From Paris to New York: The Story Behind a New Bunnies By The Bay Collection – Passport Bunnies

There are moments in a brand’s journey that inspire more than growth—they inspire creativity, imagination, and the next chapter of storytelling. For Bunnies By The Bay, the opening of dedicated store spaces within the iconic FAO Schwarz toy stores became exactly that kind of moment. What began with a magical debut in New York City and continued with an exciting expansion into Paris, Milan, Bejing, and Rome sparked the creation of a special collection of stuffed animals that celebrates both global adventure and the brand’s beloved Pacific Northwest roots - Meet the Passport Bunnnies!

A Parisian Beginning

The inspiration for the collection started in Paris, a city known for its timeless charm, beautiful architecture, and appreciation for artistry. As Bunnies By The Bay joined the FAO Schwarz experience in Paris in the Summer of 2024 that coincided with Paris’ hosting of the Olympics. The team found themselves surrounded by wonder at every turn—from charming cafés and flower-filled boulevards to the playful spirit that defines childhood across cultures and the Olympics games that brings the world together to appreciate sport and dedication.

The Paris opening encouraged the design team to think about travel, exploration, and the joy of discovering new places. Early sketches featured soft color palettes, elegant details, and whimsical accessories inspired by the City of Light but rooted in the Cricket Island setting of Bunnies By The Bay. The design included  a fabric wall  that sparks the imagination, and delights the senses in a way that only Bunnies By The Bay can. The result was a store experience that felt both sophisticated and cuddly, designed to capture the imagination of children and collectors alike. Once the store was designed, the team wanted to create a stuffed animal special to the Paris store, and the birth of the City of Love bunny took shape. Keeping to our classic roots, the famous bunny dons the Bunnies By The Bay classic bunny design, with Paris themed fabric ear lining featuring the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Bringing the Magic to New York City

The excitement continued when Bunnies By The Bay expanded the collection, by popular demand, to honor the world-famous FAO Schwarz store in New York City. Known as one of the most celebrated toy destinations in the world, the New York location introduced the Bunnies By The Bay brand to families from every corner of the globe.

New York brought a different kind of energy to the collection. The city’s bustling streets, bright lights, and sense of endless possibility inspired playful design with Lady Liberty herself, taxis, apples, and a bear in the famous toy soldier costume of FAO’s roots. The design team captured the essence of stuffed animal friends ready for big adventures—tiny dreamers with big personalities who embrace curiosity and friendship wherever they go.

Together, the Paris and New York openings established a theme that would define the collection: celebrating the places that inspire us while remaining connected to the comfort of home.

Returning to Our Roots

As the collection evolved, the team realized there was one story still waiting to be told—the story of where Bunnies By The Bay began.

Headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the company has always drawn inspiration from the region’s natural beauty. Towering evergreens, misty coastlines, mountain landscapes, and abundant wildlife create a setting that feels both peaceful and adventurous.

That realization led to the development of a brand-new signature character: a Pacific Northwest-themed bunny.

Meet the Pacific Northwest Bunny - Cascadia

Designed as a tribute to the region that has shaped the brand’s identity, the Pacific Northwest Bunny embodies the spirit of the great outdoors while maintaining the softness and comfort that define every Bunnies By The Bay creation.

The bunny features thoughtfully crafted details in the ear lining inspired by the region, including:

• Gentle forest-inspired colors
• Cozy textured beanie - reminiscent of woodland adventures
• Nature-themed accents celebrating evergreens, coastal landscapes, and majestic mountain tops
• The Orca whale, one of the most beloved symbols of the Pacific Northwest
• The Sasquatch, the legendary forest-dwelling creature, who embodies the mystery and wild beauty of the forest and folklore.
• A warm, welcoming expression that reflects the friendly spirit of the Pacific Northwest

More than just a stuffed animal, the Pacific Northwest Bunny represents home, community, and a connection to nature.

A Collection That Tells a Story

What makes this collection unique is the journey behind it. Each character reflects a different chapter of the Bunnies By The Bay story:

• Paris  - City of Love Bunny - celebrates imagination, elegance, and discovery.
• New York City – Big Apple NYC Bunny - captures excitement, creativity, and endless possibilities.
• The Pacific Northwest – Cascadia Bunny - honors the place where the brand’s heart and headquarters reside.

Together, these characters create a collection that invites children to dream big, explore new places, and always carry a piece of home wherever they go.

Looking Ahead

As Bunnies By The Bay continues to grow within the FAO Schwarz family, this collection serves as a reminder that every great adventure begins with a story. From the streets of Paris to the energy of New York and back to the forests and coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, each stuffed animal represents a special milestone in the brand’s journey. We look forward to bringing you more in this collection and in the journey of Bunnies By The Bay. 

Most importantly, they remind us that wonder can be found anywhere in the world—and sometimes, all it takes is a beloved bunny to help us discover it.