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If you love toys that make people smile, spark a weird memory, or become a talking point on the mantel, then you’ll want to shop beyond the big-box basics. Specialty toy shops in the UK—like Menkind and Ebebek—bring together collectables, novelty gadgets, soft toys, and hands-on activity kits that you won’t always find in mainstream aisles. Think of them as treasure chests: you root around and discover an unexpected gem, whether that's a giant sloth plush over 3 ft tall or a retro-style bop bag that will have the kids giggling for hours.
I’ll walk you through what makes stores like Menkind and Ebebek worth a browse, showcase standout products you can find there, suggest other UK names to try, and give practical tips for picking quirky toys that last. If you’re buying for a collector, a toddler, or someone who loves novelty gifts, you’ll find ideas and shopping hacks to make the hunt easier and more fun.
Menkind has built a reputation for playful gadgets and pop-culture-focused items perfect for giving a grin. It leans into fandoms, film franchises, and offbeat home accessories. If you’re shopping for an adult with a sense of humour or a collector who likes licensed merch, Menkind is a go-to.
For gamers who want décor with a dash of nostalgia, the Destiny Legendary Engram plush blends fandom with cuddly comfort. It’s a subtle nod to a game world and doubles as a quirky pillow-like item on a sofa or gaming corner. Plush items like this are great when you want a themed present that’s both display-worthy and soft to the touch.
Collectible vinyl figures are small in size but big on impact. Limited-edition Funko Pops tied to anniversaries often appreciate in desirability, and the Saw 10th Anniversary entry is a perfect example for horror fans. Keep it boxed if you want to protect value, or display it casually if you prefer daily visual joy.
Want to add a slice of office or family-room theatre? The Bullshit Button is a novelty sound-button that calls out dodgy claims with comic timing. It’s low-cost but high-entertainment—a classic stocking filler or conversation starter at parties.
For younger fans or those who keep their inner child alive, a plush Toothless captures the charm of the film with a huggable design. These soft toys make ideal companions for bedtime stories or themed movie nights that stretch into cuddly costume play.
Interactive mystery boxes and case-file games are brilliant for teens and adults who love puzzles. "Unsolved Case Files" style kits put you in the shoes of an investigator—sorting clues, matching patterns, and building a satisfying narrative. They’re great for rainy afternoons or a small group challenge that keeps everyone engaged.
Horror-themed plush toys bridge cute and creepy in a way that fans adore. Plush versions of iconic characters soften the scare factor and make charming shelf ornaments for collectors who like their horror with a wink.
A giant sloth plush is the kind of oversized, silly item that becomes an instant room focal point. At over 3 ft tall, these cuddly creations invite a double-take and make excellent gifts for anyone who appreciates whimsical décor or slow-moving charm.
For young builders and budding engineers, self-guiding robot kits merge play with STEM skills. Tobbie-style robots often let kids assemble parts, experiment with sensors, and learn cause-and-effect in a hands-on way—perfect for screen-free learning that still feels futuristic.
Ebebek tends to feature family-friendly toys, practical play items, and developmental gear. It’s a place parents might browse for safe playthings, activity sets, and nursery-friendly picks that keep babies and toddlers happily occupied.
Smaller than a heating pad but adorably themed, giant hand warmers shaped like a chick are a practical novelty. They’re a comforting accessory for chilly park visits or a small comfort item for little hands after an outing. Practical novelty is a strong selling point here.
Active play gear like the Monster Knockout Bop Bag encourages movement and gross-motor skill development. These inflatable bop bags are light, bouncy, and perfect for indoor play when you want the kids to burn off energy without turning the living room into an obstacle course.
Bean bag games and challenges are timeless. Whether you’re throwing for distance or accuracy, these sets are portable fun for parties, backyards, or rainy-day living room tournaments. They’re simple to set up and great for mixed-age play.
Classic toys with a twist—like a rocking horse that also has wheels—offer double the play modes. Little ones get the gentle rocking for calming downtime and the wheeled option for a bit of adventurous scooting around, making it a versatile nursery staple.
Creative kits that encourage tactile art, like sponge painting sets, are brilliant for messy, joyful expression. These let kids experiment with colours and textures while building fine motor control, and the results are often fridge-worthy masterpieces.
Role-play toys such as a child-sized tool bag let kids mimic grown-up tasks in a safe way. These sets support imaginative play, help with hand-eye coordination, and make a perfect gift for a curious kid who likes tinkering alongside adults.
A set of finger puppets is one of the most affordable and versatile toys for storytelling. Use them for travel entertainment, bedtime stories, or dramatic play that boosts language skills and imagination. Ten little characters mean endless rehearsals for small-scale theatre.
Stacking cubes are developmental champions—easy to pack, light to carry, and excellent for teaching spatial reasoning and balance. They’re particularly useful for toddlers learning to stack and sort, and they fold down to a small footprint for storage.
Beyond Menkind and Ebebek, the UK has plenty of shops that specialise in toys with personality: The Entertainer, Hamleys, Smyths, John Lewis, Argos, and specialty online boutiques. Each brings its own twist—some focus on classic toys, others on licensed collectables or arts-and-crafts supplies.
The Entertainer is a high-street staple with a wide selection of toys across price points. It’s a great place for birthday gifts and mainstream favourites, while smaller branches often stock quirky seasonal items that are perfect for last-minute surprises.
Hamleys is synonmous with theatrical, old-school toy magic. The flagship stores are experience-driven, full of demonstrations, and brilliant for window-shopping. If you want the full “toy wonderland” vibe, Hamleys delivers on spectacle.
Smyths offers a broad range of action figures, construction sets, and ride-ons. It’s a good stop for robust toys and for comparing major brands under one roof. The value and selection often make it a practical choice for larger family shopping trips.
John Lewis provides an upscale toy selection, often with a focus on durable, well-designed items. They stock premium puzzles, wooden toys, and carefully curated gifts that feel a bit more grown-up and long-lasting.
Argos is practical and convenient for quick purchases and competitive pricing. It’s particularly handy when you want to reserve online and pick up in-store, or when you want to compare similar items and see them side-by-side.
Don’t forget independents and niche online sellers: they often stock handmade, limited-run, or artisan toys that you won’t find in high-street chains. Independent stores are where you’ll often find local creators and bespoke gifts with personality.
Choosing something unusual can be tricky, but if you ask a few simple questions, you’ll land on something great: Who is it for? How will they play with it? How much space do you have? The answers narrow choices quickly and keep the gift useful instead of taking up shelf space.
Always match a toy to the child’s developmental stage. Small parts are a choking risk for under-3s, so pick chunky, robust items for toddlers and more intricate kits for older kids. Look for age recommendations and safety marks—those matter even for novelty items.
Is the recipient a hands-on builder, a quiet puzzler, or an extroverted performer? A robot kit suits the tinkerer, a jigsaw or escape-style case suits the puzzle-lover, and novelty sound-buttons or plush figures suit those who like comedic or comfort items.
Measure the intended display spot in feet or the play area in square feet in your head. A giant plush that’s 3 ft tall might be perfect in a bedroom with room to spare, but intrusive in a small flat. Similarly, consider how easy it is to store when it’s not being used.
If you’re buying collectables—Funko Pops, limited plush runs, or anniversary editions—think about display, preservation, and whether the item should remain sealed. A little planning keeps value and beauty intact.
For vinyl figures, keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent colour fade. For plush toys, spot-clean gently or follow washing instructions—many are happiest with a light surface clean to avoid flattening their stuffing. Store in dust-free cases if you want a pristine display.
When shopping for licensed items, check packaging details, serial numbers, and official branding. If something looks too cheap for a high-demand collector piece, it might be a knock-off—buy from reputable retailers if authenticity matters to you.
You can find quirky and expensive-looking gifts without blowing your budget. Timing and a dash of patience will often deliver the best bargains.
Major shopping events—Boxing Day sales, Black Friday, and mid-season clearouts—are prime times to grab big-ticket novelty items at lower prices. If you shop repeatedly with a retailer, sign up for newsletters or loyalty programmes for early-bird discounts and member-exclusive deals.
Second-hand marketplaces and charity shops are treasure troves for vintage toys, collectible figures, and out-of-production items. You can often find a near-mint toy for a fraction of the price, but do check condition carefully and ask about returns if buying online from resellers.
Before you press “buy,” ask yourself: Will this be played with, displayed, or treasured? Who is the real recipient—the child, the parent, or the collector? Answering that keeps purchases meaningful and avoids toys that end up in a cupboard after a week.
Novelty toy shopping should be fun, not stressful. Treat it like a mini-adventure—browse with curiosity, compare a few options, and pick something that sparks a smile or creates a memory. The best gifts are the ones that start a story.
In short, Menkind and Ebebek offer two different flavours of the quirky toy market—Menkind with its pop-culture and gadget-driven range, and Ebebek with its family-friendly and developmental picks. Add in high-street staples and specialist independents, and you’ve got a UK toy-scape rich with choice. Happy hunting—and may your next toy find be delightfully unexpected.
| Toys & Games - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Giant Rainbow Stress Ball | £ 5,- | |
| Best Friend Bag Charms | £ 5,99 | |
| Cat Junior Crew Construction Pals Assorted | £ 6,82 | |
| Hgl Bean Bag Challenge | £ 13,99 | |
| Electronic Arcade Strongman | £ 20,- | |
| Bloomingville Henny Pouf-toy Brown | £ 66,90 |
