This Ohio Toy Shop Is Filled With Childhood Favorites You Forgot Existed
Remember that action figure you begged your parents for every birthday? The one you played with until the paint wore off and the joints got loose?
I found a whole store full of those memories tucked into a colorful storefront in the Short North district in Columbus, Ohio. Every inch of wall space bursts with toys from decades past, from Star Wars figures still in their original packaging to Smurfs glasses from the early 1980s.
The aisles overflow with nostalgia, and the staff knows the story behind nearly every item on the shelves. I spent hours browsing through treasures I thought were lost to garage sales and childhood moves.
Finally, I left with armfuls of forgotten favorites that instantly transported me back to Saturday morning cartoons and summer afternoons.
A Portal Back to Childhood at 672 N High St
The moment you round the corner onto High Street, you know you’ve found something special. Bright colors spill from the windows, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the owner’s toy-covered car parked out front.
Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys sits at 672 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, in the heart of the Short North Arts District. The shop opened its doors years ago with a simple mission: preserve the joy of childhood through toys that defined generations.
Inside, every surface tells a story. Shelves climb to impossibly high ceilings, packed with action figures, board games, and collectibles from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
The store earned its 4.9-star rating through a combination of reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff, and an inventory that seems to expand every time you visit.
Hours run from 11 AM to 7 PM on Thursdays, with similar schedules throughout the week. Street parking can be tricky, but a paid garage sits about a block away, making the trip worthwhile for anyone seeking a dose of nostalgia in Ohio.
Star Wars Treasures That Span Generations
Collectors travel from across Ohio specifically for the Star Wars section. Figures from the original Kenner line share space with Power of the Force releases and modern Black Series collectibles.
One visitor found a rare piece to complete a set he’d been building for years. Another discovered a childhood favorite he thought was gone forever, sold at a garage sale decades ago.
The selection rotates constantly as collectors trade in pieces and new inventory arrives.
Prices remain remarkably fair compared to online marketplaces. Staff members can tell you the production year, rarity, and backstory of nearly every figure on the shelves.
They’ve helped parents introduce their children to the same toys they cherished growing up.
The collection includes vehicles, playsets, and accessories alongside the figures themselves. Everything from X-Wings to various playsets makes appearances.
Whether you’re hunting for investment pieces or reconnecting with childhood memories, the Star Wars section delivers exactly what fans hope to find.
Marvel Heroes Line Every Available Space
Spider-Man swings alongside the Hulk, while X-Men figures from multiple toy lines create a mutant army across several shelves. The Marvel collection rivals the Star Wars section in both size and variety.
Figures span from Mego classics through Toy Biz releases and into modern Hasbro Marvel Legends. Some still wear their original packaging, pristine after decades in storage.
Others show the wear of being loved and played with, which somehow makes them more appealing.
One collector visits every few months specifically to hunt for pieces to add to his Marvel collection. He mentioned never knowing what surprises await him, which keeps the hobby exciting and makes each visit feel fresh.
The staff understands the nuances between different production runs and can point collectors toward the specific versions they’re seeking. They’ve reunited countless fans with the exact figure they had as a child, down to the right costume variation and accessories.
The reasonable pricing means building a collection doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage.
Funko Pops for Modern Collectors
Not everything here comes from decades past. The Funko Pop section caters to contemporary collectors while maintaining the store’s commitment to fun and affordability.
Rows of the distinctive vinyl figures cover characters from every imaginable franchise. Some are common releases you’d find anywhere, but others are convention exclusives, retired designs, and hard-to-find variants that send collectors into happy frenzies.
The selection changes rapidly as Funko releases new designs and collectors trade in pieces they no longer want. Staff members track which figures are gaining value and can advise buyers on potential investment pieces versus purely decorative purchases.
Mixing modern collectibles with vintage toys creates an interesting dynamic. Parents browsing for their own childhood favorites often pick up a Pop figure for their kids, creating a shared collecting experience across generations.
The store proves that nostalgia isn’t just about the past; it’s about the joy of collecting and displaying things that make you smile, regardless of when they were made.
Retro Candy That Tastes Like Yesterday
Candy cigarettes, wax bottles, and candy necklaces share shelf space with PEZ dispensers and retro chocolate bars. The candy selection focuses on treats that transport you back to childhood summers and corner store visits.
One reviewer specifically praised the freshness of the Mike and Ikes, noting that even the candy receives the same attention to quality as the toys themselves. Nothing sits on shelves long enough to get stale or lose its flavor.
The selection includes both individual pieces perfect for trying something new and bulk options for parties or events. Nostalgic candy makes excellent additions to gift bags or serves as conversation starters at gatherings where guests span multiple generations.
Some visitors come specifically for the candy, drawn by memories of treats they haven’t seen in years. Others discover it while browsing for toys and leave with both.
The combination of toys and candy recreates the experience of childhood shopping trips when you’d beg for both and somehow convince your parents to say yes to at least one.
My Little Ponies in Every Generation
Rainbow manes and colorful bodies fill an entire section dedicated to ponies from multiple generations. The collection spans from original G1 ponies through modern releases, appealing to collectors who grew up with different versions.
Some ponies still have their original accessories, from tiny combs to saddles and wing attachments. Others are loose figures available at prices that make starting or expanding a collection accessible for everyone.
The condition varies from mint to well-loved, and the staff can explain the differences between generations to help buyers find exactly what they’re seeking. They’ve helped countless collectors complete sets they started decades ago or find specific ponies they remember from childhood.
Parents introducing their children to the ponies they loved growing up discover that the magic transcends generations. The simple joy of brushing synthetic manes and creating stories remains as compelling today as it was in the 1980s.
The section proves that some toys never really go out of style; they just wait patiently for new fans to discover them.
Board Games and Puzzles for Cozy Nights
Classic board games line shelves from floor to ceiling, their box art instantly recognizable to anyone who spent rainy afternoons playing with siblings or friends. Some are complete with all original pieces, while others are vintage boxes that serve as decorative reminders of simpler entertainment.
Puzzles range from simple children’s designs to complex 1000-piece challenges featuring artwork from decades past. One customer bought a puzzle as part of a birthday gift package and reported it was a huge hit.
The selection includes games you’d expect and obscure titles that spark memories you didn’t know you still had. Staff members can verify whether games are complete or missing pieces, saving buyers from disappointment when they get home.
Modern families rediscovering analog entertainment find these vintage games offer something screens cannot: tactile interaction and face-to-face competition. The prices make it easy to stock a game closet with options for every age and interest.
One visit might net you enough entertainment to fill an entire winter of family game nights.
Magic Tricks and Novelty Items
Whoopee cushions, fake vomit, and disappearing ink bring the classic joke shop experience back to life. The novelty section celebrates the timeless appeal of harmless pranks and simple magic tricks that amazed audiences before YouTube tutorials revealed every secret.
Magic sets range from beginner tricks perfect for young aspiring magicians to more complex illusions that challenge even experienced performers. The selection includes both vintage items and modern reproductions of classic tricks.
Staff members occasionally demonstrate tricks for curious shoppers, bringing the products to life in ways that online shopping can never replicate. Their enthusiasm for even the simplest tricks reminds visitors that magic is about wonder, not sophistication.
Parents appreciate finding the same jokes and tricks they used to pull on their own siblings, now available to teach a new generation the art of the harmless prank. The novelty section proves that some forms of fun are truly timeless, requiring nothing more than a willing victim and good timing to create laughter that echoes through the years.
Friendly Staff Who Know Their Inventory
Every review mentions the staff’s exceptional knowledge and genuine friendliness. They’re not just employees; they’re fellow enthusiasts who understand the emotional connection people have with these toys.
When one customer accidentally left paperwork behind, a staff member chased them down several blocks to return it. That level of service goes far beyond typical retail expectations and creates loyal customers who return repeatedly.
The team answers questions about toy history, production details, and current market values without making anyone feel rushed or ignorant. They’ve helped nervous collectors spend their carefully saved allowance money and assisted serious collectors hunting for specific rare pieces.
Trinity and Bobby, mentioned by name in several reviews, exemplify the store’s approach to customer service. They treat every visitor like a valued guest, whether someone spends five dollars or five hundred.
Their patience with the crowds of music fans who visit because of the store’s appearance in a music video shows professionalism and grace. The staff makes Big Fun more than just a store; they make it an experience worth repeating.
A Twenty One Pilots Pilgrimage Site
The band Twenty One Pilots filmed their “Choker” music video at Big Fun, turning the already popular shop into a pilgrimage site for fans. Visitors from across the country stop by to see where their favorite artists once stood.
The store handles the attention gracefully, welcoming fans while maintaining the shopping experience for regular customers. Staff members answer questions about the filming and pose for photos without complaint, even during busy concert weekends when lines form outside.
One fan who visited during a concert weekend praised how the store managed the crowds while ensuring neighboring businesses weren’t negatively impacted. That consideration for the community shows character and respect.
The music video connection introduces younger generations to the joy of vintage toy collecting. Fans who initially visit for band-related reasons often leave as newly minted collectors, having discovered the thrill of finding childhood treasures.
The intersection of music fandom and toy collecting creates an unexpected but delightful combination that keeps bringing new visitors through the doors in Ohio’s capital city.
Life-Size Collectibles That Make Statements
A four-foot-tall Stormtrooper stands guard near the window, catching the attention of everyone who walks past. These life-size pieces transform the store from a simple shop into an immersive experience.
One father bought that Stormtrooper for his son’s Star Wars party and reported it was the highlight of the entire event. He’s already planning to return for Darth Vader, proving that these investment pieces create lasting memories.
The large-scale collectibles change regularly as pieces sell and new inventory arrives. You might find life-size character standees, oversized plush figures, or impressively detailed statues that serve as focal points for serious collections.
These pieces appeal to adult collectors with space to display them and budgets to support such purchases. They’re conversation starters, party decorations, and impressive additions to home theaters or game rooms.
The store’s willingness to stock such substantial items shows confidence in their customer base and understanding that some collectors want to make bold statements. When you’re ready to take your collection to the next level, Big Fun has options that truly live up to its name.