Zhu Zhu Pet Robot Hamster – Holiday Gift Love for Children and Parents

Do you remember when people used to buy real hamsters as pets? Well, maybe we can’t say that yet. But did you know that the innovative new toy “Zhu Zhu Pet” (a stuffed robot hamster) from toymaker Cepia sold out quickly upon its debut? Its popularity is best understood by what Laura Phillips, Wal-Mart’s vice president of toys, said.“As soon as we get them in, they’re literally sold out of boxes.”

The return of interactivity.

We already know the incredible success of video game consoles. However, doesn’t it seem like several years ago that high technology fled from the toys that involved us in the real world? Remember Teddy Ruxpin, Laser Tag, or Omni the Robot 2000. So could the rising popularity of automated little Zhu Zhu Pet hamsters spark a renaissance in interactive toys? Well, let’s consider what makes these children’s toys so popular. First there are 2 modes of operation. Adventure mode in which they move alone, which is not innovative. However, if Zhu Zhu Pets get stuck, they will stop, back up, and readjust their course. Giving them some credit as more real than other toys. Second, they react to touch not with 3-4 different sounds, but with 40 sounds ranging from arousal to calm. And when placed in Nurturing mode, the plush robot hamsters will purr with every pet they get from kids.

The buyers are promoting the toys.

Overall, you have a toy that actively engages both boys and girls by fueling their imaginations. And no groceries to buy or smelly debris to clean up, just the occasional new battery (included with purchase). No wonder why parents are promoting robot pets themselves, just look at the video result on youtube.com for Zhu Zhu pets. Why the only downside to the interactive toy has been its cost. Which has seen a rise with its popularity, around $30. But keep in mind that Zhu Zhu Pets are American made toys.

Zhu Zhu mascots are already on the Toys R Us 2009 holiday toy list
Brooklyn, New York. October 29, 2009.