Child’s Play: 9 Of The Best Kids’ Stores in New Zealand

No one ignites the love of reading from an early age like Telling Tales. Brought alive by the same legends behind Scorpio Books, it’s no surprise this is a bookshop like no other. Endless rows of colourful spines line the shelves – from childhood classics to new modern adventures, you’re bound to find the next exciting bedtime story. Come in with the kiddos and pick a cosy spot to hang out for a while – you may just bump into Peter Rabbit or The Hungry Caterpillar.

Little Mash is a family-owned and operated boutique that was set up to support people going through pregnancy and parenthood with quality pieces that add value to their life. If you’re a Hamilton local – and leaving the house today isn’t challenged by toddlers – then a visit to this Barton Street spot is highly recommended. Fortunately, you can find everything on their online shop too, whether that’s newborn gifts, kindy essentials or pamper products for mum.

Tucked away on the upstairs floor of The Arts Centre in Christchurch, Tiny Toy Shop opens up a world of magical playtime. With the belief that our wee ones thrive best through hands-on learning, you’ll find mini gardening tools, wooden percussion instruments, play-pretend kitchen pieces (we’re low-key obsessed with the felted sandwich) and many more treasures that promote key development skills without skimping on fun. The best part? You can bring your wee ones in to test out some of the products at the play table instore. Keep an eye out on Tiny Toy Shop’s socials for upcoming workshops.

Housed in a charming red brick heritage building, Lily & Langford is a specialty boutique providing beautiful made-to-last products for under 5s – with a few much-deserved treats thrown in here and there for the mums. While there’s the option to shop online, we recommend popping in to admire the selection of local and international products. From premium threads to sparkly dress ups and eco-conscious dining sets, every pocket of Lily & Langford is focused on quality kids' products to gift or take back to your own little family.

As a child that was constantly on the hunt for Narnia, underwater worlds and dragon-guarded castles, Leila Rawnsley-Mason started Little Gatherer as a way to bring a sprinkle of magic to the everyday lives of little families. Visit the boutique in Clevedon, just south of Auckland, or head online to browse a range of local and international children’s products in every category you could possibly think of.

One peep through the historic windows of William Bee General Merchants is all it takes to be drawn inside. Sitting handsomely on a sunlit corner in Ōamaru’s Heritage Precinct, it’s easy to whittle away a morning amongst the shelves and racks of NZ-made goods. Though you won’t have to look far to find something for yourself, the kids' selection is the real hero, with little pieces from Jamie Kay and Nature Baby, Lamington merino socks, plenty of soft new friends and more.

With kids growing up so fast, their wardrobe never stays the same for long. As well as being a bit of a pain for the parents, our planet isn’t so stoked on buying new children’s clothes all the time either. The alternative? Enter Little One, a well-loved second hand store that offers a curated range of like-new gems at every turn, including recycled kidswear, shoes, toys, books and maternity wear.