If you can't find Zhu Zhu Hamsters…Don't Panic

Alternatives to Zhu Zhu Hamsters

Zhu Zhu Hamsters are getting all the media coverage (yes, I participated in some of it), but they are certainly not the only really special novelty toys of the season.  Here’s a list of other toys that may just do the trick!

Other cute animals that have a little extra something.

Yakety Yaks (Mary Meyer)  Each of these animals make a noise.  There is a pig, a monkey, an owl, a lamb, a bear and dogs.  They don’t run around like Zhu Zhus but they are pretty cute on their own. Read our review.

Kota & Pals Stompers (Hasbro) –   These little dinos are seriously fun–they not only roar they walk.  Read our Review. Watch our video.

FurReal Friends Newborn Puppy (Hasbro)- This a very sweet little puppy that wags his tail and makes little barking sounds. This is one of many in this line–there are dogs, cats, a panda, a bear.  We like the dogs the best. (In interest of full disclosure -we’re not big cat people.) We also have not received safety verification forms on these little guys–so there is no official review on our site.

Two other really cool novelty toys that should not be missed:

Hexbug Nanos (Innovation First) -Each of these small robotic bugs come in a test-tube like container.  We see that the price has come down since we first reviewed them–they are now $7.99.  Turn them on and they really are like little bugs!  They come in lots of colors and are fun to pull out of a pocket or bagpack.  Read our full review.
Watch our videos:

Zhu Zhu Hamster play with Hexbug NANOS

Mr. Robot Dances with Hexbug NANOS

Doodle Car (Day Dream Toys)- We love these super cool cars that follow lines you draw with a washable marker.  Pretty cool. Company also has seasonal downloads of roadways you can print and use with their cars. Read our full review Watch our video.

Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets: What you need to know about the hot little critters

Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets from Cepia

The Zhu Zhu Hamsters have scurried their way into first position as the “hot-completely sold out” toy of the season.  Today’s article by Stephanie Rosenbloom  in The New York Times will certainly help fan the craze.  It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a hot toy.  The toy industry has been battered the last few years by serious issues about toy safety and a shrinking audience as kids leave toyland earlier and earlier.  And even though the little creatures are not from one of the major toy companies (they are produced by Cepia LLC), everyone in the toy biz should  be pretty happy.  These little guys can drive parents into the toy stores–and if you can’t find a Zhu Zhu–you’re bound to buy some other toys. The media is also  happy to have a light story to report on – rather than announcing rolling toy recalls.

We did not receive our required safety verification from the manufacturer Cepia on these little critters so we can not give them an official Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award –but given all the hype we thought we should give them an unofficial review.

This is what you need to know:

they are pretty cute

they make a variety of sounds (including mooing like a cow and crowing like a rooster)

they don’t cost a fortune (retail ranges from $7.99 to $9.99)

they are easy to activate -by touching them on top

they have wheels that go back and forth (which can hurt if you put your finger right next to them)

watch out for long hair getting caught in the wheels

they do not require feeding

unlike many virtual creatures of late, they won’t die if you don’t take care of them

there is no cage to clean

unlike the real thing, they also won’t eat their young!

Two toyportfolio.com videos of the Zhu Zhu Creatures

Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets Gives Our Mr. Robot a Ride

Zhu Zhu Hamsters and our mascot, Mr. Robot

Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets: The aerial view