The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
What’s on Santa’s wish list? How about a hatching animal you can’t find at any price?
The cute little Hatchimal is showing up on millions of children’s holiday wish lists this year, driving parents bonkers as they try to find one of them to put under the tree.
If you aren’t familiar with them, think Furby, Tickle Me Elmo, and Cabbage Patch dolls all rolled into one. Each one is unique (like Cabbage Patch), and they all have computer-generated personalities (like Furby).
You actually help them hatch from the shell they come in.
Just like with all those earlier hot gifts, the manufacturer never anticipated the demand, so they have become all but impossible to find.
Sold Out, Orders Canceled
It is sold out at Amazon and Walmart, and prices on eBay are soaring into the hundreds.
Heather Waugh is a Monroe, Ohio, mom who has been hunting one for two months.
“The prices have skyrocketed. People are paying $175 to $300 and up for these,” she said.
Adding to her frustration, Waugh pre ordered a $50 Hatchimal for her little girl back in October from Walmart’s website. But she received an email from the store, saying her order had to be canceled because stores can’t get them.
“I’ve looked in different stores. I’ve looked online,” Waugh said. “I’ve had my mom in Florida look. I’ve had my sister in Columbus, Ohio, look, and all the stores are out.”
Hunting a Hatchimal
So what can you do?
Money Magazine, in a recent report, said you might have to pay the second hand eBay prices of $150 and up, if it means that much to you, and your child’s happiness.
Or it says you can explain that Santa can’t get anymore till after Christmas. Chances are prices will drop, and supplies will improve, by late January or February. The manufacturer, SpinMaster, promises much more supply in the Spring.
Or you can stalk your local stores.
That means getting friendly with staffers at your nearest toy store or big box retailer, and asking when they think Hatchimals might come in. Then you need to be at the doors at 8 a.m. when new product is typically placed on the shelves.
Walmart said it will be putting out more Hatchimals as it gets them, but admits they will be gone in a flash.
Is it worth it? That’s up to you, since it is hard to place a price on a child’s Christmas smile.
As always, don’t waste your money.
_____________
“Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”).
“Like” Don’t Waste You Money on Facebook
“Like” John Matarese on Facebook and follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)
Sign up for John’s free Newsletter delivered weekly to your inbox
Click here for more DWYM reports and to contact John
_______________________
About the Author
