Zhu Zhu pets are topping the charts of hard-to-find, in-demand toys for this Christmas. The commercials have been running on kids' television stations like Nickelodeon for months, and kids are standing in line to ask Santa to bring the furry electronic pets down their chimneys on Christmas Eve this year.
What Are Zhu Zhu Pets?
The Zhuzhupets.com company website describes their new toy sensation as follows: "the best alternatives to real live hamsters, Zhu Zhu Pets™ hamsters don’t poop, die, or stink, but they are still a riot of motion and sound." Parents love toys that don't poop, die or stink, and kids love interacting with animal-like creatures, so this may be why kids are asking for the fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand plush, cuddly critters. The hamsters have individual cute names (Pipsqueek, Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums) and distinct personalities, sounds and motions.
Zhu Zhu Pet Interactivity
One of the reasons the zooming pets have become popular with children is that kids love interactivity. If a child pets the a hamster's nose, it squeaks with joy. The hamsters have over 40 different sound effects that differ according to the play environment they're placed in by children. Zhu Zhu pets can play in two modes: nurturing (in which they coo and purr) or adventure (where they explore their habitats).
Zhu Zhu Pet Pricing
Another attractive feature of the holiday favorite-waiting-to-happen are the reasonable prices. At around $35 a piece retail, the hamsters aren't cheap, but they meet many household budgets looking for less expensive toys this Christmas in a tight economy.
Zhu Zhu Pet Accessories
The hamsters' accessories range from a funhouse playset (around $40, hamsters not included) or hamster wheel ($35) to an adventure ball ($30) and ramp and slide ($45). There are also Hamster Blanket and bed sets ($15-$20) and other fun accessories like a skateboard set and garage, making the gift good for kids who have lots of relatives wanting to purchase something the child will use.
The challenge with Zhu Zhu pets this year may not be pricing but availability, as word has gotten out that the furry animals are becoming more and more "endangered" in retail outlets nationwide. Walmart had a recent issue when the popular toys were accidentally put out early, but weren't ringing correctly at registers, setting off rumors (discounted by the company) that there had been a recall. There's also a safety warning that the racing pets may be dangerous for long hair – new 'pet owners' are encouraged to wear ponytails.
Or are they called hamster tails now?
Mary McCarthy - Mary T. McCarthy is the blogger at pajamasandcoffee.com and Editor of Chesapeake Family magazine.
