Earlier this month, we packed up the car, loaded up the tables, and headed to the Ashburton Christmas Parade market — and what a day it was! Held in the heart of Ashburton, New Zealand, the market ran alongside the annual Christmas Parade, bringing together families, locals, and visitors for a full day of festive fun, food, and shopping.
We took along a huge selection of our 3D-printed toys, giving market-goers the chance to see, touch, and play with the full Tizmo Toys range. On the table were all of our Wigglets, along with their houses and accessories, a colourful lineup of Baby Dinosaurs, Baby Dragons, and their beautifully detailed eggs, plus a selection of Kit Card Planes and a tub packed full of fidget items. From sensory-friendly flexi toys to pocket-sized fidgets, there was something for every curious hand.
Like any good market day, it was a big one — setup and dismantle took a while, but we had some amazing help from the kids throughout the day. From setting up displays to chatting with customers and keeping everything organised, they were absolute stars and made the whole experience even more special.
The feedback we received made all the effort worthwhile. Parents loved discovering 3D printed toys made in New Zealand, especially affordable options that still felt unique and well made. Many were on the hunt for Christmas gifts, and it was great to see kids light up as they found their favourite Wigglet or flexi creature. There were plenty of smiles, lots of hands-on play, and more than a few “can we get this one?” moments — which never gets old.
Most importantly, the market gave us the chance to talk directly with customers. Hearing what people liked, what caught their attention, and what they’d love to see next is incredibly valuable for us as a growing small business. It confirmed that there’s real interest in affordable sensory gadgets, engaging fidget toys, and fun designs that kids genuinely connect with.
Overall, the Ashburton Christmas Parade market was a huge success for Tizmo Toys, and it’s definitely inspired us to do more. We’re already starting to plan our next market — and who knows, maybe we’ll be heading up to Christchurch next!
