Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop
44 Covent Garden Apple Market, WC2
Phone:+44 (0)20 7379 7866; www.pollocks.cwc.net.
Mon-Sat 10.30am-6pm.
Puppets, traditional teddies and dolls are all sold at this old-fashioned toy shop. You will also find delightful model theatres with cut-out sets, props and tiny actors.
Children's Book Centre
237 Kensington High St, W8
Phone:+44 (0)20 7937 7497; www.childrensbookcentre.co.uk.
Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 9.30am-6.30pm, Tues 9.30am-6pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm.
From the classic to contemporary, kids will find books to suit every taste in this bookshop.
Davenport's Magic Shop
Charing Cross Shopping Arcade, WC2
Phone:+44 (0)20 7836 0408.
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 10.15am-4.30pm.
For the professional and the amateur, London's oldest magic shop sells all the tricks.
Electronics Boutique
100 Oxford St, W1
Phone:+44 (0)20 7637 7911
Mon-Sat 9.30am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm.
For the latest in computer and traditional board games, this shop is a must for games enthusiasts.
Eric Snook's Toyshop
32 Covent Garden Market, WC2
Phone:+44 (0)20 7379 7681
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Selling only the most attractive and meticulously crafted playthings, this shop avoids everything tacky.
Hamleys
188 Regent St, W1
Phone:+44 (0)20 7494 2000; www.hamleys.com.
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun noon-6pm.
Hamleys is one of the most famous toyshops in the world, with everything a child could wish for - from Slinky to scaled-down petrol-driven Porsches. For a taste of the real thing, visit Covent Garden Piazza's smaller branch.
Skate Attack
95 Highgate Rd, NW5
Phone:+44 (0)20 7267 6961; www.skateattack.com.
Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-1.30pm.
Roller skates, rollerblades and equipment are on sale by Europe's biggest retailer. To rent skates and protective equipment costs a reasonable £10 a day, £15 a weekend or £20 a week, plus £100 deposit.
New Year Parade 2009
