Despite the fact that the Zhu Zhu Pets were only launched in August of this year, they have become a huge success already. Kids across the country have just gone nuts for the cute little robo hamsters that feature 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 5 hamsters – Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums – have a library of 40 different sounds which they emit when given the appropriate cue. For example, if they enter into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they produce tooth brushing noises. If they go into their hamster bedroom then they produce snoring noises.

Unfortunately, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at unusually low volumes this year. This is partly due 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 offer big discounts just to empty their shelves.

It’s easy to see the logic behind the decision – but considering upon the evidence thus far, the retailers may have misread the mood of consumers. Popular toys like the Zhu Zhu hamsters and Mattel’s Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Demand is much higher than supply and it’s becoming impossible to find these toys in the shops. This is only going to get worse the closer we get to Xmas.

Having seen their error, many retailers are now arranging new stock. However, most toys are manufactured in the Far East today. That means that delivery may well include a sea voyage of four weeks or so. Replenishing stocks in time for Christmas may not be guaranteed.

As a consequence 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 above the recommended retail price – and these prices could rise higher still as we approach Xmas. It does seem like a high price to pay for a kid’s toy which, even if 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 look at 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 box and they will most likely still be in use and giving pleasure long after this year’s craze is a distant memory.