Kidding Awound

“Don’t postpone joy – that's our motto,” explains Kevin Park, one half of Yorkville toy shop Kidding Awound. Kevin co-owns the boutique toy store with his wife Rachel, both of whom have become experts of the trinket, the novelty and the gag.  “We love selling unique toys that make customers happy and they won’t find anywhere else. That’s what motivates us.”

The specialty toy and wind-up store opened in the early 80s and is literally a one-of-a-kind spot in Toronto. Kevin and Rachel took over in 2007 and since then have made sure that they stock specialty items that are well worth the trip to Yorkville.

It was in fact the elegant Yorkville neighbourhood that attracted the duo in the first place. “When we first considered opening a business we weren’t set on what kind, but we wanted to be in the Yorkville area,” says Kevin. “What we loved about it was all the specialty stores and it just happened that Kidding Awound became available for purchase.”

Today, you can pick up fun toys for kids of any age (including newborns) at Kidding Awound. “People come in for Christmas and buy for everyone they know, and get gift wrapping too,” Kevin says. “It’s one-stop shopping.”