I almost became on of those Moms today.

I was basking in my delight of having finished my Christmas shopping when it hit me- I never ordered Fuller’s “big gift.” The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle. It was something we have discussed for many months and finally decided the price was ok, so we would get it for Fuller for Christmas. Last week it was on Amazon for a really low price for like 5 minutes. A special deal for about 5 of them, and I missed it. So I said, “I’ll order it from Wal-Mart, site to store, and we get an ebates rebate.” Except I never ordered it.

I went to Wal-Mart this morning and noticed there were none to be bought. I went home, checked on line and the Amazon price had skyrocketed, Wal-Mart was out of stock, and the cost for shipping one from Toys R Us was too much. So I called the local Toys R Us stores and one had them in stock.

I still went to some other stores that were closer, but ended up having to go to the store that was the farthest away to get my kid the “hot ticket” item for Christmas. When we decided to get Fuller the Smart Cycle, we never knew it would be the gift to give this season. I usually turn my nose up at those kinds of marketing strategies. But if stores are selling out of them and Amazon is taking advantage by pushing up the price, it might end up being a big deal.

As we were driving out to the last store today I told myself, if they don’t have it, they don’t have it and we will wait until after Christmas vacation. But there they were, right at the front of the store. I never want to get a situation where I am getting an ulcer over buying a certain gift for my son… and I am worried that today I might have come close. Next time, I just need to order the silly thing. Before other parents get the same idea.

Technorati Tags: Christmas presents, Smart Cycle, Toys R Us