Toy Shack

What is it?

An almost epic collection of new and vintage toys from Johnny Jiminez of “Pawn Stars” fame.

Where is it?

At Neonopolis in Downtown Las Vegas.

What do they sell?

Pretty much every toy imaginable although they specialize in Hot Wheels, Barbie, and other action figures like GI Joe.

What are the prices like?

There are some very expensive things costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars but most items are in the $8-35 range.

What should I be sure to check out?

The glass display cases have the most interesting and valuable treasures like vintage Hot Wheels.

Why should I shop here?

Because you still miss that favorite toy from your childhood.

What else do I need to know?

The items in the store are only part of the collection so if you don’t see what you are looking for, ask.

What’s the bottom line?

One of the most entertaining shopping destinations in Las Vegas.

You know that toy you had when you were a kid that you just loved? For me it was the Big Trak, a thing that looked like a tank leftover from a “Star Wars” movie and featured a keypad that allowed you program its movements. Forward four, turn left, forward five, back three, turn right.

Trust me: it was much cooler in 1979.

I don’t know whatever happened to the Big Trak. It was probably sold at a garage sale for a buck or two back in the eighties.

I asked the manager of The Toy Shack in Las Vegas if he had ever heard of it and he nodded. “I’ve got two of them. They go for $300-400 now.”

That’s the kind of retro-thrill you’ll get walking into this slice of toy heaven in Downtown Las Vegas at the Neonopolis mall.

The store in the brainchild of Johnny Jimenez, the toy expert you may have seen on The History Channel’s “Pawn Stars.” His knowledge of toys from all eras is evident from the moment you walk in and see blast after blast from your past and more than a few from the present as well.

One entire wall is current and recent Hot Wheels – the store is a licensed Mattel dealer. It hovers over a display case filled with classic Hot Wheels that range back decades. The display case opposite that has vintage carousels and tin toys from the 1940s and 1950s. Shelves are filled with Barbies (and more than a few Kens and Peppers). There is a full collection of “Star Wars” collectible plates on another wall.

Action figures dominate the collection in the store, ranging from “Gone With the Wind” to “Lord of the Rings” characters. Throw in classic board games, model cars and airplanes, dolls, toy trains, Tonka trucks, and much more than I can possibly list here, it’s like walking into your childhood fantasy come true.

And this is only a portion of the full collection. If you don’t see something you want – like a Big Trak for example – just ask. They probably have one or can get it for you if you’re serious.

Prices vary wildly. The bulk of the items in the store range from a few bucks for things like current Hot Wheels up to around $35 for some of the collectible Barbies. If you’re a really serious collector or have money to burn there are much more expensive things available. That massive GI Joe aircraft carrier? That’ll set you back a few thousand bucks.

The Toy Shack is a must-visit for any serious toy fan and a fantastic nostalgia trip down memory lane for everyone else.