The Toy Shop Celebrates 43 Years of Making Memories in Downtown Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

From welcoming generations of families to preparing its annual holiday toy drive, The Toy Shop is marking 43 years as part of downtown Peterborough.

From welcoming generations of families to preparing its annual holiday toy drive, The Toy Shop is marking 43 years as part of downtown Peterborough.

the toy shop is marking a major milestone, celebrating more than four decades in downtown peterborough (photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia)

The family-owned store first opened on Hunter Street in 1983 before moving to its larger, newly renovated location at 180 Charlotte Street in the summer of 2023.

Over the decades, the shop has become a destination for families looking for toys that encourage imagination, creativity and hands-on play. Its shelves feature well-known brands including Brio wooden trains, Bruder trucks and Calico Critters, alongside an extensive selection of Folkmanis puppets and plush toys.

For owner Jean Grant, one of the most meaningful parts of the business’s longevity is seeing multiple generations of the same families walk through the doors.

“Forty-three years later, we are now welcoming the grandchildren of our very first customers into our new Charlotte Street location,” says Grant.

The shop is also celebrating its 43rd anniversary with a distinctly local touch. Peterborough musician Washboard Hank is writing a new jingle for the occasion.

The shop is also celebrating its 43rd anniversary with a distinctly local touch. Peterborough musician Washboard Hank is writing a new jingle for the occasion.

after forty years on hunter street, the toy shop moved to its current location at 180 charlotte street in the summer of 2023 (photo by scott arnold)

Beyond the anniversary, The Toy Shop is preparing for another annual tradition that brings the community together during the holiday season.

Its annual toy drive begins in November, with all donated toys going directly to The Salvation Army for distribution to children and families in need during the holidays. Local radio stations have often helped support the initiative.

“This community has given us so much over the decades, and our annual toy drive is our favourite way to give back and ensure every local child gets to experience the magic of play during the holidays,” says Grant.

After more than four decades in business, The Toy Shop continues to be part of downtown Peterborough’s story, connecting generations of families through something as simple as the joy of finding the right toy.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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