Josh Wong Photography
NYC is magical for the holidays. Among the crowded city streets, there are just so many twinkles and sparkles, holiday markets, and decorated storefronts and windows galore it’s easy to remember how fun holiday shopping can (and should!) be. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a fan of two-day shipping, but for the holidays, there’s something that’s missing when you shop online – the actual shopping. There is something about stepping into a store full of wonder that allows you to detach for a moment and take in the sights and sounds and physically pick up items to “play” with them.
And there’s a hidden gem on 147 East 57th Street – just a couple blocks from the frenzy that I bet you missed (and shouldn’t this year!).
Hammacher Schlemmer has been around since 1841 (as merely hardware shop on Bowery) that has grown into a very interesting experience and storefront that moved uptown in 1926. Over the years they’ve changed course and started the first American catalog – that you can still get today – that now allows modern shoppers to browse some of the most unique and fun gifts in a curated collection. Did I mention it is also their 170th anniversary this year? It prides me to see local businesses still around after that many years so show them some love!
Take a peek inside
You can see immediately it’s not your average toy store but rather full of interesting gadgets and wonder. Yep, that “whale” hanging from the ceiling is the underwater jet ski you saw Two Chainz drive on Vice, and this two-person hovercraft for only $19.500.
For football lovers they can even bling out an entire NFL helmet with Swaroski crystals for only $10,000 (or a football for only $5,000).
Okay – a little out of your budget? Don’t worry they still have really cool stuff that’s even under $100.
Like this roll-up traveling piano (with a headphone jack – I checked!) for only $59.99. Move over FAO, this travel-size piano is definitely more portable for road trips and won’t take up our entire NYC apartments like the original floor model. How about that oversized LiteZilla board behind it? Yep – it’s for sale, too (only $15,000). Don’t worry, it’s a good kid distractor in-store while you shop!
Want something a little more grown and sexy? How about this adult monkey bar. The Drink No Evil Cocktail Tools will look cool and give a little class to that beverage you’re concocting. Very Mad Men.
Another cool fun fact – you’ll find a fun little collection of FAO Schwarz toys here (and really good ones!). Instead of waiting in line for the new pop-up in Rock Center, grab your toys at Hammacher Schlemmer now, and then pop in after the tourist lines die down in January.
One more cool feature at Hammacher Schlemmer? They partner up with Royce Custom Leather for the holidays to provide custom monographing session events on many of their products including sunglass cases, luggage tags and wallets. Nothing says happy holidays than some gold foil initials. It’s seriously beautiful and such a nice touch!
Looking for even MORE cool gift ideas? Stop in to browse all the cool items yourself, or you can still even request one of their famous catalogs here. Also, follow along on instagram at @hammacher_nyc to get sneek peeks inside.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hammacher Schlemmer. Thank you for supporting small business AND FootballFoodandMotherhood.com!
