Zhu Zhu pets (pronounced zoo zoo) are a "family" of motorized hamsters which are the latest interactive toy for kids on the market. Their slogan is "pets without the mess" and they are intended to replicate real live hamsters as they are artificially "smart", each one has its own personality and they make whimsical sounds.

They can operate in two modes; "loving mode" in which you can love them, pet them and hear them chitter chatter and "explore mode" where they scuttle around either the floor or their specially designed track. You can build them their own little hamster environment should you wish and they will do the thing where they run on the wheel (of course).

They run on 2 X AAA batteries and, because they are motorized with small moving parts, they aren't suitable for kids under 4 years old. However, children in the age group of 4 to 10 years are probably going to love these due to the way that they interact, both with the children themselves and each other.

They just went on general release in August 2009 and are selling out wherever they are put on display. You can still get them on Amazon but, if you want them for Christmas, then you had better move fast.

There are five different Zhu Zhu Hamsters available.

Mr. Squiggles is, according to the company website at least, a hamster on a mission. He likes to explore.

Chunk is a "laid back surf hamster" who likes to be loved. You should cuddle him lots.

Pipsqueak is small and cute but not afraid of anything. She loves to play and explore.

Numnums is another female hamster who likes to go searching for food.

The fifth member of the team is Patches, another girl hamster. Unlike the other four Zhu Zhu hamsters Patches is not available to buy individually. She comes as part of the "The Hamster Starter Set" - which is probably a good choice for anyone who doesn't already own any of the Zhu Zhu pets.

On the subject of sets, there are a number of different accessory sets which can be bought for the hamsters. These include:

• Hamster funhouse
• Hamster wheel and tunnel (a popular choice with hamsters everywhere)
• Skateboard and U-turn ramp
• Surfboard and sleep dome
• Hamster car and garage
• Spiral slide and ramp
• Adventure ball
• Hamster carrier and blanket
• Hamster bed and blanket

The interactive nature of the Zhu Zhu pets, coupled with the various playsets, which can be assembled in different combinations, is bound to capture children's imaginations. They are already very popular and could be a good choice this Christmas.

                             ZHU ZHU PETS AT AMAZON

The last time I checked on Amazon, Zhu Zhu pets were occupying eight out of the top ten slots on the bestellers list. I really don't think there's going to be enough of these to go round this Christmas!

Up until August of 2009, Zhu Zhu Pets were know as Go Go Pets. After some trial marketing in the Phoenix area, Cepia - the manufacturers decided to change the name and relaunch. It looks like that was a smart move as the Zhu Zhu Pets are the hot item toy-wise right now and look set for the Christmas number one slot.

However, you may still be able to find some hamsters and accessories in the original Go Go Pets packaging. these are exactly the same as Zhu Zhu Pets- the only change was the name. Now some enterprising people have started to sell Go Go Pet merchandise on Amazon as "collectibles". Whether or not they have any value to collectors, it might be a good option if you find that the Zhu Zhus are gone gone.

After the madness of Christmas things have calmed down a little in the world of Zhu Zhu pets. Prices have returned to sensible levels, making them pretty good value for money if you're looking for something for any child, male or female, in the 3 to 10 year old age bracket.

Cepia, the manufacturers have even released some new additions to the Zhu Zhu family. They are:

Jilly - she may seem shy at first but she is, according to the company website at least, the captain of the pep team.

Scoodles - a real go getter who loves travelling and visiting far away lands.

Winkie - he likes to chill out with his family and friends. A laid back character by the sound of things.

Nugget - another female hamster. A bit of a daydreamer who likes to chase butterflies and clouds.

You can even buy all four of them as a group and save a few dollars. The price isn't at all bad - you can get the four pack for less than you might have had to pay for a single Zhu Zhu pet in the run up to Christmas 2009!