Monica’s story with toys goes way back. “My high school job was working at a toy store in Owen Sound and so the owners of that store opened up the store here in Kingston. I moved here to manage the store for them. They taught me so much, but I had the flexibility of being on my own. They left me to manage the store because they were running the store in Owen Sound. So it was nice. I had the flexibility of being in charge, being able to make decisions, while having the support network of two amazing people behind me. After I did that for a while, I realized I love this industry.” 

Since opening in 2001, The Rocking Horse has become known for its carefully chosen selection of toys, games, and gifts. You’ll find retro favourites, beautifully made wooden toys, puzzles, sensory items, and the kind of board games that turn into weekend rituals. They carry trusted names like LEGO, Playmobil, Schleich, Green Toys, and Ravensburger, alongside smaller, unique brands.

Monica is firm about quality. With limited shelf space, she is selective.

Every toy has to pass the “Monica play test."

A great toy, she says, invites imagination and problem-solving. “I love to see children using their imagination, figuring things out, you know, having the child sort of question, 'why does this toy do this? What happens if I do this?' And I think that’s where you really see toys having a lot of play value and longevity, as opposed to just a child watching some toy do something, but having used their imagination and their problem-solving skills as they’re playing with the toy.”

The Rocking Horse is built on the philosophy that play is essential. That through play, children express themselves, explore creativity, and learn about the world, with toys serving as tools that ignite imagination and foster growth, developing physical, social, and intellectual skills.

Monica explains, “I think especially in this day and age with the pressures of being in front of a screen, I think it’s important to remember that play is so vital. That’s how kids are learning at those young ages. That’s how their brain is developing. As adults we just see it through adult eyes. You know, they’re scooping some pretend ice cream onto a cone, but to that child, they’re learning, dexterity and social skills through play. So I think it’s important to remember that play is so essential.”

In addition to its curated shelves, The Rocking Horse is known for its events. From Easter hunts and slime workshops to the popular Dino Dash, the store becomes a destination for family fun, community building and making memories.

That same sense of care carries into every customer interaction. Whether you’re browsing in store or ordering online, you’ll find a team that’s helpful, thoughtful, and really cares about finding you the best toy.

Monica fondly mentioned the loyal regulars whose families have found and fallen in love with The Rocking Horse Toys over the years.

When I asked what she thought kept them coming back again and again she readily answered, “The staff! The team that we have here at the store, are so good at remembering the child's name, and when their birthday is, and what they bought last time. And, hey, did you have fun with that puzzle that you brought home last time? It's good for customers to feel known when they walk through the door.”

As for what keeps her passionate about the work, Monica says, “What I love about what I do is the variety. Certainly the boring side, the accounting and all the paperwork that goes on behind the scenes. But there’s also the creativity of making fun displays. The people who come through our doors are often shopping for a happy occasion, a birthday, a special event for their kids. It’s just also nice hearing their stories. I just love chatting with the people that come through the doors.”

At its heart, The Rocking Horse is more than a shop. It’s a place built on imagination, connection, and the belief that play matters for kids and grownups alike. Whether you are picking up a birthday gift or something small that makes you smile, you leave with a little more joy than when you walked in.