FAO Schwarz at LAX: Toy Shopping Guide & Tips

Shop Overview

FAO Schwarz at Los Angeles International Airport brings the brand’s classic toy-store magic to the departures level—perfect for last-minute gifts, travel-friendly treats for kids, or a nostalgic pick-me-up for adults. Expect a curated selection that leans toward portable, easy-to-pack items rather than bulky playsets.

The assortment typically focuses on FAO Schwarz signature lines—think plush animals, playful collectibles, and giftable toys that feel special even when you’re shopping in a rush. The customer experience is designed to be quick and approachable: browse-and-go convenience with plenty of “grab gifts” that work for birthdays, holidays, and “I forgot the souvenir” moments.

What to Buy

• Best-sellers: FAO Schwarz plush (teddy bears and seasonal characters), small toys and games that keep kids busy in-flight, and compact novelty gifts that fit easily in a personal item.
• Smart airport picks: Travel-sized toys for toddlers (soft, quiet options), impulse gifts for relatives, and “open-on-arrival” surprises that don’t require batteries or setup.
• Souvenir-style choices: If you’re skipping traditional “I Love LA” souvenir shops, FAO plush and branded keepsakes make a more timeless gift—especially for travelers who want something that doesn’t scream tourist merch.
• Price perspective: This is not a duty-free concept, so don’t expect duty-free savings. Prices can run slightly higher than off-airport toy retailers due to airport operating costs—your value here is convenience and giftability when time is tight.

Location & Hours

Exact location: Departures level at LAX. In most terminals, the strongest concentration of retail is after security on the departures level, so plan to shop once you’ve cleared TSA unless you confirm otherwise on-site.

How to find it: After security, follow overhead signage for “Shopping” or “Retail” and scan the main departures concourse near the central passenger flow (where travelers funnel toward multiple gates). If you’re tight on time, ask the nearest information desk or a neighboring retailer to point you directly to FAO Schwarz.

Hours: LAX operates 24/7, but individual store hours vary. As a rule, most departures-level shops align to flight banks—morning through late evening—with reduced late-night availability.

• Peak times: 6:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–7:00 p.m. (heavier passenger waves, shorter browsing windows).
• Quieter times: Mid-morning and late evening, when you’ll get a calmer shopping experience and quicker checkout.

Shopping Tips

• Duty-free reminder: Not applicable here—if you want duty-free pricing on eligible categories, look for DFS or duty-free shops (commonly in international areas such as Terminal B).
• Timing tip: Shop after clearing security so you’re not carrying extra items through TSA. Leave a buffer if you want to compare nearby options (e.g., toys like LEGO in Terminal B, or general gift shops in other terminals).
• Returns: Airport returns can be less convenient. Before paying, ask for the return window, whether returns must be made in-airport, and keep your receipt—especially for gifts.
• Payment: Expect major credit/debit cards and mobile wallets; cash (USD) is typically accepted, but cards are fastest during peak periods.
• Packability: Choose soft items and compact boxes to avoid gate-check or overhead-bin headaches—plush and small toys are the safest bets for carry-on travel.