The first time I walked into Prik, a unique toy shop on Gammel Kongevej, I felt as if I had been transported back in time and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. As a child my grandmother would take me to a little toy shop called Tiger Tiger on the Kings Road in London and some of my most treasured toys came from this shop, including a now very tatty and well loved Snoopy. Prik is full of the kinds of toys Tiger Tiger was all those years ago. Little bright pocket-money toys, toys that I remember from my childhood (and some my mum remembers). Traditional toys that still please children today. This shop is a treasure trove of things for every child. Bright beads, pencils, hand knitted dolls clothes, wooden toys, jigsaws, dressing up clothes, play food and kitchen utensils. The list could go on forever. This toy shop is a unique gem in a city dominated by BR. And in a world of strict gender directed toys, Prik seems to avoid that.

Whilst there are more expensive items in the shop (and these are all great quality and in most cases made from wood not plastic), the vast majority of things are pocket-money prices and the kinds of things that really entertain children, grow their imagination and skills without any sounds and flashing lights.   I have bought toys and bits and bobs from this shop for my son ever since he was a baby and they have always been enjoyed and treasured. In the main (except for Lego) we are generally quite careful about how many toys my son has, although as he gets older this is becoming harder, but the kind of things in this shop will keep your child’s interest for a lot longer than a flash in the pan must have toy. My son has owned and played with a wooden parking garage for years and it still gets played with now, ditto for his toy kitchen and all its paraphernalia, his doctors kit and dressing up clothes, and jigsaws. All toys I had as a child and loved and all things you can buy here.

In a world of plastic and junk toys, Prik offers the perfect antidote. So next time you need to buy a present for your child or for another, you need things for party bags or just something different for your child to play with – don’t just head to BR but try something more unique.

Address: Gammel Kongevej 130, 1850 Frederiksberg C