[HPFGU-OTChatter] No books on the shelves - the car leaves with nothing... HP gotta haves merchandise

[Doreen]

Hmmmph!  
There were no Harry's Schoolbooks in WH Smiths in Lewisham, so I spent a few minutes examining their HP merchandise.  I was very tempted by the Sorting Hat bookends at £28.00 (really heavy and well made and just 'right') and I saw the figurines, including the Hedwig thing that Simon bought.  I left empty-handed, but now I've seen these things, I know I'll end up buying something at some point. 

Poor baby! I drove 45 miles to see what one of our bigger towns had to offer. Not a lot more than a closer town. I did put the two books on reserve. They, of course, could not sell them early. They are having a "Hogwarts University Springbreak Party there at Waldenbooks. Treats, games, prizes. I think I will pass. 

I know some of you have been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, but I've been trying to avoid buying spinoff merchandise, knowing full well that if I saw it, I'd want it all.

Self control, Neil ... self control... keep going back and looking at it all .. you will finally decide what things really mean the most to you. I can't see just buying it all to own it. I did buy the pieces which I just could NOT do without... yes, I got my Hagrid doll!!! He is just THE most precious thing in the whole of Hogwarts and beyond! He has keys, and Norbert, a string of sausages in one pocket, an owl in another, a hanky in another which reads, Believe the magic with all your heart." I love his boots ... I love his scarf and his jacket.. and his belt.. and his hair... wow did I mention his hair? He sits in the middle of my two sets of bookends ... all that is missing is my British editions...

It felt funny: me, a grown man, picking up themed pencil cases and trinkets while the voices of 7-9 year old children piped excitedly around me: "Look Mummy!  Harry Potter books!!"; "Daddy - *that's* the one I want - LOOK!!!"; "Nan - why is that funny man looking at the pencil cases?" 

The saleslady asked me, "And where is this going?" AS IF .... I told her, "Right on my computer desk, in the middle of my two sets of bookends and Harry Potter books. Well!!! I wish I had a camera to catch the look on her face! I guess adults are supposed to have some child in mind when they purchase the HP stuff.

My inner child is an avid Harry Potter fan. As such, I feel compelled to listen to her when I am dragged into a Hallmark Store by the purse strings. I think I hear voices saying, "If you sell it, she will come."  Hallmark has really done an outstanding job with their merchandise. None of it looks cheap and all of it looks adorable.  The only other piece that I lust after is the invisibility cloak figurine.... and maybe the  Kings Crossing bookends.... and the Quidditch lamp ..... *sigh*  ... see what you started? 

 Okay, I made that last one up.  That was the little boy in my head.
Neil

Awww... listen to your inner child.... before he stops speaking to you and you grow old and fussy.

Doreen 
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