It has been 11 years since the world was introduced to "animated" or "living" toys. There were already robotic toys - Toys that walked, and even talked. But none of them had fur on them or interacted with you. Furbys responded to touch and expressed their pleasure (and disappointment) when you interacted with them. The problem was, they creeped out a lot of people and eventually ended up in attics, garage sales or collector's curio cabinets.

Lately though, a new generation of robotic plush toys is on the scene. Not only are these more plush and lifelike, they are almost endearing. I mean, what's not to love about a plush kitten that closes its eyes and purrs when you pet it? First, though, I will start with a fascinating toy that anyone who spends a lot of time on the computer will love - the USB Hamster.

I'm typing as fast as I can and my hamster can prove it!

The USB Hamster Wheel comes with software that you install, then just plug your hamster wheel into your USB port and the fun begins. While you don't pet this little guy, and he doesn't purr, he will keep you amused as he spins his hamster wheel every time you type something. I imagine he would be very busy at term-paper time!

As soon as you type your first keystroke, your little hamster begins moving his hamster wheel.

The faster you type, the faster he goes!

This would be an excellent gift for college students, writers, or anyone who spends a lot of time typing on the computer and needs a furry companion to break the monotony.

Here's a demo!

FURREAL FRIENDS' lifelike cat.

These plush robotic toys purr, close their eyes, move their head and even roll back just like real cats! They are so lifelike you can't tell the difference between your Furreal Friends cat and a real one unless you actually pick it up and hold it in your lap!

Your child will have hours of fun petting it and playing with it, and when it's turned off, ti makes a cute addition to their plush toy collection.

This cat comes with its own "adoption" certificate and brush.

If your child is more of a dog person, you might prefer FurReals' collection of electronic dogs, which includes beagles, shih-tsus, cairn terriers, schnauzers, and even a baby pug with its own baby bottle!

These robotic pets bark and wag their tails and interact with you. When you stop petting them, they just lie down and "go to sleep".

I want something wild — Say, a tiger.

Wow-Wee Alive Toys

These toys can only be described as remarkable. Not only do their eyes close and open, but their mouths do as well, showing realistic teeth (not scary though, as these are baby animals). These "alive" toys come in a unbelievable assortment of exotic creatures that includes:

• white tiger

• baby seal

• polar bear

• panda

• leopard

• orange tiger

• lion

• koala!

All of these baby wild animals are equipped with recorded sounds, which they make when you pet or interact with them. When you stroke their heads, they close their eyes and respond with a deep purr, just like a real baby lion cub — Except they don't bite.

I want a hamster that drives his own car please.

Enter Zhu-Zhu Pets!

Zhu-Zhu Pets are the latest phenomenon to hit the toy market. These plush robotic friends coo and purr, but they also do crazy stuff like drive around in little cars, ride surfboards and skateboards and play on their own spiral slide! They come in a fun assortment of colors (even yellow).

Each Zhu-Zhu Pet has its own distinct personality as well. Num-Nums is reserved and shy. Mr. Squiggles is something of a magician, Chunk is a gnarly laid-back surfer dude, and Pipsqueek is the babyish one of the bunch.

Zhu-Zhu Pets come with a stunning array of accessories that include:

• adventure ball
• funhouse with garage
• hamster bed & blanket
• car
• surfboard & sleep dome

Well, too many to count, really.

Whew!

So if you want to absolutely delight your child this holiday, you can't go wrong with one of these amazing electronic plush toys. And they won't eat you out of house and home or leave little messes everywhere.

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