push up toy

• Yo-Yo

• Flying Bird

Thank you to all of you for supporting our small, independent family business, during the last 18 months. We’re not going to pretend; it’s been tough, but we’re starting to see the light, (and Christmas, who could forget Christmas?!)!

We wouldn’t be here without you, and we’re so appreciative of the support you’ve shown us by trusting in us to deliver joy.

So, to celebrate the exciting re-opening of our Canberra toy store, and to say a big thank you to you, our customers, we’re giving you, our loyal followers 15% off at checkout to blast away the last few days of September, and to welcome in the exciting October, and all the hope that it brings. Shop online and use the promo code BYESEPT21 to claim your 15% discount at checkout. Hurry though, as the code will turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight on Thursday 30th September.

Don’t forget too that we’ve recently introduced some new ways to pay to help spread the cost of Christmas, so you can now enjoy more, without the stress.

100 Days until Christmas | Shop Online with AfterPay

Sadly our amazing Canberra toy shop in the wonderful Dirty Janes in Fyshwick remains closed for a little while longer as the ACT Lockdown is extended again until October 15th. Whilst we completely understand that everyone needs to stay safe, we’re really missing our space of joy, and you, our customers, and can’t wait until we can re-open again and share the happiness and spread lots of (much needed!) fun and laughter.

We also can’t ignore the fact that Christmas is fast approaching, and will be upon us in …. 100 days!!! Argh! That’s faster than a rocket hurtling towards the moon!

So, although our bricks and mortar shop remains closed, we have been super busy behind the scenes, stocking up for Christmas (it’s going to be a big one!), making up fabulous new Stocking Filler Packs, and bringing you new ways to pay to spread the cost. We’ve certainly been making the most of our lockdown time, so that when we do re-open our physical doors, we’re ready for you!!

Our elves have been squirreling away your favourites, the Christmas classics, and huge amounts of fun toys and games for the whole family to enjoy. We also have been putting our time to good use, hunting down some fabulous new ranges of beautiful heirloom soft toys, unusual and traditional games, and fantastic new puzzles!

Do not despair though, whilst our Fyshwick toy store may be physically closed, you can still shop safely with us in a variety of easy ways …

From the comfort of your own home in our online toy store. Browse toys by Category, browse toys by age, browse toys by Brand, search for toys… however you want to browse our huge range of toys, games and puzzles, we have you covered! Shop anytime, anywhere with ease and pay securely - just choose the method at checkout that suits you best:

• Visa, MasterCard and American Express through our secure payment system Stripe.

• AfterPay

• Paypal

• Paypal Pay in 4 for all purchases over $30.

Choose the option that’s right for you and split your payment, interest free, allowing you to enjoy your purchases sooner, and spread the cost of Christmas.

Seen something you love on our Instagram feed? Click and collect from Dirty Janes Canberra. Just text Dirty Janes on 0411 827 488 quoting Shop Number 531, and let them know what you need, and where you need it, and they’ll give you a call to make it yours.

Can’t decide? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together these amazing stocking filler bundles, packed to the brim with our best selling classic toys and games. Perfect for kids, and adults alike. Unwrap and fill a stocking with these family favourites, or gift as is in our beautifully gift wrapped boxes. Ideal for stocking filers, Secret Santa gifts, or gifts for Grandma and Grandad, guaranteed to bring back lots of happy memories of yesteryear!

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? In the very rare event that this might happen, we’ve also got you covered there too, with our super-duper gift vouchers, which any recipient young or old will just love. Make someone’s day, and let them choose for themselves.

What more could you want? Let us know, and we’ll do our very best to make it happen!

Introducing our Classic Toy Bundle | The Perfect Stocking Fillers

Let us take the stress out of Christmas, by bringing you joy with our classic toys and games fun pack - ideal for kids and adults of all ages.

A full stocking of fun for only $54.95.

This fantastic value pack includes the following quality best sellers:

• Juggling Balls - RRP $14.95

• Dominoes - RRP $12.95

• Little Box of Marbles - RRP $9.95

• Jacks - RRP $12.95

• Push up toy - RRP $6.95

• Yo-Yo - RRP $5.95

• Flying Bird - RRP $3.95

• *Stocking not included

Total value of pack contents $67.65.

Comes beautifully presented in a Christmas gift packed box, ready for you to unwrap , or gift directly.

Adults and kids alike will just love this pack of classic goodies.

Enjoy Now | Pay Later

We’re always looking for ways we can help our customers, so this week we are delighted to be able to announce that we’ve introduced not one, but two easy ways to pay!

From today customers have two new added payment options at checkout:

• AfterPay for all purchases

• Paypal Pay in 4 for all purchases over $30.

Choose the option that’s right for you and split your payment, interest free, allowing you to enjoy your purchases sooner.

Pretty handy in the lead up to Christmas, so what are you waiting for? Start stocking up now!

Afterpay a new convenient way to pay. You'll pay your first instalment at the time of purchase, and the remainder every two weeks.

PayPal Pay in 4 allows you to make interest-free payments with PayPal Pay in 4.

Lockdown Toy Sale

We’re all feeling just a little bit blue at the moment with the seemingly never-ending lockdown, and the worry and frustration that goes with it. We don’t know about you but we feel like we’re on a roller-coaster, and yes, we want to get off! It’s an emotional ride, without the fun!

We know people are finding it tough, and we know that we need to take any piece of joy where we can find it, so we’re spreading some joy, and bringing you some lockdown love.

Beat the lockdown boredom and wave away the blues with our awesome 20% off Lockdown Love Sale for all online orders, guaranteed to bring a little bit of joy into your day.

Use the code LOCKDOWNLOVE at checkout to claim 20% off your entire order. Valid until Midnight Sunday 12th September 2021.

Share this post far and wide, and spread the joy, who knows, you may just make someone’s day.

Remember: Be kind, stay strong, stay safe, share the love, ask for help if you need it.

Classic Toys | Jack in the Box

 Classic musical Jack-in-the-box

The Jack-in-the-box is centuries old.  Most of the brightly coloured boxes feature either a clown or a joker that pops out when the handle on the outside of the box is turned to a certain position, as the music plays. The most popular tune to be played is ‘pop goes the weasel’.

In 2005 the Jack-in-the-box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame due to its timeless charm that has captivated the interest of children for decades.

Our Classic tin musical Jack in the Box features a clown and has bright playful pictures on all sides. Build the suspense as you wind the crank, not knowing when Jack will pop out!

Fun fact: In France a Jack-in-the-box is called a ‘Diable En Boite’ which means Devil in a box!

Christmas Gifts | The Gift of Giving and Kindness

This Christmas the most sought after gift from Santa for most kids is probably an Xbox, PlayStation, laptop, smart watch, or IPhone. The gifts that give the most long term joy however, are those that have memories attached. The gifts that can entice a feeling are those gifts that keep on giving.

Many of our gifts sold at Christmas time, are those that spark joy. It is this feeling of joy that we look for with all of our gifts, and what we seek to create at this special time of the year.

The greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper, they are wrapped in love.

We asked our 4 and 5 year old kids what they thought Christmas was all about and they replied reflectively, “We get gifts if you’re good, and give gifts to people if they’re good” , and “We get presents from Santa!”, and while technically they are correct, this is only the material side of Christmas. It is up to us as parents to teach our kids the true meaning of Christmas.

Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.

Let’s have a closer look into the true spirit of giving.

There is a classic short story about two people, who each sacrificed their most loved possessions to be able to afford the perfect gift to give each other. The wife cut and sold her gorgeous long hair to buy her husband a platinum chain for his watch. In return, he sold his most loved watch to buy his wife a beautiful set of combs for her gorgeous long hair. Their love for each other, far outweighed what the other viewed as their most treasured possession.

The thought and love between these two people is just one example of what the true gift of giving is - to give without expectation of self-gain, to give with love in your heart.

Fun Fact: People who are thoughtful and generous towards other people are shown to be less depressed, anxious and feel more connected to the community around them.

Giving is not a logical action but rather one of emotion. It is the thought of the gift that brings a smile to your own face as well as the person you give the gift to. These gifts don’t have to be bought,  they can be handmade, the gift of time spent with someone who needs some company, doing some volunteer work to benefit other people, placing a gift under the giving tree for someone less fortunate or donating to our struggling farmers and their families at a time that they need our support.

It’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving – Mother Teresa

There are many ways that you can give that do not require any money to be spent. You can give a compliment, a handpicked flower, a nice note left for someone. One of the most powerful gifts you can give to someone, is a smile. The little gifts of love and kindness can make someone’s day and lift their spirits, and this in return will lift your own spirit.

No-one has ever become poor by giving – Anne Frank

Giving gifts is important for human interaction; it can help define relationships, strengthen bonds with friends, colleagues and family and is a way that you can show your gratitude for the people you care about and let them know how important they are to you.

Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have - Jim Rohn

Gift giving is more than just giving a gift; it is a demonstration of your feelings.

One of the most popular, most loved holiday stories which demonstrates the gift of giving is A Christmas Carol , which follows the character Ebenezer Scrooge through his losses as a result of his greed and the lessons that he finally learns from three unlikely visitors who each take him on a journey outside his comfort zone, and finally to the true meaning of Christmas.

Scrooge drives away his love Belle as she cannot stand to stay with him because she has fallen to second priority in his life – after his love and need for money. One night, Scrooge receives three visitors during his sleep …

The first visitor Scrooge encounters is the ghost of Christmas past to take Scrooge on a look back to Christmases past. By the end of their look back on Scrooges life he becomes filled with sadness and regret and learns that the simple things in life like friendships, love and laughter hold great value and learning. This visit begins Scrooge’s transformation.

The Ghost of Christmas Present next appears to Scrooge and takes him to his employee’s house where Scrooge watches the poor, but happy family celebrate their Christmas, despite the hardships of poor health, and a lack of possessions. Although the family is poor, they are far happier than Scrooge because they have the love of their family and friends.

The third ghost is that of Christmas Future. This ghost takes Scrooge on a journey of misery, sadness and loneliness, and shows Scrooge the only future he will have if he does not change his miserly ways.

Scrooge then wakes up in his bedroom and vows to live by the lessons that he has learnt from the three ghosts. He immediately starts doing right by the people he has wronged, and immediately feels the joy in his heart that this brings, leading him to want to spread this joy through further acts of kindness to all around him.

Fun Fact: The word Scrooge started as the name for a character in A Christmas Carol and now it is a word  that is commonly used in everyday language as a word for someone who is selfish and does not like giving or parting with any money.

The festive season is so much more than parties and material gift giving. With just one act of kindness you can inspire others to go out and plant seeds of happiness along their way.

This Christmas, be kind. Give with your heart, and may your Christmas be filled with the true meaning of this beautiful time, warming your heart all year long.

#FestiveForagingMossVale

https://www.thevintagetoybox.com.au/blog/moss-vale-festive-foraging-2019

New Toy Shop Opens at Dirty Janes Canberra

We have some super exciting news to share!!

We’re delighted to finally be able to share with you all the news that we’ll be opening a space at the fabulous Dirty Janes when they open their new emporium in Canberra in March 2020.

We can’t wait to have a store front again, and in, what is sure to be an Australian iconic location! We will be 1 of 90 stallholders in the former Geological Survey building in Fyshwick, which will have a new café, with an outdoor area, a veggie patch and a playground for kids! What more could we want!!

Be sure to follow @vintagetoybox for our updates and @dirtyjanes_canberra so you don't miss any news or updates on the build of this exciting new Canberra Vintage shopping and dining destination!

Dirty Janes Canberra officially opens on 25th March 2020, seven days a week between 10 am and 5 pm, and is located at 80 Collie Street, Fyshwick, directly behind Domayne Furniture.

We can’t wait to be part of this amazing new venture! In the meantime check out our online store for cool Christmas presents for the whole family.

#dirtyjanescanberra #dirtyjanesbowral #thebestofvintage#hercanberra #canberraweekly #outincanberra #canberralife #canberralocals #canberracreatives #canberravintage #vintagegames #vintagetoys #toys #games #gifts #newstore #openingsoon #upperargyle #festiveforagingmossvale #mossvalefestiveforaging #vintagetoybox