Still Looking for Hatchimals? Moms Help Moms With Last Minute Shopping in Orange County

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Whether Hatchimals (nearly impossible to find) or a pop up play tent, mothers in Orange County took to Facebook groups to help others locate hard to find, last minute Christmas presents.

It started with an Orange County mom who was searching for a tent for her daughter. Just one last little gift that ranked high on her kid's Christmas list. But over 70 mothers chimed in with ideas on where to find adorable girl tents in time for Santa's arrival.

"I looked everywhere," Gabbriellea Frigo said. "I've even considered buying a used one from another OC mom."

Ideas poured in from all over, with mothers spotting tents across the county and sending information. Sam's Club, Walmart and Target, for 20 hours a Facebook feed was filled with ideas on how to find the perfect tent for Gabbriellea's little girl.

Even a local maker of handcrafted tents was identified, Whittier "maker" known on Instagram as Happy Tribe Life. happytribelife.com is noted for local delivery only in Southern California, which turned out to be perfect

Irvine mom Giovanna DeRosier was shopping at South Coast Plaza and spotted Hatchimals at the Puzzle Zoo store. They had ten left, marked up to $96 each.

She promptly posted the picture and information to their Orange County mother's group Facebook page.

"I don't understand what the big deal is with these things," Placentia resident Rachel Zethraeus said.

Still, other moms laughed that there was sure to be a Hatchimals stampede soon after the posting.

One mother drove from Huntington Beach and managed to get that item checked off of her to do list.

"I was not far away (when I heard they were there,) but I did hurry!" she said. "Glad to have that over with."

What else were Orange County mothers searching for?

Everything from Christmas jammies to Doc McStuffins shopping carts.

Finally, the Sharktank Kinder Surprise Egg is another item that is heartily sought after item this holiday season.

Sold mostly at mall carts, the chocolate egg contains a tiny prize.

"They are a European brand of chocolate in the shape of an egg, and are hollow with a toy inside," Aliso Viejo mom Carrie Mancinelli said. "They were illegal in the United States, with a fine of $2000 each if brought in from Europe, up until recently, which is why they are so popular right now."

With one request for where to find these Kinder Surprise Eggs, mothers chimed in with multiple locations shoppers may find these treasures. From a cart near Forever 21 at the Irvine Spectrum Center to Cost Plus, recommendations on where to buy these sweet and fun treats poured in.

When asked why they wanted to help, most mothers agreed, it is just the spirit of giving.

"I just know how hard Hatchimals are to get," DeRosier said. As for this mother, who once upon a time paid way too much to see the littles smile and play with their Zhu Zhu pets on Christmas morning, the hunt and small price is worth seeing those smiles on Christmas morning.

Happy holidays, and good luck shopping!

Photo, Giovanna DeRosier