Zhu Zhu pets a no-show in Bend - but there are also uplifting gifts to get

By Makayla Zurn, KTVZ.COM

On a very busy shopping day, several items were flying off the shelves this Black Friday - and some of the hottest, from a $10 robotic hamster to some rock star video games, either were in short supply, or nowhere to be found in Central Oregon.

The toy section at Fred Meyer in Bend was packed, including lots of kids who already know what they want for Christmas.

"A Strawberry Shortcake Baker," said one little girl.

"I want this for Christmas," another little girl said, holding a Little Mermaid doll.

There is also one more item that is on the minds of millions, and it squeaks.

The Zhu Zhu pet is a robotic hamster that runs on batteries - and get this, it's only $10.

But don't try any local stores to find it - shoppers looked high and low, but found them sold out everywhere.

Most stores, like Fred Meyer in Bend, couldn't even stock them for Black Friday.

"We get 20 to 30 calls a day," said Fred Meyer store Director Mike Roth. "People will grab them right off the trucks."

Target says they had a spot for them on the shelves, but didn't receive a shipment because they are selling out all over the country.

Other popular toys and gadgets on this Black Friday included iPods and video games, like the Wii's Rock Band, which a shopper said Freddy's had sold out of 15 minutes earlier.

The iPod Touch is also getting scooped up off store shelves, but most stores still had them in stock Friday.

Whether it's a toy hamster or an mp3 player, you'd better get yours soon, because this holiday shopping madness has only just begun.

On some Internet auction sites, the $10 Zhu Zhu Pet is going for up to 10 times the price. Amazon.com claims they still have some in stock.

Another gift appears to be tied to a new law taking effect Jan. 1 in Oregon.

Verizon officials said many people are making stocking stuffers of Bluetooth earpieces, ahead of the new law that requires using hands-free cell phones while driving.

Many people also were taking advantage of the phone carrier's "activate or donate" program, where old cell phones go to victims of domestic violence.

Some shoppers also were looking for new four-legged friends at a bargain price Friday.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon held its own "Black Friday" sale - half off the cost of adopting all black cats and dogs.

And it was a popular idea, too: When staff showed up Friday morning, there were already eight people waiting at the door.

Within 15 minutes of opening, 35 to 40 people had already filled the shelter. Staff say they were pleasantly surprised by the number of people who turned up.

And the Kilns Bookstore on Bend's Industrial Way had a Black Friday sale with a good purpose, too - and even though the store is focused on human rights, it wasn't about the books

The store had Toms brand shoes for sale, and for each one sold, the owner gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Rise Up, a local clothing brand, was also there, and used the sale of its clothing to help provide free education to kids in Third World countries.