This is a lovely specialist kids toy shop. You won't find cheap bargains or loads of plastic toys: what you will find is a considered selection of fun and quality toys and games (some seriously heirloom quality). It's staffed by a knowledgable and helpful woman who is somewhat of an Essendon institution. Whether you want to pick up a few small trinkets for a Christmas stocking, or invest in something really magical like a beautiful wooden dollhouse, you'll find the service friendly, patient and kind. Well worth a visit.

This shop was first recommended to me by my mother-in-law - she has been shopping here since her own kids were little!

As the previous reviewer suggested, this is old fashioned customer service at its best. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and is happy to organise special orders, even of items not normally stocked there (eg the "grown-up" bags from the Penny Scallan range).

The range is extensive and includes many items produced by educational suppliers (eg as can be found at specialist stores such as Windmill). I practically want everything in that shop!

The only downside is that this store is not cheap; there are basically no sales. So if you want something standard or mass-market then you are better off scouring Target or ToysRus; but otherwise it is great to know such an excellent shop.

This toy store is really a one woman show. The owner knows toys, loves toys and has been coming up with great and often unusual ones for years and years.
Just walk in and give her the name, age and a brief description of the child you are buying for's interests and the "just perfect" present will appear.
You will not find many toys here that are stocked in the big chains, nor will you find your favorite TV characters. But Mind Alive provides fabulous baby toys, boys and girls games, jigsaws, unusual writing sets, arts and crafts items, bath activities, activity books, science kits, musical instruments, sport sets and even exquisite dress ups and imported European dolls.
The service is good old personalised retail at its best.
If you can't find what you need here, it doesn't exist!

Approximate cost: $N/A