This post is sponsored by FAO Schwarz.
I can’t believe the holidays are already here — it feels like Christmas snuck up on me this year. I usually finish my shopping by mid-November, but this year I’m only just getting started. When I shop for my youngest (6 years old), I look for open-ended, creative toys that spark her imagination. Extra points if they’re screen-free and encourage pretend play!
FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest and most iconic toy brands, and I love that they offer so many unique, classic toys. I remember being amazed by their displays as a kid, and it’s a joy to watch that same wonder on my children’s faces. This season, you can find FAO Schwarz toys at Target stores, online, and at FAO locations. There are over 120 toys plus a special capsule collection celebrating FAO Schwarz’s 160th anniversary, so there’s something for every child. Prices range from $9.99 to $149.99, with 50 toys under $20—making gift giving easy and budget-friendly.
Here are a few of my favorites, available online (I’ve linked them below) and in-store at Target:
Giant 69″ Dance-On Piano Mat
My kids love music, so this went straight into my cart. It’s a huge 69″ interactive piano mat with 38 notes, 5 tunes, and easy-to-follow controls. They can learn, play, record, and dance — it’s big enough for more than one child and shuts off automatically to save batteries. Perfect for burning off winter energy!
Make-Believe Magic Vanity Mirror Makeup Set
This light-up pretend vanity comes with LED lights and lots of fun accessories. It’s great for kids to play dress-up or to glam up dolls and stuffed animals. The large drawer stores all the pieces neatly when playtime is over.
Make-Believe Bakery Oven Cookie Decorating Clay Play Set
Adorable and full of pretend-baking fun. This 25-piece set has everything kids need to roll out dough, place cookies on a baking sheet, and decorate with the included tools and five bright clay colors. Hours of imaginative play!
Glamour Purse Set Pretend Play Makeup Kit
A perfect gift for little divas who love to pretend. This set includes a cute purse filled with pretend nail polish, compact, eye shadow, blush, lipstick, hair brush, a credit card, and sunglasses — all the glam without the mess of real makeup.
Rescue Responders Wooden Fire Station Playset
I love this multi-level wooden fire station. It transforms from a firetruck into a fire station and includes working gears, multiple levels, vehicles, and 21 play pieces for long-lasting imaginative play. When they’re done, everything stores inside the firetruck, which has a handle for easy transport.