Best Party Ideas

Although the Zhu Zhu Pets were just released in August of 2009, they have become a runaway success already. Children across the nation have just gone nuts for the cute little robo hamsters that feature artificial intelligence which permits them to interact with their environment, other Zhu Zhu hamsters and the children who are playing with them.

Over and above the fact that these robot hamsters are small, cute and furry, kids just love the interactivity. The gang of hamsters – Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums – have a total of 40 different noises which they produce when given the appropriate cue. For example, when they go into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they produce tooth brushing noises. If they go into their hamster bedroom then they make snoring noises.

Unfortunately, a lot of retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at unusually low levels this year. This is due in part to the present economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were excessively high last year. A lot of retailers had to make substantial discounts just to clear their shelves.

It’s easy to see the reasoning behind the decision – but considering upon the evidence thus far, the retailers may have misread the mood of consumers. Popular toys such as the Zhu Zhu pets and Mattel’s Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Demand is outstripping supply and it’s becoming difficult to find these toys in the stores. This is only going to get worse as we approach Xmas.

Now having realised their mistake, many retailers are now arranging new stock. However, most toys are made in the Far East nowadays. That means that delivery will include a sea voyage of four weeks or so. Arranging new stocks before Christmas might be easier said than done.

As a result of the imbalance between supply and demand, it is now possible to find Zhu Zhu hamsters on eBay for more than $ 150. That’s way higher than the recommended retail price – and these prices could rise even higher as we approach Xmas. It does seem like a high price to pay for a kid’s toy which, although it is the latest craze, is quite likely to be out of fashion in just a few short months.

If you don’t want to pay over the odds for the latest trend, then you could always think about more traditional gifts this Christmas. Classic traditional toys such as Lego, Monopoly, Scrabble and Hornby Dublo train sets are classics for a reason. They are always a welcome addition to any youngster’s toy collection and they will most likely still be in use and giving enjoyment long after this year’s craze is history.