ÔTIPI, the unusual toy store for fun, workshops and snacks

In the 15th arrondissement, on the edge of the 7th, on avenue de Saxe, you'll find an original toy store that doesn't just sell children's games, but offers a whole experience around them. It's ÔTIPI, the brainchild ofAurélie and Valentine, two passionate moms who have created a space that has become a must in the neighborhood.

• To be read
• Cinema: discover the family films to see near you right now
• Paris for families, outings and activities to do with children
• Moi & mes enfants, a one-stop shop for single-parent families in the 13th arrondissement

Dolls, masquerade costume, wooden games, books, plush toys... the store is packed withgift ideas for all ages, from toddlers to grown-ups. However, the store is divided into three parts, and is not limited to being "just" a toy store. There's also the café corner at the back, where you can sip a hot drink - cappuccino, hot chocolate, latte, elongated, teas - or enjoy a nice slice of chocolate or citrus marble cake, "the regulars' favorites" according to Aurélie, homemade and delivered daily by a freelance Parisian pastry chef.

This is where you'll find self-service play equipment, including play mats for toddlers, a circuit of toy trains for all ages, and a table where you can discover one of the store's games... "Valentine and I wanted to create a local toy store that would above all become a place to live," says Aurélie, one of the two partners, who is joined by Valentine in saying that they would have loved to have seen such an initiative during their respective maternity leaves.

Prior to this, Aurélie worked at L'Oréal, then left everything behind to embark on the ÔTIPI adventure with Valentine, in 2021. As for Valentine, she was already offering workshops to families in Paris, with Matriochka, the concept she created and continued to develop withinÔTIPI. The two of them complement each other well, forming a solid team that has since grown considerably. Émilie is now also part ofÔTIPI, joined by Sandrine and Clémence, who offer workshops. Here, each has her own strengths, which are amply demonstrated in the day-to-day running of the business. Émilie is the queen of window displays, Sandrine has tons of ideas for creative workshops for children... And each offers different activities for children aged 0 to 8. Theater, baby painting, baby yoga, musical awakening... Count on between €12 and €25 per workshop, if you take them in fidelity booklets of several classes.

Above all, ÔTIPI is the place to come for a snack while trying out a new game, to meet other moms and parents, and to exchange doctors' contacts and local tips. Some families even make the trip to attendÔTIPI workshops, celebratetheir children's birthdays in the store, or take advantage of the courses on offer during the vacations.