Think it's Gone? Expert Tips for Getting the Sold-Out Toys Your Kids Really Want

HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Every parent or grandparent wants to make the holidays a special time, one that the beloved children in their lives will always remember. Be the holiday hero by getting the gifts they really want – those super popular toys making headlines across the country. Of course, the hottest holiday toys quickly sell out. With a few smart shopping strategies, you will be able to get the gifts they really want without a lot of hassle.

Your children or grandchildren are sure to squeal with delight when they tear open their presents and find a Nintendo Wii U, a Disney Doc McStuffins doll or a Furby in one of the hardest-to-find colors. How were you able to get the toys that your friends and neighbors could not get? You followed some simple shopping strategies for locating high-demand items:

Visit the manufacturer's website
The first step to tracking down a popular toy is to find out where the toy can be found. Each manufacturer's website will list where its toys are sold. Contrary to popular belief, not every major retailer carries all the popular toys of this year. Some manufacturers have exclusive agreements with certain retailers, while other manufacturers may stock at smaller toy stores as well as large retailers.

Call early and be courteous
Call when the store opens so you can speak with a department manager before peak shopping hours. Be courteous and ask if a toy is in-stock. If possible, ask for the item to be held for you. If you are told it is out of stock, do not be shy about asking when the store receives its shipments. On that day, call the store and ask if your item was in the shipment. Better yet, be there for when the store opens.

Use technology to your advantage
The Internet has changed the way people shop for holiday gifts. If you are having trouble tracking down a special toy visit TrackAToy.com, a free resource that helps people find the most popular toys. You can create a free profile and set up toy-availability alerts in three easy ways: email, text message or Internet browser notification. Free alerts can save you time and reduce holiday stress, notifying you as soon as your needed item is back in-stock at many major online retailers such as Walmart.com and ToysRus.com.

Online discussion boards are another valuable resource for holiday shoppers. A quick search and you will find a number of different online forums, including one on TrackAToy.com, where people chat about the season's top toys, where they found them and other unique shopping topics.

Finding that perfect holiday toy does not have to be an impossible mission when you utilize a few smart shopping strategies. From calling stores in the morning to free online product alerts, you will make this the most memorable holiday yet.

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What are the top toys this holiday season? According to Brandon Compagna, CEO of TrackAToy.com, the top 10 holiday toys for 2012 are:

1. Nintendo Wii U

2. Furby – 2012 Collection

3. Disney Doc McStuffins Time For Your Check Up Doll

4. Monster High Werecat Sister Doll Pack – Meowlady and Purrsephone

5. LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Learning Tablets

6. Monster High Ghouls Rule Doll – Abbey Abominable

7. Skylanders Giants Character Packs (Series 2)

8. Lalaloopsy Holiday Collector Edition Doll – Ivory Ice Crystals

9. LEGO Minecraft (21102)

10. Playskool Sesame Street LOL Elmo

SOURCE TrackAToy.com