What2buy4kids was set up in 2010 after Lisa became frustrated with how difficult it was to find decent children’s birthday presents for her children’s friends. She tried to give gifts that are both special and useful, rather than giving a present that will live with the other unwanted gifts at the bottom of the wardrobe. This resulted in her setting up the what2buy4kids website and over the years it has expanded to her now having over 15 staff working with her.
I was asked if I would like to pop down to their Southport shop that was opened in November 2016 to share my thoughts about it. I have to admit that before being offered this opportunity, I hadn’t heard of what2buy4kids so I went on their website beforehand to have a look.
I am really impressed with the website, it is easy to navigate and is separated in sections for boys, girls, ages, gifts, toys, brands and type. I don’t particularly agree with gender specific toys but I can see how this would be useful for some people. For those that aren’t gender specific in their search, it is a simple drop down box from kids toys to an age and then a selection of suitable toys or gifts appears, so useful if you don’t have a clue what to buy.
Anyway a couple of weeks ago, armed with Lucas’ voucher* to spend we set off to Southport to find the shop. The shop is situated in Marble Place shopping centre on Chapel Street. It is easily accessible by train, bus or car. We parked on central 12 shopping centre where Asda is as the parking there is miles cheaper than the closer NCP one. If you park there, it’s a less than 5 min walk towards the centre of town and you will see Marble Place and the train station on your left.
The shop is set out very well, using the wall area to the maximum and space in between displays in the centre of the shop. There is plenty of room for prams and children that are over excited at the sight of all the toys. There is a wide selection of gifts and toys. I would say they are going for the toys that are made to last, the classic wooden toys and high quality plastic ones. They don’t have the latest cartoon characters but they have an abundance of toys, games and gifts to engage the children’s imagination and creativity x
Oh that looks really good! My son has literally got a whole toy box at the moment of stuff he’s not playing with so I’m on the lookout for stuff that they’ll actually play with for a while!
So many treats for the kiddies! I imagine my nephew would live it in there
Oh Wow! This place is like heaven for my kids! I will need to have a look at their website now. Great review!
I dont think I would ever want to leave this place and I don’t have children x
This is paradise for kids, so many great items xo
It’s nice to think someone’s considered what children actually need or will benefit from, as well as what will make money.
This looks like a fabulous shop! Beautiful toys & so organised and pleasing to the eye. I’m definitely going to have a look at their website now xx
This shop looks great. I can see many things I would be interested in buying.
This shop looks great. I see many items I would be interested in.
Great review. It’s so nice to hear of a local business doing well and growing, I always try and buy my children’s presents from local shops rather than online huge retailers. And it’s shocking how many toy stores aren’t buggy friendly!
It’s indeed a herculean task sometimes to decide what to buy! I’ve got 3 birthday presents to give this weekend so I’ll definitely check this out!
This is such an amazing idea! 😀 Even I would love to go there… With or without my daughter haha! 😀
I love a good toy shop! Nice that lots of thought has gone in to it