Toys and games: This Wetherby toy shop makes child’s play of choosing and buying toys for all ages

Whether it’s little tots or the big kid in all of us, we can all get excited about toys, and it’s fair to say Karen Westmorland has the best job in the whole of Yorkshire!

She took over Treasures Toys, at 8 High Street, Wetherby, two years ago, and hasn’t looked back. Not only has it kept a much-loved independent toy shop on the high street, but it’s been a chance to bring it bang up to date too.

“I love it,” says Karen, who has to not only keep up with the latest TikTok toy trends, but anticipate what will be the next big thing. “It’s surprising how much time I spend thinking about toys, researching and planning ahead!”

With a background in the supply side of retail and analysing market trends in the food and card industry amongst others, she was ready for a change of pace when the opportunity to buy the shop came up. And there have been a few changes since.

Toys and treats from 50p upwards

There are still the gorgeous timeless wooden toys (Bigjigs is a long-established name here) which are a favourite as new baby gifts or first birthday treats, the kind of toy which survives being passed down to siblings, cousins and even generations.

“I’ve expanded the toy range a lot,” says Karen. “There are pocket money toys which start from 50p and plenty of £2 or £3 fun toys to choose from.”

Karen says she stocks not only big brand names, but finds lesser-known brands which offer the quality and value for money that she wants for her customers.

Orchard Toys games and puzzles are one such brand, whilst Clementoni – an Italian company which makes baby toys – is a lesser-known brand, which has style and quality. Smartmax range of early learning magnetic toys are a popular choice too.

“I like to source different brands which do not cost a fortune but are just as lovely,” said Karen, who as a member of Toymaster has access to different suppliers, buyer conventions and industry trends.

And with new stock coming in every week there is always something fresh – there’s no wonder some of her younger Saturday morning toy-buyers can while away up to an hour deliberating what to get with their pocket money. But it’s not just younger kids, high schoolers, grown-ups, parents and grandparents love the shop for its value, its wide range, its perennial favourites and fresh ideas.

Trending toys

Squishees are the big hit of this year, thanks to Social media. These tactile ‘jelly’ filled figures started out as calming toys – quiet, non-toxic, non-sticky and incredibly satisfying children and adults alike can squeeze, squash and squidge them anywhere and anytime.

“The really popular ones are made by NeeDoh,” Karen explained. It’s an American company she has used and stocked before. “At the moment it’s hard to get them in – but I’ve ordered as many as I can, and in the meantime I have other makes of squishee in stock.”

They were originally a sensory toy – a branch of toy manufacture which now has a huge market, not just for people with ADHD, or sensory needs, but in general for kids and adults alike – think of the squishee as today’s version of a stress ball.

“The most popular one is like an ice cube,” said Karen. “Some are soft but then there are the sugar squishes which are firmer – they’re really good for people with arthritis too!”

Glitter batons are a popular choice too – especially amongst the girls. They also love Top Model stationery, fashion design toys and accessories

And whilst some classics never go out of style, they can have a resurgence and currently Spirograph is having its moment in the sun.

Retro classics

Jigsaws, dominoes, Slinkys, Hot Wheels, Sylvanian Families, John Deere tractors, juggling balls, Play Doh and of course Lego will be familiar names and brands to many. These are tried and trusted toys which have withstood the tests of time and have familiar appeal to kids and adults alike.

Karen stocks a range of Lego, for example, keeping it to small sets around the £20 mark for most of the year, but stocking up on some of the larger, more expensive sets around Christmas.

Get set for summer

Summer means outdoor games – balls, water pistols, super soakers, cap guns, tennis balls, boomerangs and skipping ropes. Karen is all set for a rush to replace those garden toys which haven’t quite made it over winter.

And if you’re heading off on a flight, a long car journey, a train trip or for a week in a caravan it’s going to be handy to have something to entertain young and old alike.

Always thinking ahead Karen has stocked up on those ideal distraction and entertainment toys which can keep the kids quiet on a long journey.

“I have things ideal for ‘holiday packages’,” she said. “Things like the UNO H2O waterproof card games, water bouncing balls, Aqua doodle books, and LCD digital screens, which kids can use to design and draw on, then clear and start again.”

All these non-messy toys are ideal for flights and summer pool and beach time. But, there’s also things like Top Trumps, board games, fidget toys and the like to while away the time with some competitive fun or distraction.

Arts and crafts, puzzles, games and more

There are educational toys – teaching colours, sorting, shapes and more as well as ones for older ones like Mastermind or IQ Smart Games. For the child that loves to sit down and make something there is plenty of art and craft materials and craft kits. And one toy that never goes out of fashion is the humble Schleich farm animal – still a favourite after all these years.

Support local shopping

Having an independent toyshop on the high street is a rare treat these days, and not only does Treasures Toys have regular customers among the locals, but is popular with Wetherby’s visitors and tourists too.

Call in anytime to see what’s new, Karen is happy to give any help, advice and guidance, or check out the website here for inspiration or to order online.