Columninst Muriel Stevens: A catalog of catalog delights

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999 | 9:43 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@vegas.com or 259-4080.

This is a grand time of the year for catalog shoppers. My mailbox bulges daily with more catalogs than ever before. Two of my perennial favorites, the Neiman Marcus Christmas book and the FAO Schwarz toy catalog, always get my immediate attention.

NM always comes up with wonderful gift ideas in a wide range of prices. I couldn't resist playing with the holograph of butterflies on the cover of the Christmas 1999 book. Bend the catalog back and forth and the butterflies take flight -- a charming bit of whimsy. Butterflies, this year's theme, adorn many of the gifts, including an enchanting snow globe ($36) and ultra-thin pocket flashlights with butterflies on the cover (two for $18).

On the first catalog page NM expounds on how privileged we are to be part of the generation that will mark the beginning of a new century. Accompanying this copy is a crescent moon-shaped cradle ($3,500) that was originally designed in 1995 for a furniture design show in Verona, Italy. This exceptional object is now produced in a limited edition. A satin-covered mattress is included. NM suggests that it can also be used as a toy or flower box.

Buy a gift and perform a good deed by choosing an item from pages 8 and 9. A portion of the proceeds from these purchases will benefit Habitat For Humanity, a charity that helps eliminate housing problems for the homeless. Prices for these gifts range from $15 to $95. Other charities, UNICEF and America's Promise, have their own pages. All of the gifts on these pages are moderately priced. There are other opportunities to contribute. Support the Nature Conservancy by adopting an acre of rain forest for $35.

Of course, luxury items abound: antique toys, fabulous jewels, games -- an interactive Venturer S2ei capsule simulator is a mere $96,000. Dozens and dozens more gifts for men, women and children range from moderately priced to utter extravagance. This is the ultimate wish book.

Kids' gifts from FAO Schwarz: It was in 1862 that Frederick August Otto Schwarz opened a small shop devoted to "the most amazing and delightful toys available anywhere in the world." The stores that bear the founder's name are still following his policy 137 years later. Some of the toys that were available in the early days are still available as "Vintage Edition Collectibles": a handmade hurdy gurdy ($25,000); a Victorian-styled doll carriage ($600); a super all-metal fire truck pedal car ($225); and more.

No one has a better selection of stuffed animals and dolls in all prices than FAO Schwarz. There are pages of items devoted to the irrepressible Eloise, who lived at the Plaza hotel -- even furniture. Gorgeous collector Barbie dolls with clothing created by acclaimed fashion designer Bob Mackie are another feature. An FAOS exclusive is the 40th anniversary celebration Le Papillon (the butterfly) Barbie ($150) by Mackie. Each doll includes a certificate of authenticity, an original sketch book by the designer and a doll stand. Mackie will be in the store Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., signing Le Papillon and other Barbies. This is a rare opportunity to meet the personable designer.

What do kids like? FAOS knows. The catalog features toys, games, costumes and everything else babes to teeny boppers favor. And, FAOS is fun for adults, too.