Hatchimals Emerge As Breakout Toy Of Christmas 2016
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Every few years a hot holiday toy comes along and this year it's a magical mutant baby bird in an egg called a "Hatchimal."
The in-demand toys are getting harder to find as the holiday draws closer. Parents are scrambling to buy Hatchimals, the furry toy hybrid bird creatures created by Spin Masters Ltd. that hatch from a shell.
Once the toys arrive at stores, they quickly fly off the shelves.
The baby birds toys retail for about $60, but are going for about twice that on eBay.
"It's got that technology component that's really engaging," said consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow. "It also requires that the user interact with it to come to life."
Hatchimals have become a rare bird. There hasn't been a really hot holiday toy since the Zhu Zhu Pet seven years ago.
Canada-based Spin Masters said it is increasing production and is reportedly flying the birds from its Chinese factories rather than shipping them by sea to meet demand.
Meanwhile, parents are getting creative, contacting stores, friends and relatives in other countries to find the elusive toy.
Some are driving across the U.S.-Canada border to Spin Masters headquarters.
Stores tell KPIX 5 they are continuing to get shipments, but when they do, they usually sell out quickly.
