A source of fun and wonder for 55 years
At In den Olifant, we believe in the power of wonder. Wonder is a feeling of surprise, curiosity, and joy. Your jaw drops and your eyes sparkle with wonder.
Wonder is also wonderfully infectious and creates connection. It refreshes everyday life. Wonder and small joys are closely related.
Wonder is the spark that ignites our understanding of the world. Wonder invites us on a journey of discovery. An adventure whose outcome is uncertain, as adventures should be. It fuels the fire of curiosity and open-minded questioning. When you experience wonder, you no longer take things for granted but instead question the how and why.
At In den Olifant, we nurture and nourish wonder by giving children the space to discover, create, and enjoy playful moments of happiness.
Wonder lies within everyone, but children are full of it. Where does the sun go when it's dark? Who turns on the moonlight? Do fish sleep at night too? Why do elephants have such big ears? We want to capture and nurture that sense of wonder, because life becomes more beautiful when you keep playing. At In den Olifant, wonder is always a part of the story.
We're a small, dedicated team happy to offer advice and help you find the perfect toys for your sweetheart(s). Experience is also key, both in our Antwerp store and online at the country's finest toy store: In den Olifant! :-)
Why a toy store?
Play. It's in each of us and essential to life. It's something that's timeless and relevant to all ages.
Playing is the most spontaneous and enjoyable activity humans can engage in. Building a tower, playing " kooketeke ," soccer, snowball fights, playing "wieseneke" at a café… it happens without thinking and is always experienced as enjoyable. From birth, humans learn to develop themselves through play, to interact with the world through play. And we want to be a part of that, for a lifetime.
The 7 house rules of In den Olifant
Which brands can you find at In den Olifant?
At In den Olifant, we consciously choose brands with a story , brands that share our values: quality, authenticity, timeless design, and (of course) wonder! Whether it's a music box, a kite, a first school bag, or a proud piece of handicraft: we select products that exude craftsmanship, tradition, and passion, and that are more than just objects. They often last a lifetime, like your favorite childhood stuffed animal. You cherish it for a lifetime!
Our collection is carefully curated, always searching for the most beautiful toys and lifestyle items that stimulate wonder and encourage children to discover for themselves, think creatively, and make their own rules.
Some original photos of Dree & Marie Jespers, and the early days of In den Olifant. This creative couple from Antwerp was inspired by their child's uncomplicated preferences to develop the strategy for the alternative toy store that remains called In den Olifant and is still located in Antwerp today.
Since 1970, we've been nurturing and nourishing that sense of wonder with carefully selected children's books and the most beautiful toys . In den Olifant originally began in the living room of an Antwerp family, where a crafty dad made his own toys and his mom took care of the finishing touches. That passion, craftsmanship, and the unique journey of each product still form the foundation of toy shop In den Olifant to this day.
Since the very beginning, free play has been central, and we follow the child's lead: at In de Olifant, we're fans of a world without rules, where children can create, fearlessly ask questions, and explore. Because life becomes more beautiful when you keep playing, we cherish and nurture wonder every day.
We, Nele, Bert, and our team , also have a story: one rooted in a love of toys, a quest for quality and authenticity. What inspires us is bringing together unique brands, offering honest advice, and instilling wonder, so that our toys continue to live in the homes and hearts of our customers. Our team carefully selects each product, because we believe that beautiful things become even more beautiful when you know where they come from and what they're for. We invite you to discover these stories every day, both in our store and online.
The history behind In den Olifant
A world full of wonder – online and offline
With 55 years of experience, In den Olifant is ready for the future. In 2020, Bert and Nele Vekemans-Van Dorpe took the helm and gave our mission a modern twist.
Our toy store in the heart of Antwerp and our brand-new online store, www.indenolifant.be, make for the perfect combination, bringing the magic even closer to families. Customers can browse all our collections, discover new items, and shop easily online. The online store offers the same personalized advice and expertise as our physical store.
Whether you visit us at Lombardenstraat 12 or discover our collection online, at In den Olifant, amazement always plays a role.
In den Olifant has made an impressive journey over the years. What once began as a small, independent shop specializing in high-quality wooden toys has now grown into a renowned name in the world of sustainable and educational toys that inspire children to play creatively and explore wonder.
The store in Antwerp is a magnet for parents looking for quality products, while our webshop ensures that everyone far beyond Antwerp can enjoy our timeless collections and of course #themostbeautifultoys