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This is the Smithsonian’s commemorative version of the Ideal Toy Company’s 1902 bear, based on a famous Washington Star cartoon showing “Teddy” Roosevelt with a bear cub. In the National Museum of American History.

The Lewis and Clark expedition organized by Thomas Jefferson in 1803 was able to follow rivers much of the way, but depended on a compass like this one for guidance. Formerly in the National Museum of American History.

Ceramic teapots in various colors, styles, and sizes. The most popular are the decorative mini teapots. In the National Museum of Natural History.

The ultimate action figures, plus many genuinely informative as well as fun activities and kits, are found in the TriceraShop here in the National Museum of Natural History.

Good-quality leather jackets recreate the genuine early flying jackets, and the selection and prices are reasonable. In the National Air and Space Museum.

These marvelous carvings capture African skill and vision in the use of wood. In the National Museum of African Art.

A fun and educational simulation of the planetarium experience, capturing at least some of the excitement of the heavens. In the National Air and Space Museum.

The Gem and Mineral store has beautiful examples of geodes – sparkling crystals grown within hollows of other stones – and of fossils embedded in various matrixes. In the National Museum of Natural History.

One of the many magnificent fabric creations available at these two Oriental museum stores. They also have unusual novelties such as haiku refrigerator magnets. In the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (see Art Galleries).

Everyone should try this at least once. It has an odd texture but it really is a dessert treat for space-farers. In the National Air and Space Museum.