THE hunt for the elusive Hatchimal has turned to Britain and further afield after the toy of the year sold out in Ireland.
The must-have toy will be back in stock in Ireland in Smyths stores from December 19, but that hasn't stopped eager Christmas shoppers from turning to friends and family in Britain, in the hope they can bring the prized toy back across the Irish Sea for the festive season.
The Hatchimal, retailing at £69.99 or €79.99, comes in a sparkling egg that a child has to play with, for it to "hatch".
Hatching can take up to 40 minutes and children will then care for the interactive toy as it learns how to talk and walk.
The child has to then care for the Hatchimal through three stages from baby, to toddler, to kid.
Some desperate shoppers may have to fork out up to £160 for the toy, which is being sold on Ebay at hiked up prices.
The Toy Shop, Tesco online and Smyths online have all sold out of the toy, but there are still some available on Argos.co.uk and Toys 'R Us are currently trying to re-stock in stores.
A few Hatchimal hunters, including Irish hypnotist Keith Barry, have gone on Twitter to aid their cause:
So @realDonaldTrump is president. Now onto important things that matter. Anyone know where in Ireland I can get a pink or purple hatchimal?
— KEITH BARRY (@KeithpBarry) 9 November 2016
Rumours are quickly spreading like wildfire about the whereabouts of the Hatchimals.
@KeithpBarry Ebay... also rumors flying that they are in tesco in Tallaght!
— Ciara Shalloo-Byrne (@ciarambyrne) 10 November 2016
But people are still wondering where the Hatchimals are hiding.
Does anyone know where I can buy a Hatchimal? Out of stock everywhere! #Hatchimals
— Helen Earth (@HelenEarth1916) 6 December 2016
And all the parents of Ireland want to kiss Sarah for hating the #hatchimals #LateLateToyShow
— Denise ?? ? (@ThisIrishFamily) 2 December 2016
@AskSmythsToys when are hatchimals landing back in Irish stores and can they be reserved?
— Player1.ie (@Player1ie) 3 November 2016
