By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATAN - Harumika arts and crafts, Nerf Rapid Fire guns and Zhu Zhu Pets topped the list of presents Manhattan children requested from Santa this Christmas.
Thousands of Manhattanites and visitors packed into FAO Schwarz, Toys R Us and other independent toystores in the week before the big day looking for their favorite gifts.
Christmas through New Year's is the most popular time to shop at FAO Schwarz, according to Bob Friedlander, a spokesperson for Toys "R" Us, which now owns the famed Fifth Avenue store.
"It's one of those New York traditions," he says. "It's a prime family destination because they offer one of a kind experiences."
Sanaa Donalds, of Harlem agreed. “This is my favorite time of the year,” says Donalds, who also celebrated her eighth birthday on Dec. 22.
“I’m waiting for Santa to come on Christmas so I can open all of my presents.”
She said she hopes to get a pair of pink UGG boots and a Wii.
“It’s a little expensive shopping for both occasions,” says her mother, Sheneque Duke, who is a special-ed teacher. “But it’s worth it. She’s been good this year.”
Nasir Collins, 6, made his first trip to the big city from his home New Jersey. His favorite part was seeing the cars and flying helicopter toys.
“We don’t have a store like this in New Jersey,” says Nasir. “I hope Santa gets me a remote control motorcycle.”
For Jenna Capps, 8, Christmas came early for her when she found a pyramid of Zhu Zhu Pets dolls at Toys “R” Us in Times Square. None of the dolls were to be found in her hometown of South Padre Island, TX.
“I was so excited, I fell over in happiness,” Jenna says. A million Zhu Zhu Pets were shipped to Toys "R" Us stores around the country to accomodate the shopping rush, according to the company's press office.
But Jenna is still waiting on a few more presents, namely a Mario Kart game for her Ninendo DS, so she can race around as her favorite character Yoshii.
When asked if she was worried that Santa might not find her while she’s staying at a hotel near Herald Square, away from home, Jenna says no way.
“He knows I’m away. I emailed him,” she says. “He wrote me back and said it’s [New York] one of Mrs. Claus’s favorite places.”
