New York, United States: Must-Visit Toy Stores

FAO Schwarz: If you are under a sub-teen, no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to the world-famous FAO Schwarz toy company's store.

First, a word of caution - it is manic!

Three levels of toys, books, activities for critters of all ages can be a bit overwhelming especially when you throw in the legendary status and prime touristy location just off Central Park. Still it is worth it, at least for the experience of the "big" piano, if nothing else. For preschoolers and infants, the basement contains all your favorite brands such as Melissa and Doug, as well as general usefuls like prams and diaper bags.
In addition, you can find NY locals such as The Brownstone Buddies and of course the Fao Schwarz toys which include the mini piano for your take-home musical pleasure.





Kiddin' Around: Tucked just off W. 15th street, this cute store has both  mainstream and unusual toys for kids of all ages. Bath drums, Parisienne carousels and a small selection from the ELC which is not yet available in the U.S. are some of the things that make this place unique. The aisles are narrow and the toys are closely packed, but that's half the fun! Plus free gift wrapping if you need to pick up a little something for a play buddy.





Times Square Toys-R-Us: There is nothing subdued about Times Square and there is nothing subtle about this legendary store either. Prepare for complete sensory overload. As you stare mesmerized at the giant ferris wheel at the entrance, don't miss a chance to pose for a picture with Jeffrey or Iron Man casually strolling through the store (caution: all at a cost). On the ground floor is a delightful selection of NY-themed toys and souvenirs which are a little cheesy but admittedly irresistible. "NYPD" onesie or SPongeBob Times Square Pants tee, anyone?

Take the elevator to the next level up and pose with the Jurassic Park dino or check out the selection of infant toys and nursery items. In the basement, test drive some of the huge selection of cars, bikes and trikes, just for fun!

When you are done, walk over to Bryant Park and counter all that conspicuous consumption with a little snooze on the grass.

Other posts in the New York City series:

New York General Travel Tips

New York, United States: The Best Kids' Bookstore Ever!

New York, United States: Our Favorite City Playgrounds and So Much More..

New York, United States: Fabulously Friendly Brunches

New York, United States: 10 Reasons We Love Bryant Park

Shanghai, China: Best Baby Shopping

When most people think of shopping of China, two words come to mind: cheap and fake. This is true if that's what you are looking for. But Shanghai is different from Beijing in that the city has more upscale lifestyle options, in keeping with its reputation as the Paris of the East. So here you can find exclusive boutiques, as well as your everyday stuff, and you won't have to look very far for either!

XinTianDi: All cabbies and hotels will  know this square in the french-concession area as it is peppered with expats, many international brands (Sisley, Stella Luna, Nine West) and upscale local stores (Annabelle Lee). Its wide pedestrian streets, outdoor seating, fountains and live music performances made it a great and convenient place for us to take Karam. The highlight was stumbling into exclusive kids' shoe store, Fiona's Prince. Gorgeous shoes will set you back RMB 500-700 (gulp!) but if you value shoes the way I do, and consider that they are only available in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, it suddenly becomes quite doable. Very well-made leather shoes in imaginative colors and styles. Definitely worth a look (or two, or three, as I did!)
 
When you are done shopping, you can avail of the 100s of dining options or stop in for world-famous dumplings at Din Tai Fung, but make sure to put your name down 15-20 minutes in advance.




Bao Da Xiang Mall for Kids: Literally means "kids grow up with good luck", but to me, it's more like "kids grow up with good stuff". Six storeys (there are apparently two levels of amusement and karaoke which I did not see) of children's clothes, shoes, socks, toys, nursery goods, electronics, prams, you name it. You will find international brands like Disney, Osh Kosh, and Esprit intermixed with local names. While you can spend hours there (and we did), it is ironically the least baby-friendly mall I have ever seen! Had to get a man to  help me up the main stairs as there was no ramp to enter the mall, and the one small elevator in an unmarked corner led out to another flight of stairs which two old ladies were kind enough to help me down!! Paradise for kids, though! On Nanjing Road, in downtown Shanghai.





TaiKang Road: Although this one won't be on your usual tourist route, it's one of Shanghai's treasures, I think. Small alleyways packed with bars, cafes and some exquisite clothes, homewares and art. Tons of little boutiques for kids, particularly great place to buy cashmere sweaters, scarves and hats. (no pics, sorry! was too enamored with it all to stop and be a tourist!)

Other posts in the Shanghai series:

China - General Travel Tips

Shanghai, China: For the Art-Loving Parent

Six Reasons NEVER to Fly Air China (even without a child)

Packing for China: My All-Inclusive List

Air China: Most Baby-UNfriendly airline!