We got one of those this year too, and they told us at the store it was because my daughter's birthday was the same day as the mascot---the 13th. Don't know if it's true or not, but oh well--free bear! LOL The twins only got $5 off of an animal.
When DS23 was 5 he wanted a "four door luxury car" This request was fulfilled with a Matchbox limo and when he was 6, he told Santa he wanted an alarm clock because I kept oversleeping! :)