Finding hot, hard-to-find holiday gifts

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Ever since the September release of Apple's new iPhones, countless customers at the AT&T store in North Fresno have been clamoring for one thing: The iPhone 6-plus, especially the gold, 64-gig model. Area sales manager Andrew Chacon says right now, the supply can't quite keep up with the demand, "6-plus, the bigger model is a wait past four weeks expected shipment. The smaller model the six should be looking right about two weeks, so you have a great shot of getting that before Christmas." So what's a desperate shopper to do? Chacon says be persistent. While stores don't maintain a wait list, call your local store or check online for in-store availability because they're getting new shipments every week. That's how Adolfo Rodriguez got his hands on one: "Had to buy my own gift, yes," he grins.

The Apple store gets daily shipments, and Apple's website also has a personal pickup availability checker so you can buy your phone online and pick it up in the store. Two other online tools can come in handy: seaturtle.org's "i-device availability notifier" allows you to enter your zip code and device you want. If it's unavailable, you can enter the e-mail address where you would like to be notified when it is. And i-stock-now shows a map of every single Apple, Best Buy and Target stores that have the iPhone 6 and 6-plus in stock.

From Zoomer Dino to Doc McStuffins to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the shelves are fully stocked with the most popular toys at Toys R Us in Clovis, ahead of the holiday shopping season. There are even plenty of Snow Glow Elsas, which have been deemed *the* hottest toy this holiday. Store Manager Teresa Mariscal says don't worry: "Our focus is keeping this merchandise in stock. So you can shop online at ToysRUs.com. Where we're open 365." Mariscal says if something does happen to be out of stock, check back on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the store gets new shipments. And subscribe to e-mail alerts for insider information. "If you are a rewards member right now, you get all kinds of email blasts letting you know what's hot and what's on sale."

At ttpm.com, you can get e-mail notifications when a sold-out toy you want becomes available online. It automatically tracks 15 retailers, including Target, Amazon and Toys R Us. And don't underestimate the power of social media for hard-to-find toys... like this Facebook page dedicated to Disney Frozen buy/sell/trade with thousands of members. Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schact advises, "Go on Twitter and follow your favorite toy manufacturers and follow your favorite toy retailers whether it's the local toy store in your neighborhood or the larger shops." For example, Jakks Pacific, the maker of Snow Glow Elsa, has been tweeting out holiday tips where to find the popular doll. But Schact warns act now, "If this is the doll you want for your child and no one else will do, you can't wait for the sale. You have to purchase the doll." Otherwise you might find yourself paying top dollar on eBay, the week before Christmas.