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Traditional Toys - Giving Pleasure For Longer |
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Written by Henry Davidson
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Sunday, 06 December 2009 09:18 |
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Even although the Zhu Zhu hamsters were only launched in August 2009, they have very quickly become a roaring success. Kids up and down the country are going nuts for these cute and furry robot hamsters which use artificial intelligence to interact with the kids, their surroundings and even other Zhu Zhu pets.
by HenryDavidson
Even although the Zhu Zhu hamsters were only launched in August 2009, they have very quickly become a roaring success. Kids up and down the country are going nuts for these cute and furry robot hamsters which use artificial intelligence to interact with the kids, their surroundings and even other Zhu Zhu pets.
Over and above the fact that these robotic hamsters are small, furry and cute, children really love the interactivity. The five hamsters - Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums - have a total of forty different sounds which they emit when given the right cue. For instance, when they enter into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they emit tooth brushing noises. When they go into their little hamster bedroom then they produce snoring noises.
Unfortunately a lot of retailers have made a conscious decision to run with lower stock levels than usual this year. The decision is due, in part at least, to the current economic climate and in part to the fact that stock levels last year were set too high. Many stores had to offer large discounts to clear their shelves.
It's easy to see how the decision was arrived at - but based on the sales figures to date, the retailers may have got it wrong. Popular toys like the Mattel's Mindflex game and the Zhu Zhu pets are being snapped up quickly. Demand is way higher than supply and it's becoming very hard to find these toys in the shops. The situation is only going to get worse as we approach Christmas.
Having realised their mistake, a lot of retailers are now frantically trying to arrange for new stock. However, the vast majority of toys are made in China these days. That means that delivery usually includes a sea journey of around a month or so. Arranging for new stocks in time for Christmas may be impossible in some cases.
It's now possible, as a result of the huge gap between supply and demand, to find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling on eBay for more than $ 150. That's way above the normal ticket price - and prices could rise even more as Christmas draws near and parents become desperate. It's a lot of money to pay for a child's toy which, even if it is currently all the rage, will probably be yesterday's news a few months from now.
You might be well advised to think about giving a more traditional toy this year - especially if value for money is important to you. Classics such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Lego and Hornby Dublo train sets are long term favorites for good reason. They always make a welcome addition to any youngster's toy collection and will still be in use and being enjoyed for years to come.
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See if the Zhu Zhu Pets are still available - or check out the most traditional gift of all - a Hornby Dublo train set. |
