Filed under: WTF? | Tags: christmas, expensive, FAO Schwartz, horses, living toys, ponies, presents
A chill is in the air, the winter coats are making their way out of storage, and Christmas songs are playing 24-7 on the local radio stations. Yes, it’s the holiday season…that wonderful time of year when the spirit of giving is at its peak and all all thoughts turn towards…what we want for Christmas.
At least, all of our children’s thoughts. I have definitive proof of this in the stack of toy catalogs already dog-eared and overflowing with yellow highlighted circles marking my son’s wish list. Everything from your typical plastic weaponry to the $250 robotic T-Rex. My almost-three-year-old daughter wants a pony. Which, if you have an FAO Schwartz catalog, is apparently as easy as calling their 1-800 number and ordering one.
I am absolutely not making this up. The company is marketing actual miniature horses as “living toys.” From the catalog:
Minature Pony
$15,000
Imagine your very own precious pony. FAO Schwarz brings that dream within reach. This miniature purebred makes a perfect companion for young horse lovers. This full-grown pony has a buckskin coat and a soft thick mane and arrives ready to be ridden with a monogrammed FAO Schwarz halter and lead, and a Western saddle. Your pony is escorted home by a specialist who is there to offer complete information on caring for a new horse.
Please call the Division of Local Government for your county to check out any specific regulations. Owing to the size and nature of these ponies (under 36 inches and used solely as pets), they should be considered domestic animals rather than farm animals. The pony comes complete with current health papers stating which vaccinations were given. The pony will need a small outdoor area with protection from the elements and enough room for daily exercise.
Call 1-800-426-8697 to discuss the details of this special purchase with a Personal Shopper.
As an avid equestrian and horse lover, I’m beyond appalled by this concept. A pony is never a plaything. As a parent, I’m equally as appalled that there’s actually a market for children’s gifts which cost upwards of $15,000. Because you can also, from this catalog, buy your kid a miniature gasoline-powered Mercedes Benz for a mere $18,000 (which, for the record, is more than I paid for my full-size gasoline-powered Chrysler Town and Country minivan). And stuck for a birthday party idea? Why not arrange a sleepover party at an FAO Schwartz store for your child and eight friends…for just $25,000? What a deal!
What ever happened to the days where most of the stuff you got for Christmas was stuff you needed…like underwear and socks?
I still remember the best Christmas gift I ever got. A $10 hoof pick. I was twelve and it was tucked in my Christmas stocking. And it wasn’t the price tag that made it memorable. It was the fact that my parents were embracing and encouraging a passion that had become an important part of my life.
I feel sad for parents who think they need to buy expensive gifts for their children. Because as far as I know, the most important things you give your kids can’t be put on a credit card. Love. Self-esteem. Affirmation. Guidance.
Of course, for everything else, there’s always FAO Schwartz.
