Dad and mom (or soon-to-be dad and mom like me) will probably be very conscious that Christmas is looming, ominous jingle bells and all. In case you’re decided to make your presents one-of-a-kind, and you’ve got children who’re obsessive about Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing or different gaming-related franchises, it’s value contemplating a go to to Europe’s first Nintendo pop-up retailer in London’s Westfield buying centre, Shepherd’s Bush.
Sometimes, you’d need to go to Japan or the US to discover a Nintendo retailer, with 5 in whole positioned in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, New York and San Francisco. And I can inform you that followers will love them. My husband and I really misplaced entire 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 huge as those I visited in Japan, there’s nonetheless vary of stuff to mull over. My hour in there handed in a flash.
All of the Nintendo shops inventory unique merch – some objects may be bought on-line, however not the whole lot. So, in the event you’re seeking to make your fellow mother or father buddies 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 on the lookout 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 objects. Whereas a few of these objects value greater than non-brand equivalents, you’re paying for quirky designs – and I’m proud of the standard of the whole lot I bought.
I’m presently seven months pregnant with my first child, who will probably 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 a number of the toys, garments and video games that have been in retailer, I bought a bit inventive with my buying bag – some objects are for Child Toad (our child’s nickname, impressed by the screeching Nintendo character), and a few are for us as dad and mom, with practicality in thoughts. Or not less than, 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 house. So, why not add a very cute one to the gathering? Plus, so far as I can inform, this will’t be purchased on-line, so in the event 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 Companies and the Museum. It’s additionally an honest dimension in contrast with a bog-standard flannel.
It’s comfortable, light-weight, and may simply roll right down to be saved away. There’s additionally a bigger blue seashore towel accessible, in order for you a bit 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 checklist 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. Effectively, 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 towards a wall. However who says they need to 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 refined, 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 suppose you’re keen on DIY or one thing.
It measures roughly 31 × 31 × 31cm, and folds down flat. It additionally has a lid, so grabby little palms can’t simply dive in and root round – effectively, very younger youngsters received’t be capable to, not less than.
Better of all, they’re appropriate for a large age vary, all the best way as much as youngsters who want a spot for his or her examine supplies or, effectively, something actually.
In case you can’t make it to London, you may buy this one from the Nintendo online store.
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 could technically solely be appropriate for ages 3+, however till then it may be a comfy nursery ornament to provide the room restful, bedtime vibes.
It’s squishy in comparison with a number of the different plushies that have been accessible for buy, which is what made me go for it. Most of the others will probably be extra appropriate for older youngsters who aren’t inclined to chunk and chew each artificial accent or appendage they see.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re not the largest fan of the pink blob, this Nintendo retailer has an entire vary of toys – together with some uncommon objects 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 in the event 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 considering: “You stated your purchases have been sensible!” – however imagine me, there’s methodology to my insanity.
As I’ve progressively grown to the dimensions of a home all through being pregnant, I’ve turn into much less and fewer inclined to put on something with a waistband – particularly at night time once I fall asleep. My poor tummy simply can’t deal with it, particularly when Child Toad decides to have a dance get together simply as I’m drifting off to sleep.
Nighties are advisable for the latter phases of being pregnant because of this, and are additionally advisable for the speedy postpartum interval – particularly when you’ve got 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 might probably double up as a snug one-piece to rot in round the home.
It’s comfortable and breathable, it has buttons all the best way down which is a should for breastfeeding. On this very outsized match, it ought to skirt my bump (which different beforehand huge t-shirts simply can’t anymore) to cowl my thighs. Positive, I appear to be I’m an enormous fan of arguably the largest capitalist villain in the entire of Nintendo, however I’m fairly proud of my creativity on this purchase.
Higher but, it’s additionally accessible on Nintendo’s website.
Foldable Nintendo Tote Bag – £3.99
In case 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 must.
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 inform you what number of occasions one among these packable luggage has saved my bacon once I’ve achieved a spontaneous meals store whereas out and about.
It’s completed in that daring Nintendo purple, and contains the London brand – so it’s technically a uncommon, limited-edition merchandise that you could be even be capable to 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 the whole lot may slot in my suitcase – however the place’s the enjoyable in that? Nintendo additionally threw in a free 2025 journal, which I will probably be flicking by means of this night.
Different nice items for teenagers on the London Nintendo pop-up retailer
All my buys have been associated to being pregnant and early babyhood. In case you’re on the lookout for items for older children, relaxation assured there’s loads to sift by means of.
On the garments entrance, there are a great deal of children’ choices, with t-shirts, jackets, caps, shirts, luggage and keyrings. One which stood out (in all probability as a result of it’s hilariously hideous) is that this Diddy Kong fleece. It’ll definitely maintain you heat, and also you received’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 circumstances which might be excellent for varsity, coin purses and a spread of enjoying playing cards – I used to be very practically tempted by a Zelda set (see beneath), but it surely 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 house furnishings. The enormous, beanbag-style mushroom cushion will nearly 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 best for clumsy youthful youngsters.
Lastly, for the avid gamers there are bodily sport playing cards, Swap 2 equipment and plenty 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 through the first week, you’ll want a ticket, and these are sadly now offered out. In case you haven’t already snagged one, you may queue for entry from 27 October 2025.
For reference, the Nintendo pop-up store is immediately reverse the Lego Retailer on the bottom ground, and the closest tube station is Shepherd’s Bush Market. Bathrooms and merchandising machines are positioned proper close by, in the event you’re making a protracted trek for this as I did.
