I must've been about 9 years old at the time. I distinctly remember walking, no, pacing the aisles of our local Toys R Us. Me, my sister and mom were doing our holiday walk-through. We'd walk the aisles and tell mom what we wanted for Chanukah that year. Mom would either write it down in her little spiral notebook, or scream, "What are you, crazy?" if we dared pick something unsafe, too babyish or way too expensive. Well, what my eyes were focused on, what they were burning a hole right through was most definitely on the "way too expensive" side. It was Kenner's AT-AT vehicle from their insanely popular Star Wars line. And it had to be mine.
"What are you, crazy?!?" mom screamed when she saw the $44 price tag. Yes, I was so obssessed with it, that to this day, I still vividly recall the price tag . I mean, c'mon, this thing was way cool. It was huge. You could put your Star Wars figures (Hoth Luke! Snow Troopers!) inside of it! It's head moved! It's four legs moved! Laser machine guns turned and clicked. And it even lit up and made that really cool "goozh goozh" laser sound! Who wouldn't want it?
But alas, $44 back then was just too much to spend on one toy-crazed kid. Sigh. I never did get that AT-AT and yes, Hasbro did re-release the thing like a decade ago but I didn't buy that either. I want the original one. And maybe one day when I'm rich and need to spend money on stupid things, I'll go hunt one down on ebay or something. Though just for kicks, every year my mom asks me what I want for Chanukah... and to this day, the first thing out of my mouth is, "That's easy. An AT-AT."
COUPON TIME:
Well, it's holiday times, which means everything is basically on sale. And everyone's looking for toys, so here are a few links to help you parents (and aunts/uncles/grandparents/etc.) avoid long store lines by shopping online.
Free Shipping on select Toy Orders of $49+ at ToysRUs.com
Eligible items have the "Ships Free" icon on the product page
Valid through: December 25, 2007 11:59pm ET
Hot Holiday Toys at ToysRUs.com
10% off online orders at All Aboard Toys
Use coupon code jc27mc67.
Valid through: December 31, 2007
12% off online orders at Back to Basics Toys
Use promotion code EDISC2 at the bottom of your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 30, 2007
Discount only applies to orders shipped within the US.
50% off Shipping at Back to Basics Toys
Use promotion code EDISC1 at the bottom of your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 30, 2007
Discount only applies to orders shipped within the US.
$5 off a purchase of $40 or more at eToys
In your shopping cart, click on the "Apply Coupon or Certificate" button and enter code ETNLTR.
$40 minimum excludes video game consoles, gift cards, shipping and taxes. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other coupon.
5 Responses to “I Dream of AT-ATs”
Great coupons and great story!! Thanks for sharing the coupon info!!
You gotta admit, though, that the AT-AT is about the most stupidly designed war machine in the history of mankind. But way cool as a toy.
I got a good laugh out of you torturing your mom every year! Especially since we have countless Star Wars toys in our house (mine and my husband's, not the kids' - yet).
I am loving your site! Thanks for sharing good deals! I need to add you to my bloglist!
@InTheHole - Thanks very much! And glad you're enjoying the coupons too! I can't always tell if my readers like my embarrassing tales or the coupons better, so it's always good to get some feedback.
@Taylor - Hey, Taylor! I still need to listen to that thing you sent me, I haven't forgotten! And yes, they may have been horribly designed, particularly for the snow. But the idea of treads doesn't seem to be too common in Star Wars lore.
@CFO - Heh. I love hearing stories like that.
Two of my nephews are about 8 years old and they're really getting into Star Wars now, so it's a hoot hearing them try to tell me all about Anakin Skywalker.
@The Bargain Shopper Lady - Thank you kindly, ma'am! I appreciate the comments and the link too! I'll have to check out your site and return the favor!