Whether it's a worn teddy bear or the latest mermaid Barbie doll, fresh out of Santa's workshop, you never know what toy will take hold of a child's imagination.
That's the beauty of toys, and the focus of a brand new documentary that celebrates the special role of toys in the lives of both children and adults.
A charming behind-the-scenes look at one of the most adored environments across the world, The Toy Shop meets and sits down with the people and places that ignite the imagination, from their youngest customer saving up their Communion money for a special treat, to their eldest devotee, who has been going there since their own youth.
Well, this is officially the cutest thing we've ever seen ❤️🎅🏻#TheToyShop pic.twitter.com/G76uC6GUx8
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) December 21, 2021
This charming documentary explores the fundamental and underestimated role of toys in our lives, in serving as vessels for dreams, happiness and love for sellers and customers alike. And it couldn't come at a better time, just as Christmas gets into full swing.
The documentary features no less than 16 independent toy shops from around the country, offering an insight into the business of toys in a peculiar year. When many of us were online shopping, whether in search of a treat after a long day or to avoid public spaces, these quaint shops survived and in many cases thrived.
The business owners discuss the power of toys and the special role they play in making the worlds of our wildest dreams come true – from becoming a pilot, teacher, artist to opening a toy shop.
We'll see what goes into creating a space of wonder and excitement for young customers, and get a sneak peak into how a bustling toy shop gets ready for Christmas, like a real life elf's workshop!
For the full list of toy shops included, read below:
- Nimble Fingers, Dublin
- Dublin City Comics (action figure shop)
- Duffy's Toyworld, Dunleer
- Co Louth; Mulligan’s, Omeath, Co Louth
- Bear Essentials, Bawnboy, Co Cavan
- My Old Toy Box, Belfast
- Tinney’s Toys, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
- McGreevey’s, Westport, Co Mayo
- Wooden Heart, Galway
- Little Ones, Ennis, Co Clare
- McGillicuddy’s, Listowel, Co Kerry
- The Toy Soldier Factory, Macroom, Co Cork
- Pinnochio’s, Cork
- RB Models, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
- Mark’s Models, Hawkin’s Street, Dublin
- May Roche’s, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick
The Toy Shop airs on RTÉ One, Dec 22, at 21:30.
