More than meets the eye : Rediscovering your local newsagent

More than meets the eye : Rediscovering your local newsagent

You probably walked past it as a kid. It’s time to walk back in.

There’s something quietly magical about a great local shop. The kind where you pop in for one thing and leave half an hour later, arms full, mood lifted, already thinking about who you could give that perfect something to. In Inverloch, that place is Paperplay — and if you haven’t been in lately, you might be surprised by what’s waiting for you.

Yes, Paperplay started life as a newsagency. And yes, you can still grab your magazine and your morning paper. But walk a little further inside and you’ll find something that feels far more like a lovingly curated gift boutique than the newsagent of your childhood memories. This is a store that has quietly, joyfully evolved — and the Inverloch community has noticed.

The Gift You Didn’t Know You Were Looking For

Owners Lara and David Campbell have spent years building Paperplay into something genuinely special. Their philosophy is simple: stock beautiful, interesting things that you can’t find just anywhere, and treat every customer like a friend walking through the door.

That philosophy shows in the shelves. Paperplay carries the iconic Jellycat soft toy range — the plush, wonderfully whimsical creatures that have become the gift of choice for babies, kids, and frankly, plenty of adults. They stock Pokémon collectibles that send kids (and nostalgic parents) into a spin. And their books and novels section is a genuine pleasure to browse — whether you’re after the latest bestseller for the beach or a beautiful gift edition for someone special.

The team’s warm, knowledgeable approach means you’ll never be left wandering. Tell them who you’re shopping for and they’ll help you find exactly the right thing.

Summer Is Calling

With the warmer months on the horizon, Paperplay has never been a better place to get ahead. This summer, the store is stocked with everything the season demands.

Think beach essentials and coastal lifestyle gifts for those long Inverloch afternoons by the water. Outdoor games perfect for the backyard, the campsite, or the foreshore — the kind that bring families and friends together without a screen in sight. And for the reader in your life, a fresh stack of novels ready to be devoured under a hat on the sand.

Planning a camping trip or a holiday away? Paperplay has thoughtful camping and adventure gifts that make practical feel personal. And as Christmas creeps closer through the summer haze, the store’s Christmas gifting range offers an inspiring alternative to the big-box scramble — unique, considered presents that actually feel like they were chosen with love.

Shopping Local Feels This Good

There’s a reason locals keep coming back to Paperplay. It’s not just the range — though that’s excellent — it’s the experience. Lara and David have created a store with genuine warmth and personality, where the service is friendly, the recommendations are honest, and browsing is an actual pleasure.

In an age where it’s easy to click and order and have something generic arrive in a box, Paperplay is a reminder of what shopping used to feel like — and still can. The thrill of discovery. The satisfaction of finding something just right. The joy of supporting a business that genuinely cares about the community it calls home.

This summer, before you reach for your phone to order online, take a drive into town. Step inside Paperplay. You’ll remember why local is always better.

 

Paperplay  |  Inverloch, Victoria

Follow Paperplay on social media for new arrivals, gift ideas, and seasonal specials. 

Back to blog