THE LEITH Toy Hospital is gearing up for a booming festive period, with beds on its wards filling up quickly as it transforms into “Santa’s workshop”.
The repair shop on Constitution Street was founded in 2017 and offers a restoration service for dolls and soft toys in need of some TLC.
Its soft toy and teddy bear department is currently fully booked until February 2025, with available repair slots for dolls and hard toys also disappearing fast.
Services are in such high demand that staff are unable to guarantee whether any new patients will be returned in time for Christmas.
However, they have opened up a small handful of quick turnaround appointments for special emergencies and urgent cases.
The hospital grew out of custom puppet and toy business Picture to Puppet and repairs beloved toys in various states of ill health, including antique dolls and bears.
Its team of specialist restorers make unique repairs to special toys, taking up to 12 weeks depending on the level of work that needs to be done.
Its services include reattaching limbs, patching up holes, restoring facial features and deep cleaning.
For toys just needing a spruce up or spa day, a Saturday surgery is available for same-day repairs such as fixing seams or refreshing stuffing.
Pictures show some of the hospital’s recent patients restored to their former glory.
The business hopes to reduce the number of toys ending up in landfill through its work and also finds new homes for toys that are no longer wanted.
Speaking today, owner and “chief elf” at the Leith Toy Hospital, Mari Jones, said: “As Christmas draws near, Santa’s workshop is getting super busy.
“Here at the Leith Toy Hospital, we’re excited to pitch in and lighten the load.
“We truly believe that a toy is for life, not just for Christmas, and nothing makes us happier than seeing customers of all ages bringing in their beloved teddies and dollies for a little TLC instead of tossing them aside for something new.
“Let’s keep those special companions in action.”
