It seems that every year in the lead up to Christmas a new fad 'must have' toy hits the toy shop shelves. Talk about viral marketing gone mad. The problem is, most kids show little interest to start with, so many parents do the same. You know where this is going don't you? Yep - a week or two before Christmas little Johnny or little Mary suddenly discover this new toy and 'must have it'. What do we do as parents, we search everywhere in the vain hope of finding a toy shop that still has some in stock.

Does it sound familiar at all? I am sure for many parents it does. So what are these new toys that seems to be taking the online market place by storm. Zhu Zhu Pets (formerly Go Go Pets) are toy pet hamsters. They are not your ordinary everyday pet hamsters. Oh no. They are mechanized little critters that have been programed with personalities and each pet has its own personality.

Like all fad toys, they come with accessories. A special house that the pet hamster runs around in; a little car - the list goes on. They are apparently very cute little critters that everyone loves once they get their hands on one. There are several different colors with each pet having its own name.

They seem to be hard to find in regular stores. Amazon still has some in stock so I suggest you grab them while you can if you are interested in them. Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters - what next I wonder - here is a short video of them in action. Just don't let the kids see it.