Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster toys are poised to take over the holiday market (and could save some real hamsters from grabby kids while they're at it)

We've seen countless animal-themed toys come and go -- remember the Tamagotchi "digital pet"? My Little Pony, anyone? Furby? Our personal favorite, Pound Puppies? Well, there's a new faux animal in town and, partly due to its modest price, it's expected to be one of the most-purchased toys this holiday season. Oh, and did we mention it's a battery-powered hamster?

The pocket-pet toys, called Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters, retail for $8 to $10, with a number of accessories available for an extra $10 and up. They squeak and move around like real hamsters, but unlike real hamsters, they require no unpleasant cleanup and -- though we're not sure why -- drive around in tiny cars. Zhu Zhu Pets figure prominently on several lists viewed as predictors for success on the holiday market; both Toys R Us' 2009 Hot Holiday Toy List and TimeToPlayMag.com's Most Wanted List give accolades, with the latter describing the little guys as "creative, engaging and appealing" and surprisingly high-tech.

And, the Associated Press reports, they're being snapped up at stores like Toys R Us and Wal-Mart faster than they can be restocked. "As soon as we're getting them in, they're literally selling from boxes," said Laura Phillips, Wal-Mart vice president of toys. "It's hard to get them on shelves."

Sure, Zhu Zhu hamsters aren't as high-tech as, say, a patented Japanese robotic therapy seal, but they're also about 500 times less expensive, and that's a trade-off we're willing to make. Bonus for animal lovers: Their popularity is sure to keep real, fragile pocket pets out of the hands of overzealous kids while indulging a healthy love of animals. Video (warning: with annoying, easy-to-get-stuck-in-your-head theme song) after the jump!

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo credit: Mark Lennihan / Associated Press

Comments

[Zhu Zhu Pet Parent]

It's great if you can find these in your local stores, but some places are totally sold out in our area and have no idea if they will get another shipment in before Christmas. So as a parent, that means your choice is an online store or no Zhu Zhu Pets. There is an online store called cheap zhu zhu pets that has some in stock right now at cheapzhuzhupet.blogspot.com

The prices there are comparable to brick and mortar stores right now. Good luck to everyone trying to find these this holiday season!

[Shawn]

I agree with "Zhu Zhu Pet Parent". It would be lovely to find them in a store, but the closer to Xmas we get, the less likely that's going to happen. I tried finding them in stores, but you can guess how well that went. I tried eBay, but didn't know how to enter the bid of an "arm and a leg". I did a quick search on Google for "Find Zhu Zhu" and low and behold, i came across a site called Findzhuzhu.com (I did also find the site mentioned on Zhu zhu parents post, but the order page gave me errors, not sure what was with that, I dont recommend that site, sorry). Anyway, Findzhuzhu had a page where i could order the hamsters and accessories and all that, and thats what I did. My order went through and I'm eagerly awaiting my Zhu Zhu babies, bedding and little car, rofl. The prices weren't retail, but they weren't ridiculously crazy like eBay and Craigslist. Dont give up parents, there are ways to find these toys before D-Day (12/25, haha)! Good luck

[Cheryl Chapman]

I have been looking for these ZhuZhu's for months now and no one has them, how do you think they are going to be a hot item at Xmas when we can't get them at alll..........

[Bradley]

I bought one of these things about a week ago from GEtzhuzhu and it arrived yesterday. I had heard so much about them on the news and wanted to see what the hype was about, especially since i could check them out in stores. Its interesting, to say the least. I personally wont be playing with it, but I'm sure my girlfriend will LOVE it. Also, I'll probably order the others to give to my brothers kids.

[jennifer]

the last place you would think to look for zhuzhu pets would be a Hallmark store ,right?well they had them in stock in my local mall.try that.

[Gavin]

Awe, so sad. I remember the good old days when you would wake up christmas morning to find that mama hamster ate her young. Awe, so cute...

[zhu zhu pets in stock]

There is reason why people should buy these things. They're lame
excuses for a real hamster.. great impact to prevent my house from poop...

[zhuzhu hype]

I bought three the other day at Target with no line and no wait for $8.99 each. They are small and not worth all the hype. If you pay more than $10.00 you will regret it.