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Girlawhirl kicks her holiday spirits into high-gear with a trip to FAO Schwarz Dec 10, 2007
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There are some cities that just seem magical around the holidays. London and Paris come alive with lights and cheer, but for Girlawhirl, no city feels quite as special during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season as New York City. She makes a point to head there at least once each December. And to kick her holiday spirit into high-gear, Girlawhirl knows all she needs is a shopping trip to that epicenter of childlike wonderment done up big city style, FAO Schwarz… Girlawhirl can't help it, the second she is greeted at the flagship store's door by a real-life toy solider, she instantaneously feels like a little girl again. Besides the sheer magic the 145-year-old store exudes - with staff playing with toys or buzzing by her on a wave board - the scale of the huge 60,000 square foot store sends her reeling into an immediate sensory overload. She never knows where to scurry off to first. In the entrance Girlawhirl's surrounded by gigantic plush animals, and tons of holiday cheer spread through the displays.
Up the escalator, there's an up-close look at some of the amazing props and costumes from the new movie The Golden Compass, and a rearview of the professional dancers performing on the iconic floor piano like in the classic '80s flick Big. As the dancers jump off the piano, the kids watching get to jump on. To catch the show from start to finish, just check back in a half hour because it all begins again every 30 minutes throughout the day.
At a crossroads, a choice must be made. Head left to the Harry Potter shop, which houses the largest collection of Harry Potter memorabilia in the country, or straight for the dolls? Girlawhirl, of course, chose the latter. There she found everything from the Madame Alexander® Doll Factory, where parents and children work together to create the perfect doll, choosing everything from hair to eye to skin color, to the Newborn Adoption Center by Lee Middleton where children pick their infant from the FAO nursery with the assistance of a staff “nurse” or “doctor.” There's the classic collectors edition, with red carpet ready dolls from Robert Tonner Dolls. And anyone can design their own Barbie® at the Style By Me™ Barbie center. But the design-your-own fun isn't only for Girlawhirl, errr… the girls. FAO also features a super fun and interactive Hot Wheels Factory where boys (and girls) can customize their very own Hot Wheels car. And she knows anything from the FAO Schwarz brand – made in environmentally responsible ways and tested for child safety – is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.
Girlawhirl could go on and on about the amazing adventures around every corner – like the luxurious customized creations by Manhattan Dollhouse or the Imagine This Designer Showcase where children work with real designers to turn fashion ideas from their very own sketches into a one-of-a-kind outfit. But after a few hours of strolling around the store she was definitely ready for a break. But no average cup of joe would do. Instead she sat down in the FAO Schwarz Ice Cream Shop where she could indulge in everything from creamy hot chocolate and milk shakes to delicious fresh baked treats and even organic foods and soups. She grabbed some exquisite candies on the way out too.
FAO Schwarz 5th Avenue at 58th Street New York, New York 10153 212 644 9400 Open Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday: 11a.m. – 6 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours:
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But who was Girlawhirl kidding? She was here for the toys. She got in one last trip to the downstairs early childhood area and reading room before she ran to meet a Super Pal to check out the windows further down Fifth Avenue, walking out the doors of FAO Schwarz with tons of great gifts and a whole year's worth of wonderment.
