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FAO Schwarz

4.0 (312 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

FAO Schwarz Toy Stores Photos

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Recommended Reviews - FAO Schwarz

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Large teddy bear
Michelle T.

FOA Schwarz is one of the most iconic toy stores in NYC. It's located in heart or Rockefeller Plaza, where many popular tv shows are filmed. It's walking distance from the nearest metro station, and quite easy to find. FAO Schwarz is easy to spot from a distance. Look for all of the flags in the plaza and an individual out front, dressed as a toy soldier. The beige brick exterior is similar to the other buildings, so everything seems to be uniform in Rockefeller Plaza. You'll see the large lettering and toy displays in the window, letting you know that you're in the right place. They have a lot of toys in this shop and it's well-organized, despite the claustrophobic feeling that you'll experience while in the store. Given the size of the crowds that come through here, you'll definitely need to exercise patience when moving through the store. You can take the elevator or stairs to the other levels to see what is available. The first floor has a lot of their signature toys: Penelope Pup, toy soldiers, and other plushies with their logo on them. They also have a lot of Miffy bunnies, Legos, and Sanrio items. There is a Build A Bear location within the store as well. The main attraction seems to be the Jellycat Diner experience in The Jellycat Cafe. We took part in this and found it to be a lot of fun. The piano that Tom Hanks danced across in the movie, "Big", is located on the top floor. It is much smaller in person, so you might have a visual in your mind, but you'll be a little surprised when you see it for yourself. It is supervised by security and they make sure that rules are followed. You have to remove your shows and you are not allowed to run across it. Kids don't seem to have as much fun walking across the piano. FAO Schwarz is a fun store to visit. Despite having different locations across the US, this is one of the must see places to visit in NY. I really like visiting this store, especially since they closed down the location in Los Angeles, many years ago. I highly recommend a visit to FAO Schwarz to anyone that is a kid at heart.

Toys galore
Michelle L.

Located in Rockefeller Plaza this store is a 3 level retail store carrying just about any type toy a child would want. The Hot item/ toy now days is the Jelly Cat ultra soft plush animal but to be really cool you have to make a reservation and do the Jelly Cat Diner experience to get the coveted JellyCat bag.

Hello Kitty Heaven
Gajtana S.

One of the biggest (and best) toy stores in the world. Something for all ages. My young family member really want a jellycat, those high quality British import plushies. We arrived just as the doors opened at 10 am. Given NYC is expecting a blizzard, it was less crowded than usual. We took our chances on snagging a jellycat Diner Experience slot and got lucky with an 11:40 a.m. opening. Miracles DO happen. We experienced having our food made and came home with a stack of pancakes and strawberry milkshake plush. The ladies behind the diner made it fun. We'll be back for more toys another time.

Harlee S.

What a magical toy store. It's what I imagine Santa's factory would look like. Toys galore and fun around every corner. I loved the friendly staff and how they were engaging and helpful. This is no ordinary toy store. This place is nostalgic for adults, while also showcasing new and upcoming child fads. Absolutely loved every second of my time here.

Jose P.

FAO Schwarz has a section of the store (Jellycat Diner) where, not only can you purchase Jellycat merchandise, but they also put on a show, in order to celebrate your new ownership. However, in order to purchase Jellycats, you will need to make a reservation. Between the purchase and the show, it will cost $100+ You need to see this for yourself, because my explanation will not do it justice. Oh, and by the way....there is always a line of customers waiting to take this all in. The staff are all funny and will make your visit memorable and entertaining. FAO and Jellycat, your collaboration is a genius idea and will continually bring customers, from around the world, into your businesses.

Candace L.

We stopped in to check out the jellycat diner. I LOVE jellycats! We didn't have a reservation but learned how to try and snag a same day via cancelation. Getting in here is probably the only thing harder than getting on my bosses calendar. If you don't have an existing reservation, you'll want to constantly refresh and check for openings that will appear if a cancelation occurs. It's all a lot for a woman with very little patience. I also don't need every jellycat in existence and the black and white cookie I wanted from them was considered a "side" and you'd need to purchase an "entree" in order to have the ability to purchase a side. The entrees are quite cute but I wasn't sure I wanted one only to get the black and white cookie. I ended up foregoing the rezzie I was able to make. I did however get the pancake bag charm keychain and the espresso bean. Two very meaningful meant for me jellycats. I also got my mom the croissant bag charm since she loves croissants. She mailed me a legit labubu a few weeks later. Yes, I'm spoiled and I like it that way. I stand ten toes that while I do like my labubu more than I thought I would, jellycats have my heart. FAO Schwarz is a no brainer if you're in the area with small children or adult children like myself who will forever honor their inner child. While I wasn't there for any other reason beside the jellycat cafe I did catch a glimpse at other areas that could be appealing to a younger age demographic than me ;) Fun stop in the city!

Roni K.

Always fun and full of audio and visual stimulation. Played the piano from BIG. Visited the Barbi room, and enjoyed strolling through the store. Several people asked if we needed help. There are so many selections in this store- candy m, stuffed animals, nutcrackers.

Enna J.

Be prepared to wait if you go during the Christmas season. However, whether it's Christmas or a random day in March, the staff makes you feel welcomed and special. The store is magical and all of the employees make sure to exude that magic. There's every toy imaginable there for the young and young at heart. Definitely a must visit when in NYC

My coffee cup, with its best friend!
Roxanne C.

Ok, the line was long but went fast. Helped build the excitement. Not going to lie, was there just for jelly cats. The experience was cute, but they had areas to get jelly's. Got the 1 I was really wanting. Went back another day with my son... found more jelly's than the 1st day but not the same ones. Overall easy, fun, and I added to my collection. Fun store- easy to get in, easy to find, and easy to pay to get out.

Brigitte L.

Visited FAO since it was attached to Rockefeller Center and my daughter wanted a Jelly Cat souvenir. Had to ask staff given not all the Jelly Cat stuff was in the same place. When you first enter the Jelly Cat Diner is there which is a separate experience that you pay for. You don't have to do this to purchase any of the Jelly Cats themselves. But they have the food type JC's next to the diner but if you're looking for other JC's that aren't the food ones head upstairs to the mid section and you'll find a display. Now they were out of stock for the 2 that she really wanted but I was able to get a few others. The place is HUGE and they have a great selection of toys in addition to different experiences you can choose.

Min Y.

This is more of the review for the Jelly Cat Diner experience. Personally im against stuffed animals. They end up in the landfill at one point or another but at the same time im a dad and have to keep my daughters happy. Its nearly impossible to get a reservation spot for the diner experience but somehow I snagged a time. We went a little early and waited in line. They give you a menu of the items that you can order. We ordered two waffles and an egg. There's a reason why they dont put the dollar amount on the menu. I spent over $200 on three tiny stuffed animal. Sure they do a show for the kids. Cooking up a fake waffle and putting air whip cream and the packaging it up. They do get a nice carry bad and some stickers and pins. In my eyes it was totally not worth it. But it still put a smile on the kids faces.

Jellycat diner
Hannah I.

I came here looking for jellycats and was a little disappointed in the selection. I didn't sign up for the experience because I was told you can still purchase them separately. However, you are unable to get a lot of them without doing the whole service (even ones that aren't New York exclusives) They take a few walk-ins but I got there around 11am on a Friday and they were already full.

11/19/18
Marianne W.

FAO Schwarz has really added so many more interactive experiences for children young and old like me. I still get lost and confused on the multiple floors. I'm really excited because my young friends give me energy. My friend T.J. works at the Jelly Cat Diner. No it's not a real food diner. It's one that serves up cute merchandise. Originally from London everyone that loves Jelly Cat was excited when they opened in FAO Schwarz. I'll be going back to visit my friend while he's entertaining the children. I'm recommending you go. I'm never gonna grow up!!

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FAO Schwarz Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - FAO Schwarz

Last year the line was too long to get in . I am wondering - During Christmas week does the line usually start to form BEFORE the store actually opens?

The holidays are definitely busier. I had no line to get in the day I went. Weekdays are better.

If you purchase something in the store is it possible to come back later in the day to pick the items up? This stop was going to be at the beginning of our day and we didn't want to carry items with us all day.…

Good afternoon, Unfortunately, we do not offer an order online/Pickup in-store service. But you can… Read more

Is there a place to leave strollers?

No- there was not a place to leave strollers, but I was able to navigate around the store with a stroller with not many issues. There is ramps and an elevator that make it easy to go around the store.

One review mentions a line to get in. Are there lines to get in?

Thanksgiving weekend there was to control the crowd flow in the store but it moved very quickly.

Do they sell hello kitty items?

No Hello Kitty items sorry Not yet

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - FAO Schwarz

Thanks FAO and especially JellyCat Diner staff for making a memorable visit for my daughter's first time in NYC!

Mentioned in 20 reviews

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4.8(211 reviews)
1.2 miFlatiron
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We went to many souvenir shops but this place was a clear stand out. Greeted warmly upon entering,…read morelots of items (there are a lot of things in a close space, so you to have to navigate a bit). Prices were comparable to other shops but had a good variety of items (shirts, magnets, pins,etc.). The man working also gave us two stickers with our purchase and was kind. Definitely would recommend!

This souvenir shop was highly rated so I came here based on Yelp and Google reviews and honestly, I…read morewas kinda disappointed in the selection of clothing. It was the same stuff everyone else was selling, but like less variety. However, I can say their prices were a lot lower than other shops. For example, I bought a pair of pink I Love NY pajama pants for $19.99 in size small. It was the last one. I needed a medium but they didn't have one. I ended up getting it for myself and figured I'd find a size medium in another souvenir shop. Well, I did but the same pair of PJ pants was $29.99! So I can confirm the prices at this store is cheaper (at least for PJ pants). I also ended up getting a lighter for my brother in law last minute and all the lighters by the register were just meh. I bought a lame one anyways. And then just as we left the store, they had all these other cooler lighters in the window on display. Too bad none of those were actually out on the shelves.

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Memories of New York
Memories of New York - They have many I love NY officially licensed products. You name it.

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NYC Gifts Megamart 4

NYC Gifts Megamart 4

5.0(1 review)
0.2 miTheater District, Midtown West

We searched high and low for a snow globe that had a normal base that wasn't overly decorated for…read moreour kids. We were so glad to stumble into megamart after several failed attempts. This is you can buy your run of the mill NYC snow globe with the I LOVE NYC base instead of the ones you see everywhere with the buildings. A++ Megamart!

From the owner: At NYC Mega Mart 4, we take pride in offering an extensive array of captivating products that go…read morebeyond the usual souvenir fare. Our store is a treasure trove of diverse offerings, ensuring there's something for everyone to cherish their NYC memories. For fashion-forward visitors and locals alike, our classic ILNY (I Love New York) apparel collection is a must-see. From stylish t-shirts, cozy hoodies, and trendy caps adorned with the iconic "I ♥ NY" logo, you can wear your love for the city proudly and in style. Automobile enthusiasts will be thrilled with our carefully curated selection of die-cast cars. These finely detailed replicas capture the spirit of classic and modern automobiles, providing a perfect addition to any car enthusiast's collection. Ladies can indulge in the elegance of our handbag section. From chic city-inspired designs to practical totes, we offer a range of handbags that blend fashion with functionality, catering to every taste and occasion. Sports fans will find their haven with our dedicated sections for the Yankees, NYPD, and FDNY. Cheer on your favorite baseball team or show support for the brave men and women of New York's police and fire departments with our wide selection of merchandise. Travel back in time with our nostalgic TAXI-themed collection, reminiscent of the iconic yellow cabs that roam the streets of NYC. Whether it's a taxi-inspired keychain or a charming magnet, these pieces add a touch of vintage charm to your keepsakes.

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NYC Gifts Megamart 4
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FAO Schwarz - toys - Updated May 2026

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