There is at least one popular toy in short supply this year - the $8 motorized hamster known as the Zhu Zhu Pet, Strickler reported.

"I am not having any luck finding them, but they are quite expensive on Amazon and eBay," said shopper Deirdre George. "Online, people are reselling them for eight times the retail price - more than $60."

As of Monday morning, the Wal-Mart on Stringtown Road in Grove City had only three to sell.

"We're able to stock everything right now, except Zhu Zhu pets," said store manager Jonathan Kent.

It was the same story at the Kmart on the east side.

"We are filling shelves everyday," said Kmart's Stephen Lewis.

Other hot toys this year are the Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser, Liv Dolls and the latest Elmo doll.

But Dierdre George is not giving up on those Zhu Zhu Pets yet.

"I just came to Wal-Mart and they're gone. I'm gonna try Toys 'R Us one more time before I go back online," George said.

As of Monday afternoon, Toys R Us stores on Gemini Place, Sawmill Road and Dublin Granville Road all said they had supplies of Tickle Hand Elmos and Limited Liv Dolls, but nothing else.

The best advice is to call the store before going to check on a toy's availability.

Most stores will not hold them, Strickler reported.

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