Some of you might be too young to remember the year that Tickle Me Elmo was released, and toy stores were overrun with shoppers desperate to snatch one up before they sold out completely. I reviewed Zhu Zhu pets back in October on MomReviews, and I predicted that they would be the hot, hot, HOT toy for 2009. Now I know I was right!

We went to Target yesterday and as I was walking to the bathroom, I walked by the notice board where they post the current week’s ad. On a piece of paper, in big letters, was a sign that read “Due to limited supply, Zhu Zhu pets will be limited to four per guest”. So then I checked Toys “R” Us, and they are limiting the purchase to three per customer!  Who would have guessed that a battery-powered hamster that moves on it’s own and makes adorable noises would be the hot, hard-to-get toy this year like Tickle Me Elmo once was?

They really are adorable, and come with tons of accessories like habitats, a car, skateboard, surfboard, rolling ball, ramp, and slide. It’s like having a hamster for a pet but with no messy cage to clean!  Zhu Zhu pets are sold at Target, Toys “R” Us, and Walmart, plus I’m sure other big stores will at least try to get them, so if you think someone on your holiday gift list would like one, go buy it NOW!