FAO Schwarz

Remember when you were a child and your days consisted of playing with toys, staying out of trouble (or at least managing not to get caught), and just enjoying spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, those days have come and gone and the stresses of daily life have permanently made their mark on us. But, what if just for a moment you could go back to that place of permanent security and bliss. Well, you can! Just as soon as you walk past the human toy soldier guards and step through the front door of this magical play land known as FAO Schwarz. Being one of the oldest toy stores in the United States, dating back almost a century and a half ago, FAO Schwarz is known for it's one-of-a-kind products that give it a unique whimsical charm. The store is filled with some of the most prestigious brands in toys, including Madame Alexander, Steiff, Gund, and the Middleton Doll collection, which includes a newborn nursery in which employees dress as nurses and tend to the incredibly life-like newborns. The store is also adorned with life size stuffed animals of all kinds, none of which can be found anywhere else. In the midst of all this, there is a candy store, FAO Schweetz, right in the center of it all with life size toy soldiers made out of jelly beans. The store also includes a Barbie runway, where she shows off all of her latest trends in a fashion show, a Lego land, and the Muppet Whatnot Workshop where you can create your own Muppet to keep. But my personal favorite is The Big Piano. It's a life size piano in which musicians make music by physically jumping form key to key--it's incredible! So, for a stress-free breath of fresh air, take a day and revel in childhood fantasy. Head down to the flagship store on the corner of 5th and 58th Streets and let your fantasy begin!