Categories

The 10th annual toy of 2009 is the Zhu Zhu pet, the top product of the year. Originated by a small company – Cepia LLC --- with only 16 employees, this little plush and fuzzy battery-operated mini-hamster with a smart chip for artificial intelligence lists for approximately $10 and has won the hearts of most children.

Because of its popularity, the company has extended the Zhu Zhu line with its Zhu Zhu Rockstars and the Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch as just a few of the new characters, hitting the stores this coming summer every six weeks. When it first arrived on the market scene, there was only four designs to choose from but plans are to have more than 40 Zhu Zhu hamsters to choose from – which includes the King Zhu battling hamsters.

The personality of the little Zhu Zhu involves scurrying around the floor while making little squeaking sounds, interacting with one another in their habits which are sold separately. With over 7 million of the little toys sold in the United States last year, the favorites have been "Pipsqueak" and "Mr. Squiggles" at an income of $70 million for the small company.

New Zhu Zhu Collections

The upcoming Zhu Zhu Rockstars line are said to be the first long long-haired hamsters having an attitude. A smart chip is placed in each toy which gives the toy its own unique personality, according to Bruce Katz, vice-president of Cepia. Four hamsters called "Pax", "Kingston", "Rider", and "Roxie" had names inspired by celebrity children.

The second new line, the Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch designs consist of a skunk, hedgehog, raccoon and a bunny rabbit, a line hoping to win the hearts of children who cannot have one of these live animals for a pet.

Designed primarily for boys eight to twelve years of age, the King Zhu line will have eight characters that will be split into two battling forces, "Special Forces" and "Ninja Warriors." These battling Zhu Zhu hamsters will contain smart chips to allow the good and evil Zhu Zhu characters to come to life in training. Containing weapons, vehicles, snap-on armor, and a "battledome", this line should become very popular.

New Zhu Zhu Play Environments

What is also coming out this coming summer is the new play environments for the little Zhu Zhu hamsters --- cars, boats, beauty salons, and an elevator --- all hamster powered. Of course, the battledome and fighting environment will add to the King Zhu line's fun and creativity.  With sounds that can be set individually, they can be housed with blankets and many fun things such as a skate park u-turn, adventure balls, exercise wheels, and a garage with mobile for little hamsters than offer an array of colors and personalities.

RESOURCES

(CNN MONEY) Meet the new Zhu Zhu pets

(Yahoo Finance) Zhu Zhu pets: Here comes the next generation

Zhu Zhu Pets