If it seems as though some last-minute gifts aren't available, the harsh truth is: Many are not.

Items ranging from some Kindles on Amazon.com to Monster High dolls at Toys R Us to fleece-lined flannel shirts at L.L. Bean are getting tough — and sometimes impossible — to find.

Retailers who got burned the last two holidays with extra inventory were more conservative when ordering this year. Others didn't know what items would be hits. And some consumers simply waited too long and now can't find what they want.