FAO Schwarz® Decks The Halls For The Holidays, Releases Its Annual Shopping Catalog With Expertly Crafted Toys And Limited Edition Collectibles

WAYNE, N.J., Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As families kick off their holiday traditions of hanging the mistletoe and lighting the lights, FAO Schwarz^® will once again bring the magic of the holidays to its customers through extraordinary toys, festive decor and charitable giving at its flagship location in New York City. Best known for its high-quality, unique merchandise, the world's most storied toy store has carefully crafted a selection of toys to feature in its annual holiday shopping catalog, which arrives in homes nationwide this week. The 40-page book is brimming with iconic brands such as Hansa^®, LEGO^®, Playmobil^®, Steiff^® and Tonner^®, as well as limited edition toys, including the FAO Schwarz Barbie^® Soldier Doll from Mattel^® and Cabbage Patch Kids^® Collector Edition Dolls from JAKKS Pacific^®. And, in the spirit of giving joy this holiday season, visitors to the legendary FAO Schwarz are encouraged to make monetary contributions at its store through Christmas Eve to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in helping kids in need.

"For generations, FAO Schwarz has served as a must-see holiday destination for millions of families worldwide where they can enjoy a distinctive shopping experience and discover one-of-a-kind gifts," said Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "This year, as shoppers set out to find the perfect presents for the kids and kids-at-heart on their lists, FAO Schwarz has compiled a unique selection of playthings in its annual holiday catalog, including nearly 400 timeless toys that will excite and delight children for years to come." 

Holiday Catalog Filled With Distinctive Toys Arrives In Homes This Week
Arriving in more than 1 million mailboxes nationwide this week, the 2013 FAO Schwarz Holiday Catalog boasts 40 pages of wondrous toys that inspire adventure, learning and play, including a telescope for the aspiring astronomer, extra-large plush animals for the future zoologist and precision building kits for the budding architect. Additionally, collectors big and small will find one-of-a-kind items that top their "must have" list, such as Beatles^® memorabilia, Star Wars^™ accessories, FAO Schwarz collectibles and more. 

Customers who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes can browse a digital version of the Holiday Catalog online at FAO.com beginning Friday, November 8. Online gift-givers can shop by collections, including "Exclusively at FAO," "All Creatures Great & Cuddly," "Doll Factory," "Perfectly Preschool" and "Baby's First Gifts," among others. Additionally, all items found throughout the catalog can be ordered via phone by calling 800-426-8697.

FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue Helps Give Joy to Kids in Need
In the spirit of the holiday season, local residents and visitors to New York City can help spread joy to some of the 16 million children living in poverty in the United States, by making a monetary contribution at FAO Schwarz to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. In-store donations collected through Christmas Eve will be used to purchase toys for children in the New York area who might otherwise go without presents under the tree on Christmas morning.   

In celebration of the company's partnership with Toys for Tots, FAO Schwarz will host a special event on Friday, December 6 from 9am – 4pm, during which representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps will be stationed throughout the store and on The Plaza, encouraging visitors to make monetary and toy donations to Toys for Tots. Donors will be thanked for their generosity with complimentary holiday treats, while supplies last. Shoppers will find joyful carolers dressed in Dickens attire strolling through the store singing Christmas classics for all to enjoy. And, throughout the holiday season customers can follow FAO Schwarz on the company's official Twitter channel (@FAO) as they encourage the community to #GiveTheGiftofJoy to children in need.

The following items featured in the 2013 FAO Schwarz Holiday Catalog are available at FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue and online at FAO.com:

2013 Collector Bear from FAO Schwarz^®
Kids will gladly welcome this super-cute new pal as part of the family this holiday season. This cuddly bear is decked out in a ruggedly cool ensemble, featuring a gingham shirt and blue vest covered with tan fur that's soft and snuggly. Plus, the friendly FAO Schwarz jester, Wit, is embroidered on one foot as a mark of distinction for collectors big and small, while the brand's logo and "2013" are embroidered on the other. No batteries required. All Ages.

Big Dollhouse from FAO Schwarz^®
Made with superior craftsmanship, this majestic Victorian dollhouse is every child's dream come true. At nearly three feet tall, it comes with more than 30 pieces of wood furniture for every room of the house, and has been designed to endure years of imaginative play. No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.

Big Rocking Horse from FAO Schwarz^®
Giddy up! This galloping pony is made from solid wood, has hand-painted details, gorgeous hair and superior craftsmanship. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.

Big Telescope from FAO Schwarz^®
Aspiring astronomers can experience the full range of celestial exploration with this one-of-a-kind 127mm refracting telescope. The computerized drive effortlessly finds and tracks thousands of celestial objects with a push of a button, and the 127mm of high-precision optics have the power to see breathtaking vistas on the Moon, the Rings of Saturn, the Cloud Belts of Jupiter, jewel-like stars and mysterious nebula and galaxies at mind-numbing distances. 8 D-Cell batteries required (not included). Ages 14 years and up. (Item is available only at FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue)

Ballerina Marionette Puppet and Pirate Marionette Puppet from FAO Schwarz^®
Kids can put on a spectacular show with this highly detailed plush puppet. The ballerina's pink tutu with jeweled accents, floral crown and lace-up toe shoes will keep tiny dancers on their toes. And for little buccaneers, this pirate is ready to raise the mast and set sail in his skull and crossbones hat, signature eye patch, boots and red velour coat. Puppet strings are both detachable and color-coded to avoid any snags during show time. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up.

Cabbage Patch Kids^® Collector Edition Doll from JAKKS™
Specially designed to commemorate the 30^th Anniversary, these limited edition 20-inch dolls feature beautifully designed, deluxe fashions that include three dress styles never before seen on a Cabbage Patch Kid.  Each doll comes with sparkly accessories, including shoes and a bracelet. The "Collector Edition" dolls come numbered as there were very few made, and – just like real kids –have a birth certificate and adoption papers. No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.

Deja Vu Paris Stroll from Tonner^® Doll Company
Kids can follow Penelope on her latest adventure as she strolls through the decadent streets of glamorous 1890s Paris. Sumptuously outfitted in a cream-striped taffeta gown with faux pearl buttons and blue floral trim, coordinating jewelry and a fabulous feather-trimmed hat, Penelope comes complete with a stand for display. No batteries required. Ages 14 years and up.

FAO Schwarz^® Barbie^® Soldier Doll from Mattel^®
Inspired by the iconic FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier, this Barbie wears a crimson red skirt and top boldly embellished with black and metallic golden accents. Arm cuffs, soldier hat, and black boots enhance the soldier motif. Barbie's brown hair and bright blue eyes complete the fun-filled look. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up.

Mohair Bear from FAO Schwarz^®
This fully jointed, hand-sewn collectible bear is constructed of luxurious golden mohair fur and has a sweet stitched-on smile. Packaged in its own gift box, it is the perfect keepsake for collectors young and old. No batteries required. All ages.

Mohair Elephant, Giraffe, Monkey and Panda from Steiff^®
Presenting a true heirloom gift that can be handed down for generations, Steiff plush is made entirely by hand. Sewn from genuine mohair plush, these special items were created exclusively for FAO Schwarz. A collectible toy with lasting value, children and parents will cherish this unique plush for years to come. No batteries required. Ages 13 years and up.

Shen the Panda from Zylie™ and Friends
This rock-and-roll panda loves music, is a drummer in his band, and is about to go on tour to explore music across the globe. Shen is always ready to travel with his awesome leather jacket, backpack, drum sticks and Chinese Passport, along with a book from Zylie's Adventure Series. No batteries required. Ages 4 to 11 years.

Wizard of Oz Puppets from FAO Schwarz^®
Young puppeteers can set the scene to re-enact a classic tale using a little imagination. Each fabric hand puppet is designed with great detail, emulating Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. No batteries required. Ages 2 years and up.

Zylie™ the Bear from Zylie™ and Friends
This native New York bear appreciates fashionable clothes and adventures with her friends around the globe. Zylie has everything she needs to set off on her big worldwide journey, including her signature outfit, purse, map and passport, along with a book from her Adventure Series. No batteries required. Ages 4 to 11 years.

For high-resolution images of the 2013 Holiday Catalog, as well as items featured in the collection, please click on the following link: https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d/sc568ec0075148b5b

About FAO Schwarz

Since 1862, FAO Schwarz has been a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, offering an unparalleled selection of one-of-a-kind toys that have enchanted generations and cultivated a loyal clientele. In 2012, the brand commemorates its 150^th anniversary as one of the most cherished retailers in the country with a year-long celebration of its storied history. The famous FAO Schwarz flagship store in New York City, which attracts millions of visitors annually, is the only one of its kind in the world.  The complete assortment of the company's extraordinary merchandise, including a line of unique toys marketed under the FAO Schwarz brand name, can be found in-store and online at FAO.com. The iconic FAO Schwarz brand is exclusively operated by Toys"R"Us, Inc., the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer.

For additional information about the brand or its 150^th anniversary, visit FAO.com and follow FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/FAO.

SOURCE FAO Schwarz

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