Set in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, Geppetto’s Workshop is known as that iconic and experiential “toy store on the mountain”. The stores are fantasy and European themed and stock the very best toys from over 30 countries.
Geppetto’s Workshop is renowned for keeping Australia’s largest range of exotic European marionettes and hand puppets with over 400 character and animal puppets in stock across their two stores. Their staff are trained specialists in traditional and wooden toys making a visit to Geppetto’s Workshop a genuinely magical experience. Visitors are welcome to try the hand-carved marionettes and be shown how to make them dance and walk with help from experienced staff.
Geppetto’s Workshop is essentially a curated toy and puppet store, much like a gallery where every item has been chosen carefully to deliver quality, value, durability and experience. Most importantly, the team look for toys that will last and can ideally be handed down and repaired over the life of the toy. Ideally, as a toy ages, its value increases as the children mature and memories are made. They attempt to supply toys that people will retain for life; the ones they keep for their own children.
The vast range of toys, puppets and collectibles includes genuine Russian matryoshka (nesting dolls), vintage Japanese Kokeshi, French timber building blocks, Ukrainian terracotta building sets, Ravenburger puzzles, English Charlie Bears, German Clemens Bears, Spanish Miniland vinyl dolls, German Bruder vehicles and the finest Little Gems fairy dresses. Categories include puppetry, dress-ups, snow globes, music boxes, educational toys, tin toys, jack-in-the-boxes, kaleidoscopes, games, puzzles, construction, nursery, bath/beach/sandpit toys and novelties … yes, they keep slimes, goos, putties and whoopee cushions as well.
The two Geppetto’s Workshop stores are located at 371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Sassafras and 25 Olinda-Monbulk Road in Olinda. For more information, find Geppetto’s Workshop on Facebook or visit www.geppettosworkshop.com.au.
