AC Gears (CLOSED)

AC Gears’ second Manhattan shop (the first is in the East Village) is like Toys “R” Us for adults. The futuristic shop offers the newest electronics, cool gadgets and fun tchotchkes from around the world. Upon entering, you’ll find two small flat-screen televisions displaying moving cars and people, which are synchronized to the beat of the store’s background music. Explore the wall of headphones by trying on one of the high-end brands, like the popular Zumreeds that come in a range of punchy colors ($40–$60). Check out the best-selling Bandai Gun o’Clock ($90), an alarm clock with a pop-up target and toy gun—so when that dreaded sound goes off in the wee hours of the morning, just reach for the gun and shoot the damn thing. More playful items include limited-edition Mimobot Star Wars–themed memory drives ($46), Kikkerland robot pencil sharpeners ($13) and disappearing glow-in-the-dark graffiti paint from Suck UK ($66).