New York City Shopping Tips by westy79

Toys R Us: Toys, Toys, Toys Toys R Us Review

The setting for Toys R Us store in ideal was an ideal location. Its bright, vibrant and huge. The shop was more faced paced than FAO Schwarz but thats no bad thing. It housed a mighty carousel wheel and too see this alone in a toy shop is worth a visit. Apart from the usual toys and games on offer there were some exceptional lego displays to admire. A giant Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building and Empire State building complete with King Kong looked mighty impressive and you could only stand and admire. There was also a huge Monopoly board on one of the walls. It truly is a great store and i only wish i took some more money

What to buy: Where FAO Schwarz had more one off and origional items on offer Toys R Us was more commercial selling action figures and popular games throughout the store. My girlfriend bought me a basketball and baseball figure.

What to pay: You can buy items from a couple of dollars up to $500 dollars depending on how much you want to spend

Address: 1514 BROADWAY

Directions: In the heart of Times Square

Theme: Toys and Games

Website: http://www.toysrus.com

Tiffanys: Diamonds are a girls best friend

I dont suppose this world famous store needs much introduction. Tiffanys sums up New York, Spectacular. My girlfriend couldnt wait to go there although i made sure i left my credit card at the hotel!! After stepping inside the class of the shop hits you like a ten ton diamond. There is no end to the magnifent items on display but to be fair we were only window shopping. It was lovely seeing the stunning diamonds on show and with many floors there was lots to see. My girlfriend was adament she wanted something to be wrapped up in the famous Turquoise box. After looking at some of the cheaper items she found a lovely necklace. Even an item which had no great value in money (compared to the other pieces) the staff still gave the necklace plenty of care and attention when wrapping and packing.
My girlfriend left Tiffanys a very happy girl.
A visit to Tiffanys is a must especially if you have seen the film "Breakfast At Tiffanys"

What to buy: Diamonds, Diamonds, Diamonds. If you can afford them. Other than that lots of jewellery such as bracelets, watches, necklaces and household items like photo frames and cut glass.

What to pay: As i have said most items were out of our price range but to other shoppers their budget may differ. Either way there are items for every budget. There were no prices on the pieces but there are many gifts such as pens and writing paper for around $35-$50. My girlfriends silver Picasso necklace was $130.

Address: 5th Avenue

Directions: New York
Fifth Avenue at 57th Street
New York, New York 10022
212-755-8000

Theme: Jewelry

Website: http://www.tiffany.com

Any of the souvenir shops: Every Souvenir possible

You will not have any trouble finding that NY souvenir to take back home. There are many of these shops all over the place selling everything imaginable Relatin to NY. We spent alot of time in one of the shops buying gifts for family members and items to keep for ourselves

What to buy: You must buy an i love NY t-shirt. Think i took about 6 back!!

NY mugs, pens, rubbers, plates, stickers, yellow cab money boxes and so much more.

You cannot go wrong in these shops for the ultimate NY gift to take home

What to pay: prices are ver cheap, about $5-$10 for a mug

one shop was selling 4 i love NY t-shirts for $20

Address: These shops are everywhere!

Theme: Gifts

FAO Schwarz: The best toy shop in the world!! FAO Schwarz Review

No trip to NY would be complete without a trip to this amazing world famous FAO Schwarz toy shop. After a very cold walk around Central Park we decided to head into the shop for a little warmth. However we spent over 2 hours in this great shop. We had a lovely hot chocolate and fudge cake in the sit down cafe area. The staff were very friendly and then we headed off to do some serious shopping!!! Big cuddly toys, board games, action figures, and so much more was on offer over the two floors. There was also a collection of huge toy cars and a large display of Barbie dolls. We also got chance to see 2 of the staff play some wicked tunes on the huge piano which was also used in the film Big. Loads of wonderful toys and staff flying around the shop on scooters made this FAO Schwarz the best toy shop in the world

What to buy: Have a custom made doll built to your design, choose skin and hair colour as well as a massive range of accessories to truly have a one off doll. You are then presented with a birth certificate with the dolls name on and various other facts. Also before you customise your doll you have to place a little heart inside

We bought some paper aeroplanes which were so cool. once made you can throw them quite a distance and they return back to you like a boomerang, Very inexpensive but so much fun

Lots of themed board games, like Nascar Monopoly and New York Yankees Chess set. As i live in the UK these are not in the shops so i took advantage and took a few games back!

So many cuddly toys to melt the hearts of people all ages.

What to pay: You can buy paper aeroplanes for $2 up to $2000 for the big toy cars.
Really its up to you how much you spend

Address: 767 Fifth Avenue

Directions: 59th and 5th

Phone: 212.644.9400

Theme: Toys and Games

Website: http://www.fao.com