Whether you're scouting for toys or other gifts, these tips from the experts at KB Toys and KBtoys.com will help you take home bags full of winning gifts and safely enjoy "Green Friday."

KB Toys "Green Friday" Holiday Shopping Tips

-- Arrive Early and Well-Rested -- Once you digest your Thanksgiving dinner, go to bed early and get a good night's sleep. Set two alarms to make sure you're in position outside your favorite store when the doors open.

-- Make a Game Plan -- Stay a step ahead of the competition by developing a shopping game plan. Go through the sales circulars in the Thanksgiving Day papers -- that's where you'll find the KB Toys Early Bird circular. Check offers to make sure you clearly understand them. Make a list by location of the gifts you need to purchase, then determine the rundown and order of stores you will shop to get the gifts you want. Save time by shopping online on Thanksgiving Day. KBtoys.com will offer great specials at www.kbtoys.com beginning Thanksgiving morning.

-- Foster Teamwork -- Bring a friend and start a Green Friday holiday shopping tradition, or assemble an entire shopping team and give each member specific assignments and goals. Spread out your team's resources to cover more ground and score even more savings.

-- Check Your Equipment -- Comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing are a must. Communication is critical to your team, so charge the cell phone or two-way radio to stay in constant contact. Check with your bank or credit card company to ensure your account is up to date and that you have your proper spending limit in place. Finally, gas up the mini-van! Designate a driver for your team van who can meet the team at a pre-determined mall entrance to move you to the next location. This will also eliminate the hunt for the elusive parking space.

-- Get Support From the Sidelines -- Stay well hydrated and fueled. Bring a thermos of coffee for the parking lot and easy-to-carry snacks like energy bars. Once in the mall, take advantage of the food court and water fountains. Take frequent breaks but keep moving! And, use your bench. Part of your team can wait in checkout lines while you continue to shop. Also, designate team members to carry purchases to the team van.

-- Score Early -- The early bird gets the worm, so shop early for best selection. Stick to your plan, but be ready to call an audible. Some deals may be so good, you'll want to alter your plan on the spot.

-- Scouting Reports -- Contact the mall or your favorite stores before Thanksgiving to confirm opening times and mall entrances that will be open early. If a store opens at 5 a.m., you may want to be on-site by 4 a.m. If you have to work on Friday, take advantage of extended hours and late closing times at most malls.

-- Coaching Advice -- Draft store associates to help your team on busy shopping days. They're ready to answer your questions and help you find what you need. If you experience a problem or need special assistance be sure to ask for a supervisor or manager.

-- Protect Your Lead -- Think safety this season. Shop with a buddy especially if you're going out early or arriving home late. Arrange to have someone meet you during the day to bring your early morning purchases home so you don't have to leave them in the car. If you must leave shopping bags in your car, conceal them so you and your gifts don't become a target.

-- Celebrate In the End Zone -- After a hard day of shopping you've earned a break. Call for delivery, or plan a relaxing evening at your favorite restaurant. Make reservations now so you don't have to wait in any more lines! Congratulate your team for an outstanding day!

KB Toys Special Hours and Events

Most KB Toys Stores will open at 5 a.m. on "Green Friday", November 28, 2003. KBtoys.com will feature special deals beginning at midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Look for KB Toys Early Bird sale circular in most Thanksgiving Day newspapers.

About KB Toys

KB Toys is the nation's largest combined mall-based and online specialty
toy retailer, operating more than 1,300 stores in all 50 states, the American Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. KB Toys operates retail stores under the names KB Toys(R), KB Toy Works(R), KB Toy Outlet(TM), Toy Liquidators(R), KB Toy Express(R) and offers online shopping through KBtoys.com(TM) (www.kbtoys.com) and eToys(R) (www.etoys.com). KB Toys, Inc., the parent corporation, is a privately held company headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.