Traditional Games | Family Games Night
Looking for something to do with the kids on a wet and rainy day during the school holidays, or perhaps you’re thinking of a family game for Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Come check out our awesome classic games - we have so many blasts from the past, and we’re sure to have something to keep the kids, and the adults amused and entertained!
Looking for something to do with the kids on a wet and rainy day during the school holidays, or perhaps you’re thinking of a family game for Christmas, or like us, are bringing back family games night. Come check out our awesome classic games - we have so many blasts from the past, and we’re sure to have something to keep the kids, and the adults amused and entertained!
Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and ladders is one of our most favourite games and perfect for school holiday fun.
Can you reach the end first by climbing the ladders ... but watch out for the snakes! A timeless classic game for 2 - 6 people to enjoy!
The Magical Amazing Robot
This really is an Amazing Robot, a simple game that will have the family amazed at the robot that always gives the right answer.
All you need to do is place the robot in the tray in the centre of the questions circle. Turn the Amazing Robot to a question that you’d like him to answer, make sure his pointer is in the centre of the question that you would like to have answered then simply pull him from the circle by his head and place him on the magical mirror, and watch him spin to the correct answer. In addition to being amazing this game is also educational - encouraging children to learn as they play.
Bingo!
The aim of Family Bingo is to have the numbers on your card completely covered with white squares. The only way to achieve this is when the caller calls out all the numbers on your board. Once the number is called, search your card to see if you have it, then place a white square over the number. Don't forget to call out BINGO once all your numbers are covered up. The biggest Adrenalin rush!
Kitty Wampas
Check out our cute Kitty Wampas game! The idea of this game is to cover the white circles in your corner with your coloured pieces. To make this happen you must spin Kitty until its paw comes to a stop on one of the colours. If it is your colour that it lands on, you can move your coloured disk to cover a white circle. If it’s not your colour then it is the next persons turn. The first player to have their circles covered by the coloured playing discs is the winner. This game is great for little children as it helps with colour recognition.
Old Maid
Old Maid is an all time classic! After dealing the cards between all the players, if a player has two of the same card they need to take it out of their hand and place them aside. Make sure you hold your cards up and out of sight from the other players. A player then offers their cards to the next person who takes one card, if it is the same as another in the hand then the pair needs to be put aside. You do not want to be stuck with Old Maid by the end of the game because then you are the loser!
Barnstormer
Barnstormer is one of our games that requires more skill and practice to play and win. The aim is to propel your discs onto the board and aim for the little wooden cup in the centre of the board to get 25 points (the highest on the board!). Be careful not to land on the various hazards on the board that will have you deducting points! Once you shoot all your markers onto the board, add up all the points and the first person to 500 points is the champion.
Chess
Chess is an all time classic. The objective of this popular game is to checkmate your opponent’s King. This means putting it into a position that it cannot escape from, by moving or taking an opponents piece. When starting the game, the white pieces always go first. Players then make their way around the board attempting to put the King in check. If your piece lands in a space that is occupied by your opponent then you can remove their piece from the board. This is a fun and challenging game for 2.
Draughts
For this classic game each player has 12 draughts, all placed on black squares, 3 rows up the board. This game doesn’t have many rules, but what you will need to do is move your draughts forward and diagonal one space at a time, whilst capturing all of your opponents draughts. You capture your opponents draughts by jumping over them when they in front of you and there is a spare for you to jump to. Once you have collected all your opponents draughts, you win.
Simply, easy and fun!
Goose Race
Came of Goose is a simple but fun game that the whole family will enjoy. Before you begin to play, each player must put an equal amount of counters (round white discs) into the pool. Divide the rest of the counters between the players; you will need them during the game. Beware ... if you land on certain squares, there is a price to pay. For example, if you land on square number 6 then 5 counters are charged. 15 counters are charged if you land on square number 31. The first player to reach square number 63 wins the pool and the game!
Snap!!
Here we have a unique set of playing cards for the game Snap, each card has a picture of a famous nursery rhyme including Little bow peep, Little Miss Muffet, Old Mother Hubbard and Jack and Jill.
Snap is a great game for children of all ages. Start off by dealing all the cards out to all the players until there are none left - everybody keep your cards faced downwards. Then, without peaking flip your card upright as you put it on the stack of cards.
If your cards match the card directly underneath then race the other players to slap your hand down on the cards first and yell “SNAP” to win. Be careful not to get your hands squished by the other opponents! The winner is the player who has managed to collect all of the cards at the end of the game.
Ludo
At the start of this game you place your coloured pieces in the start area, you need to roll a six to be able to move your piece out of the start and onto the board. Once your piece is out on the board you then roll the die and move your piece forward 1 - 6 spaces as indicated by the die. You can bring other pieces onto the board if you roll another 6. You need have all your pieces in the home square to win!
Whatever takes your fancy - we’ve got something for everyone - guaranteed fun for family game night or for some Christmas cheer.
All of these games and many more are available in store and on-line in our games section.
Our Favourite Classic Children's Toys
We love all of our toys; they’re all magical and all bring us so much joy. We’re often asked though to pick our top three faves. After much thought, we realized that our ‘go to’ items are also three of our biggest sellers. These are a few of our favourite things …
We love all of our toys; they’re all magical and all bring us so much joy. We’re often asked though to pick our top three faves. After much thought, we realized that our ‘go to’ items are also three of our biggest and best sellers. These are a few of our favourite things …
The Spinning Top
The simplest toys are always the best! We can’t help but love our traditional tin spinning tops from Schylling. These wonderful humming tin spinning tops are the perfect size for little hands. Each one features beautifully illustrated carousel graphics and entrances on each spin.
Did you know that the earliest clay spinning top was discovered in 3500 BC - that’s almost six thousand years ago!
A wooden spinning top which was carved circa 1300 BC and was later discovered in King Tut’s tomb was another early example of this simple toy, although Indigenous peoples from around the world have been making spinning tops from fruits, nuts and seeds for thousands of years before this one was created.
Did you know that spinning tops stay upright from an angular momentum; a law that Newton expressed as ‘objects in motion, stay in motion’.
The Jacob’s Ladder
Our Jacob’s Ladder is a traditional wood and lace click-clack toy and is a timeless classic, and a perfect edition to any toy collection. The Jacob’s Ladder is the original fidget spinner, perfect for busy hands.
The true origin of this classic toy, which produces visual and kinetic illusion is a mystery, however many believe that the toy finds its origins in China. We do know however that it received its earliest toy review in a 1889 American scientific article, describing the magic behind the mechanics.
In the 1700’s a Japanese polymath constructed one which was called Gennai’s Wondrous Click-clack; a name that is still around today. Another popular variation of this classic toy was an American 1940’s version, which had an indentation for a penny to disappear & re-appear.
Wherever it came from, the Jacob’s ladder is here to stay!
The Kaleidoscope
Amaze the eyes with brilliant colours and patterns with the classic Schylling design. These beautifully illustrated tin kaleidoscopes continue to dazzle all who lay their eyes on them, and little hands always make a beeline for them in store.
The kaleidoscope is thought to have been invented in 1816 by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster, with its name originating from the Greek words meaning ‘beautiful form watcher’.
Did you know that Sir David Brewster went on to advance lighthouse lens and stereoscope designs.
The visual stimulus provided by the kaleidoscope therapeutically promotes positive joyful emotions and promotes good mental health through colour therapy. We always new that traditional toys were good for you!
iPad, we’re just not that into you
Ipads whilst convenient and fun, can limit the scope of potential wholistic development in children. Simulated experiences don’t address physical dexterity, strength, tactile, sensory or social development.
IPads whilst convenient and fun, can limit the scope of potential holistic development in children. Simulated experiences don’t address physical dexterity, strength, tactile, sensory or social development.
Here’s some tips we’ve learnt from child health professionals to assist with transitioning our children off the iPad and onto another activity;
1. At the beginning of play time with your child let them know 2-3 successive activities you will do together e.g. “today I thought we could do some dancing and build a puzzle together, then we need to peg the washing out on the line. After lunch, you can play your iPad while I get the washing up done.” Mixing up physical activity with sedentary activities helps regulate the child’s physical needs and they are more likely to stay engaged.
2. Limit iPad use to shorter bursts in any day, no longer than 30 mins at a time. Set this limit at the start of the usage and prepare the child for the transition to the next activity by setting a timer for 10 minutes, then at 5 minutes calmly let the child know the remaining time of usage.
3. Inclusive language assists children to feel part of the experience and not just “told” what to do. Demonstrate your willingness to invite and play with your child by starting the activity yourself and voicing your joy and curiosity.
Replace an outpouring of words with sounds and physical gestures. Offer your child the toy/ game piece/ activity part to give them a turn of the joy you are experiencing. Again, this doesn’t necessarily need words. In this way the child learns to read your body language and facial expressions whilst not being bombarded with instructions.
Most importantly, enjoy the play time with your child, as its your attention that they desire and respond to the most.
Gift Cards Now Available for our Online Toy Shop
We’re delighted to launch our new gift card service, just in time for Christmas.
We’re delighted to launch our new gift card service, just in time for Christmas.
Gift cards are a great idea if you can’t think what to get that special someone or you just can’t choose between all of our awesome toys and games. Perhaps you’re in a rush, and haven’t got time to look, or you have too many invites to too many parties!
Whatever the reason, we have the answer.
Gift cards are available both online and in-store and are guaranteed to make the recipient smile.
New Traditional Toy Shop Opens in Moss Vale, Southern Highlands NSW
We’ve officially launched our gorgeously fun and funky bricks and mortar store, down in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands.
We’ve officially launched our gorgeously fun and funky bricks and mortar store, down in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands.
We’ve set up shop in the heart of the region, Moss Vale, just a short distance away from the historic town of Berrima and the popular tourist destination of Bowral.
We have something for everyone in our amazing treasure trove of goodies. We have toys and games galore, and have partnered with our other family business, Motique, purveyor of gifts and games for the discerning gentlemen in your lives.
So, roll up, roll in, and step back in time as we take you on a trip down memory lane.
Our beautiful mural is courtesy of the fabulous Paul Settecasse. Design by the equally fabulous Angela Settecasse of Angela Farrell Words • Ideas • Designs.
Classic Toys | Return of the Retro Robot
Kids in the 1950s and 60s didn’t have computers or smartphones and tablets. The only way they could get in touch with electronic tech is by watching TV shows, talking about space travel or by playing with the coolest new release toys. One of the most desired toys of this era was the toy robot.
Kids in the 1950s and 60s didn’t have computers or smartphones and tablets. The only way they could get in touch with electronic tech is by watching TV shows, talking about space travel or by playing with the coolest new release toys. One of the most desired toys of this era was the toy robot.
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Of course, we are not talking about our modern day sci-fi robots, complete with artificial intelligence, but simple, tin-litho robots with simple wind-up mechanisms. The first tin toy robot to be made is believed to be the yellow, box-like Robot Lilliput from Japan. Lilliput was always thought to date from the 1930’s, but it is now believed that he was actually made after the war, around the mid-1940’s.
The next robot to make an appearance, was the late 1940's Atomic Robot Man, also born in Japan. This robot was given out as a promotional item at the New York Sci-fi convention in 1950. The box for Atomic Robot Man showed a scene of the robot marching through a decimated city, complete with an atomic mushroom cloud.
Battery operated robots became the next big craze, with the release of the movies Forbidden Planet, introducing Robert the Robot in 1956, The Day the Earth Stood Still in 1952, and finally by the launch of Sputnik in 1957. Robert the Robot ended up becoming the most re-produced robot ever, now coming in multiple variations including Planet Robot, Robby The Robot or the simpler named Mechanized Robot.
It turns out that these retro toy robots are still one of the most highly desired toys by kids. In the last few years, we have witnessed the increased interest in almost everything retro from clockwork wind-up robots to retro toy cars. Everyone just loves vintage and retro everything!
With a retro robot, children experience many play related benefits. For instance, they are more physically active, using their imagination to set up whole planets for robot destruction and decimation. Kids can now go a step further, by reenacting their own robot show, for example with Clockwork Soldier’s Robot Puppets. With this amazing craft pack, children can create their own robots; stimulating their creativity too.
When we say retro robots, we just don't mean the robots themselves, we mean every toy that is inspired by this science fiction theme. For instance, the Robot Jigsaw Puzzle is a robot-themed puzzle. This is one of those classic toys that are here to support children’s cognitive development. By finding different pieces of the puzzle, children can create a beautiful image that depicts one of the most well-known robot toys. The toy contains just 24 pieces which means that even small children can finish it in a relatively short period of time. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the puzzle is not challenging. On the contrary, there are some parts where placing the right pieces can be very tricky indeed!
Space Robots is a retro toy that contains three tin robots, which as the name suggests come from a different planet. Or maybe they were sent to space? In any case, this is one of those toys that promises many hours of fun and entertainment. The robots spin and roll, changing directions whenever they hit an obstacle.
If you are interested in a classic robot toy, you can’t go wrong with High Wheel Robot. This old-school toy features windup walking and it was inspired by the popular toy from the 1960s of the same name.
Origami is a popular paper folding technique that originates from Japan. If you want to introduce this technique to your children early, you should consider our Spacecraft Robot Origami. This set comes with five nicely illustrated cards and an instruction booklet. With the help of these cards, your kid (with or without your help) can create a unique spacecraft and imagine how space exploration would look like.
Finally, if you want to revive the times that most people have forgotten, then you can check out our Robot Hands Temporary Tattoos, which turn the hands of your children into fun robots. This set comes with 8 unique robot tattoos that are easy to put on and remove and will guarantee hours of imaginative fun and storytelling!
Retro robots are guaranteed to be loved by generations to come, in whichever form they take - a timeless classic and fun for everyone!
School Holidays | Bear Hunts and Pooh Sticks
School holidays can often be a time of great panic and trepidation; what to do; where to go; will we have to re-mortgage the house to pay for it all?? This holiday we decided to remove all the thought processes, and get back to nature ... we went camping!
School holidays can often be a time of great panic and trepidation; what to do; where to go; will we have to re-mortgage the house to pay for it all?? This holiday we decided to remove all the thought processes, and get back to nature ... we went camping!
For those of you who have never been camping with kids, this task on its own may seem mammoth and insurmountable ... but the reality is, all the kids actually need is a tent, a sleeping bag, some food and a water supply; and all you'll need is a never ending supply of wine, a comfy chair, and a good book. Sound more appealing?
There's nothing better than a few days in the bush to wash away the stresses of everyday life, and get back to basics. Granted, setting up camp is sure to bring on a sweat, (and an argument or two), but once your simple abode is standing firm, the wine is poured, the snacks are out; then the adventure begins!
There's no better way to explore your surroundings than going on a family bear hunt; you're going to catch a big one for sure! The kids will love tip-toeing through the bush (stick to the trail path!), listening out for every little sound that might indicate a great big hungry bear is lurking nearby. Be sure to warn passers-by of the bears up ahead; you'll be surprised how many random strangers join in. Everybody loves a good story (especially when there is a distinct possibility of a gruesome outcome!).
Take a picnic and stretch it out; be sure to look out for "treasures" along the way; a stick; a feather; a stone; a leaf ... everything is treasure when you put your imagination hat on. These special collectibles will also come in mighty handy when you stumble across a stream, particularly one which has a troll bridge; because these 'treasures" magically transform into wondrous pooh sticks on this bridge, ready to win the race!
Pooh sticks, you may well ask. Yes, pooh sticks, the most captivating game in the wild. Who's stick will get to the other side first? Who will be hailed the pooh-stick champion? Guaranteed to take even the most steadfast stickler back in time to a less-complicated childhood.
Identify as many birds, trees, leaves, insects as you can; taking back to base camp any particularly interesting finds - the kids can draw them later, whilst you relax with that good book and a glass of vino. Not too many though, or you may be hearing bears in the woods all night!
Cool toys from back in the day!
Here at the Vintage Toy Box, we think that one of the coolest things about our toys is the fact that as well as being fun and taking you back to your childhood, you can also share them with your own kids and grandkids and let them see how cool the toys were back in the day! Do you look back fondly at the times you spent playing with great toys as a child? If so, you will certainly be inspired to find similarly terrific toys and games for your own kids or grandkids.
Here at the Vintage Toy Box, we think that one of the coolest things about our toys is the fact that as well as being fun and taking you back to your childhood, you can also share them with your own kids and grandkids and let them see how cool the toys were back in the day! Do you look back fondly at the times you spent playing with great toys as a child? If so, you will certainly be inspired to find similarly terrific toys and games for your own kids or grandkids.
Well just for fun, today we are looking at some of the fun toys we offer which would be awesome to introduce to a kid of today.
The first toy we want to talk about is the awesome Slip N Slide Water Slide Toy. Such a simple concept that provides hours and hours of fun on a hot summers day. Our version is based on the variety from the 60’s which is really cool. You will get a kick out of telling the kids and grandkids how this was a big deal back in the day. It is a lot of fun to watch the kids run and slide down this and if you are feeling brave enough, you can have a go yourself!
Next up we have something that is secretly super cool, cheap and will prove to be highly entertaining. The Magic Drawing Slate is the perfect example of an old school vintage style toy, which at first glance many kids will turn their noses up at. Let’s face it, compared to the iPhone; it is a hard sell. But our Magic Drawing Slate has a ton of retro charm and looks like it was transported right out of the 1960’s. All kids are hooked after they do their first drawing. It’s a magical travelling toy that just keeps on giving.
How can you not love the graphics on the box for this retro inspired Tiddly Winks? Now here is a game that even the grumpiest techno addicted kid will have an awesome time with. While the whole style is clearly inspired by games of the 60’s, Tiddly Winks is such a fun, competitive and skill based game that after a couple of turns any kid will be hooked. Not bad for a game that is over 200 years old.
That is just a small sample of the great toys and games we have here at The Vintage Toy Box. Just about everyone can remember their favourite toys growing up. If you wish to pass that type of joy onto other children in your life, shopping with us will certainly help you on that journey. If you are looking for a toy or game that is not just going to be fun to play, but also lets you share something from your past with your kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, then you really can’t go wrong with something from The Vintage Toy Box.
The Ever-Lasting Appeal of Retro Toys
We are living in a world where electronics and technology are present everywhere around us. Our kids are used to playing electronic games, watching TV and using the Internet, iPads and iPhones. Despite this however, kids and parents alike still love retro toys.
We are living in a world where electronics and technology are present everywhere around us. Our kids are used to playing electronic games, watching TV and using the Internet, iPads and iPhones. Despite this however, kids and parents alike still love retro toys.
Parents love these toys because they invigorate some of their best childhood memories, and take them on a warm, fuzzy trip down memory lane. Children love them because of their simplistic design and delightful appeal. If you are still not sure what makes retro toys attractive, keep reading because we will list a few good reasons why your kids should have at least one retro toy in their toy box.
Retro toys come with an ageless charm that has captivated children for generations. They hold a timeless appeal that guarantees that the toys will be loved not only by your kids but also by your grandchildren too and in some cases, their grandkids after that.
Retro toys are more durable compared to most modern toys. They are usually made from high-quality wood or tin, unlike modern toys that are made of cheap plastic that ends up being thrown away after a few uses. When kids are using these hardy toys, you can be rest assured that they will last for a long time no matter how heavy their use is. In fact, they are designed with durability in mind. Many modern toy makers, such as Artiwood, Djeco and Londji now also make their toys, games and puzzles with this durability in mind, producing beautiful toys, built to last, and designed to be handed down to the next generation.
In the past, toy manufacturers have paid special attention to the packaging, knowing that the outer appearance of toys is incredibly important to buyers and to children. Packaging lures children and buyers in, and catches the eye. Nothing beats a colourful, retro present in a bright, big box. Imagine watching a child’s face light up when they receive a gift with such beautiful packaging. The colorful packaging will bring a huge smile to little faces everywhere.
As mentioned previously, today’s children often spend countless hours playing video games or watching TV. Retro toys support the mastering of certain old-fashioned skills that cannot be learned by watching a screen. For example, there are toys that can help kids to learn to build, learn to sew, learn to cook. Etch-a-sketch toys are good for developing drawing skills. There are gardening toys, toys for creating shelters, toys for using the imagination, putting on a show, and most importantly, toys for developing people skills.
The creative play that retro toys encourage stimulates the imagination, way beyond screen time. By playing with retro toys children can unleash their creativity, something that modern toys don’t allow for in the same way. Creative skills are incredibly important. Buying a few retro toys to add to their toy collection is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to do encourage creativity and imaginative play.
Santa is Coming to the Toy Shop
With only 5 weeks (that's just 34 days!) left until Christmas, the pressure is on to find that perfect gift for your little ones over the festive season.
With only 5 weeks (that's just 34 days!) left until Christmas, the pressure is on to find that perfect gift for your little ones over the festive season.
We have everything that you need for a wonderfully festive morning - and as our toys are all built to last, you'll find your kids will still be playing with them long past Boxing Day and well into the New Year!
Check us out in The BEST Christmas Gift Guide EVER over at You Totally Got This - you'll be guaranteed to love our featured DIY toys - we know we do! They're a perfect stocking filler and bound to spread Christmas cheer!