The Zhu Zhu pets only went on sale in August of this year - but they've already become a huge success. Across the nation, kids are going crazy for these furry little robotic hamsters that utilise artificial intelligence that lets them to react to their surroundings, interact with the kids and also to interact with the other hamsters in the Zhu Zhu pet gang,

Over and above the fact that these robotic hamsters are small, furry and cute, children really love the interactivity. The five hamsters - Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums - have a total of forty different sounds which they emit when given the right cue. For instance, when they enter into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they emit tooth brushing noises. When they go into their little hamster bedroom then they produce snoring noises.

Unfortunately for consumers, many retailers decided to work with relatively low stock levels this year. It's a decision which is based partly on the fact that last year's stock levels were too high - many retailers had to drop prices considerably to clear their shelves - and partly due to the current economic outlook.

It's easy to see how the decision was arrived at - but based on the sales figures to date, the retailers may have got it wrong. Popular toys like the Mattel's Mindflex game and the Zhu Zhu pets are being snapped up quickly. Demand is way higher than supply and it's becoming very hard to find these toys in the shops. The situation is only going to get worse as we approach Christmas.

Having realised their mistake, a lot of retailers are now frantically trying to arrange for new stock. However, the vast majority of toys are made in China these days. That means that delivery usually includes a sea journey of around a month or so. Arranging for new stocks in time for Christmas may be impossible in some cases.

As a result of the under supply, you can now find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling for over $ 150 on eBay. That's an order of magnitude higher than the official price - and prices might well rise even further as we get closer to Christmas. It's a great deal of money to pay for a kid's toy which, although the current "must have" toy - may well be old hat in a few month's time.

If you don't want to pay inflated prices for the latest fad, then you might want to consider more traditional gifts this Christmas. Classic traditional toys such as Lego, Scrabble, Monopoly and Hornby Dublo train sets are classics for a reason. They are always a welcome addition to any child's toy box and they will most likely still be in use and giving enjoyment long after this year's craze is forgotten.

Find out if the Zhu Zhu Pets are still available - or check out the most traditional gift of all - a Hornby Dublo train set.

Posted under Model Trains