Geppetto's Workshop

by Brook Powell (subscribe)

Christmas shopping is insane at times. We head to the shopping centres with our heads spinning and our hearts racing. Will we be able to get everything? Where's the list? What else is here? I don't know about you but I find it all a bit stressful. This year I headed up to Sassafras in the Dandenong Ranges for a look. I wanted a coffee at Ripe, tea from Tealeaves and a wander down a village street. I was not disappointed I did so.

In a world where electronics rule the roost for kids' presents, to walk into Geppetto's Workshop took my breath away.




The puppets are all handmade and come from either the UK, where they are made by one man who even sews the clothes, or the Czech Republic. These are heirloom toys - or even gifts for grown ups.



There are Babushkas from Russia - that should actually be called Matryoshka dolls as that is the translation for 'Russian Doll' - and trucks from Germany as well as wooden lucky charms and hand painted figurines from Japan.



My son was with me and found himself at the kinetic sand pit for quite some time. It was delightful looking through a room stuffed full of toys, tricks and creations from all over the world. The theme seems to be that they are made with care, talent and true craftsmanship. In our fast, disposable life this place is a piece of magic. It's now permanently on my shopping list for birthdays, Christmas and the occasional trip to be reminded what it feels like to be filled with childhood wonder.

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Why? Fill yourself with childhood wonder

Phone: 03 9755 3300

Website: geppettosworkshop.com.au/sassafras

Where: 371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras

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