Fingerlings: the hardest-to-find toy this Christmas

For years, people have gone to serious lengths to get their hands on the season’s hottest toys, and this Christmas it’s all about Fingerlings.

The animated, finger-hugging baby monkeys were sold out at most stores around Regina Friday afternoon.

Over at Zippity Zoom Toys, owner Tracy Boshe said they tried pre-ordering Fingerlings in the summertime, but the manufacturers were sold out.

“We tried to be on it as an independent (business), but we didn’t get on this one,” she said. “But there’s always new (toys) that come and go, so if you didn’t get a Fingerling for Christmas, there’s always Easter.”

Valetta Young was able to time it perfectly. Before the rush on Friday, she snagged five Fingerlings for friends, just as they were being re-stocked.

“We only heard a couple other people ask for them, but as soon as we took them out, I think people started realizing they were the actual Fingerlings,” explained Young.

“I don’t need them, but I just happened to be there. I know my friend was looking for one, and I work with a bunch of girls who have some little girls.”

Meanwhile, Darlene Wurm stopped her hunt for Fingerlings weeks ago.

“I gave up on them … I went online and everything,” Wurm said, adding she needed two for her grandchildren.

“I didn’t get (Fingerlings), so they’re getting crafts and books.”

For those — like Wurm — who missed out, Boshe said Baby Monkey is an alternative. It’s a toy that looks and acts identical to a Fingerling, but comes in a variety of different colours and animals. Baby Monkeys are also expected to be in-stock at Zippity Zoom Toys in the days leading up to Christmas, despite being sold out on Friday as well.