Almost every year, there seems to be at least one toy that stores can’t seem to keep stock of. In years past, we’ve seen the craze has been for toys likeTickle Me Elmo, Cabbage Patch Kids or Webkinz. This year, the rage is all about Zhu Zhu pets.

The idea behind Zhu Zhu Pets is a interactive toy in the form of a pet hamster, with no mess or risk of losing the pet. This little critter is lively and life-like by being integrated with technology to produce both real hamster sounds and real hamster-like motions.

But should you bother getting one? Live hamsters themselves are relatively low in price, although if you decide to accessorize, you might find yourself spending a bit more than you expected. Most people can see a pro in not having to worry about how rough a kid is playing with it or having to change the cage. But some have presented concern that this toy is fails to teach children any sense of responsibility has far as pets are concerned.

Zhu Zhu pets resemble a live hamster: they scamper, they exercise with their toys and they take naps. Unlike real live versions, they do not make a mess or have any bad odour.

Zhu Zhu pets come in 4 varieties. They have diverse colourings, and each have a distinct design on their back. The Zhu Zhu’s have their own character traits and each of them makes a different sound while they play.

The hamsters have some great play sets. They offer real styled hamster toys, like the exercise wheel, and the Zhu Zhu will work that on its own. They also have a globe they run along the floor, and they have their own residence they can fool around in. For the hippest of the hamsters, they offer a slide, a garage and vehicle that the hamster steers, a skateboard and mini ramp to make turns on and a very cool surf board to catch some imaginary waves with while “surfing” the floor.