Then came toilet training. Initially I used the trains as a reward. For every 18 successful times going to the toilet they received one train. Once my son got the hang of it, he was getting a train every three or four days. I then slowed down on the reward and tried to make it after 5 days of no accidents, unfortunately his successful toilet training slowed too.

During the period where I was buying vehicles quite often I found it hard to locate some of them. One day I went to eight stores looking for Fergus. Quite regularly I would go to at least three stores to find the vehicle I wanted. The kids had chosen the trains they wanted and then I went out and searched for them. It was during this period that the idea of “Toot Toot Toys” began. Surely, there were other parents like me that no longer had the inclination to trudge from store to store looking for a particular train. 

I also want to make sure we offered Gift Certificates. How many times had I wanted to buy one of the vehicles for a child (particularly pre kids, when I didn’t know James from Percy, Annie or Clarabel, let alone any of the newer ones and had no idea what type wooden, plastic, diecast to buy.) It would always end in a call to the respective mother whilst in the store, “now which one does he need again?” Always hoping they didn’t receive two of the same on the actual day. 

Finally, thoughts got put into action and here it is - Toot Toot Toys. 

Our goal is to provide you with competitive prices, attentive service and peace of mind.

We hope you enjoy your online shopping experience with us and avoid the "I’m, hungry, can I have a drink?, I need to go to the toilet" shopping nightmares.

Maxine (2004)

A quick update...

The online store grew much quicker than we could have hoped.  The range has spread to more trains and train related products that I could have imagined in those early days operating from the spare room. We insisted on having the items in stock before we sold them, (unlike some online stores), so the house was slowly taken over, room after room, hallways, loungerooms etc. Two extensions to the house and off site storage and still the range kept expanding! The kids actually answered their pretend phones " Toot Toot Toys".

The kids are now off to school and the move of all the products to the one location is finally obtainable.

One of the things I enjoy most about the business is when I talk to a new customer and they are so grateful that they have finally found us. Their one stop shop for trains, and I know how much time and stress, finding us has saved them! In a parents day, saving time, money and stress is fantastic!

Thanks to all of our customers who support us. We are always pleased to serve you!

Maxine (2008)

The warehouse has evolved since we moved in, in February. We now have a play area that the kids can use whilst the parents browse. We are about to start party hire of large items such as cubbies and track riders. All things we could not do from home.

We love the challenges and opportunities that being out of the house brings. We hope that anyone in the area (Cheltenham, Vic) will drop in and be astonished by our range. Recently we have had customers from England and New Zealand come and collect their orders as we do not ship overseas.. they dropped in on their holidays - how lovely! :)

Maxine (August 2008)

 The idea that was initially Toot Toot Toys still evolves as we continue to meet customer needs. Party Hire of major items and costumes have been implemented. Supporting Charities, which has always been an intention is finally a reality. Open Days at the Warehouse, and we just keep on listening to you all. Thanks again for supporting us... (Although some people think we are some huge conglomerate, we are still essentially a 2 person show that works very hard ;)

Maxine (October 2008)

We have continued to increase our range, with the ever changing licences of Thomas the Tank engine. We have revamped the warehouse so that all the related stock is in the one place easier to find. Heaps of display tables so people can try before they buy. The kids are happy at school.  We love getting feedback from customers, and hearing about their stories.. The track riders are regularly out for hire- making the parties even more fun! A new year has come and gone and we are still expanding and reviewing what we do.  Jenni is a permanent fixture, and we are still having fun allong the way.

Maxine (March 2009)

We have decided to move to an actual retail store in Centre rd Bentleigh,VIC. Much more exposure, so customers can find us in person much much easier. Warehouse attached to the store, so our online dispatching will continue from there. We are looking forward to moving to the new premises, but not to the actual move! Can you imagine, how many thousands of items we are physically going to pack?? We can't wait to renovate the new store and move in! Expected opening of the new store Mid - Late July. YEAH! Added bonus for me, closer to the kids school.

June (2009)

14th July 2009 - new store at 553 Centre rd - open to public (yeah)

September 2009 -

Love the new location! Lots of customers coming from across town , country or interstate to see us - especially Saturdays! The kids are funny - they are either so content playing that they won't answer their parents at to what they might like, or so excited about seeing the range, that they want it all and not to play. Suprisingly - most are more interested in the playing than the "I wants"......  It's great fun, and we really like helping new train buyers select the best range for them :)

January 2010 - Loving the new store, new products and especially the new customers! :)