Shopping: Great specialist shops, cheap/factory shops and more!

Books & Toys

Einsteinz Toy Box at Leichhardt, 330 Norton Road - Phone: 9569 8788. (See also under "Inner West" category). Toys & books are sold here for each stage of development by specially trained staff. They also run workshops & have a mailing list.

Casey's Toyworld at Erina, next door to Amaze 'N' Play (see Central Coast). A massive shop the size of any Toys R Us with a lot more service and better prices. The have a kid's play area so you can look around for what Santa is bringing without them knowing! There is also a train enthusiasts area at the back with 2 trains on display set up with their own little town; this is in a clear plastic case, just press the button for the train to go. The staff are helpful, bargains are placed at the front of the shop - if you're in the area make this a definate place to stop!!!

Richard's Old BookShop at The Entrance, 130A The Entrance Road (bright blue building) - Phone: 02 4332 2743. Open from 9am to 5.30pm 7 days. Great looking for those out-of-print books that you read as a kid, grab something for yourself at the same time! Reviewed by Bettibeetle 29/4/2000

Clothes for kids

Craft

Reverse Garbage at Marrickville & Casula. Craft supplies very cheap! Offcuts and recyclables from factories sold direct to the public. Great for creative kids & mums, and great for playgroups! Classes, both in-house and at childcare centres, community centres etc also available. Marrickville Addison Road Community Centre, 8/142 Addison Road - Phone: 9569 3132, Casula Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Casula Road, Casula - Phone 9600 9291

Discount Shopping Areas

Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne, Cary Street. Has great bargains for all the family. For the kids there are several discount designer clothing shops, and a Clarks Shoes Factory Outlet (great for the kids). You'll find stuff for mums, teenagers, dads. There's a Spotlight store there, as well as other homewear and giftware shops. Open 7 days a week. Reviewed by Bettibeetle 10/4/2000