We watch the Polar Express movie and read the book every year during the holiday season, and this year my 5-year-old said, "I wonder if Santa does really leave a reindeer bell for some kids, or is that just pretend for the movie?" So I knew I had to find the perfect bell for him this year. There are a lot of sleigh bells out there, but this one looked to be the nicest by far. It was pricey, so I was hesitant and ended up ordering a different bell that was about $18 cheaper. It had no gift box and the bell itself was okay enough for the price, I guess, but it wasn't the type of large solid bell you'd expect from Santa's sleigh. I returned it and went back to the drawing table. This bell is not an inexpensive gift, I know. But I figured that while toys and games are lots of fun, most of them will be forgotten within a year or two. This is a beautiful keepsake that represents a sweet message that my son will have for the rest of his life to enjoy displaying every Christmas. So I decided to take a chance and spend the money here after being disappointed in the cheaper bell I purchased.. I have no regrets, and I know my son is going to be delighted. The box and bell are flawless. The bell itself is large and heavy and rings with a loud, but beautiful tone - not a harsh or cheapy jangling sound like cheaper bells often make. The certificate is very cute and official looking with very specific details about the elf who made the bell, the reindeer it belonged to, which spot on the harness it came from, etc. It came packaged in the gift box that looks just like the box in the movie (the box is even striped inside, so the whole thing is beautiful), and that gift box was inside another box that was perfectly constructed to keep the gorgeous bow safe from getting crumpled and THAT box was inside the normal Amazon shipping box, so it would have to go through some serious stuff to make it arrive damaged in any way. Mine was perfect. The ribbon is tied completely around the box, but you can slide it off and back on in one piece if you're careful. I did because I really wanted to peek inside before giving it. You could also make a small cut in the ribbon near the bow on top and just glue or tape it back without ruining the presentation. My only word of caution here is that if you receive your order with your child around, take it out of the Amazon box far away from little ears and handle it carefully if you don't want the bell ringing out inside the box and giving you away! I also bought a set of metal dog tags for craft projects here on Amazon, and I'm going to take one to a jewelry engraver to engrave my son's name, the year and "BELIEVE" on it to attach to the strap of the bell for an extra touch. BOTTOM LINE: If you want a sleigh bell from Santa for your child, THIS is the one to get if you can possibly afford it. It will be a beautiful lifelong present.
