There’s not much doubt that Zhu Zhu Pets - the family of five robotic hamsters which feature artificial intelligence which allows them to interact with children and their environment - are the must have toy for Christmas 2009. They are in such high demand that Toys R Us have not listed them in their Christmas 2009 catalog in order to avoid disappointing prospective buyers.

The Zhu Zhu hamsters are Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums, Chunk, Pipsqueak and Patches. In addition to the hamsters themselves there is a wide range of toys and accessories available which can be use in different ways and which allows the children to use their imagination.

The Zhu Zhu pets are aimed at children in the age range of 4 to 10 years old and appeal to both boys and girls. They are not suitable for very small children as they contain moving parts and batteries.

Cepia, the manufacturers, are St. Louis based, and were established in 2004. They launched the Zhu Zhu Pets in August 2009 and have shipped six million units since then. A further six million sales are expected between now and Christmas. Currently, the shelf life of a Zhu Zhu hamster is - on average - less than three minutes.

Prices are rising, both for the hamsters and the accompanying accessories, and you can already find them on eBay at prices higher than retail. Prices will probably increase the closer we get to Christmas.

Cepia are predicting sales of between $ 300 and $ 400 million over the next twelve months. This will be from not only the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they intend to expand their range to include hedgehogs, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Presumably any small, cute and furry woodland animal which children would find appealing could make it onto their list in future.

Check out the Zhu Zhu Pets at Harold Peterson’s site - Zhu Zhu Hamsters.

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