This past holiday season, Hatchimals emerged as the must-have toy of 2016. For those unfamiliar, Hatchimals are robotic creatures that arrive encased in eggs and require nurturing to hatch. As children interact with them, these toys “evolve,” providing an engaging play experience. Retailing for around $50 to $60, these toys were in high demand, leading some parents to resort to eBay, where prices soared to double the retail value.
However, the joy quickly turned sour in many households. Numerous parents took to social media and customer service lines to voice their outrage, reporting that their children’s Hatchimals either failed to hatch entirely or stopped functioning shortly after emerging from their shells. Spinmaster, the company behind Hatchimals, has been inundated with complaints, with many parents expressing heartbreak over their children’s disappointment on Christmas Day.
The reaction on the company’s Facebook page has been intense, with comments resembling a courtroom drama rather than a playful toy discussion. Some parents described bizarre noises and behaviors exhibited by their Hatchimals, leading to a mix of frustration and dark humor. One parent humorously remarked about their Hatchimal appearing to be “drunk,” while others noted the unnerving glow of the creatures’ eyes, which change color to signify different emotions like anger or sickness.
Among the more unsettling issues reported were the Hatchimals’ bright red eyes, which could evoke nightmares in children. The solution? Rubbing the toy’s bottom to restore its mood—a remedy that many found quite strange.
While some parents are seeking refunds, others have escalated their frustrations to threats of class action lawsuits, after enduring long waits on hold for customer support. The chaos surrounding Hatchimals has provided a mix of entertainment and horror, and many are eager to share their experiences.
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In summary, the Hatchimals craze has taken a dark turn for many families, leaving parents fuming over malfunctioning toys that failed to deliver the holiday magic they promised.