Mother and father (or soon-to-be mother and father like me) can be very conscious that Christmas is looming, ominous jingle bells and all. Should you’re decided to make your presents one-of-a-kind, and you’ve got youngsters who’re obsessive about Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing or different gaming-related franchises, it’s price contemplating a go to to Europe’s first Nintendo pop-up retailer in London’s Westfield buying centre, Shepherd’s Bush.
Sometimes, you’d should go to Japan or the US to discover a Nintendo retailer, with 5 in complete positioned in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, New York and San Francisco. And I can let you know that followers will love them. My husband and I truly misplaced complete afternoons of our honeymoon in Asia within the first two shops… and on the time we have been solely trying out the wares for ourselves.
A number of months and one being pregnant later and I’m again once more – however this time I’m searching with a child in thoughts.
Whereas the London pop-up isn’t fairly as large as those I visited in Japan, there’s nonetheless a superb vary of stuff to mull over. My hour in there handed in a flash.
All of the Nintendo shops inventory unique merch – some gadgets will be bought on-line, however not every thing. So, when you’re seeking to make your fellow guardian associates envious (I can’t blame you), or wish to use your youngsters as an excuse to purchase geeky merch (I positively encourage you) and are searching for inspiration, right here’s what I ended up shopping for.
What I purchased at a mum-to-be on the London Nintendo pop-up retailer
I purchased a complete of 5 gadgets. Whereas a few of these gadgets price greater than non-brand equivalents, you’re paying for quirky designs – and I’m pleased with the standard of every thing I bought.
I’m at present seven months pregnant with my first child, who can be indoctrinated into the cult of Nintendo whether or not they prefer it or not. Because it’ll be some time earlier than my youngster can use among the toys, garments and video games that have been in retailer, I bought just a little inventive with my buying bag – some gadgets are for Child Toad (our child’s nickname, impressed by the screeching Nintendo character), and a few are for us as mother and father, with practicality in thoughts. Or a minimum of, that’s how I’m justifying it.
Animal Crossing Townscape Face Towel – £12.99
I’m totally ready to undergo a heap of muslin garments and flannels with a teeny tiny human who possets and poops till the cows come dwelling. So, why not add a very cute one to the gathering? Plus, so far as I can inform, this could’t be purchased on-line, so when you’re visiting in particular person, it’s a should.
This towel is decked out within the aesthetically pleasing pastels attribute of New Horizons, and options some acquainted faces resembling Isabelle, Blathers and Celeste, plus iconic buildings out of your island resembling Resident Providers and the Museum. It’s additionally an honest measurement in contrast with a bog-standard flannel.
It’s delicate, light-weight, and may simply roll all the way down to be saved away. There’s additionally a bigger blue seaside towel accessible, if you would like just a little one thing to dry off your tyke throughout their first swimming classes (I’m now barely regretting not getting that as effectively).
Animal Crossing is a title that’s excessive on my record as I introduce my youngster to the world of gaming, so I see this as getting a head begin.
Tremendous Mario Block Storage Field – £17.99
Is your own home overflowing with toys? Mine is, and Child Toad hasn’t even made their debut but. Properly, storage cubes are a marvellous factor. They’ll match neatly onto cabinets from the likes of IKEA and B&Q, or be tucked away in a nook or in opposition to a wall. However who says they should be boring?
The London Nintendo pop-up retailer has three to select from: a blue POW field, a traditional Mario Query Mark block in yellow, or (probably the most delicate, and the one I opted for) a brown, brick-style block. It hints splendidly at nerdy issues. Those that know will know, and those that don’t will simply assume you like DIY or one thing.
It measures roughly 31 × 31 × 31cm, and folds down flat. It additionally has a lid, so grabby little arms can’t simply dive in and root round – effectively, very younger youngsters gained’t be capable of, a minimum of.
Better of all, they’re appropriate for a large age vary, all the way in which as much as youngsters who want a spot for his or her research supplies or, effectively, something actually.
Should you can’t make it to London, you should purchase this one from the Nintendo on-line retailer.
Sleeping Kirby toy – £16.99
I’ve already bought an honest assortment of toys for Child Toad, however this sleepy Kirby was one I couldn’t resist. It might technically solely be appropriate for ages 3+, however till then it may be a comfortable nursery ornament to offer the room restful, bedtime vibes.
It’s squishy in comparison with among the different plushies that have been accessible for buy, which is what made me go for it. Most of the others can be extra appropriate for older youngsters who aren’t inclined to chunk and chew each artificial accent or appendage they see.
Nevertheless, when you’re not the largest fan of the pink blob, this Nintendo retailer has an entire vary of toys – together with some uncommon gadgets resembling Marshsal from Animal Crossing, a Korok that doubles up as a small bag and lots extra.
Selfridges additionally has this toy accessible on-line when you can’t make it to Shepherd’s Bush.
Tom Nook’s Aloha Shirt from Animal Crossing: New Horizons – £26.99
I do know what you’re pondering: “You stated your purchases have been sensible!” – however imagine me, there may be technique to my insanity.
As I’ve progressively grown to the scale of a home all through being pregnant, I’ve turn out to be much less and fewer inclined to put on something with a waistband – particularly at evening once I fall asleep. My poor tummy simply can’t deal with it, particularly when Child Toad decides to have a dance celebration simply as I’m drifting off to sleep.
Nighties are really useful for the latter levels of being pregnant because of this, and are additionally advisable for the quick postpartum interval – particularly in case you have a C-section. I hadn’t but purchased one, so I made a decision to get this shirt with the traditional ACNH leaf print in an XXL. It will possibly double up as a snug one-piece to rot in round the home.
It’s delicate and breathable, it has buttons all the way in which down which is a should for breastfeeding. On this very outsized match, it ought to skirt my bump (which different beforehand large t-shirts simply can’t anymore) to cowl my thighs. Positive, I appear like I’m an enormous fan of arguably the largest capitalist villain in the entire of Nintendo, however I’m fairly pleased with my creativity on this purchase.
Higher but, it’s additionally accessible on Nintendo’s web site.
Foldable Nintendo Tote Bag – £3.99
Should you’re on a price range and don’t wish to spend over £80 as I did on the Nintendo London pop-up retailer, you don’t have to.
Situated proper by the checkouts, this little foldable tote is an inexpensive and cheerful buy and I assure that you just (or your youngster) will make use of it. I can’t let you know what number of instances one in every of these packable baggage has saved my bacon once I’ve executed a spontaneous meals store whereas out and about.
It’s completed in that daring Nintendo crimson, and contains the London emblem – so it’s technically a uncommon, limited-edition merchandise that you could be even be capable of promote on sooner or later for a small fortune (no guarantees).
With all my purchases, I bought a ridiculously massive cardboard bag that I didn’t want, as every thing may slot in my suitcase – however the place’s the enjoyable in that? Nintendo additionally threw in a free 2025 journal, which I can be flicking by means of this night.
Different nice items for youths on the London Nintendo pop-up retailer
All my buys have been associated to being pregnant and early babyhood. Should you’re searching for items for older youngsters, relaxation assured there’s a lot to sift by means of.
On the garments entrance, there are a great deal of youngsters’ choices, with t-shirts, jackets, caps, shirts, baggage and keyrings. One which stood out (most likely as a result of it’s hilariously hideous) is that this Diddy Kong fleece. It’ll definitely hold you heat, and also you gained’t lose your youngster simply in the event that they’re sporting this monstrosity.
Hannah Cowton-Barnes/Foundry
Potential stocking fillers embody baggage tags, pencil instances which can be excellent for varsity, coin purses and a variety of taking part in playing cards – I used to be very almost tempted by a Zelda set (see beneath), however it didn’t fairly match my strict mum standards (that is how I justify dropping over eighty smackers).
As talked about, plushies are in abundance, as are cushions and blankets for dwelling furnishings. The large, beanbag-style mushroom cushion will virtually definitely be a bestseller, and I used to be additionally a fan of the Donkey Kong barrel which you’ll be able to stick your arm by means of. The Mario mugs and plates have been additionally nice – the latter are plastic, so perfect for clumsy youthful youngsters.
Lastly, for the avid gamers there are bodily recreation playing cards, Swap 2 equipment and lots of Amiibos for collectors on the market.
How can I go to London’s Nintendo pop-up retailer?
The shop is open from tomorrow, 22 October 2025 till 16 November 2025 in Shepherd’s Bush Westfield. However there’s a catch.
To go to in the course of the first week, you’ll want a ticket, and these are sadly now offered out. Should you haven’t already snagged one, you may queue for entry from 27 October 2025.
For reference, the Nintendo pop-up store is straight reverse the Lego Retailer on the bottom flooring, and the closest tube station is Shepherd’s Bush Market. Bathrooms and merchandising machines are positioned proper close by, when you’re making an extended trek for this as I did.