Popular Fun Activities

Despite the fact that the Zhu Zhu Pets were just released in August of this year, they have become a runaway success already. Children across the country have just gone nuts for the cute little robo hamsters that include artificial intelligence which allows them to interact with their environment, other Zhu Zhu hamsters and the kids who are playing with them.

Apart from the fact that these robot hamsters are small, cute and furry, kids just love the interactivity. The five hamsters – Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums – have a collection of 40 different sounds which they produce when given the appropriate cue. For instance, if they enter into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they emit tooth brushing noises. If they enter their hamster bedroom then they make snoring noises.

Unfortunately, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at unusually low levels this year. This is partly due to the current economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were excessively high last year. Many retailers had to give substantial discounts just to empty their shelves.

It’s easy to understand the reasoning behind the decision – but considering upon the evidence thus far, the retailers may have misjudged the mood of consumers. Popular toys such as the Zhu Zhu hamsters 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 in the run up to Xmas.

Having realised their error, many retailers are now arranging new stock. However, most toys are produced in Asia these days. That means that delivery may well include a sea voyage of four weeks or so. Arranging new stocks in time for Christmas might be easier said than done.

As a result of the disparity between supply and demand, it is now possible to find Zhu Zhu hamsters on eBay for over $ 150. That’s way higher than the recommended retail price – and these prices could rise higher still as we get closer to Xmas. It does seem like an excessive price to pay for a kid’s toy which, although it is the latest fad, is very 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 year. Classic traditional toys such as Lego, Monopoly, Scrabble and Hornby Dublo train sets are classics with good reason. They are an ever popular addition to any youngster’s toy box and they will most likely still be in use and giving pleasure long after this year’s craze is a distant memory.

Filed under: Fun Stuff on December 6th, 2009