Columnist Muriel Stevens: Holiday shopping a challenge

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000 | 9:18 a.m.

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

I have a love-hate relationship with shopping at this time of the year. I love the wonderful selection of merchandise that's in all the stores. I love being able to find things I normally have to mail-order, and I love those early shopping hours offered by some stores.

But I hate the hassle of trying to finding a parking space (I'm not the only one who likes to shop early). Valet parking keeps regular store hours, so if you want to shop at 8 a.m. forget valet parking. I hate not having knowledgeable help. Even with an ad in hand, it takes one of the regular sales staff to help you find what you're looking for. I once had to call for a manager to get the answer to a simple question. I do understand getting good holiday part-timers is not easy, so whenever possible I order by phone. When I see something that I want advertised in a local store I call and ask for a full-time salesman.

I pay for my purchase with a credit card, and pick up it up at my convenience. The best time to call is when the store opens. Be sure to get the name of the salesman.

F.A.O does it all: Toy stores can bring even the strongest shoppers to their knees at this time of year. Use the shopping-by-phone ploy here and relax. Not all stores supply phone order service, but the ones such as F.A.O Schwarz that do can save you shopping time. F.A.O Schwarz in the Forum Shops at Caesars is one of my favorite stores. Long before there was an F.A.O in Las Vegas, I shopped the New York branch. I love the wide array of toys designed to spark a child's imagination.

Many of the toys are exclusive to F.A.O. stores. Prices range from affordable to very expensive. F.A.O Schwarz sells high-quality toys made to last. A 24-inch animal alphabet puzzle ($32) for ages two to four is whimsical and wonderful. Made from imported wood, the 26-piece set is both educational and entertaining.

Only at F.A.O. will you find Alluwishes, a sweet little angel with his own special wish; a better future for all children through pediatric research and programs worldwide. That's why a portion of the proceeds of each Alluwish sold is donated to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Alluwish comes in three sizes that cost $10, $20 or $40. The charming "Little Red" book and dolls by Sarah, the Duchess of York, ($16-$50) who founded Chances for Children, contributes part of its sales proceeds to the nonprofit organization. Chances for Children benefits children in need throughout America.

F.A.O Schwarz has an outstanding selection of rocking horses, puppets and dolls. The kid in me loves the Eloise dolls by Madame Alexander ($35-$45). Only at F.A.O will you find the three-wheel Funny Roller scooter for 4- to 8-year-olds. The interactive toys are super -- ET the Extraterrestrial, Yoda with a light saber, ($29.99-$39.99), and the Super Poo-chi dog, puppy or Meow-chi ($29.99-$49.99). And how about sneakers with a secret -- retractable in-line skates. Sizes for kids and adults.

For phone orders pick up a catalog at the store or request that they mail you one. Make your choices, then phone an F.A.O personal shopper, Ruby Trotter or Traci Sunstrum. They'll shop, wrap and more. Stress-free shopping. Call 796-6500.