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Independent and Locally Owned since 2013
Independent and Locally Owned since 2013
At LET THE CHILDREN PLAY Toyshop & Games Store, we curate a unique and inspiring range of toys, puzzles, games, and children's books — each selected for its creativity, quality, and purpose. Our collection is carefully chosen to be both eco-friendly and sustainably made, supporting imaginative play, meaningful learning, and a healthier planet.
We are proud to bring award-winning designs from Europe, America, Australia, and Asia to our community here in Mackay. Many of the brands we stock are leaders in responsible manufacturing, innovative design, and child-led learning.
Our goal is simple: to promote play and creativity across all age groups. Whether for pure enjoyment or purposeful education, our range offers something for every curious mind — from toddlers to teens (and even adults who are young at heart).
At LET THE CHILDREN PLAY, we aim to make your shopping experience as enjoyable and convenient as possible. Here’s what you’ll find when you visit us in-store or online:
💛 Passionate, Knowledgeable Staff – We're here to help you find the perfect toy or gift.
❄️ Fully Air-Conditioned Store – Comfortable shopping all year round.
🎨 Activity & Events Area – A creative space for workshops, events, and play.
👶 Baby Change Table – Family-friendly facilities for your convenience.
🎁 $2 Gift Wrapping Service – Thoughtfully wrapped and ready to give.
💳 Flexible Payment Options – We offer EFTPOS, Afterpay, PayPal, and Layby to make shopping easy.
We’re committed to offering more than just products — we provide a welcoming, community-focused space where play and imagination are always encouraged.
LET THE CHILDREN PLAY Toyshop & Games Store is a proud, family-owned local business born from our own parenting journey and the evolving needs of our growing extended family — nieces, nephews, and now even great-nieces and great-nephews.
The idea was sparked through years of travel with our three children. From the world’s largest toy stores in New York and London to charming, tucked-away shops in Malta, France, and Germany, we discovered a world of beautifully designed, high-quality toys and games — items that inspired creativity, learning, and joy. We often found ourselves wondering: Why isn’t this available at home?
As our children grew, like many families, we witnessed their increasing engagement with screens and technology — something we both encouraged and modelled. But we also began to crave a return to simpler, more imaginative forms of play — the kind we remembered from our own childhoods. We longed for balance.
Unfortunately, local toy retailers were increasingly filled with licensed products and cheap, mass-produced imports. From that spark, LET THE CHILDREN PLAY was born, and soon became a passion that shaped our everyday lives.
Ally, the founder, brings over 20 years of experience as a high school teacher in Queensland, specialising in English and Social Sciences. While she loved teaching and working with teenagers, life had other plans — and she embraced the chance to build something new.
In addition to her teaching background, Ally is also a qualified Feng Shui Consultant. Her knowledge brings a deeper awareness to the way materials, spaces, and design impact wellbeing — a philosophy that influences our approach to toys, play environments, and the overall sensory experience of childhood.
While the venture began as a true family affair over 12 years ago, Ally is now supported by a small, dedicated team — each member bringing their own strengths, but all united by a shared passion for quality play and the values that define our store.
At LET THE CHILDREN PLAY, we believe in inspiring imagination, encouraging curiosity, and offering toys and games that nurture the whole child — thoughtfully chosen, beautifully crafted, and built to last.