When it comes to buying any type of product, from food to electronics and everything in between, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to get. There are so many options and features to consider. However, following some key guidelines can help simplify the buying process and ensure you select the best story magic for your needs and budget. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying any product so you can feel confident you are making the right purchase decision.
- Create Your Own Stories: Write, draw and create inside a hardcover storybook that you can make uniquely your own.
- Unicorn Mask for Roleplay: Put on the included unicorn mask to bring your story to life and act it out using the double-sided play scene.
- Encourage Storytelling: With a mini story maker, it's easy to encourage active listening and storytelling with engaging questions.
- Open-Ended Play: With a storybook, story generator, drawing guides, mask and more, it's easy to explore the wonders of imagination and build confidence.
- Complete Set of Materials: Includes a hardcover storybook, story generator, markers, stickers, punch-out sheet, stencil, drawing guide book, unicorn mask, confetti, gemstones, envelopes, diorama box, play scene and a mini story maker for easy play and learning.
- DOUBLE-SIDED WOODEN DRESS-UP DOLL: Double the sides, double the dress-up fun! Turn your wooden doll around to meet her best friend and customize both sides with over 40 magnetic outfits & accessories!
- INTERACTIVE WOODEN PLAYSET: Place the doll in the stand, and use to imaginative play scene to spark imagination and creative thinking for your magical dress-up adventures!
- FILL IN THE BLANKS & TELL YOUR STORY: Encourage active listening and storytelling with a mini story maker that helps you create meaningful tales.
- EXPERIENCE OPEN-ENDED PLAY: The premium double-sided magnetic doll, wooden diorama box, and double-sided play scene make it easy to instill confident through independent play and explore the wonders of imagination!
- MAKE MAGICAL, PERSONALIZED ACCESSORIES: Mix & match wooden ABC beads and colorful charms on vibrant cording to make over 10 custom accessories to wear and share! Create beaded friendship bracelets and necklaces that coordinate with every outfit and other jewelry like rings and earrings!
- ALL-NATURAL WOODEN BEADS & CHARMS: All of the colorful beads and charms included in this set are eco-friendly and made from 100% wood! Mix & match round beads and whimsical charms kids will love, like a unicorn, rainbow, and magical fairy wand.
- PRE-CUT ELASTIC CORDING WITH SHOELACE ENDS: The colorful elastic cording isn’t just pre-cut for your convenience — it has aglets, or shoelace ends, to make beading extra easy! Strengthen fine motor skills with bead kit activities, all while having fun!
- FILL IN THE BLANKS & TELL YOUR STORY: Encourage active listening and storytelling with a mini story maker that helps you create magical tales of your own! Jewelry-making toys are great for stimulating the imagination and creativity of girls and boys of any age, from toddlers to big kids.
- SET INCLUDES: 80 Natural Wooden Cube Alphabet Beads (10 mm), Mini Story Maker, 6 Natural Wooden Charm Beads (Heart, Flower, Unicorn, Wand, Rainbow, Cloud), 2 Silver & Gold Elastic Cord Skeins with Shoelace End (12 in.), 2 Pink & Purple Elastic Cord Skeins with Shoelace Ends (12 in.), 4 Elastic Cord Skeins in Blue, Teal, Yellow, Orange with Shoelace Ends (12 in.), 50 Colorful Round Wooden Accent Beads (Blue, Green, Grey, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow), 24 Round Wooden Pony Beads (10 mm), Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- CUSTOMIZE A LIGHT-UP UNICORN: Paint your own whimsical unicorn night light!
- MIX & MATCH VIBRANT PAINT COLORS: Explore your creativity as you mix and match vibrant paint colors on your unicorn and discover the magic in every brush stroke!
- WATCH YOUR UNICORN GLOW: After painting your unicorn, insert three “AAA” batteries and flip the switch to the “ON” position to light-up your unicorn and bring a little magic to any space!
- FILL IN THE BLANKS & TELL YOUR STORY: Encourage active listening and storytelling with a mini story maker that helps you create magical tales of your own!
- LET'S CELEBRATE: Create. Pretend. Play. With everyone! Story Magic strives to celebrate diversity and inclusivity through creativity, storytelling and imagination.
- MAKE MAGICAL BEADED ACCESSORIES: Mix & match over 320 beads and charms on 10 different bundles of cording to create 10+ pieces of jewelry!
- ALL-NATURAL WOODEN BEADS & CHARMS: All of the colorful beads and charms included in this friendship bracelet kit are eco-friendly and made from 100% real wood!
- PRE-CUT ELASTIC WITH SHOELACE ENDS: The colorful elastic cording has aglets, or shoelace ends, to made beading extra easy for little hands!
- EASY TO STORE: Use the flower-shaped tray to plan your designs and keep your beads and charms organized! This is a jewelry making kit you can bring anywhere, from summer travel to play dates.
- SET INCLUDES: 1 Wooden Bead Box 9.25 in. x 1.25 in. x 11.5 in.), 23 Wooden Bead Charms, 339 Colorful Wood Beads, 10 Skeins Elastic Cording with Shoelace Ends (1 Silver, 1 Gold, 1 Blue, 1 Purple, 2 Pink, 2 Teal, 2 Yellow) 12 in. Each, Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- CUSTOMIZABLE STICKER BOOK: Peel and stick hundreds of stickers onto 7 different play scenes to create your own whimsical worlds!
- 300+ REPOSITIONABLE STICKERS: Use the stickers to personalize each character and play scene in the book — peel, stick & reposition!
- INSPIRE STORYTELLING: Every scene inside the sticker book is designed to spark imagination and creative thinking, so you can create your own adventures and play pretend!
- LET’S CELEBRATE: Create. Pretend. Play. With everyone! Story Magic strives to celebrate diversity and inclusivity through creativity, storytelling, and imagination.
- SET INCLUDES: 1 Sticker Book with 5 Play Scene Pages (14 in. x 11 in.), 350+ Repositionable Stickers
- ON-THE-GO-SENSORY BIN: Explore a sensory world when you use the moldable, stretchable dough to create any shape you want—then play with texture when you add in pony beads, confetti, and more.
- TONS OF UNICORN ADVENTURES: Use the mini unicorn figurine—along with fuzzy sticks, charms and more—to prance around your sensory bin. Create a dough mountain for your unicorn to climb, or a cloud for it to float away on! Hide all your beads and embark on a fun scavenger hunt—how fast can you find them all?!
- BENEFITS OF SMALL WORLD PLAY: Use this sensory toy as an opportunity to engage in cognitive tasks like counting or sorting—or enjoy open-ended playtime and encourage your little one to tell stories.
- GREAT PRESCHOOL GIFT IDEA: This set makes a great birthday gift or party idea for young learners—sensory-rich play helps prepare kids for school by developing necessary skills, all while having fun!
- KIT INCLUDES: 1 Star Confetti Bag, 2 Glitter Packets (Silver, Gold), 6 Wooden Charms, 10 Fuzzy Sticks (2 Blue, 2 Pink, 2 Purple, 2 Gold, 2 Silver), 1 Clay Roller Tool, 45 Pony Beads (Blue, Pink, Purple), 2 Cookie Cutters (Unicorn, Star), 25 Mini Pom Poms, 1 Wooden Unicorn Figurine (1.8 x 1.8 in.), 1 Sprinkles Bag, 6 Doughs (Purple, White, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Orange, 3 oz. Each), Easy-To-Follow Instructions
- 🧜♀️MAKE MERMAID JEWELRY: Open up your wooden treasure chest and say hello to the magical wooden mermaid inside — use her pearls, beads, and golden thread to create your own under-the-sea jewelry!
- 🌟FIND YOUR TREASURE: Dig through layers of vibrant sand with the included mini shovel to find hidden seashells and gemstones! Adhere your treasures onto the chest with glue, and use the engaging treasure map to go on more treasure hunts!
- 📖FILL IN THE BLANKS & TELL YOUR STORY: Encourage active listening and storytelling with a mini story maker that helps you create your own meaningful tales of your own, and roll the story dice to personalize the details!
- 🌈EXPERIENCE OPEN-ENDED PLAY: With a wooden mermaid figurine, an engaging treasure map, and interactive story dice — it’s easy to instill confidence through independent play while exploring the wonders of your imagination!
- ✅SET INCLUDES: 1 Treasure Chest, 1 Treasure Map, 3 Story Dice, 1 Sand Dig with Mystery Treasures (Seashell Beads and Gemstones), 1 Mini Shovel, 1 Wooden Mermaid Figurine, 1 Glue Tube, Metallic Elastic Cording, Assorted Pearl Beads, Accent Beads, Mini Story Maker, Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- DECORATE A DOLL HOUSE: Spark imagination and creative thinking by transforming the wooden box into a whimsical dream house for your super huggable unicorn plush!
- EXTRA SOFT, EXTRA LOVEABLE: The super soft unicorn plush makes for the very best hugs — no hard parts inside — and the ultimate comfort during play time, bed time, and everything in between!
- FILL IN THE BLANKS & TELL YOUR STORY: Encourage active listening and storytelling with a mini story maker that helps you create magical tales of your own! Fill out your unicorn’s birth certificate to personalize the story and make the magic official.
- EXPERIENCE OPEN-ENDED PLAY: The included play scene, wooden dollhouse, 3D sticker sheets, and dreamy garland make it easy to instill confidence through independent play as your little one explores their imagination and creates adventures.
- SET INCLUDES: 1 Plush Unicorn, 1 Birth Certificate, 1 Play Scene, 1 3D Sticker Sheet, 4 Sticker Sheets, 1 Garland, 1 Wooden Dollhouse, Mini Story Maker, Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- CREATIVE CUTTING FOOD SET: Preparing a well-balanced meal is child’s play with this 12-piece food play set! Featuring solid wooden foods in 5 all food groups, a wooden cutting board, and a kid-safe wooden knife, this set is perfect for healthy pretend play!
- SELF-STICK TABS: The pieces are pre-cut and attached with hook and loop fasteners, making it easy for tiny hands to practice cutting them in half — listen for the satisfying crunch sounds! Perfect for introducing the concepts of part, whole, and even fractions.
- EASY TO STORE: This set comes with a durable, reusable fabric tote bag for easy clean-up, storage, and on-the-go fun! Perfect for summer travel, picnics, play dates, and more.
- LOOKING FOR TODDLER GIFT IDEAS?: Makes a great gift for little learners for hands-on, screen-free play that encourages imagination and creativity, improves language, fine motor skills, sorting, and sequencing.
- SET INCLUDES: 12-Piece Wooden Food Set, 1 Wooden Knife, 1 Wooden Cutting Board, 1 Reusable Fabric Bag
Define Your Needs
The first step before buying any story magic is to clearly define what you need it for and which features are most important to you. Ask yourself some key questions:
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What do you plan to primarily use the story magic for? What will be its main function or purpose?
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Are there specific features that are absolutely necessary? Make a list of your must-haves.
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Are there certain extra capabilities that would be nice to have but are not dealbreakers? These are lower priorities.
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Do you have any size, space, or mobility restrictions? This may eliminate some options.
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What is your budget? Having a spending limit in mind will help narrow down the choices.
Thoroughly researching your needs will allow you to determine the best type of story magic and its key components so you can focus your search process.
Research Your Options
Once you know what you are looking for in a story magic, the next step is to research the different specific models and brands available within your parameters. Here are some tips for researching effectively:
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Search online to come up with a list of the top reviewed and rated story magic options within your budget. Look at product review sites and forums for recommendations.
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Narrow down the list by comparing specs and components side by side to weed out models that don’t fit your required criteria.
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Check out manufacturer and brand websites to learn about product lines and see what they each offer. Look for the pros and cons.
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Read through customer reviews on retailer websites like Amazon to get real world feedback on how certain story magic perform. Look for patterns in reviews.
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Ask friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors what story magic they use and if they recommend any specific models. Word of mouth can be very helpful.
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Visit local stores that carry these types of products so you can ask questions and get hands-on experience testing them out. Employee expertise can provide useful insight.
Doing thorough research on all the various story magic choices will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the landscape before purchasing.
Compare Prices
Once you’ve researched all the top story magic contenders, it’s time to compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal. Here are some tips for getting the lowest price:
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Use price comparison sites like Google Shopping to quickly see which retailers offer the lowest price for a specific model. This saves you from having to check individually.
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Check manufacturer websites for direct prices without any middleman markup. They may offer special discounts.
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Look for coupons, promo codes, price matching guarantees, and other ways to save when buying from major retailers. Check sites like RetailMeNot for available deals.
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Sign up for email lists and alerts from brands and stores to receive notifications about upcoming sales and savings opportunities. Great for timing a purchase.
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Consider buying refurbished or open box items which can be significantly cheaper but still work great. Just make sure there is a decent warranty.
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Shop during major sale holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday when retailers offer deep discounts on all products. Set a reminder so you don’t miss out.
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Buy last year’s model – many story magic don’t change much year-to-year so you can save money by buying the previous model still in stock.
Finding the lowest price takes some work but can end up saving you a lot on your ideal story magic.
Choose a Reputable Retailer
Once you’ve selected the specific make and model to buy, it’s important to purchase it from a retailer you can trust. Here are some factors to ensure a reputable buying experience:
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Make sure they are an authorized dealer for the brand so you get the full manufacturer warranty and can be sure you are not getting a counterfeit item.
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Look for secure payment processing and protection of your personal/financial data. Only buy from sites that are encrypted for security.
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Select retailers with liberal return policies in case you need to send the story magic back for any reason. You want to be able to get a refund.
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Check policies on price matching, free shipping, and free returns. Perks like this make a retailer more competitive.
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Look at reviews of the seller online to make sure there are not rampant complaints about fraudulent activity, terrible customer service, or extremely long shipping times.
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Consider buying directly from a physical store you can visit so you have an easier time exchanging or returning a purchase if necessary. Bonus if they offer setup help.
Choosing a trustworthy retailer gives you peace of mind you are getting a genuine product that is backed by the manufacturer and your purchase experience will be hassle-free.
Understand the Return Policy
Before hitting that buy button, be sure to understand the return policy of both the retailer and manufacturer so there are no surprises later if you need to send your story magic back. Key things to look for:
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How many days do you have to return the item once received? 30 days is common but some retailers offer extended holiday returns.
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Can you return just for any reason for a full refund? Or only specifically for defects/damage? Restocking fees?
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Who pays return shipping costs? Ideally the retailer offers free returns but sometimes you must pay to ship back.
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Are refunds provided as credits/gift cards or back to your original payment method? Credits aren’t ideal if buying from a retailer you won’t use again.
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Are there restocking fees for any reason? These can often be 15% or more of the purchase price so be aware.
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Does the manufacturer warranty provide for exchanges/repairs/replacements instead of returns? Understand the process.
Knowing the return policy gives you better buyer protection, especially for a bigger purchase. You can buy with confidence knowing you can get a refund if needed.
Read Consumer Reviews
Before deciding on a specific story magic, it is extremely wise to read through consumer reviews from various sources to learn about real-world use. This helps identify any potential problems or flaws not apparent just by looking at specs and features. Places to look for reviews:
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Retailer websites like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. Read the most critical reviews focusing on product weaknesses.
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Independent online review sites like Consumer Reports for objective expert assessments.
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YouTube for video reviews that give a visual demonstration of the story magic in action.
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Reddit threads where consumers candidly discuss pros and cons after extended use.
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Forum posts at niche communities related to the product type to see what enthusiasts say.
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Blog posts detailing long term testing over months or years of ownership.
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Editorial reviews from trusted publications related to the industry.
Pay special attention to any consistent complaints or issues that come up after normal use. This could indicate inherent design flaws or manufacturing defects. Watch for concerning trends.
Reading authentic consumer reviews better informs your buying decision and prepares you for potential aspects of the product to watch out for once purchased.
Consider Extended Warranties
For more expensive and complex products, purchasing an extended warranty beyond the standard manufacturer warranty can give you greater peace of mind. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on an extended warranty:
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Cost – is the price of the extended coverage reasonable compared to the benefit you would receive? Is it a good value or not worth the cost?
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Length – does the extended warranty period align with the expected lifespan of the product? Enough to protect you?
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What’s covered – does it cover repairs, replacements, or only certain components? Are shipping costs included?
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Limitations – are there caps on number of claims, repair costs, geographic restrictions? Read the fine print.
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Reputation – is the retailer/insurer reputable? Do they have a track record of honoring claims? Good customer service?
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Cancellation policy – can you get a refund if cancelling the extended warranty? Factor this into the cost.
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Comparison shop – check prices from different sellers as coverage and prices can vary widely.
For expensive electronics like TVs or laptops, the extra protection is likely worthwhile for 2-3 years of coverage. For lower cost items, self-insuring by saving your own repair fund may be better.
Follow Any Set-Up Instructions
One of the most important steps after you buy a new story magic is to properly set it up by following all manufacturer instructions. Here are some key tips:
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Carefully unpack the item without damaging the packaging until you confirm it works properly. Keep all included parts/accessories together.
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Review the entire printed or online instruction manual so you understand each setup step.
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Assemble or position the item as described following all safety precautions.
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Install any required software and configure settings appropriately for your usage needs. Update to latest firmware/OS.
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Charge battery fully if applicable and perform any required initial calibration or preparation.
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Test that all features and controls are fully functional per the descriptions in the instructions. Better to find any defects now.
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Know what to do if issues arise during setup. Many devices have built-in troubleshooting guides.
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Keep the packaging and all materials at least until you have verified proper operation in case return/exchange is required.
Following the manufacturer recommended setup protocol ensures your story magic will be ready to use as intended so you get the best experience right from the start.
Enjoy Your Purchase
Once you’ve researched, made your purchase from a trusted retailer, and set up your new story magic, the fun part begins – putting your new item to use! Here are some final tips for enjoyment:
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Fully explore all the features and capabilities of your new acquisition. Learn how to get the most out of it.
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Try out all accessories and optional components to optimize the functionality.
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Keep the instruction manual and warranty information handy just in case an issue arises.
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Sign up for any available manufacturer forums or communities to get insider tips from other owners.
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Leave a positive review of your purchase online to help guide other buyers.
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Care for your new possession properly with cleaning, maintenance, and storage to extend its lifespan.
Following this comprehensive buying guide will help you make a learned purchasing decision on any type of story magic so you end up with the optimal model your needs without any regrets. Do your research, find the best price, buy from a reputable source, and then enjoy getting the most out of your new purchase!