Hot Holiday Toys at FAO Schwarz on The Today Show

On today’s episode of NBC’s The Today Show, Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht and Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski stopped by the brand new FAO Schwarz store in New York’s Rockefeller Center to show off some of the holiday season’s hottest toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.

This extra large piano mat teaches you how to play five different songs with your feet.
You’ll be able to perform these classic tunes simply by stepping on the piano keys.
You can also record your own songs with up to 38 different notes.
Step on the playback button to hear your completed musical creations.
Ages: All
MSRP: $80
Available: FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

FRESH MART GROCERY STORE (MELISSA & DOUG)

The free-standing play space with smooth, curved corners and edges lets customers browse the shelves and pay for purchases on one side, and allows the grocer to ring up items on the other.
Realistic features include beeping “scanner,” a hand-crank conveyor belt, a card-swiping machine, a keypad/calculator, and cash drawer.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $199
Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, FAO Schwarz

With sturdy metal construction and pivoting front wheels, this kid-size metal shopping cart toy is the perfect addition to a play grocery store.
The mini grocery wagon is easy to maneuver, fun to fill, and built to last for years of pretend play.
Food play accessories sold separately.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $69.99
Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Kohls, FAO Schwarz

This companion set to the Fresh Mart Grocery Store has everything kids need to stock shelves and get shopping.
There are 70 pieces to play with, including grocer and shopper role-play items like an apron, conveyor belt divider bar, and a cloth shopping bag, a fully stocked grab-and-go rack designed to hang on the grocery store shelf (holds gum, granola bar, a magazine, and more!), play money, cards, and coupons, and grocery boxes and cans.
Pairs perfectly with the Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $29.99
Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, FAO Schwarz

Go on even bigger, action-packed rescues with Marshall and the whole PAW Patrol team on the all-new Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck.
The biggest PAW Patrol team vehicle holds all six pups and is fully loaded for sky-high rescues.
Featuring flashing lights, real fire truck sounds, and a ladder that extends two feet, the pups can use the high-speed triple water launcher to save the day.
The Fire Truck is also equipped with a working claw for extended reach and a hose to put out fires.
Stored inside the Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck, the mini fire cart is always ready for mobile missions. Simply open the door to launch to your next adventure!
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $59.99
Available: Target, Walmart, FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

MONSTER SPINNING CAR (SHARPER IMAGE)

Enjoy two cars in one
Features full remote control action, high performance rubber grip tires, LED lights, and patented fifth wheel.
Perform gravity-defying stunts and 360-degree single-tire acrobatics on any terrain with the press of a single button
Available in Black, Red, Mint, Lavender, and Blue
Ages: 10+
MSRP: $16
Available: Major retailers, FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

DIY BATH BOMB DONUTS (ALEX BRANDS)

ALEX Spa DIY Bath Bomb Donuts lets kids create a fun, fizzy, and fragranced tub time experience.
Mix chemicals, colors, and scents to create a powdery mix that hardens in a donut shaped mold.
Top off your creation with soap sprinkles and dunk it in the tub.
As the donut dissolves, the water turns effervescent and colorful with a clean and relaxing aroma.
The kit makes six bath bombs to give as gifts or keep all for yourself!
Ages: 6+
MSRP: $16.99
Available: Amazon, Walmart, FAO Schwarz

SUPER MANI PEDI PARTY KIT (ALEX BRANDS)

This 88-piece set comes with everything kids need to paint their nails and style them.
Includes nail polish, glitter, nail stickers, sequins, nail files, toe separators, plastic tweezers, and a brush.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $24.99
Available: Amazon, Walmart, FAO Schwarz

TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE – DJ BUMBLEBEE (HASBRO)

Drop the beat with the DJ Bumblebee figure
Using Sing-Back Tech, this figure records kids’ voices, then plays back the soundbite in sync with one of three tracks.
Kids control the mix — move the figure’s left arm to switch songs and right arm to control the tempo.
Comes pre-loaded with music clips of “Walk This Way,” originally by Aerosmith; “Bust A Move,” originally by Young MC; and the original G1 Transformers Robots in Disguise theme song.
The DJ BUMBLEBEE figure also dances to the beat during playback.
Product does not convert, but can still mix it up.
Ages: 6+
MSRP: $39.99
Available: Walmart, Target, Amazon, FAO Schwarz

BARBIE ULTIMATE KITCHEN (MATTEL)

The set includes Barbie chef doll, kitchen counter, appliances, cooking and dining utensils, and five different colors of dough to make food items.
Lift the cutting board for vegetable molds — fill with dough, press down, and lift to reveal veggies.
Make the perfect sandwich – fill the sandwich mold with dough. Place into the machine and press the silver handlebar, watch the dough rise, and slide the lever across.
Cook up a side of fries — drop the yellow dough into the fryer, press the handlebar down and watch as the perfect batch of fries emerge.
Don’t forget the dessert — place dough into the pie baking mold and slide into the oven. Press the button and listen for the ding.
Ages: 4+
MSRP: $ 49.99
Available: All major retailers, FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

It’s twice the excitement with the Party Popteenies Double Surprise Popper. Packed into this popper are hidden layers of fun!
To get the party started, pull to separate the two poppers and discover your first layer of surprises. Wrapped inside adorable packaging are mini accessories and your doll’s pet bestie.
The surprises continue as you pull, twist, and pop each popper! Within a cloud of colorful, collectible confetti you’ll find an exclusive Party Popteenie mini doll, wearing a fab, glittery outfit.
Pop your second popper to discover deluxe party accessories!
Ages: 4+
MSRP: $9.99
Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, FAO Schwarz

Kids can use the included drawing tool to create colorful works of art on the magic board
When a masterpiece is done, simply erase the board and start all over again
Ages: 4+
MSRP: $20
Available: FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

75-PIECE TRAIN SET (FAO SCHWARZ)

This classic motorized train set includes five unique train cars, including an FAO Schwarz-themed engine, and 40 feet of track
Train makes realistic sound effects and features LED lights
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $120
Available: FAO Schwarz, FAOSchwarz.com

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