Last minute shopping before Christmas: our top 5 toy and game stores to find the perfect gift for your children in Montpellier

Gifts not by the thousands but well found. Illustration Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Here we go for the final stretch of gifts. Even if Santa Claus takes care of most of them, you still have to find the ideal toy to please. For that, here is a small selection of specialized shops that could be useful a few days before the big day.

It's not always easy to find the gift to put under the tree… Especially when you're a little behind on Christmas shopping. So you might as well save time. To do this, here is a list of small stores where everyone can be guided and find the perfect toy or game to offer.

1. The institution par excellence: Pomme de Reinette and Pomme d’Api

Alain Simon with the stuffed animal made by his daughter. Midi Libre – Tanya Contreras

This is the place to go. The two shops that form a single entity on rue de l’Aiguillerie are part of Montpellier’s heritage. It must be said that when Alain Simon created this store with his wife Françoise in 1972, he was not even 20 years old. “We wanted something that would be as beautiful as possible for our children and for other people’s children.”

And for 52 years,the profusion of small objects related to childhood continues to grow. The shop is structured around several universes, each composed with the greatest care. The pilgrimage is sometimes difficult because there is so much to see. Like a real museum, a cavern of a thousand wonders and even more…

Each toy, accessory, game… is chosen, selected with care. “Everyone has their own little story.” So beyond finding the nugget that will delight for Christmas, those who enter the store will dive into a dreamlike, poetic world, filled with sweetness and tenderness.

“My goal is to take all those who want to dream into different universes”, confides the man who can be proud of the mission accomplished because he has known over the years, to put lots of stars in the eyes of children over several generations. And this Christmas will be no exception, once again.

Pomme de Reinette and Pomme d’Api, 33 rue de l’Aiguillerie. Prices from 0.50 euros per small bell.

2. The tenderness experience: the stuffed animal workshop

With Jérôme, the child makes his own stuffed animal. Midi Libre – L.D.

“Here, it's magic: the stuffed animal comes to life when you fill it.” The concept is both original and unique in France. At the Atelier de la peluche, you don't come to buy a “doudou”, but to live an experience. And not just any experience. With Jérôme's help, you can create your own soft toy in his boutique specializing in tenderness for almost 15 years now.

After choosing “your future friend” from a wide range on offer, you move on to filling “with a magic foam”. The teddy bear or other animal takes shape before the child's astonished eyes. “We bring it to life by adding a little heart inside in a secret pocket,” explains Jérôme with great mischief. Then it will be possible to dress it up or not with accessories. All that's left to do is get your ID and leave with your stuffed animal and the memory of this moment.

And for Christmas, the good idea is to slip a gift card under the tree to come and make your “doudou” after the holidays… A gift and an activity at the same time.

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L’Atelier de la peluche, 8 rue Jacques-d’Aragon. Prices start at 18 euros per stuffed animal.

3. Santa's Daughter's Lair: Pinocchio's Attic

Cindy Noël among her toys. Midi Libre – L. D.

When you are predestined, you sometimes have to let yourself be guided. So when you have a family name like Noël, why not specialize in toys? That's what Cindy Noël did – and no, you couldn't make it up – twelve years ago (on 12/12/2012) by opening her “attic” with its many treasures.

Once you've walked through the door, a wonderful world dedicated to little ones almost comes to life before the eyes of children and parents alike. Each section of the store is thought out and, above all, “I try to put everything in context”, explains the one who could well be Santa's daughter.

The figurines are not stacked in boxes but arranged, the babies are in the nursery, hot air balloons hanging in the air give the impression of flying… Not to mention the visit to the grocery corner which is more real than life and which could make the shelves of some supermarkets pale with all its stalls.

And Cindy doesn't offer just any toy. “I leave nothing to chance, I do a big pre-selection from the start.” Quality, robustness, fine details… everything is taken into account. “To consume less but better. Beautiful products while being affordable to make children dream.”

At the Grenier de Pinocchio 16 rue du petit Saint-Jean. Prices from 2 euros for a small chip.

4. The reference in board games: Lud’m

Pierre Ponce will find the right game for every situation. Midi Libre – Tanya Contreras

Board game stores have been proliferating in Montpellier for years. Among them, Lud’m is one of the references. It must be said that at the controls of the store full to bursting with games of all kinds, Pierre Ponce keeps a close eye on things. For almost 21 years, he has carefully selected the products he will offer. “It's fabulous, there have never been so many new games in France, then you have to choose them carefully…”

This former artificial intelligence engineer who originally created video games, dropped everything to set up his store with the aim of showing that games were accessible to everyone “and not just for geeks”, he confides with a wink. Now young and especially big children find their happiness in his den to find something to entertain themselves with.

Lud'm, 5 rue de l'Ancien-Courrier, (on the corner with rue du Bras de Fer). Prices start at 5 euros with nanogames.

5. For lovers of small cars: Au Temps de la miniature

Laurent Sims, the enthusiast who will guide you… Midi Libre – Tanya Contreras

“I'm like Obelix, who fell into it when I was little.” With a face full of good nature, Laurent Sims sketches a smile surrounded by thousands of cars miniatures.

For 33 years, he has made his passion his job. In his shop on rue Saint-Guilhem, collectors and players follow one another to find the little car that will make them dream.

And the choice is more than varied. But don't panic, Laurent knows everything about cars and will be able to guide whoever enters his shop. “We don't only have children…”, he jokes. Quite the opposite. “And there are more and more female collectors thanks to Formula 1.”

Not to mention those who want their own model car. “But we don't always have the color requested.” So she sometimes repaints them with the required shade…

Au Temps de la Miniature 15 rue Saint-Guilhem. Prices start at 7 euros for a small car.