Hi - we will be in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas late Dec - mid January. We will have a car and hilst our main focus is on sightseeing, we do plan to do some shopping. My 12 year old son is very keen to buy Warhammer, which is cheaper in the US than here in New Zealand. He also would like to check out Lego and Meccano. My 8 year old daughter is keen to look at Barbie and get a couple of older dolls not available here (for example Sleeping Beauty's Prince Philip). Which shops would stock the best range and where would we find the best prices? 3 destinations mentioned in this post Toys R Us should be your best bet for Barbie. Look for their Wall of Pink. Target should be decent, too. However, if you're looking for a popular item, shop early and often. These items tend to sell out and the stores want to clear their shelves by Christmas Day. If you go late in the season, you'll just be getting the leftovers. For Lego, Legoland seems to be the obvious choice. But, I don't know for sure.
I'd defer to my colleagues. Has your son already started collecting Warhammer? If not, I'd discourage him. Or rather, distract him with other items. Warhammer is an extremely expensive proposition which adults must consider carefully. You can easily sink a $1000 in no time to build a decent army. If he's looking for a specific item, fine. Even then, ask about getting these items through customs or shipping them home. If his heart is set on fantasy, I'd highly recommend Heroscape. The game engine is clean, simple and fun. The sculpts are very good. The components are rugged and allow for limitless variations of the board. Start with the original game set and add in the Marvel Heroes set and a castle. Alas, the game is discontinued. Sets are readily available online. The Marvelscape set and castle are still good prices. Although, the basic set is pricey. The value is excellent. I guarentee the kids will be playing this for a very long time. So as a practical matter for your son, I'd recommend Days of Wonder's "Memoir '44".
This is a WWII themed game with oodles of plastic tanks and soldiers. It is an excellent value all round. Beautiful components and packaging and rules. Game time is quick -- 30-60 minutes. Price is about $40-50. If he'd like something sci-fi, I'd recommend Battleship: Galaxies from Hasbro. If you're looking for a game store, I'd recommend Game Empire in Pasadena and San Diego (although I find the Pasadena store far superior). One destination mentioned in this post There is a Mattel Outlet Store in the city of Industry, which is east of Downtown LA, just off the 60 freeway. A great place for Barbie stuff. LEGO stuff, you can find main-stream stores at Downtown Disney and at the LEGOLAND California Resort. The LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (Northern San Diego County) might have a special sale, which, IMHO has been the best pricing-for LEGO products, though you will need to pay admission into the park to get to the discount sales/tents. -:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.
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Activate the dancing with the push of a button on the horse’s mane!The horse plays three different songs, andBarbie doll and her horse have three different ways to get the party started!The two can dance together with Barbie doll seated on top in the horse’s pink saddle; they can dance together with Barbie doll standing next to her horse; or the horse can dance alone!Barbie doll is ready for a dance-off in a colourful top with sheer overlay, blue plastic pants, short brown boots and a pink helmetHer horse matches with a pink flower-adorned bridle, reins, neck collar and non-removable saddle, plus soft mane and tailRecreate favourite scenes from Barbie and her Sisters’ puppy adventure or play out new storiesCollect all of the dolls and accessories based on the movie Barbie and Her Sisters in a Puppy Chase for even more adventurous action and family fun (each sold separately, subject to availability)Colours and decorations may varyBatteries Required: 4 x AAA (Not included) Barbie Dreamtopia Rainbow Lights Mermaid Doll
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Send her forward or backward or squeeze the handle to see her perform 360-degree spinsShe wears her cool video game fashion from the moviePink kneepads and a matching removable helmet complete the signature lookRecreate your favourite scenes or play out a new game!Collect all of the Barbie Video Game Hero dolls for a full cast of characters (Each sold separately)Contents: A Barbie Video Game Hero Light-up Skates Barbie DollBatteries Required: 3 LR44 batteries (included) Barbie stands over 70cm tall for big time funDoll is articulated for realistic playComes with one removeable fashion, shoes and a brush to style her hairLittle ones can restyle her hair however they likeBeautiful rooted eyelashes gives her the glamorous lookDimensions: 70H cmContents: A 70cm tall Barbie doll, a hair brush, a pair of shoes, a handbag, a necklace and a dressBatteries Not Required Barbie Bubble Tastic Mermaid Doll Includes mermaid doll with spinning tail, shell-shaped bubble solution tray, one hairbrush, one tiara and one 2-ounce bottle of bubble solutionFill the included shell-shaped dipping tray with bubble solutionDip Barbie mermaid dolls giant fin, with its large decorative cutouts, into the solution and removePull the string on doll’s back multiple times to cause the tail to spin and create a fabulous whirlwind of bubbles!
A 2-ounce starter bubble solution is included, but any generic bubble solution will work with the dollSuitability 3+Batteries not required Barbie Ultimate Puppy Mobile This colourful transforming vehicle is inspired by the action-adventure film Barbie and Her Sisters in Puppy Chase!Open the sporty SUV to create a giant play space for pet fun!Four puppies are included for pet play right out of the box (dolls sold separately)Lift up the roof of the SUV and open its sides to reveal lounge areas, a tiki-themed smoothie bar and beds for all four puppiesAn extra-fun feature is truly amazing when one puppy rides down the zipline all the way across the play set; it triggers a fun palm tree “elevator” for another puppy!Four tropical smoothie drinks are included -- one for each sister -- to fit on the decal-decorated tiki bar!The sides of the vehicle open to become lounge areas with pink-colored seatingThe hood of the vehicle opens to reveal a red fire hydrant and sandy space for doggie business!
A “flat-screen TV” adds luxurious fun to the open play space!Stop your travels for a rest then fold up and roll to ride into the next animal adventure! Barbie and Skipper with Jeep Exclusive to Smyths Toys!!Barbie doll wears a pair of pink capri leggings with a graphic top, a pink headband and a pair of hiking shoesSkipper doll wears a pair of purple shorts, a blue t-shirt, a pair of white hiking boots and a colourful hatSuitable for ages 3+Contents: Barbie, Skipper, a jeep, a pink watch and a purple water bottleBatteries Not Required Barbie Deluxe Styling Head Style and crimp Barbie's hairBarbie Deluxe Styling HeadCreate funky stylesSuitable for ages 3+ Barbie Dreamtopia Rainbow Cove Princess Doll Tell all sorts of Dreamtopia fairytales with this gorgeous rainbow princess doll ready to brighten anyone's day with a fabulous rainbow light and sound showPush the “gem” on Barbie doll’s bodice to activate different rainbow light and sound shows for spectacular wow moments!