Amsterdam stands out as one of Europe’s top cities for toy shopping. Whether you’re picking up a birthday gift, stocking up on everyday play things, or searching for a unique Dutch souvenir for a kid back home, this city’s got you covered.
You’ll find more than 240 toy stores scattered across different neighborhoods. Some are tiny, independent shops packed floor to ceiling with handmade wooden toys, while others are big chain stores with pretty much every major brand you can name.
What really makes toy shopping here special is how much the stores reflect their neighborhoods. Each area in Amsterdam has its own vibe, and the toy shops match that energy.
In the Jordaan, you’ll stumble into cramped, charming stores overflowing with vintage-style wind-up robots. Zuid’s shops lean toward curated wooden toys and natural craft supplies. Over in De Pijp, a shop owner might order a specific toy just because you asked. This guide breaks down the best toy stores in Amsterdam by area, so you can plan your stops, save time, and hopefully come home with something genuinely special.
If you’re new to Amsterdam or just visiting with kids, you might want to check out the best playgrounds in Amsterdam and interactive children’s museums to round out a full family day.
Best Areas To Shop For Toys In Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s toy shopping scene sorts itself out by neighborhood. Knowing where to go saves you from wandering aimlessly along the canals. Each district offers a different vibe and a different kind of speelgoedwinkel (toy shop).
Centrum has the highest concentration of toy stores. On Harlemmerdijk and in the Jordaan, you’ll find shops like Hebbes in Speelgoed, De Kleine Eland, and Mechanisch Speelgoed. These places sit close together, so you can easily visit several in a short walk.
The Spiegelkwartier, also in Centrum, houses Tinkerbell Toys with its bubble-blowing bear out front. If you’re after board games, The Gamekeeper nearby specializes in games of every kind.
West Amsterdam, especially around Bilderdijkstraat and Overtoom, is worth a visit if you have young kids. Shops here usually have more space, so you can bring a stroller or let your child play in a corner.
The area also has plenty of cafés, which comes in handy if you’re shopping with a toddler who needs a snack break.
De Pijp and Zuid cater to different tastes. De Pijp, especially along Albert Cuypstraat, features small, carefully curated shops. Zuid focuses more on natural and educational toys, with stores selling everything from Steiner-style dolls to felt craft kits.
The Rivierenbuurt, technically part of Zuid, has its own little cluster of shops along Scheldestraat.
If you’re exploring Amsterdam as an expat, knowing about these pockets helps you fit toy shopping into your regular routine—and not just rely on online orders.
Standout Independent Shops For Gifts And Everyday Play
Amsterdam’s independent toy stores are where the city really shines. These aren’t generic chain stores. They’re owner-run shops where someone behind the counter knows exactly which wooden toy suits a two-year-old, and which is better for a four-year-old.
Gone with the Wind on Vijzelstraat is a personal favorite for gifts. You’ll walk in and see a wall of hanging mobiles, then deeper inside there’s a big collection of wooden toys, Knikkerbaans (marble runs), construction sets, and puzzles.
Shelves are filled with brands like Djeco, Kapla, and Brio. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you come for one thing and leave with three—Amsterdam Mamas agrees in their round-up of favorite toy stores.
Wijs West on Bilderdijkstraat isn’t just a speelgoed shop. It’s a concept store with a cozy café attached, so parents can actually enjoy themselves. You can browse ride-on toys, plush animals, costumes, and even children’s clothing while your toddler plays in the toy area.
It’s especially handy if you’re shopping solo with a little one.
De Kleine Eland in the Jordaan stands out for its variety. Wooden ride-on toys dangle from the ceiling, dollhouse miniatures fill the walls, and a working train set at the back keeps kids busy while you shop.
Mechanisch Speelgoed, also in the Jordaan, stocks over 2,500 items and specializes in mechanical robots and vintage-style wind-up toys. It’s a great stop for quirky, nostalgic gifts.
If you want to combine toy shopping with other family activities, pair a visit to these shops with a family-friendly boat tour. That’s a day you’ll remember.
Where To Find Dutch Icons, Premium Brands, And Specialty Picks
Looking for something distinctly Dutch or a premium brand you can’t easily get outside Europe? Amsterdam delivers.
De Winkel van Nijntje on Scheldestraat is the official Miffy shop. If you’ve got young kids, it’s a must-visit. Everything inside revolves around Nijntje (the Dutch name for Miffy)—plush toys, picture books, tableware, nursery décor.
It’s a small shop but packed with goodies, and the souvenirs are genuinely useful for kids. You won’t find this kind of dedicated Miffy selection in the US.
Collectors and fans of premium European toy brands should swing by Goochem near Overtoom. They carry Steiff stuffed animals, Brio, and HABA. Steiff toys here usually cost less than importing them, and you can check the quality in person.
Wijs West also stocks a nice selection of higher-end plush toys and ride-ons if you’re already in West.
De Zaailing on Ruysdaelstraat in Zuid is the spot for Waldorf-inspired and natural play. The shop sells Plan Toys, Selecta wooden toys, Steiner-type dolls, felting kits, and craft supplies made from natural materials.
If you care about educational, screen-free play, you’ll love this place.
The NEMO Science Museum shop isn’t a traditional toy store, but it’s packed with STEM toys, experiment kits, and science books for older kids and teens. Even if you skip the museum, the shop is worth a look.
You can find more family attractions at these Amsterdam museums and attractions.
Chains, Convenience, And What To Choose By Age
Sometimes you just need a wide selection, clear age labels, and a quick checkout. That’s where Amsterdam’s chain stores come in.
Intertoys has several locations, with a central branch on Kalverstraat. It’s the closest thing to a toy superstore here, selling Lego, Playmobil, Barbie, and tons of other mainstream brands, all organized by age.
The Kalverstraat location is easy to reach for visitors and sits right in the main shopping district.
De Bijenkorf on Dam Square is Amsterdam’s premier department store. Its toy section includes Janod, Brio, EverEarth, Nijntje, Lego, and Ravensburger. The selection leans a bit upscale, so it’s a good place for gifts.
Hema stores are everywhere and carry their own line of budget-friendly wooden and plastic toys, plus craft supplies. You can grab something decent for under ten euros, no stress.
When you’re picking toys by age, keep a few things in mind. For babies and toddlers under two, shops like Imagine on Amstelveenseweg arrange toys by age, so you don’t have to guess.
For preschoolers aged three to five, wooden construction toys and ride-ons from shops like Goochem or Gone with the Wind are perfect. For kids six and up, board game specialists like The Gamekeeper or Spellenwinkel Friends and Foes offer age-appropriate picks. Their staff can recommend games based on group size and interests.
Teens often head for the NEMO shop or A Space Oddity, which has sold action figures and collectibles for over thirty years.
If you’re watching your cost of living in Amsterdam, mixing chain store basics with the occasional splurge at an independent shop keeps toy spending manageable. It’s also smart to know your consumer rights in the Netherlands if you need to return or exchange something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to buy toys in Amsterdam?
It really depends on what you want. For curated, high-quality gifts, independent shops like Gone with the Wind, De Kleine Eland, and De Zaailing stand out. If you need mainstream brands and convenience, Intertoys on Kalverstraat and De Bijenkorf on Dam Square are your safest bets.
Which toy shops in Amsterdam have the widest selection for different age groups?
Intertoys offers the broadest range, all organized by age—from baby toys up to teen kits. Among independent stores, Imagine on Amstelveenseweg arranges its whole selection by age, and Cedille at Gelderlandplein has toys, furniture, and costumes for every stage of childhood.
Where can I find the biggest toy store in Amsterdam?
Intertoys runs the largest dedicated toy stores in the city, with the Kalverstraat branch right in the center. De Bijenkorf’s toy department is also big, though it’s part of a department store, not a pure toy shop. Neither matches the scale of a big-box American toy store, but both carry thousands of items.
Are there specialty toy stores in Amsterdam for wooden, educational, or STEM toys?
Absolutely. De Zaailing in Zuid focuses on wooden and Waldorf-inspired toys from brands like Plan Toys and Selecta. Gone with the Wind specializes in wooden construction toys and marble runs.
For STEM-focused stuff, the NEMO Science Museum shop has experiment kits, science games, and educational books for curious kids and teens.
Do any toy shops in Amsterdam offer online ordering and local delivery?
Several do. Intertoys offers Click and Collect at all Amsterdam locations, and many independent shops will take phone or email orders for pickup. Hema and De Bijenkorf both have full e-commerce platforms with delivery across the Netherlands.
For smaller shops, it’s best to call ahead and ask directly, since their online presence varies.
Is Toys”R”Us still operating anywhere in Europe?
Toys”R”Us shut down its Dutch stores a few years back. Right now, you won’t find any physical locations in the Netherlands.
Some European countries still keep the brand going through licensed stores or online sites. But if you’re hoping to spot one in Amsterdam, you’re out of luck.
Intertoys and a bunch of independent toy shops have stepped in to fill the gap.