Roughly three out of every four items at an Ohio toy store are vintage, according to the shop’s own description. Some treasures date back to the 1960s, while newer collectibles and novelties fill the spaces between them.
Inside, action figures climb the walls, familiar characters appear in corners, and drawers invite shoppers to look closer. G.I.
Joe, Transformers, wrestling figures, and retro candy turn a visit into a hunt through childhood memories.
I love how the collection brings different generations together. Parents may recognize toys they once owned, while younger visitors discover characters and designs they have never seen before.
The store also has an unexpected connection to music: a hometown band filmed a video among its crowded shelves. Between the vintage finds and that famous appearance, there is plenty here to explore beyond the usual toy shopping trip.
Three Out Of Four Toys Here Have Already Lived A Whole Life
Most toy stores sell what came off the truck last week. Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys flips that idea upside down, with roughly 75 percent of its stock being vintage.
That number changes the whole mood of the place. You aren’t browsing the newest releases so much as browsing the past few decades of playtime.
Vintage, in toy terms, usually means pieces that are no longer made. Some are still sealed on their original cards, while others are loose and ready for a shelf or a play session.
The remaining quarter includes novelty gifts, classic candy, gag items, and newer collectibles. That mix gives both longtime collectors and younger shoppers something to explore alongside the vintage toys.
I believe that mix is the secret to the shop’s appeal. A parent can spot a figure from their own childhood while their kid grabs something brand new.
Here’s a smart tip for first-timers. Go in with one or two favorite characters or toy lines in mind, because the sheer amount of stuff can make your brain spin.
Having a short list helps you focus your search. It also makes it easier to ask for help if your target is hiding somewhere up high.
Of course, wandering without a plan is also fun. Just know you might leave with something you forgot you ever wanted.
Some Of These Treasures Are Older Than The Moon Landing
Finds here reach all the way back to the 1960s. That’s a toy timeline stretching more than half a century, packed into one Ohio storefront.
Think about how much play changed in that time. Toys went from simple plastic and painted pieces to detailed figures with moving joints and accessories.
Walking the aisles feels a bit like flipping through a history book with better pictures. One shelf might lean toward the 1970s, while the next could shout pure 1980s and 1990s.
For collectors, older pieces are often the hardest to track down. Many were played with hard, lost under couches, or tossed out during spring cleaning.
That makes surviving examples pretty special. A toy that made it through decades in decent shape has a little story built right in.
Got grandparents or older relatives? Bringing them along could spark some great conversations about what they played with as kids.
Younger visitors might be surprised at how simple some older toys look. Then again, simple toys often turned into the best ones for imagination.
One fair warning comes with this time machine. Prices on rare older pieces can reflect their age and condition, so set a budget before you start pointing at things.
Action Figure Fans Should Clear Their Schedule
G.I. Joe fans, take a deep breath.
Big Fun Columbus stocks Joes across many eras, including original lines and newer Classified figures, plus vehicles to go with them.
The figure love doesn’t stop there. Transformers, Marvel Legends, DC heroes, and wrestling figures from new to vintage all share space on the walls.
Plenty of figures are still on their cards. Others are loose, which can be a friendlier option if you want something to actually pose or play with.
Loose figures often cost less than sealed ones. That makes them a solid choice for kids or anyone starting a collection without emptying their piggy bank.
Hunting for a missing piece in your lineup? The shop is the kind of spot where deep-cut characters show up, the side players that big stores rarely carry.
Video game fans aren’t left out either. Halo collectibles and other gaming-related figures have turned up on the shelves too.
A little homework pays off here. Check which figures you already own before you go, so you don’t come home with a second copy of the same guy.
Then again, collectors know doubles happen. Sometimes the second one just looks better standing next to the first.
A Famous Band Turned The Aisles Into A Music Video Set
Twenty One Pilots, the band from Columbus, filmed their music video for Choker inside this shop. That’s a big claim to fame for a toy store.
Fans noticed right away. Today, many visitors stop by because they recognize the aisles from the video.
The store has leaned into the connection in a fun way. It carries band-related souvenirs, including figures of Jim the dog and Trash the dragon, two characters fans know well.
Those items can sell out. Restocks happen, so checking back later is a good move if you miss them the first time.
Even if you’ve never heard the song, the story is pretty cool. A hometown band picked a hometown toy shop, and that choice put it on the map for fans worldwide.
Music lovers visiting Ohio for concerts often add the stop to their trip. Columbus hosts big music events, so the shop sees plenty of folks in town for a show.
Want a fun idea? Watch the video before you go, then try spotting the same shelves and corners in person.
It’s a little like a scavenger hunt with a soundtrack. Just remember the shelves keep changing, since toys come and go all the time.
Gag Gifts And Goofy Gadgets Steal The Spotlight Too
Not everything here is serious collector business. Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys also stocks novelty items, trick toys, and the kind of silly gadgets that make people laugh.
That’s a nice balance. A serious shopper hunting a rare figure can still crack a grin at a gag gift on the way out.
Retro candy has shown up on the shelves as well. Sweets with old-school packaging fit right in with the toys around them.
Novelty items make great small gifts. They’re perfect for birthday party bags, stocking stuffers, or a just-because surprise for a friend.
Comics and Funko Pops round out the mix. Board games and other pop culture pieces add even more ways to spend an afternoon looking around.
Here’s a helpful idea for families. Give each kid a small spending limit, then let them pick their own treasure from the fun stuff.
Kids learn to make choices that way. And watching someone agonize between a trick toy and a candy bar is honestly entertaining.
Grown-ups get to play too, of course. Nobody’s too old for a whoopee-style prank or a toy that does something ridiculous.
Your Closet Full Of Old Toys Might Have A New Home
Shelves don’t fill themselves. Big Fun Columbus buys toys, which explains how so many older pieces keep showing up.
That’s good news if your basement is hiding a box of childhood figures. The store buys vintage toys, but its official website asks sellers to call ahead before bringing items in.
Checking first can save you an unnecessary trip.
Toy collections often land with families after a move or a cleanup. Selling them to a shop means those toys get a second chance with someone who’ll love them.
Before you go, do a little sorting. Group items by toy line, and keep small accessories with the figures they belong to.
Condition matters a lot in the toy world. Original packaging, working parts, and complete sets usually make items more appealing to buyers.
Don’t scrub old toys with harsh cleaners first. You could damage paint or stickers, which can lower their value.
Be realistic about expectations too. Shops need to resell items, so offers will be lower than what you might see a toy listed for online.
Still, the trade-off is pretty sweet. You skip the hassle of shipping and listing, and your old toys stay in circulation for the next fan.
Need Something Off The Top Shelf? Just Ask
Every inch counts in this shop. Ceilings are high, and carded figures climb the walls nearly to the top.
That looks amazing. It also means some of the best stuff sits way out of reach for regular humans.
Good news, though. The staff help shoppers with high-up carded figures all the time, so asking is completely normal.
Spot something interesting up near the ceiling? Point it out, and they can bring it down for a closer look.
The store is small and packed, so slow down as you move. Keep backpacks and bags close to avoid bumping into displays.
Kids should get a quick talk before entering. Gentle hands go a long way when shelves are this full of fragile packaging.
Shoppers who feel overwhelmed in tight, busy spaces might plan ahead. Visiting earlier in the day could feel calmer, though that’s never a guarantee.
Taking a short break outside is also fine. The neighborhood has plenty to look at while you reset.
Once you’re comfortable, the tall walls become part of the adventure. Scanning from floor to ceiling feels a bit like solving a giant puzzle made of plastic and cardboard.
Plan Your Trip Around The Short North Before You Go
Location is a big perk for this Ohio favorite. Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys sits at 672 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, in the lively Short North area.
That puts it close to downtown. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is a reasonable walk away, which helps anyone visiting for an event.
The shop opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Mondays are closed, so don’t show up then expecting toys.
Parking takes some patience. Street spots can be tough to grab, but a paid garage sits about a block away.
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. Credit and debit cards are accepted, so you don’t need a pile of cash.
The Short North has lots of other shops and places to eat. That’s handy if someone in your group needs a break from toy hunting.
A smart move is to pair the visit with a meal nearby. Fuel up first, and you’ll have more energy for all that searching.
Big Fun Columbus makes a great stop for road trippers crossing Ohio too. Just be warned that one quick peek can easily turn into an entire afternoon.
