Children are the most adventurous and imaginative people in the world and if there was one thing that could be a dreamland for any child (or adult), it's Hamleys at Sandton City.
A Magical World
Hamleys is a dream come true, like a book that has come to life and is ready to dish out fun to all the kids. The whole family can pay this awesome store a visit and have loads of fun.
The Hamleys brand has been around for well over 200 years and they continue to bring the coolest toys out there. They say, "Like chocolate for Mr Wonka, the toys Hamleys sell are the most important part of our business and we are committed to ensuring our toys work as described, are safe for use and are sourced responsibly".
All the toys are tested at a laboratory, so you don't need to be worried about the safety of the toys.
At Hamleys Sandton City, the children can play and explore the different spontaneous play areas available.
Fun Times
Hamleys is a world of comforting, cuddly plush friends like the gigantic penguins that look as if they've just stepped out of Happy Feet. There are lots more where the penguins came from. The best hug anyone can receive is from a soft teddy bear, so treat the little ones to a lovely friend.
The store is packed with fun accessories like emoji pillows that change facial expression when you swipe your hand over the sequins. This is great for the new age 'I'm creating a GIF or Boomerang' moment.
They also have a cool, ginormous piano available for everyone to play, using their feet. The piano is just like any normal piano, so you and the family can play a song for fun. This is really exciting!
Both teens and adults can visit their virtual reality area. Tickets can be purchased in-store for this super cool and surreal experience.
The biggest attraction is the fun slide that every child can't help but want to give a try. You can slide down from the top floor into a store which welcomes you to a land of fun and awesomeness. Both children and adults will love this.
Just ask the friendly staff for assistance.
Meeting The Bigger Bears
Every weekend, you can meet Hamley & Hattie Bear. You can even take photos with them to capture your moment.
For More Information
For more information about this store, visit their website at www.hamleys.com.
You can also contact them on 011 883 2870/1029/2267.
Also, don’t forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
XOXO Flowers
Tucked away at the Pick 'n Pay Court at Bedford Centre is an adorable flower stall. This flower stall crafts gorgeous bouquets using the finest, freshest flowers. The bouquets feature a multitude of flowers including elegant roses, uplifting sunflowers and eye catching carnations. So stop by the next time you're in the dog box or when you feel like spoiling that someone special.
Carrol Boyes
Artist and designer, Carrol Boyes may have just recently passed, but her memory lives on through her luxury designer ware. These include dinnerware, bake ware, serve ware, gift ware, accessories as well as unique items for the office, bathroom, living room and kitchen.
House and Haven
House and Haven offers boutique, luxury crafted home ware with an emphasis on style, quality and authenticity. And to truly make your home opulent and lavish, they also offer a fully comprehensive interior decorating service. With House and Haven, your house will become a splendid haven.
Dress and Dare
This boutique offers "chic and trendy, classic and simple, playful and sexy" women's clothing. They pride themselves on their timeless style where women of all ages can find something to make them feel confident and vibrant. This store also offers image and style consulting, for those looking for an extra special boost.
Silver Image
For the most exquisite silver jewellery, head over to Silver Image. Their range of bracelets, earrings, pendants, necklaces, rings, bangles and chains are all crafted from sterling silver and imported. While some pieces feature only silver, others include gorgeous semi-precious stones.
Techtronic
This technology and electronic store has everything you need, whether it's the latest trends, technology, cell phones, laptops or gadgets. Don't quite know what you're looking for? Have no worries. The qualified staff will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or queries you may have.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Planes, trains and automobiles has a wide variety of airplane, train, car and boat models, including diecast models. Their products cater to anyone from hobbyists to professionals, beginners to experts. They also offer specialised repair to these precious collectibles. Visit them to keep your prized collection in tip top shape.
Heroes of Games and Comics
This comic book store supplies all your superhero, villain and antihero needs. Items sold here include pop-culture items, apparel, video games, anime, trading cards, manga, comics, figurines and collectibles. Apparel for most brands can be found here, such as DC Comics, Marvel, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh.
Hamleys
Designed to bring the toy kingdom to life, Hamleys offers a huge range of dolls, soft toys, educational toys, games, puzzles, arts and crafts and children activities to delight the little ones. They also host a multitude of events in collaboration with the biggest names in the toy industry.
Exclusive Books
Bibliophiles will be at home at the Bedford Centre branch of Exclusive Books. Here, book lovers can find all their literature needs under one roof. Forage through their extensive selection of fiction, fantasy, crime, horror, Sci-Fi, romance, thriller, children's, cooking, autobiography and non-fiction books.
To find more on offer at Bedford Centre, read this article.
Contact details: Bedford Centre | 011 622 1840 | Cnr Smith & Van der Linde Rd, Bedfordview | [email protected] | https://www.bedfordcentre.com
Images sourced from Bedford Centre's website and Facebook page.
Eat
Mantovani's
Any place that has Pizza Tuesdays specials is our kind of place, and Mantovani's is such a place. This comfy, casual and family friendly restaurant offers nothing but the best in international and South African cuisine. Bring your friends and family over to enjoy a combination of great service, great value and an irresistible menu, offering something for everyone.
Piatto
It is a taste of good life, a natural extension of their philosophy of eating, drinking, laughing and spending quality time with friends and family, true, uninhibited joie de vivre (the joy of living). There is no way you won't enjoy this gem. Piatto is nestled in Eastgate's Food Court, offering you everything Italian, from pizza to pasta and meat to seafood.
Simply Asia
Grab your passports because we're going to Asia. But wait, no passports are needed because Eastgate has the best Thai food. If you fancy yourself some Thai food, this is the Thai dining experience your heart has been longing for. Their food is prepared for the gods by amazing chefs and the menu is packed with delicious dishes that satisfy a wide range of palates. They are also one of South Africa's favourite Thai food restaurants, so you know you're going to get the best of the best. See you at Simply Asia, fellas!
Plaka
Eastgate is giving us all the amazing cuisines under the sun, taking us from one country to the next with its delicious tastes. Plaka is one of the restaurants you need to visit. Come experience the best of Greek dining that fuses tradition with a new, contemporary freshness that is the young Greek style of today. Plaka was designed for you and your loved ones to experience the simplicity and unquestionable sophistication of pure Greek flavours, it's going to be a Greek party in your mouth, all right! So come check it out!
Primi Piatti
Primi Piatti is the home of foodies. Giving you the best in comfort food, these dishes will give you a hug from the inside. It's so delicious you'll have no choice but to share with friends and family. You can pop by anytime of the day and the food will be incredible; from mouthwatering breakfasts, to well deserved lunches after a long day and, of course, their hearty and delicious dinners.
Fashion and Retail Stores
From shoes and accessories to lingerie and clothing stores for everyone, they have everything you need under one roof. So, grab that purse and let's get shopping! Keeping up with the latest trends is easy at Eastgate, if you're into fashion and want something for every occasion, you won't have to look further. To see their fashion and other retail stores, check this out!
Entertainment And Points Of Interest
We've grabbed something to eat and went shopping, now to indulge in all the entertainment they have in stall. And here it is:
Movies At Eastgate
Experience movies like never before, right here at Eastgate. With their Ster-Kinekor and IMAX, they are showing movies with an exclusive vibe, amazing cinema setting and world class cinema experience. They also offer two lounge areas, exclusive for SK Club members. The SK Club lounge offers customers the perfect place to relax with family and friends, both before and after the movie, with catering offerings, including a range of Pizza Hut pizzas. At their new rooftop site, all ten cinemas feature the latest in digital projection technology, resulting in crystal clear images and perfect sounds. Catch the latest movies here!
Hamleys
Mom and dad, while you do your shopping around Eastgate be sure to pop by at Hamleys with the little ones. Enjoy train rides and cuddling up with some fluffy and cute stuffies. To Eastgate we go, check it out here!
Events
They have great events year round, from live music performances to car events. They will be hosting the Eastgate Goes Modified Auto Show, this July. As they are celebrating 40 years, Eastgate Shopping Center and Race Warz bring you a new style of auto shows. Where you will get to enjoy your shopping experience on a whole new level. While viewing, chatting and experiencing modified cars and bikes, accessories and merchandise will be available all week from 22 - 28 July 2019 with a great showcase taking place.
If there is one thing that could bring children happiness - it's a living toy story. And what fits this criteria better than Hamleys? This toy store is a world of imagination, where stuffed cuddly dreams come.
From the outside, this toy haven looks like we just stepped on London ground and is absolutely breathtaking upon entry.
The Love Of Toys...
Once upon a time, there was a man with an idea and a huge love for toys. He imagined a world where everything could be bigger and more fun than anything anyone had ever seen. On the streets of Cornwall in England something magical happened - a place where all kids and parents could be part of a reality like never before - Hamleys.
The one thing that made everything better, was the beautiful smiles of the children whose hearts where melted by all the characters and cuddly friends they met. Soon, this awesome world spread out to many other places to make a lot of children happy.
Hamleys Culture
The People
Hamleys aims to create a fun and inviting culture and ambience with jubilant and energetic staff who are able to make shopping at their stores an experience to remember. We won't forget the amazing assistants we met at this store.
The Store
It's a world full of magical and innovative ideas. The minute you set foot in the store - you will not want to leave. The stores have a warm and fuzzy atmosphere for the children. The environment is fun and enjoyable, it fact, it's almost addictive.
The Infamous Train
They have an exciting ride that the kids (and maybe even the adults) can enjoy. The Hamleys Express is a favourite to many. And they have awesome special deals like Tuesday 2 for the price of 1, check their Facebook page for promo availability.
Friends At The Ham...
Hamleys is filled with tons of things to choose from, not just for children but adults too, such as cool puzzles. They have a wide variety of toys and also boast a collection of kids' books and educational toys to help your children think bigger and smarter.
Just an added extra - they have lovely gifting items. As old as we are - our favourite has to be the soft stuffed toys, which are so comforting and warm. They also have great toys for the ultimate man cave.
Why Hamleys makes our heart smile?
Who wouldn't love to be in a little world full of magical experiences? This place is just awesome!
If there is one thing that could make a child feel great - it's a living toy story and more. What fits this criteria better than Hamleys? A world of imagination and where stuffed cuddly dreams come true for many children.
From the outside, this toy heaven looks like we just stepped on London ground and is absolutely breathtaking on entry.
The Love Of Toys...
Once upon a time, was a man with an idea - a huge love for toys and he imagined what could be bigger and fun than anything anyone has ever seen. On the streets of Cornwall in England became something magical, a place where all kids and parents could be part of a reality that no one has ever seen - Hamleys.
The one thing that made everything greater, were the beautiful smiles of the children whose hearts where melted by all the characters and cuddly friends they met and could convince their parents to buy. Soon, this awesome world spread out to many other places and a lot of children received the love.
Hamleys Culture
The People
Hamleys is about creating a culture that is in line with the kind of ambience they try to create, hiring jubilant and energetic people who are able to make shopping at their stores an experience to remember. I can bet, you won't forget the amazing assistants you will meet.
The Store
It's all about a world full of magical and innovative ideas, the minute you set foot in the store - you will not want to leave. The stores really allow the children to feel warm and fuzzy. The environment is fun and enjoyable - almost addictive.
The Infamous Train
They have an amazing ride that the kids (maybe the adults too) can enjoy. The Hamleys Express is a favourite to many, with special deals like Tuesday 2 for the price of 1 (check their Facebook page for promo availability).
Friends At The Ham...
Hamleys is filled with tons of things to choose from, not just for children but adults too such as cool puzzles. They have a wide variety and also boast with kids' books and educational toys that help your children think bigger and smarter.
Just an added extra - they have amazing gifting items. As old as I am - my favourite has to be the soft stuffed toys, they are so comforting and warm. They also have great toys for the ultimate man cave.
Why Hamleys makes our heart smile?
Who wouldn't love to be in a little world full of magical experiences? This place is just too awesome!
The finest toy shop in the world is now in South Africa!
Hamley’s Toys have got it all to take your little ones on an adventure they will love. With a range of over 15 000 toys, ranging from the traditional to high-tech, games and puzzles to arts and crafts, magic and the Luvley Boutique and tons of fluffy teddy bears, including the Hamley's Teddy Bear, Hamley's Toys are sure to delight both young and old.
Plus, your kids get to meet Hamley and Hattie Bear every weekend.
Have you been here? Rate and review your experience below!
Toy Zone
This specialist mega toy store (yes, mega) stocks everything your child would ever dream of playing with. In the boy's zone is an array of cars and action figures. Meanwhile, doll houses and karaoke sets can be found in the girl's zone. They also have a family zone and cyber zone with board games, TV and computer games, puzzles and so much more. They have numerous stores in Gauteng. Click here to find your nearest store.
The Toy Factory Shop
The Toy Factory Shop, as the name suggests, is a factory shop fully dedicated to the play needs of little ones. Branded toys from Barbie to Ben 10 and Disney can be found here. Not to mention a huge variety of iPod docks and electric scooters. They really have everything a youngster could want and it’s all far cheaper than commercial toy shops. The owner further assures us that the products are not damaged or imperfect in any way. The stock is all end-of-range and new. This means you get great toys at a considerably better price. You can thank us later.
Polly Potter's
Polly Potter's is a family fun business. Their toys are divided into age, gender, pretend play, arts and crafts, educational, puzzles, wooden toys, wheels and other. This way you are given a range that caters to your kids' specific toy needs. Polly Potter's also offers online shopping for your convenience.
Toys R Us
Toys R Us, well-known and trusted retailer available nationwide, offers a wide range of toy options in their different categories. They also frequently post hot deals and specials on their website. Be prepared, your kids won't want to leave the store once inside.
Babies R Us
Babies R Us is a division of Toys R Us, which specialises in merchandise and toys for babies and toddlers. You get everything from walkers and strollers, to soft rattle toys and wooden building blocks – just in case you have a little architect on your hands.
Hamleys
Founded by William Hamley in 1760, Hamleys has a reputation for delivering only the finest quality toys for kids. Their stores are a child's paradise, offering wish fulfillment deluxe. The store is also well known internationally and its branches in South Africa can be found in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Splurge on your kids in this wonderland.
Toy Kingdom
Toy Kindgom describe their stores as fantasy wonderlands. With every item your prince and princess could ever want under their roof, they're exactly that. Take a browse through Baby Boulevard (with items for 0–24-month-old's), girls and boys sections, Lego Lane, Barbie House, Princess Place and Soldier Street. Every one of their five stores is unique. We encourage you to visit each spot to find the one you – and your little one – love most.
Toy Adventures - Pretoria
What started as a small family-run store in 2009 selling only Lego, has now grown into three well-loved toy stores in Pretoria and Centurion. Toy Adventures' focus is on quality toys that give good value for money. They stokc all major brands including Lego, Playmobil, Top Model, Burago and many more. They’ve since expanded into e-commerce, stocking over 6000 products. Check out their online store, as they offer free door-to-door delivery for orders over R499. Find them at Byls Bridge Promenade in Centurion, and Grove Mall and Irene Village Mall in Pretoria.
Remember that our "Top Picks" are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.