A classic -- and classy-- toy store: located at Fifth Avenue at 58th Street, FAO Schwarz has been a toy purveyor par excellence for decades.
Features include: store mascots who meet-and-greet; unique toys, from antiques, to child-size Mercedes cars; pastries from great chefs, ice cream concoctions; and some fun experiences such as dancing on giant piano keys (--remember the scene in the movie "Big"?)
Stuffed animals are a specialty: and where else in the world could you walk in and find a giant stuffed elephant? (Price tag: a mere $15,000).
Perks for the shopper include multilingual concierge, worldwide shipping, free delivery to Manhattan hotels, and complimentary personal shoppers and gift-wrapping.*
You might find activities going on at the toy store, too: piano dancers, storytime bookreading, demonstrations of arts and crafts, Rubik's Cube, or Paddleball. (Check the schedule online.)
About's Guide for NYC for Visitors has a profile on FAO Schwarz, with visitor tips.
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*Always check web sites for updates!
*photo (c) Teresa Plowright
