WAYNE, NJ (November 8, 2011)/V-Newswire/ - With families everywhere already starting their Christmas shopping, FAO Schwarz® has unwrapped its plans to provide a magical holiday season to its customers. Beyond trimming the windows of its world-famous Fifth Avenue store with lighted versions of its iconic toy soldier, FAO Schwarz is now stocking its shelves with wonderful, new and classic playthings. The ultimate assortment of items featured in the store and online at FAO.com is showcased in The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection, a 40-page display of wondrous toys. The collection includes product presentations from iconic brands, the world of fashion, baby products, specialty toys and more. Additionally, to help New Yorkers, and visitors to FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue, get into the Christmas spirit by helping children in need, the store is now accepting cash contributions to benefit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation through Christmas Eve.

"For New Yorkers and tourists alike, a special part of any holiday season is a visit to see the amazing toys at FAO Schwarz," said Richard Barry, Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "To offer a preview of the wondrous playthings featured in our world-famous store, The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection catalog takes customers on a magical journey of the unique items available this year, from classic playthings to limited edition items."

The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Catalog – In Mailboxes Now and Available Digitally!
Now landing in mailboxes nationwide, The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection from FAO Schwarz features toys beyond kids' wildest imaginations, along with items that will catch the eye of discerning collectors. Presented in thematic pages, the 40-page book presents statements dedicated to FAO Schwarz collectibles, over-the-top toys, playthings from Paul Frank, Lionel Trains, life-sized plush animals, baby items and more. Customers can view the entire catalog online at FAO.com/2011Holiday.

Those who cannot visit the store in-person can experience all of the items in The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection catalog online at FAO.com. This fully interactive version of the catalog, with flippable pages, allows customers to begin browsing the assortment of classic toys, incredible games and extraordinary items beginning Friday, November 11. Items featured in The 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection catalog can also be ordered via phone by calling 800-426-8697.

Additionally, fans of the store's official Facebook Fan page at Facebook.com/FAO can tune in every Monday to find additional information about products displayed in the catalog.

FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue Helps Children in Need
This holiday season, the legendary toy store is once again serving as a donation headquarters for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Now through Christmas Eve, customers visiting FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue can donate to Toys for Tots, in any amount starting at $1. With more than 16 million kids living in poverty in the United States, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, funds donated at FAO Schwarz will help purchase toys for children who might otherwise go without a gift on Christmas morning.

To help celebrate the partnership with Toys for Tots, on Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2, FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue will host a kickoff for the program from 9 am – 4 pm. During this time, Marine representatives will report for duty at the iconic toy store to greet customers as they enter the store and encourage them to donate cash and toys. This will be the only time that FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue will collect toys for Toys for Toys, which will be distributed within the local community. To help visitors get into the holiday spirit, carolers will provide musical accompaniment in the donation area while offering complimentary candy canes, while supplies last.

Source: www.fao.com