Be prepared to pay more (sometimes a lot more) than retail price, and watch out for scams. Otherwise, be prepared to wait for a Hatchimal until January. 
 
 When I first heard about Hatchimals back in September, I knew immediately, instinctively, that they would be A Very Big Deal. If my inner 6 year old was freaking out, then I was pretty sure that actual kids would lose their minds over them as well. 
 
 I was one of the lucky ones. Because I knew about them early and just had a feeling, I was able to order a pair on launch day, confident that they would cement my status forever as World's Best Aunt. 
 
 Then I couldn't shut up about them. People who knew me asked what would be hot and "Hatchimals" was what tumbled from my mouth every time. By the time I finished explaining what they were to my friends, family, my chiropractor, they were on their phones placing orders. After explaining Hatchimals to a British journalist who'd never heard of them, I hung up the phone and told a co-worker, "I may have just accidentally introduced the UK to Hatchimals." It's that bad. 
 
 They're sold out, of course. If you're reading this, you've probably already figured that out and are desperate to find one at a reasonable price in time for Christmas. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. 
 
 The Latest Hatchimals Update from Spin Master 
 
 I'm not going to pull the wool over anyone's eyes here. If you haven't found yours in stores by now, chances are slim that you'll pay anything close to MSRP. While Spin Master knew Hatchimals would be popular, demand has completely overwhelmed their supply. They've posted this statement about it on the official Hatchimals website: 
 
 "The consumer response to Hatchimals has been extraordinary, exceeding all expectations. Some of our first shipments have already sold out. While additional product will hit retail shelves in November, we anticipate this inventory will also sell out quickly. We have increased production and a whole new batch of Hatchimals will be ready to hatch in early 2017. This is a special season and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed, nor do we support inflated prices from non-authorized resellers. We are working on creative solutions to help kids and their parents withstand the wait. In the interim, some retailers are developing pre-sale and/or rain-check programs for redemption in January. We will continue to update with program details as they become available." 
 
 Got that? Your next shot at buying a Penguala, Draggle, Burtle, Owlicorn, or Bearakeet in a store for $59.99 or less will be sometime in 2017. That doesn't help you with Christmas morning, of course. 
 
 Where to Find Hatchimals by Christmas 
 
 If you absolutely can't wait until after New Years, third party sellers are the way to go. You'll need to be prepared to shell out at least $100 and up to $400 just for one. You also need to be aware that there are plenty of scammers jumping on Hatchimals popularity who are counting on your desperation. Seriously, as professional deal hunters we strongly recommend sticking an official Hatchimals ownership certificate in your kids' stockings as an IOU. 
 
 But if the exorbitant markup and scam risk still aren't enough of a deterrent, here's a few tips for buying from third parties via Craigslist, Amazon, and Walmart. The bottom line for all three of these is to read the fine print, and if something feels even the slightest bit fishy, walk away. 
 
 Craigslist 
 
 The prices on Craigslist are often lower than you'll see from other online sellers, so it's worth checking. We found listings from 35 sellers in or near Chicago as of 11/30, with prices ranging from $110 to $230 to "make an offer." 
 
 If you're buying a Hatchimal on Craigslist, though, we strongly recommend insisting upon an in-person transaction. This gives you the chance to inspect the merchandise before handing over your cash and is basically the only way to guarantee you won't be scammed. 
 
 Amazon's Third-Party Sellers 
 
 Amazon's third party selling platform is much more broadly known than Walmart. Here, finding Hatchimals requires a little more digging than you'd expect. It seems like everyone must be using it as a keyword in their listings at the moment judging by the number of clearly-not-even-distantly-related-to-Hatchimals toys that turn up in what should be a very simple, straightforward search. (Seriously, Amazon, this is something you should work on fixing.) 
 
 As with all major retailers right now, Amazon's only stock comes courtesy of third party sellers. We found them as low as $183 and as high as $351, but best bets are those that are fulfilled by Amazon. 
 
 Many of the sellers are labeled "Fulfillment by Amazon." That means that although you're buying it from a third party, Amazon is still responsible for the packing, shipping and customer service. That adds some welcome peace of mind that I think is worth a few extra dollars. 
 
 There's also Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee, noted at the top of the page, which guarantees purchases from third-party sellers and provides some clear recourse if a transaction goes bad. 
 
 Walmart Marketplace 
 
 If you searched Walmart for Hatchimals and were confused to see them priced at $199 or higher, you're not alone. Walmart Marketplace allows vetted third party vendors to sell their goods on Walmart.com. When buying from Walmart, always look for "Sold & Shipped By" just under the price. 
 
 A blue/purple Draggle is being sold on Walmart.com for $299.99 by third party seller B&B Bargain Buys Corp. You've probably never heard of them. But if you're willing to cough up $300 for this cute little guy, you'll want to click on that seller's name for more information including their seller ratings and return policies. 
 
 The third party in our example has no ratings and an "all sales final" policy for Hatchimals. Both of those points trigger some alarms for me as a buyer. Although we have no experience with this particular seller, and Walmart's info page for Marketplace sellers notes that "Our sellers are selected based on reputation, sales projections and alignment with Walmart's values," a $300 price tag and no returns allowed isn't exactly the kind of online shopping experience that inspires confidence. Stick to Amazon if you can, where buyer protections are well-defined and prices are lower. 
 
 What about Hatchimal backorders and rain checks? 
 
 We haven't seen any reputable sellers offering backorders, and at least one retailer was canceling them en masse. If you see a retailer offering backorders and you've never heard of them before, it may be a scam. 
 
 Interactive Toys that may be good Hatchimal alternatives 
 
 Now let's say that you're an entirely sane human being who thinks that 333%+ markup on a $60 toy is a dealbreaker, and thus you're on the hunt for some cool alternatives. We've got a few ideas for you. 
 
 Furby Connect 
 
 Price: $69.99 (was $99.99) 
 
 Where: Kohl's 
 
 While they may not be the hot new thing, Furby has nailed the interactive toy niche for several years now. Last year's hot item, Furbacca, is just $55.99 through 11/30 with code SNOWY20. If that coupon is expired, check our Kohl's coupons page to find a discount that works. 
 
 Zoomer Hedgiez 
 
 Price: $31.99 (was $39.99) 
 
 Where: Toys R Us 
 
 Interactive hedgehogs. I repeat, interactive hedgehogs. This is not a drill. Hedgiez roll when you pet their heads, perform headstands, wiggle, whistle, blow kisses, and giggle when you tickle them. HEDGEHOGS. 
 
 FurReal Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walkin' Pup 
 
 Price: $29.99 
 
 Where: Toys R Us 
 
 Go Go was one of the most popular interactive pets of 2015. This plush electronic puppy walks, wags her tail, sits, tilts her head, and barks when you talk to her. 
 
 Joy For All Companion Cats and Dogs 
 
 Price: $79.99 (cat) or $87.44 (dog) 
 
 Where: Amazon 
 
 These well-reviewed interactive pets are possibly the next best thing to real live kitten or puppy. VibraPurr technology keeps the popular orange tabby purring, while Bark Back tech lets the adorable golden retriever pup respond to sounds. Their coats are designed to mimic real fur, and they even have a simulated heartbeat. 
 
 Fuzzy Flyers Coco Interactive Toy 
 
 Price: $24.99 
 
 Where: Amazon 
 
 Coco is the kind of plush toy that's designed to take some abuse. Throw him and he tells you that you made a great catch. Roll him across the floor for a "bark attack" and he'll bark nonstop until someone picks him up. Right. So, have fun with the bark attacks, parents! 
 
 Wonder Workshop Dash Robot 
 
 Price: $119.99 (was $149.99) 
 
 Where: Amazon 
 
 Dash is a bit more expensive than a list-price Hatchimal, sure, but it also goes well beyond merely being a pet robot to teach kids coding skills. Recommended for ages 8+, you can program Dash with your Android or iOS device to move, dance, light up, make sounds, navigate obstacles, and respond to voices using the Wonder and Blockly apps. 
 
 This article first appeared in Brad's Deals. ||||| Ms. Nigbur and three of her friends took to the internet and found a website that alerts customers to what’s in stock at retailers near them. They learned that their local Target was supposed to get a small shipment of Hatchimals on Friday, so the women arrived at Target at 4:45 a.m. and waited outside in the 20-degree cold. Their efforts paid off. They each purchased a Hatchimal, which Target sold for the suggested retail price – and quickly sold out of. 
 
 “I haven’t decided if Mommy gets to be the star or if Santa will be the one who gets to bring it to her,” said Ms. Nigbur, who said she may be more excited about nabbing the product than her daughter will be to receive it. 
 
 The chase and the rush to find the item is actually part of the appeal when a certain toy — such as Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle Me Elmo — becomes a phenomenon, according to Mr. Gottlieb. “There is an irrational exuberance on the part of the consumer with these buying frenzies, which leads to a scarcity of product and crazy high prices,” he said. 
 
 Some parents have given up on finding a Hatchimal before the holidays. “I am not proud to say I entered into a raffle to win a Hatchimal on a Facebook group,” said Lindsey Hunter Lopez of Los Angeles, whose 3-year-old daughter asked for the toy. “It was a $10 buy-in for a spot, with 16 spots,” she said. Ms. Lopez did not win the raffle, and said that she would not be hunting for the toy any further. 
 
 Spin Master hopes to keep the excitement going well past the holidays, and promises that 2017 will bring new species of Hatchimals with more features. “We’re telling consumers to just be patient,” said Mr. Martin. “The magic is just as magical in January as it is in December. The experience is just as exciting then. In fact, it may be even a little more because you’ll be getting the first batch of 2017.” 
 
 But will kids still want Hatchimals next year, or will they have moved on? 
 
 “It’s a hit-driven industry and this is an expensive item, which really tend to sell only at holiday time,” said Gerrick Johnson, an equity research analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. “That’s why the company is willing to airfreight, which is expensive, in order to capture those spending dollars now; rarely do you have an item like this that works two seasons in a row.” 
 
 Sarah Gough, who lives near Guatemala City, is still halfheartedly searching for a Hatchimal for her 10-year-old daughter, but is not expecting to find one soon. “I looked at our major retailer twice and they don’t have it yet,” Ms. Gough said. She plans to ask her parents to look for the toy in the United States. “But they aren’t really into standing in any lines to pick up toys,” she said. 
 
 To those parents who are not able to buy the toy in time, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a family physician in Pittsburgh and a parenting and youth development expert, said: “It’s a great lesson in delayed gratification.” ||||| Every year there is a toy that every child wants, but that many parents have trouble finding. This year — it’s Hatchimals. 
 
 Hatchimals are described as cuddly creatures that hatch from eggs, and learn to walk and talk. 
 
 The first batch sold out extremely fast. 
 
 Hatchimals even put a message on their website: “While additional product will hit retail shelves in December, we anticipate this inventory will sell out quickly. We have increased production and a whole new batch of Hatchimals ready to hatch in early 2017.” 
 
 But, what if you want them in time for Christmas? 
 
 Target said, starting this Sunday, Dec. 11, stores across the country will begin to receive dozens of the toys which go for $59.99. Target said inventory will continue to pop up throughout the week. 
 
 “You’ll need to be quick to scoop these up (limit two per guest) while supplies last, so be sure to check your local store,” they said on their website. 
 
 Hatchimal-themed gift cards will also be available so you can pick up the toy after the new year. 
 
 On the hunt for #Hatchimals? You might want to visit a @Target store next week. https://t.co/OTNev15hMj pic.twitter.com/mwDcZAUvgk — Target News (@TargetNews) December 6, 2016 
 
 Toys ‘R’ Us is responding to comments on their Facebook page. “Rest assured, we are working our hardest to restock these items and encourage you to check back with us frequently both online and in our stores to see availability.” The popular toy store told FOX 8 they hope to have more shipments of the toys before Christmas Eve. 
 
 Walmart posted a video on its Facebook page on Wednesday that said, “Hatchimals in store now. Check your local store for availability.” 
 
 Walmart locations that will receive shipments of Hatchimals: 
 
 Walmart store 2541, 2700 W. State St., Alliance 
 
 Walmart store 2197, 2016 Millennium Blvd., Cortland 
 
 Walmart store 3608, 6067 N. Ridge Road, Madison 
 
 Walmart store 3722, 250 Tallmadge Road, Kent 
 
 Walmart store 3250, 7235 Market Place Dr., Aurora 
 
 Walmart store 2313, 905 Singletary Drive, Streetsboro 
 
 Walmart store 1857, 9303 Mentor Ave., Mentor 
 
 Walmart store 1927, 1860 Macedonia Commons Blvd., Macedonia 
 
 Walmart store 1863, 33752 Vine St., Eastlake 
 
 Walmart store 5082, 8303 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma 
 
 Walmart store 2361, 4572 Mega St. Nw, North Canton 
 
 Walmart store 1724, 1640 S. Washington St., Millersburg 
 
 Walmart store 2209, 2850 Maple Ave., Zanesville 
 
 Walmart store 2115, 231 Bluebell Drive SW, New Philadelphia 
 
 Walmart store 2199, 50739 Valley Plaza Drive, Saint Clairsville 
 
 Walmart store 2078, 804 Pike St., Marietta 
 
 **More on Hatchimals, here** ||||| This year’s hot holiday toy comes encased in a big speckled egg. 
 
 And it’s sparking a level of mania not seen in years. Desperate parents, along with opportunistic resellers, are lining up outside of big-box stores in the predawn hours every morning in the hopes of getting their hands on the new curious novelty that often sells out within seconds. 
 
 While you may not have heard of them yet, Hatchimals first hit stores in early October and quickly sold out within the first few weeks. The plush toys make cute noises and can be trained to walk and talk. But the big allure is watching them hatch. 
 
 Retailers and consumers alike are going to extreme measures to get them in time for Christmas. Hatchimals, which normally sell for about $60, are now being resold for two to four times the price on sites like eBay and by third-party sellers on Amazon.com and Walmart.com. 
 
 “I’ve been tracking the toy industry for 12 years — I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like this,” said Juli Lennett, a toy analyst with the NPD Group. “It’s the Tickle Me Elmo of 2016.” 
 
 The frenzy also has been compared to that for other “must-have” toys from previous decades such as Cabbage Patch Kids, Furbies and ZhuZhu Pets. 
 
 Hot toys of the past 1983 Cabbage Patch Kids 1996 Tickle Me Elmo 1998 Furby 2009 ZhuZhu Pets 
 
 Must-have items can drive traffic and excitement during the holidays, the biggest time of year for toy sales. Target Corp., for example, does about half of its annual toy sales in the fourth quarter. 
 
 To help alleviate the shortage, Canada-based Spin Master, which makes Hatchimals, is ramping up production and flying the products in from China instead of putting them on ships. 
 
 To be sure, Hatchimals aren’t the only toys in high demand this year as the toy industry is in the midst of a two-year resurgence driven by increased innovation. The latest Shopkins, Nerf and Pokemon toys are some of the other big sellers. 
 
 Then there is the Nintendo NES Classic Edition, which is almost harder to get ahold of than Hatchimals. But the excitement over the gaming consoles is being driven less by kids than adults nostalgic for the original systems they grew up with. 
 
 In any case, those on the hunt for the Nintendo NES sometimes find themselves standing shoulder to shoulder outside stores with the Hatchimal chasers. 
 
 The Hatchimals were expected to be a popular item this holiday, having landed on most hot toy lists in early fall. But no one expected them to be this hot. 
 
 Hatchimals have already sold more than 400,000 units in the U.S. in their first seven weeks on the market, a much faster rate than any other toy in its price range, according to the NPD Group. 
 
 Jim Silver, editor of toy review site TTPM, estimates that two-to-three times more Hatchimals will be sold than Tickle Me Elmos in 1996, when they first became the rage. 
 
 “It’s not like they shorted the market,” Silver said. “They’re going to sell over a couple million. You can’t plan for that.” 
 
 Toys ‘R’ Us is chartering planes to fly Hatchimals straight off the production line in China to the U.S. and distributing them to stores as fast as they can, said Richard Barry, the retailer’s chief merchandising officer. He added that stores will have “dozens” of Hatchimals per store this Sunday for $69.99 as part of the chain’s “Great Big Christmas Sale” — and that the company will continue to hustle to replenish inventories through the rest of the season. 
 
 “We are doing whatever it takes to get stuff here as fast as we possibly can,” he said. “I can assure you we’ll be doing that right until the doors close on Christmas Eve.” 
 
 In the meantime, he said the chain’s stores are being inundated with phone calls from customers asking if they have any in stock. 
 
 “We’re seeing people at 4 a.m. in the morning asking our night crew managers, ‘Did you get a delivery overnight?’ and waiting in line to see whether [the] product is available,” he said. 
 
 Wal-Mart sold out of its replenished supply of Hatchimals within minutes on Thanksgiving Day. Target stores have been getting small batches of new products — often just four to six at a time — that are immediately being snatched up by customers, who frequently check Target.com to see which stores might have gotten in some more stock overnight and wait for store doors to open. 
 
 “The team has been working unbelievably hard to keep Hatchimals on the shelves,” said Lee Henderson, a Target spokesman. “They’re literally getting pushed to stores as quickly as possible.” 
 
 Hatchimals also have led to a frenzy in Canada and England and have easily become Spin Master’s fastest selling product, said James Martin, Spin Master senior vice president. 
 
 The toymaker, he said, is as surprised — if not more — about the huge response. The company met with analysts and retailers in advance to forecast demand, comparing sales of similar items and similar price points. Then Spin Master brought in some extra inventory because it felt bullish about the product, he said. 
 
 “We knew we had a good toy, but you can’t predict this,” he said. “Going back six months, there’s nobody who would have ever made the bet it could be this big this fast.” 
 
 He promised there is still “significant quantity” coming in between now and Christmas. And for those who can wait, there will be reinforcements in January. 
 
 As for those reselling the products at inflated prices, he said Spin Master doesn’t support the practice. 
 
 “They have a right to do it, but for us it takes away some of the magic,” he said. “It’s a little heartbreaking to think someone would have to spend that much to get this.” 
 
 So why has Hatchimals struck gold? 
 
 “It’s the magic of actually seeing your pet being hatched,” said Silver of the TTPM toy review site. 
 
 Spin Master says it takes 10 to 40 minutes of holding and touching the egg for it to hatch. Silver’s toy testers found it took more like 30 minutes to two hours. 
 
 “The anticipation a child has is breathtaking,” Silver said. “The toy industry hasn’t seen anything like this.” 
 
 Once it’s hatched, the toy continues to evolve and learn as the child nurtures and plays with it. 
 
 On Thursday morning, three people stood outside the Target store in Richfield, shivering in the misty cold rain and waiting for the doors to open at 7 a.m. in the hopes of getting some Hatchimals. 
 
 One was a grandmother who scoured for Cabbage Patch Kids and Beanie Babies a decade or more ago for her own kids. Another wanted one to resell on eBay. 
 
 The third was a father whose 6-year-old daughter had become enthralled by her friends’ Hatchimals. He had already been to another Target store that morning. 
 
 He and his fellow treasure hunters were in luck. When the store opened, it had four of the toys in stock. 
 
 “I can’t tell you how happy I am,” he said.
– The holiday's hottest toy is so hot it sold 400,000 units in just seven weeks, outpacing the infamous Tickle Me Elmo, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. It's so hot moms in Utah braved 20-degree weather to line up outside a Target at 4:45am just in hopes of getting one, according to the New York Times. It's so hot the Christian Science Monitor reports third-party sellers are asking six times the retail the price of $59.99—and getting it. And it's so hot Toys 'R' Us is chartering its own planes to fly it directly from the manufacturer in China. They're called Hatchimals, and Fox 8 describes them as "cuddly creatures that hatch from eggs and learn to walk and talk." "By all analyses, we thought we had enough," James Martin, an executive at Hatchimals maker Spin Master, tells the Times. "We had no idea that it would be this big." Experts say the big selling point for kids is the anticipation that builds during the 30 minutes or so it takes to hatch the creature. "Nobody knows why these things happen," one toy expert says. "They're an act of God." Now parents, retailers, and third-party sellers alike are scrambling to get their hands on more Hatchimals before Christmas. But as the Monitor puts it: "If you're...desperate to find one at a reasonable price in time for Christmas, I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry." It recommends giving your kids a Hatchimal IOU instead. (New Zealand "wins Christmas" with nationwide Secret Santa.)