Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to all your toy and doll repair and restoration questions can be found here! We do antique teddy and doll repairs and restorations. Find out how to get an antique teddy restoration or doll repair done, including where to find us and what it will cost. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you out.
Definitely – no toy is beyond repair! We specialise in antique teddy and doll restoration but are also happy to work on more modern toys. Email us with a photo and an explanation of what needs fixing, and we’ll send you a no-pressure quote and explanation of what your options are for getting it fixed. You’re also welcome to drop by the studio for an in-person consultation.
The price repairing a toy varies hugely depending on the extent of the work needed and the materials the toy is made from. Some antique teddy restorations can cost the same as some modern ones.
Take a look at our price list for a guideline, and send us a photo for a quote. We’ll work out a total based on your individual toy. We’ll always give you a cost break-down with lots of options and suggestions, so you don’t need to have any more repairs done than you want.
We normally send out electronic invoices that you can pay online by card. You can also pay by bank transfer, cheque or by card over the phone. Cheques should be made payable to Leith Toy Hospital Ltd.
We are currently booking toys in a few months ahead; however, in special cases, such as when a child doesn’t want to sleep without their favourite toy, or if you have a specific deadline, do get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate!. Once your booking slot comes around, we’ll ask you to send your toys in, and from that point it normally takes about a month.
Unfortunately we don’t undertake valuations. We can tell you how much it will cost to repair your toy, but not how much it would sell for if you decide to sell it. We recommend having a look at similar toys on ebay and making an educated guess, or getting in touch with an auction house who might be able to offer valuations for antiques.
If they are worth it to you, then it’s worth it! Often toys are priceless to families because of the sentimental value they hold. We can often offer your toy a partial repair if you’re on a tight budget.
Yes, we have a team of doll specialists and undertake all types of modern and antique dolls restorations as well as some mechanical dolls. Some types of dolls we repair are plastic dolls, cellulose dolls, composition dolls and porcelain dolls.
The price of an antique doll repair varies hugely depending on what repair is required.
Take a look at our price list for a guideline, and send us a photo for a quote. We’ll work out a total based on your individual toy. We’ll always give you a breakdown with lots of options and suggestions, so you don’t need to have any more repairs done than you want.
Our studio is located at 64 Constitution Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RR. We are accessible by tram, bus, foot, or bike, and there is limited street parking available. The closest tram stop is The Shore, and it’s just metres away from our front door!
You can bring your toy to drop off with us in person and we have a small customer area in the lobby. Unfortunately, we are not able to show customers into the workshops. This is because we don’t have a lot of space, and we have to be careful that all the toys are safe and secure at all times.
We are on the ground floor but there are 5 steps up to the front door – if you might find the steps difficult just give us a ring and someone will always be happy to come out and chat to you outside.
We work Monday-Saturday, 10-6. We’re usually open on bank holidays and closed for major holidays, but if in doubt, call us to check! Some of our staff work from home, but there will always be someone to answer the phone or door during our business hours. If you’re looking to speak to a particular member of staff, it’s always worth phoning to check if they’re in first!
Yes, we love making tiny clothes! We can re-cover or re-create existing clothing, or make something brand new. We also have a small stock of ready-made clothing. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help.
You can post your toy, bring it in person or use a courier of your choice. We recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery, which is insured and offers next-day delivery. Please put your contact details in the parcel with your toy, so that we can identify it when it arrives.
For fragile dolls, we recommend double boxing – putting your doll in a box inside a bigger box. You can pad the doll with all sorts of things, shredded or balled up paper is very good.
If you’d like to clean your own teddy, you can also find a lot of useful cleaning and storage tips on our services page. Alternatively, we offer surface cleaning services for all the kinds of toy we repair.
Picture to Puppet is our sister company, making custom puppets and soft toys to order. Picture to Puppet handle our lost toy recreations. We share the same studio space and have some staff crossover, so if you’ve reached one company, you’ve reached both!