London's best toy shops

Best new arrival: FAO Schwarz at Selfridges

The iconic NYC toy shop where Tom Hanks danced on the piano in Big has opened its doors in London, on the 4th floor of Selfridges. It's a brilliant toy shop, with a Build-A-Bear station, customisable racing cars and a make-your-own baby area (as well as every other toy your child could dream of). Like the New York original, it's all about the interactive aspects, from the dance-on piano to the employees dressed as toy soldiers, that ensure each visit is an experience.

Photo: Alberto Romano

Best in-store toy shop: Harrods toy department, Knightsbridge

Harrods' fourth floor was recently redesigned by Farshid Moussavi (the architect behind Victoria Beckham's flagship) in an open, modern way that makes it easy for adults to browse – and for kids to lose themselves. With over 200 toy brands in stock, the smart, spacious layout dedicates each room to a different product, like soft toys or Lego, making it easy to find what your child is interested in without feeling overwhelmed. There's even a fitting room for fancy-dress fittings and a demonstration zone. The products on offer, like the small car that races around a London city track or sparkly body glitter tattoos in a rainbow of colours, are impossible to resist.

Best toy shop that parents will love as much as their kids: Niddle Noddle, Crouch End

Niddle Noddle doesn't just have an eclectic and exciting array of kids' clothing, homeware, books and toys, there's even a fun tube slide for kids to play on while parents browse the latest from chic toy brands like Maileg, Djeco, Moulin Roty and Meri Meri. This is also the go-to toy shop for traditional wood and tin toys.

Best toy shop for baby toys: Blue Almonds, Kensington

This Kensington clothing and toy shop is a favourite of Kate Middleton's, but you don't need a royal baby to enjoy the selection of soft, cuddly toys, hand-knit animals, wooden teething rings and fluffy animal rockers on offer. Head here before a baby shower, newborn arrival or christening to purchase that baby gift sure to delight little ones (and, crucially, their parents). Many items can even be personalised for that extra-special touch.

Best toy shop for a memorable gift: Little Liberty, Regent Street

Little Liberty on the third floor is a must-visit, not only to buy those adorable Liberty-print bibs and bloomers for your new niece/nephew/godchild (they make the most gorgeous gifts), but it's also where to go to find the latest in kids' toys and trends. Liberty was one of the first stockists of Unicorn Snot, that now-ubiquitous body glitter that every six- to 12-year-old girl obsesses over, and Little Liberty also has cool brands like Vilac's wooden instruments and ride-on cars, colour-in capes from Selfie Clothing and soft rainbow mobiles from Cam Cam Copenhagen. The selection is unique and stylish, and is sure to provide endless kids' room interiors inspo. If you fancy, there are also Liberty print bears to collect.

Best toy shop for anything and everything: Hamleys, Regent Street

We're not going to pretend that Hamleys is a place you pop into. It's a destination, where you can easily spend the better part of a morning or afternoon creating a one-of-a-kind Build-A-Bear complete with heartbeat, scent and song or seeking out every piece of Gryffindor kit ever created. You can find pretty much any toy there, like the latest sequin sparkly-eyed Beanie Boos from Ty or the new must-have Frozen/Iron Man/Star Wars costumes. There are tons of in-store activities for kids to enjoy, too, from superhero meet-and-greets to immersive Lego workshops. Undeniably magical for kids.

Best family-run toy shop: Just Williams, East Dulwich and Beckenham

Scooters and Brio and yo-yos, oh my! Just Williams has all the favourites, from Playmobil and Lego to Nerf and Schleich. There's also a large selection of crafts, fancy dress, books and board games, as well as pocket-money toys for under a fiver.

Best lifestyle shop with toys: SMUG, Islington

This shop is like your really cool friend's flat: full of quirky and charming bits and bobs for the home, lovely stationery, jewellery and toys, including knit rattles, animals and fruit, and wooden blocks and puzzles. The best part is you can buy a toy or stylish notebook for your older child, pick up something nifty for the home and truly enjoy the experience – because you're not actually in a toy shop.

Best secondhand toy shop: Fara charity shops, various London locations

If you happen to be in a neighbourhood with a Fara children's charity shop – they're dotted around south London – go in and enjoy the Aladdin's cave of wonders, from Sylvanian Families doll houses to KidKraft kitchens, all gently used and at a fraction of their original price. Browse the clothing rails, too: we've found Stella McCartney capes, brand-new Heelys roller-skating trainers, Jeremy Scott for Adidas baby shoes and Catimini raincoats. The book selection also typically features some gems in foreign languages and picture books from harder-to-find authors like hilarious and award-winning Mo Willems. You're welcome.

Best for a magical experience: Papagaio, Southeast London

This southeast London shop is packed full of gems from must-have brands, including clothes from Bonnie Mob and Little Green Radicals and a treasure trove of girl-power Lottie dolls, Djeco arts and crafts kits, Brio trains, ride-on toys and much more. The huge selection of pocket money trinkets will delight school-age kids. Bonus: there's in-store wrapping if you're popping in en route to a birthday bash.