Conference moira::parenting_v3

    Have you tried Service Merchandise or Prime Value Mart?  I saw one of
    these at the Service Merchandise in Nashua a few weeks ago.  You may
    want to give them a call.
    
    Lori B.

>>    Have you tried Service Merchandise or Prime Value Mart? 
   I just called - Service Mdse. (in Natick) is out and won't be getting
   anymore.  PVM doesn't have them.

    
    A few seasons ago I saw a jacket that I knew my husband would just love
    at Jordan Marsh.  They didn't have his size at the story I was at
    ... they offered to check all their stores for the size... 
    
    My point.  Give Jordans a call or even Filenes, it might be a bit more
    expensive, but it is worth a try.
    
    Good Luck!
    
    el
    
    

    I just bought one at the Toys 'R Us in Attleboro, directly across from
    the Emerald Square Mall.  They seemed to have tons of them....of course
    I was looking for the Fisher Price Remote Control Car that's so HOT
    this year and couldn't find it anywhere...I got this workbench as 
    the second choice....hope my nephew realizes how popular this toy is...
    
    Good Luck.
    
    

    
    I guess at this point you might want to look at the alternatives, Lori.
    
    - get him the Fisher-Price Power Workshop and some of the additional 
    tools for the F-P Workbench (that are sold seperately) with the promise 
    that you'd get the bench SOON!
    
    - get the Little Tikes Workbench instead (personally I like this
    one better - because it has a gate-leg table that makes the 
    work bench usable as a place to color or eat).   
    
    I second the suggestion to try "upscale" toy stores or department
    stores that carry toys - Jordans, Early Learning Centre, FAO Schwartz,
    Spiegel catalog, etc. - sounds like you're desperate enough at this
    point to pay a premium for it!   
    
    I hope he won't be too disappointed....
    
    Carol

    Two places I haven't seen mentions, that have historically been gold
    mines for us..
    
    Spags in Shrewsbury...a tip from one who hates them but in desperate
    moments will suffer....  Go there on the way home, around 5ish they
    seem not to be too busy, park on the Frosty's side of the building, it
    seems just a little easier.
    
    Second, try the Christmas Tree Shop in Shrewsbury.  They carry FP and
    other toys, relatively cheaper than most.  Same rules for dinnertime
    shopping apply, and parking is best on the Route 9 side, near their
    shipping dock.
    
    Consider BJ's in Westboro.  We let our membership slide, but last year
    they had a good selection.
    
    Then consider a similar toy, as a substitute with the story that Santa
    couldn't make enough in his workshop, but mom and dad will be sure to
    find one for his birthday, or whatever the next holiday might be.
    
    Lyn

    I thought I saw this at Bradlees in Milford, Ma.  Also, there is
    a K Mart in Milford right off of Rt 495, with a large toy section.
    If they don't have it ask them to call the other local stores for
    you.  There's a toys store called Tons of Toys in Milford too.
    Bradlees has done this for me several times when I was looking
    for something.
    
    Also, thought I saw the workbench at Kaybee toy store in the Natick 
    mall, this past weekend.  
    
    Good luck.  I've been searching for Bucky O'Hare with no luck.  Found
    all the other ones, but Kevin wants Bucky.  This weekend and all
    out search.            
    
    Pat K.
    

    You tried Service Merchandise in Natick, but did you ask them to call
    the other stores for you?  Off the top of my head, I know there's one
    in Saugus, MA, Salem, NH, and Nashua, NH.  And the one in Nashua is
    next door to a Toys R Us, so you could try there too.
    
    Good luck.  

    I once called Service Merchandise to see if an item was in
    stock and when it wasn't, they checked their computer to
    see if it was in stock in any of their other Mass. stores.
    
    Try calling and asking them to check their other store's
    stock!
    
    Good luck!
    Linda

    I saw them today at Child World in Nashua, NH.  You might
    give them a try.
    
    N.

    Has anybody run across the following (in central Mass.)?
    
    Snow shoes--for a 7-year-old!!!!
    
    "And a doll that looks like you [Santa] and walks around and stops and
    says 'Ho ho."
    
    Thanks for any input,
    Leslie

    Just FYI, Toys R Us has its warehouse in Northboro, on a little side
    road near the MRO, MOO facilities.  Give them a call and see if they
    can check the warehouse stock?
    
    There is another toy chain call Tons of Toys('n more).  Used to be one
    in Webster, but it closed. I think the nearest one here is Attleboro or
    vicinity.
    
    Also consider a ride out on Route 20 towards Springfield, there is a
    bunch of malls, with some department and toy stores in them.  One has a
    store called "Kids R Us" which is strictly a clothing store run by Toys
    R Us. (just FYI, I found it an interesting offshoot).  Plus there's all
    the other malls say in Endfield, and then a ride down route 84 near the
    JC Penny's mall in Manchester CT.
    
    Isn't it amazing what we go through for our kids?
    
    Is this the time to confess I haven't even begun to shop for ANYONE???
    
    Lyn

    Directory assistance still has a number (508-485-8845) for Tons of Toys
    in Marlboro, but I've tried it twice and there's no answer.  FWIW,
    they're on route 20 eastbound, just past the Marshalls shopping center.
    
    Leslie

    re last
    
    That store Toys N Toys closed last month.
    
    Roberta

    FYI::the tons of toys in marlboro has gone out of business...have you 
    tried rich's i've seen some there..i know how you feel i've been
    searching for a doll my daughter wants everyone has them on sale but
    there always sold out....good luck
    
          Laurette
    

    The Child World sale paper for this week has just what you are looking
    for on sale this week.
    
    Maybe you should try one of the other Child World stores.  I know there
    is one on the John Fitch Highway in Firtchburg across from Rich's. 
    This is usually where I go if I can't find what I want anywhere else.
    
    Liz

    I saw it on Sunday 12/8 in Bradlees in Framingham. In my past
    experiences in dealing with department stores over the phone, I have
    found them to be wrong at least 50% of the time. I have had it go both
    ways, they say they have plenty when they don't and they say they have
    none when they do. You also have to understand that people do return
    these items, no matter how HOT they are. I would suggest you go right
    up RT 9. The places selling toys that I can think of are...
    Sears - Natick
    Kaybee - Natick
    Bradlees - Framingham
    Toys R Us - Framingham
    Caldors - Framingham
    Child World - Framingham
    Caldors - Westboro
    Bradlees - Westboro
    BJ's - Westboro
    Spags - Shrewsbury
    Bradlees - Shrewsbury
    Child World - Shrewsbury
    
    Good luck

    I might have a used one in my son's closet that never gets played
    with if you like I could check - I'm not sure if I've already given
    it away.  It might be missing a few nuts/bolts/screws but I think
    all the tools are there.......Even it you only used it as a tempory
    fill in it might help.....let me know I'll try to check to night,
    I live in Ashland, close to the Framingham line, and work in
    Shrewsbury.
    
    Let me know,
    
    Kathy

    Sometimes little hole-in-the-wall toy stores have what you need, too.
    Gepetto's in Ayer, MA, had several toolbenches & toolsets as of a few
    weeks ago, including Little Tikes (?) and a couple of others.  Not sure
    if they have F-P workbench but I think they do have some F-P tools like
    the wrench set, so maybe it's worth a call.

    john

    Lori,
    
    Try ToyWorks in Leominster.  I don't know if they have what you're
    looking for, but they're a pretty good size toy store (a little smaller
    than Child World), so they may have it.  There are a couple of other
    ToyWorks in Mass (don't remember where), so have them check with their
    other locations, too.
    
    Good luck.
    Deb
    

    Wasn't/Isn't there a Capital Toy somethingorother in Worcester, near
    Chandler St, and wasn't ther one in Fitchburg?
    
    Just thinking, which is always dangerous!!
    
    Lyn

From:	KELVIN::BLISS "Ralph Bliss APO1-2/F2 dtn:289-1251  10-Dec-1991 1253" 10-DEC-1991 13:06:06.04
To:	CHCLAT::HAGEN,BLISS
CC:	
Subj:	re: where else NOT to find the FP Action workshop...

    First...I could have entered your base note word for word.  I stumbled
    upon it last night and neither my wife nor I could believe there
    was another soul spending as much time trying to run this %!@#$%^&*()~
    thing down.
    
    Second...thanks for sharing...I should have guessed that there would
    have been a powerful resource pool in the notefiles!
    
    Third... and the point of this message...I could not "reply" to your
    note (some system problem as APO decommissions...closing Dec. 20th).
    {Permission granted to post this msg.}
    
    	The F-P Action Workshop is NOT to be found at ANY of the larger
    	retailers in the greater Lowell/Lawrence area OR in any hole-in-
        the-wall toy store listed in their respective Yellow Pages.
    
    We'll try the rain check method through a Toys <-R Us.
    
    Let us know if you find the workshop!
    
    Ralph 

    I'm off to Umass Medical later this afternoon, with my charmin'child.
    If I can muster the courage I will check out Spags for you.  If they
    have it, I'll put a bounty on it....and then charge an exorbitant
    "finders fee" :-) !!, then buy TWO, one for me and one for you!
    
    Lyn

    
    	Yes Lori, there is a Santa Claus.
    
    

    Lori,
    
    I'm so happy for you and your son!  Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh
    hooooooooooooooooo!
    
    Lori B.

    ME! Meeee!!  I'll take the raincheck if it hasn't been spoken for.
    
    I need to apologize for not getting to Spags yesterday.  I just can't
    understand why everytime I leave the clinics a ZOO-Mass :-)! I just
    feel so physically and emotionally drained, there just wasn't an ounce
    of energy left to go treking back down route 9 at rush hour and then
    fight the crowds there (with charmin'charlie at my side) to check.
    
    Even if it doesn't come by Christmas, he could always get it for his
    birthday, Jan 2.
    
    Lyn

    I just had to laugh out loud reading this note.  How well I remember
    the mad rush all over several towns looking for "the" most wanted
    Christmas toy (I went bezerk along with everyone else looking for a 
    Cabbage Patch doll one year).  Another thing that bugs me is...I found,
    through experience, that alot of toys they advertise on T.V. aren't yet
    available in stores until about a month after.
    
    Marie

    re: .19 (getting straight answers from the store personnel over the phone)
    
    Here's a tactic I've used with some success. Whenever I need to call
    around to various stores in order to track down an item, I always
    pretend that I'm an employee from another store in the same chain. 
    (i.e when calling Bradlees in Woburn, I'll say " Hi, this is Mike
    from the Chelmsford store. Do you have any "xxx" in stock?") Depending
    on the initial response, I may even add things like: "We've got an
    angry customer here looking for one, and my manager wants me to take
    care of them.", or I might engage in some smalltalk like: "We sold our
    last one yesterday...it's been a madhouse here ever since." They seem
    only to happy to help out a fellow worker-bee.
    
    If they happen to have the item, I ask them to hold it out back in the
    name of the customer, giving my real name. Then I stop by the store,
    ask for the person by name, and retrieve the item.
    
    Do I feel sleazy for doing this? Yes, for about a nano-second. I've
    been on too many wild goose chases as a result of bogus phone
    information, but unfortunately many places still haven't realized that
    customer satisfaction is an important rule of business, especially in
    a recession economy. 
    
    (As a side note, I've noticed that the personnel in many stores,
    especially Service Merchandise, Caldor's and Child World, have been
    exceptionally courteous and helpful this Christmas season. No rathole
    intended...just my observation.)
    
    Happy holidays
    
    Freddie

    Another successful strategy I use is the following:
    
    Often, when I see an item on sale at a particular store, and can't get
    to that store by the first or second day of the sale, I'll head over
    to a similar store that doesn't have it on sale, but offers
    price-matching. Since it's not on sale there, there's usually plenty
    in stock, and I still get the advantage of a sale price.
    
    A recent example: Bradlee's and Serv Merchandise had advertised a game
    called "Mall Madness" on sale for approx $28 (down from $36 or so).
    All stores in the area were sold out by day two, and were issuing
    rainchecks but couldn't guarantee arrival by Christmas. In the
    meantime, I tool the ads with me to Child World, who had plenty in
    stock at approx $35. They matched the sale price (plus an add'l 10%
    of the difference) without batting an eye.
    
    Good luck

    I'm just curious, since my son's interested in this toy too --
    what's the difference between the Fisher-Price and the Playschool
    workshops?  They look to be pretty much the same and the
    Playschool is quite a bit cheaper, not to mention that it's in
    stock.  Does the F-P have some additional features that aren't
    immediately obvious from the pictures in the fliers?
    
    For that matter, I think LittleTikes has a similar version.
    
    --bonnie

    I've been sharing the story of the workbench search with my wife.  We
    really felt for you.  Well, today she was at Child World in Chelmsford
    and saw someone wheeling one out!  She asked inside and they said that
    they were just getting them off the truck and they were for rainchecks
    only.
    
    As she was checking out, the woman she had asked came to her and said
    that there was one on the floor.  She thought it was a mistake, but
    said that if my wife wanted it, she could have it.  So, she bought it,
    not knowing that you had found one.
    
    So, if someone would like this, they are welcome to it.  She paid 39.99
    plus tax for it.  Otherwise, she'll return it.
    
    I'm so glad that things worked out for you.
    
    Terry

    
    
    	Since this seems to be a logical place to ask... I've got
    	a co-worker here who is desperately trying to search for a
    	Nerf Bow and Arrow Set for her grandson.
    
    	She's tried every store imaginable but apparently it's one
    	of those "Hot Items" and doesn't stay in the stores long.
    
    	Does anyone know where she can get one or anyone willing
    	to purchase one for her - she told me it was worth at
    	LEAST a hot fudge sundae! (8
    
    	BTW... she lives and works in the Hudson/Marlboro area.
    	
    	Thanks!!!
    	/Kim

    My son has his heart set on the Fast Traxx remote control car.  They
    also make a truck, but he wants the racecar.  Does anyone know where
    they have any left - this seems to be another hot item.
    
    I've checked:	Child World, Fitchburg, MA
    			ToyWorks, Leominster
    			K-Mart, Leominster
    			Caldor, Leominster
    			Child World, Shrewsbury
    			Toys'R'Us, Nashua
    
    Any help would be appreciated.
    
    Deb
    

    
    	As long as we are using this as a request note.....
    
    	Unfortunately, Spencer will *only* take something called Pur
    pacifiers, the ones we have are clear neon colored (believe me, we have
    a collection of about 25 pacifiers and these are the only ones he will
    take).
    
    	We only have a few of these pacifiers and are forever hunting over
    the entire house for them. I've checked every toy and child store in
    the Nashua area and can not find them anywhere. (I don't know where the
    original ones came from, perhaps a gift).
    
    	This will not affect Spencer's Christmas but it could potentially
    affect mine should I not be able to find more in the near future.
    
    	Has anyone seen these things anywhere?
    
    		Much thanks.
    
    			Wendy                                     

    I've deleted this note from Want Ads and moved it here.
    
    I am looking for a Little Tikes childcare center.  It's a foldup toy
    (similar to the little house they sell) for use with Toddle Tots and
    sells for about $25-30.  In the Worcester are, I've checked Toys 'R
    Us, Spags, Child World, Kaybee, Bradlee's and Caldor.
    
    I called their 800 number and they said it has not been discontinued. 
    (However, I lost the number; can someone send it to me again?  Thanks.)
    
    Has anyone seen it or have ideas of other places that might carry it?
    
    Thanks,
    
    -Tracy
    
    

    re: back a couple
    
    I believe I saw the Traxx race car at Child World in Framingham this
    weekend.  My brother bought one for my nephew.  Child World is selling
    it if $74.99 but my brother brought the add from Service Merchandise
    with him and paid something like $35 minus the 10% that Child World
    takes off if someone else has it advertised on sale.
    
    So, you might want to check Child World or Service Merchandise in
    Framingham/Natick.
    
    Lori B.

    re .40 Pur pacifiers
    I see them in CVS and supermarkets quite regularly.   Let me know if
    you can't find them up there....
    

Re: Pur pacifiers

	My son is the same way. They are the only ones he will take. BUT HE
HAS TO HAVE ONE!! :-) 

	I think we get them at CVS too. I'll check when I get home.

							Mark

    
    I looked at the CVS's in Nashua and there are no Pur pacifiers, I'll
    keep looking in the department stores and other neighboring CVS's.
    
    				Wendy

    
    	RE: me
    
    	For whoever may have been looking for this toy, it's
    	been found.
    
    	/Kim

	Kim,

	Do you know where she found it ?

	Karen

    Okay, how 'bout a magazine in the Fitchburg/Leominster/Gardner area.  I
    know it sounds simple but I cannot find a good magazine selection.  I'd
    like to get a mag. subscription for my 6-year-old niece.  I thought
    maybe Highlights, but wanted to browse through a few different
    magazines first.  Problem is, I can't find Highlights or any other
    young children's magazines, except for Sesame Street mag.  I've looked
    at several department stores, books stores, even the supermarket. 
    Anyone know where there's a good selection of CHILDREN'S magazines in
    the Fitchburg area?
    
    Any suggestions for a good magazine for a 6-year-old girl would be 
    helpful, too.
    
    Thanks,
    Deb
    

    
    Deb,
    
    I suggest to go to your local library and browse through the childrens
    section. I'm sure there will be plenty of the types of magazines your
    looking for. Select one you would like to give and I'm sure the
    librarian can give you a number or address to contact for subscription
    information.
    

    
    addendum to .49
    
    The librarian most likely could tell you what seem to be the most 
    popular magazines for the age bracket your interested in.

    You could also ask the librarian at a local elementary school.
    
    --bonnie

    
    
    	RE: back a few
    	
    	I believe it was found at a Toys'R'Us in Auburn.  A co-worker
    	happened to be driving by the store and noticed a truck
    	pulling in so he swung around and sure enough, the truck had
    	the Bow and Arrow sets on it...
    
    	/Kim

>    I looked at the CVS's in Nashua and there are no Pur pacifiers, I'll
>    keep looking in the department stores and other neighboring CVS's.

	Wendy,

		My wife says she usually gets them at either Bradlee's or
	Rich's. Good luck.

							Mark

Re:  Highlights magazine...

Almost every doctor's office I have been in has one.  I go t the subscription
for my 6 year old, but he doesn't seem interested in them.  I suggest trying
for a younger magazine.  One where not much reading is required.

The Wildlife association has a series for kids "Our Big Back Yard" and for
6-12 year old "Ranger Rick".  Great photos and stories about wildlife!!!

-sandy

More on magazines:

A few years ago when I got a subscription to a children's magazine for my 
nephew I went to the children's section of our town library, asked the 
librarian for recommendations, and then either took the subscription card, 
or subscription information from a copy of the magazine that was in the 
library.  And you don't need a doctor's appointment to make a trip to the
library :-).

Leslie

    A friend of mine started my daughter on the Big Backyard magazine when
    she was five, and has continued here onto Ranger Rick.  Like a previous
    note mentioned, the pictures are wonderful, there are good stories, and
    even some puzzles or word games for them to work on.  With the Ranger
    Rick series, there is even science projects for them to do.
    
    When my son reached the age of 6, my friend gave my son a subscription
    to Big Backyard so he could continue receiving something that his
    sister had enjoyed when she was that age.
    
    We also receive the Highlights magazine, and the one thing that my
    children like to do is look for all the hidden objects.
    
    I hope this is more help for you.
    
    Donna
    

    OK, here's the one toy I can't find, and seems to be becoming an
    "absolute have to have"
    
    TYCO, Toss-A-Cross.  (I'm pretty sure that's the name)
     It generally sells in the stores' gameboard section.  Looks like
    yellow tic-tac-toe squares, you toss a beanbag into it, and it flips
    the squares over.
    
    Where I have tried, Toys R Us, Service Merchandise in Auburn, and K-Mart; 
    Webster
    
    SM, said no rainchecks the computer indicated the manufacturer has no
    more, but two of their stores as of Saturday night had one each in
    Chicopee MA and W. Springfield MA. The other two only said, yup we
    *had* it, none left.
    
    I can still be interested even after Christmas, he can always get it as
    a birthday present, so keep looking Please!!
    
    Lyn
    (MCIS5::TRIPP  DTN 296-4629)

    
    I got three packages (yeah) of the Pur pacifiers at Bradlees this
    weekend. Thanks greatly for the tip. 
    
    Looks like it will be a nice Christmas ;-)
    
    			Wendy

Lyn - I live in the Southern Nashua area and have seen the toss across.  I can't
say exactly where, all the stores look alike these days!  I know I've been to
Toys R Us, Child World, and Stuarts lately.  I am going to Stuarts and Toys
at lunch today and will try to give another look (if they aren't too crowded).

-sandy

    If ANYONE finds this toy, within a reasonable drive from the MRO area
    let me know.  I've decided that if necessary I'm taking a portion of
    this afternoon off for those "last minute things". NH could be an
    option if that all there is around.
    
    By the way, how about some input for stocking stuffer, both for the
    kid(s) and hubby.
    
    Lyn 
    (who would really rather be anywhere but at work today!)

    O.K....., I have one for you U.K. noters....
    
    I am trying to find the game 'UBI' for my in-laws. It is (was) made by
    the makers of Trivial Pursuit (manufacturered by Horn & Abbott LTD. of
    Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada). I was just told that the game is
    out of print and the company went bankrupt. No wonder I can't get their
    phone number from directory assistance (or the number of their U.S.
    distributor Selchow and Righter). The game store that told me the game
    is out of print said it can't be found in the U.S. but could be located
    in the U.K.  Has anyone seen it around?  As a point of information, it
    is very much like Trivial Pursuit except instead of giving the answer
    you have to identify (using a map) where the event took place. Really
    sharpens the geography skills!  It comes in a triangular box with a
    large eye (and a pyramid?) on the cover. Any help you can provide would
    be greatly appreciated. Anyone have the game that wishes to part with
    it?  Thanks in advance!

    Don't remember if this particular model was listed, but workbenches
    were discussed.
    
    Good luck.

Well, Stuarts did not have the Toss Across game and unfortunately Toys was way
too crowded and I didn't get very far!

Good luck in your search!

-sandy

	I just saw them at The Fair in W. Boylston (Rte. 12) on Saturday,
	I also saw them at the Early Learning Center in the Greendale Mall
	last Thursday.  I didn't check the prices at either store.

	Hope you get one!

    I figured you noters would be able to help me with my problem.
    
    My father (age 48, but more of a child than an adult) has been looking
    for this stuffed animal for years now and can't seem to find it
    anywhere.  Do you remember those PuppyChow commercials they used to
    have where this little golden retreiver puppy was bouncing around with
    a big red pacifier around his neck?  Well, my dad has been looking for
    a stuffed animal of a golden retreiver puppy (he would then go and
    purchase the big red pacifier and put it around his neck.).  He has
    this obsession with these little puppies.  I had a painting done up for
    him, but that doesn't seem to be enough.  Once I can scrape up enough
    cash, I think I'm going to buy him a real one!
    
    We live in Nashua, NH and I have called Toys R Us, Child World and all
    the local department stores, and I can't find anything remotely close
    to what I'm looking for.  They have those stuffed animals that look
    really ugly and then they have those that are so adorable.  Obviously,
    I want the adorable one.
    
    Have any of you seen a golden retriever puppy stuffed animal?  Do any
    of you know of a toy maker (ie: Dakin, etc) that I can call to see if
    they make these little things?  Any help you can offer would be greatly
    appreciated.
    
    I know this sounds strange, but then again, so is my father.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Gail

    
    Gail,
    
    My kids gave me the cutest Siberian Husky stuffed animal for Christmas. 
    It looks just like our real one!  I'll ask where they got it, maybe
    they make them in all kinds.  I would think a Golden Retriever wouldn't
    be too dificult to find...  in fact, I could have sworn at one time I
    saw the identical puppy you're talking about, complete with pacifier!
    
    
    jean

    Perhaps you can write some of these manufacturers of stuffed
    toys, like Gund (who make beautiful stuffed animals) and ask if
    they have such a creature. I also seem to remember that in
    Europe its a big business to make stuffed animals. Perhaps one of
    our European writers can help here?
    
    Don't feel bad, I know a lot of adults with things for particular
    animals -- my mother-in-law has this thing for loons!
    
    Monica

    There is also a stuffed animal maker called Avanti that makes life-like
    (and expensive!) stuffed animals in popular breeds of dog and cat.
    I have seen their German Shepherd puppy, and I'll bet they make
    a golden retriever too.
    	Linda

    I would try FAO Swartz - they always have a great deal of stuffed
    animals that are just wonderful - you could probably get the
    information over the telephone.
    

    Well, how about this request....
    
    Remember the SF movie - Close Encounters?  There were "action figures"
    of the alien that came from the ship - they were rubber men with bald
    heads and I believe they were naked, but not anatomically correct.
    
    Anyway, if anyone has one hanging around the house, I would dearly love
    to take it off your hands!
    
    Thanks
    -sandy
    

    Gail,
    
    I have two stuffed animals made from "Avanti"...they are so close to
    the real thing.  One is a Siamese Kitty with her own baby blue binky
    and the other is a beautiful gray and white rabbit.  Just one warning,
    they don't come cheap!
    
    Good Luck,
    
    Lori

    Not a time critical thing, but still can't find....
    
    A clock that looks like an oversized wrist watch.  It hangs on the wall
    as a clock.  I saw them at Christmas a couple years ago at Ames, Caldor
    etc, but not recently.  
    
    Since AJ has become very "clock contious", we'd like one maybe even
    two, one for his room and one for our newly finished family room.
    
    I also thought it might make a nice give for our nephew's fifth
    birthday the end of March.
    
    Lyn

    
    re: wrist watch wall clock...
    
    I've seen it periodically at the Christmas Tree Shops (particularly
    Olde Shrewsbury Village).
    
    Carol

    ...also in the Sears and/or JC Penney catalogs too.
    Did I see them in the stores?  I can't remember.
    
    

    Well, Lyn, when they're not looking at the day care center, you can
    take the one hanging in the gross motor room!
    
    T.
    

    re the Purina Puppy... Have you tried calling Ralston Purina Co?  Just
    a thought. Most times the "promo" things are eventually manufactured.
    I'm thinking of the "Energizer Bunny", which is available now if you
    save proofs of purchase of the batteries.
    
    Second thought, Raschels usually has name brands of stuffed animals,
    and I seem to recall some pretty life-like dogs and cats there. 
    Another place could be the Christmas tree shops.
    
    Happy hunting!
    Lyn
    

The oversized wrist watch is a standard item in Switzerland.  Virtually every 
department store, tourist shop, etc. sells them though this may not help you 
much.  If you really have trouble finding it, we might be able to send you 
some :-)  I think they are Swatches.

Cheryl

    I don't know where you live, but I've seen those oversized wrist
    watches in the Disney Store in the Pheasant Lane Mall.  (Do you want
    Mickey Mouse on it?)
    
    I've also seen them at Service Merchandise.
    
    Hope this helps.
    Gail
    
    

    For the stuffed puppy, you could try Teddy Bear Hallmark in the 
    Simineou Plaza on Main Street in Nashua.  They have a nice collection
    of stuffed animals.
    
    Good luck!
    
    judy

    Do you know what city/town Avanti is in?  I did go down to Teddy-Bear
    Hallmark in Nashua and saw some stuffed animals.  They only have one
    deer from Avanti and the thing looked so real!  So I'm hoping that I
    can get a phone number or City/town of Avanti, so I can call them and
    maybe get a catalog.
    
    Thanks for all your help so far,
    
    Gail
    

    The retail store manager can supply you with the phone number of any
    supplies he/she uses.  Retailers buy either direct from the
    manufacturer or through a distributor.  Either source can provide you
    with information about products.
    
    Also, nearly all toy manufacturers have offices in New York City, I
    believe.  You can ask directory assistance there for the number.
    
    I once found the perfect garment manufacturer for me.  I loved their
    clothing, bought one dress, and was saving up for a few more items. 
    This manufacturer had captive retail stores in several cities, like
    Levis' Gap.  I had been to the store in Boston, and called the main
    office in PA to find out if they had a store in New Hampshire.  The
    clerk said, "I'm so sorry.  The firm just went into bankruptcy and all
    the stores are closing."  Boo-hoo...
    
    Might as well get your information direct from the source, right?
    
    Laura

    
    
    	RE: finding a golden retriever stuffed pup
    
    	...have you looked at Noah's in the Pheasant Lane Mall?
    	They've got quite an assortment of stuffed animals
    	there.  Maybe they can even special order some??
    
    	/Kim

    Kim,
    
    I went into the Pheasant Lane Mall just a few days ago and they didn't
    have any.  But the woman said to check back every few days because they
    usually do carry them.  They did have an adorable soft plush little
    cocker spaniel though.
    
    Thanks for your help,
    
    Gail
    

    Another place to check is a card shop right behind Miller's Dept. Store
    in downtown Nashua.  I was in Alec's shoe store and noticed it, but
    I didn't catch the name.  They had some nice stuffed animals in the
    window.
    
    judy

    
    
    	RE: Gail
    
    	Glad to hear there's a little bit of hope anyway!  Hope
    	you strike it right!
    
    	/Kim

    This week's "in search of" includes a request for a Bow and Arrow!
    
    OK I'll compromise on this one, after all he IS only 5.  A friend said
    she bought a NERF brand bow and arrow at somewhere  in Worcester area, 
    and insisted it wouldn't harm a fly.(so what does she know, she hasn't
    got a kid!)  So I'll spring for it, IF I can find one, and ONLY after I've
    satisfied myself it's a harmless as she said it was.
    
    I haven't a clue how much it costs, but it can't be that much, after
    all it's mostly just sponge!
    
    Anyone seen one of these, in MA or northern RI or CT?
    
    Lyn
    

No clue as to where to find this, but I saw lots of Nerf stuff in stores
a few months ago which was much harder than what I had expected of *Nerf*.

Good luck!

    Carol

My next door neighbors have two.  After being 'shot' by one, I'd say that they
are a little more stiff that most nerf things, as Carol said, but about the only
way I think they could hurt you was if you were hit in the eye with your eye
wide open.  I expect most problems would come as a result of things getting
knocked over as the kids try to extricate the arrow from strange places.

Bob