Walking into Terra Toys is much like walking into a time machine. General manager Sylvia Allsup-Edwards said the shop carries a magical, wondrous and upbeat atmosphere, and she’s most proud of the consistency of the toys the store carries.
“We don’t just follow trends,” Allsup-Edwards said. “We keep to the same stuff. (Things) like bouncy balls, Yo-Yos and hula hoops. The type of classic toys that if you were a time traveler and went back to the 1920s and saw a toy store you would see toys that are similar to what we have today.”
Originating from a snow cone stand called the Camel Cone Cosmo owned and operated by Allsup-Edwards’ parents, Terra Toys will celebrate its 45th anniversary on Sept. 26. Charles and Romalda Edwards, ‘77 UT alumni, hand-carved and painted the snow cone stand themselves. They eventually began using their craftiness for other projects, Allsup-Edwards said.
“During the winter they had (a bunch) of scrap wood and a band saw, so they started carving toys out of wood and painting them,” Allsup-Edwards said. “That’s where they got the name Terra (Toys), as Terra is Latin for Earth.”
Allsup-Edward’s parents eventually transitioned into the toy business. They started as wholesalers and would sell their toys to other stores, later opening their own store in addition. Sociology sophomore Amelia Maguire said that Terra Toys continues speaking to the hearts of children and grown-ups alike, making her feel appreciative and nostalgic.
“I grew up going to Terra Toys with my grandparents every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas,” Maguire said. “We had a tradition of scoping out family gifts. Even now as a college student, I (visit) at least once a year to look at the gifts made by local Austin artists.”
Terra Toys staff members uniquely interact with customers. Allsup-Edwards said all employees are taught the cognitive benefits of the toys in the shop.
“Whenever (the staff) interacts with the customers, the staff can show the customers a deeper benefit of each item that we sell,” Sylvia said. “For example, if someone (came) in with a child who is struggling with social and emotional skills, we could show them toys that enhance that type of learning.”
Alumna Holly Hansel, who graduated in 2014, said she has been working at Terra Toys since February 2023. Hansel said the artistry that goes into the store is her favorite part of working there.
“When I first started working here, I got to participate in a fruit themed art show,” Hansel said. “The owners started out handcrafting the toys in the store, so they are very supportive of creativity here. We take a lot of pride in the handmade signs and decorations we have because they make the store unique.”
Allsup-Edwards said her parents are ready to pass the torch of running the store to her. What truly sets the store apart from other toy stores is the staff, Allsup-Edwards said.
“The staff are freaking awesome,” Allsup-Edwards said. “They’re hilarious. They dress up like crazy people. They sell their own art in the store. They have a lot of autonomy, and so they’re really good at operations within this store.”
