How to Buy Barney Gifts and Toys

Find out which Barney and Friends character is the child's favorite. Barney? Baby Bop? BJ? Look for games, toys and other accessories that feature that character.

Find out which Barney merchandise the child on your gift list has and which he or she still wants. Does the child already have a huge collection of stuffed animals? Then consider purchasing videos, coloring books or a plate-and-cup set instead.

Avoid Barney look-alikes. There are generic purple dinosaurs aplenty, but they're not Barney and your child knows the difference. Stick with the real thing - all Barney merchandise is clearly labeled as such.

Consider the age of the child when choosing Barney merchandise. A small child may enjoy a plush toy over a larger, talking doll that's too big to hug. All Barney products list age guidelines.

Search the Internet for Barney-related merchandise. Online toy stores and auction sites are great places to locate information on Barney gifts and toys. Barney merchandise includes everything from musical instruments to videos, from dinnerware sets to radios, phones and much, much more.

Expect to pay $5 and up for Barney dolls and merchandise. A plush toy and book set starts at $6; larger stuffed animals start at $20; and musical instruments start at $25.

Give that child who has just about every Barney'related item something special. You can purchase a personalized video called "My Party With Barney." The video will show Barney, BJ and Baby Bop as they plan a party for your child.

Buy your child a membership in the official Barney fan club, the "Barney Buddies Club." Your child will receive regular correspondence from Barney, a newsletter, stickers, a coloring book and more.

Check on the estimated delivery time before you order your Barney dolls and merchandise online or through a catalog. If the Barney is to be given as a gift, make sure it will arrive in time for the gift-giving occasion. Expect delivery to take two to four weeks.

Purchase your Barney merchandise from a local toy store. You may not get the selection you'd get on the Internet or through a catalog, but you'll be able to receive your Barney dolls immediately.