Welcome to Grandpa’s Toys, a beloved family-owned toy store in the heart of Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand. Owned and operated by Amanda and her three boys — Harry, James, and Thomas — who remain a vital part of our story and business.
Our Story
Grandpa’s Toys has been a cherished part of Geraldine since 1991. It all started when founder John Rule, looking for a new direction, began crafting wooden toys from his garage in Woodend. The growing demand led to a workshop in Loburn and eventually a shop in Geraldine’s old Mobil petrol station. Over the years, Grandpa’s Toys became one of New Zealand’s few remaining independent toy stores, known for quality and personal service. In 2014, the store moved to its current location on Talbot Street, right in the heart of town.
In 2018, Amanda Taylor and her three boys took over the reins, continuing the legacy of quality toys and friendly local service with a fresh family-driven energy.
Our Family Story
While Harry, James, and Thomas are no longer quite at the “toy age,” their input and enthusiasm remain a big part of what makes Grandpa’s Toys special. As kids, they were expert toy testers — helping select the most fun, safe, and educational toys for our store.
Now as teens and young adults, they bring fresh ideas, feedback on new trends, and a deep passion for keeping Grandpa’s Toys relevant and exciting for today’s kids and families. Their hands-on experience growing up surrounded by toys gives them a unique perspective that helps us curate a truly special collection.
What Makes Us Unique
At Grandpa’s Toys, we specialize in quality, educational toys that inspire creativity and learning. We carefully select brands like Classic World, Hape, Bruder, John Deere, Siku, Majorette, Sylvanian Families, and many more.
Amanda’s philosophy is simple: If her boys love it, it goes in the store. This hands-on approach ensures our toys are kid-approved, from classic wooden toys to trending fidget toys, puzzles, games, and even the popular All Blacks range.
We offer the convenience of shopping both in-store and online, with every toy available for quick shipping across New Zealand.
Customer Care & Community
Being part of a small town has its perks — we know our customers well and pride ourselves on helping you find the perfect gift without the stress. We keep track of popular purchases to avoid duplicate gifts and offer gift wrapping, cards, and ready-to-go presents.
If you’re after something special that we don’t stock, just ask! We’re happy to research and order toys or brands like Majorette, Sylvanian Families, or Hape to bring you the best selection possible.
Why Choose Grandpa’s Toys?
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Family-owned and operated with a personal touch
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Expertly tested, quality toys that inspire and educate
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Local shopping with nationwide shipping
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Friendly, helpful staff ready to assist you
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Convenient gift wrapping and birthday present advice
How It All Began for Amanda
After 11 years in office management, Amanda was ready for a new adventure. When Grandpa’s Toys came up for sale — a shop she and her boys loved — she decided to turn a passion for toys into a family business. And so, the next chapter of Grandpa’s Toys began, filled with fun, laughter, and lots of toys!
Come visit us on Talbot Street, Geraldine, or shop online to discover the magic of Grandpa’s Toys — where every toy tells a story and every child finds joy.
