New York City: Shops: toys, books and clothes
Books of Wonder 16 W 18th St (between 5th and 6th aves) tel 212/989-3270.Excellent kids' bookstore, with a great story-hour on Sun at 11.45am, and author appearances Sat in the spring and fall.
F.A.O. Schwarz
767 5th Ave (at 58th St) tel 212/644-9400.
Showpiece of a nationwide chain sporting three huge floors of everything a child could want. Fans of Barbie will want to check out the Barbie store, in the back of F.A.O. Schwarz, with its own Madison Ave entrance.
New Victory Theater
209 W 42nd St tel 646/223-3020.
There is always a rich mix of affordable theater, music, dance, storytelling, film and puppetry, in addition to pre-performance workshops and post-performance participation. Everything about this theater is child-oriented, including the duration of performances (60-90 minutes). Closed during the summer.
Thirteenth Street Repertory Company
50 W 13th St (between 5th and 6th aves) tel 212/675-6677. Sat & Sun 1pm and 3pm, year-round; $7.
Forty-five-minute original musicals - such as "Rumplewho?" - specifically created for "little humans." Reservations needed, as these are very popular shows.
Penny Whistle Toys
1283 Madison Ave (at 91st St) tel 212/369-3868; also 448 Columbus Ave (at 81st St) tel 212/873-9090.
Wonderful shop selling a fun, imaginative range of toys that deliberately eschews guns and war accessories, including replicas of old-fashioned toys rarely seen these days. Highly recommended.
Red Caboose
23 W 45th St (between 5th and 6th aves); lower level - follow the flashing railroad sign in back of lobby tel 212/575-0155.
A unique shop specializing in models, particularly trains and train sets.
Tannen's Magic Studio
24 W 25th St (between Broadway and 6th Ave) tel 212/929-4500.
Kids will never forget a visit to the largest magic shop in the world, with nearly 8000 props and magic sets. The staff consists of magicians who perform free shows throughout the day.
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