Being an ‘animal loving’ household we are forever being asked if and when we can get this, that and the other despite already having a dog the kids seem adamant that we need more pets. As for Paul and I, we are quite happy with just the dog especially at present given that she is twelve years old and sadly struggling to walk therefore taking up a massive amount of our time and effort.
Zhu Zhu Pets
Thankfully technology has provided us with alternative options, options which require no feeding, no walking, no cleaning and none of the commitment that comes with a real-life pet. Launched in August 2009 by Cepia, Zhu Zhu Pets are all the rage. These furry, fun creatures have captured the hearts and imaginations of children Worldwide. By Christmas 2009 they were the must-have toy of the season and have continued to grow in popularity over time.
We were very kindly sent two ‘Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters‘ (named Mr Squiggles and Num Nums) along with a ‘Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel and Tunnel Playset‘ and a ‘Zhu Zhu Pets Adventure Ball‘ to review and to share.
Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters
Despite their popularity our children hadn’t actually encountered Zhu Zhu Pets until receiving the review items. Upon opening the two hamsters (Mr Squiggles and Num Nums) both E & J added their accessories (a belt for Mr Squiggles and a pair of glasses for Num Nums) then set about racing the hamsters around our living room whilst we setup the accessories included.
Zhu Zhu Pets are clever little critters! Upon pressing a Zhu’s nose it will talk, by petting the Zhu’s head it will coo and chirp, by pressing it’s back it will scurry around and explore. If the Zhu encounters an obstacle it will back up or change direction.
Suitable for children aged four years and over, The Zhu Zhu Pets are zany, cute and totally unpredictable!
Zhu Zhu Pets require 2 x AA batteries which unlike most toys these days are actually provided! Both J and E were therefore instantly able to play with their pets at the press of a button and moments later were in fits of laughter as they chased their virtual hamsters aka the Zhu Zhu Pets around our living room.
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel & Tunnel Playset
Suitable for children aged four-years and over, the Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel with Tunnel Playset is the ideal accessory for Zhu Zhu Pets. This realistic Hamster wheel is powered to spin by the Zhu Zhu pet hamsters which freely run in the wheel.
Attached to the wheel is a lengthy tunnel which Zhu Zhu hamsters can run back and forth through. This tunnel also features pop-up slots enabling easy access for little hands to place and play with their Zhu Zhu Pets.
Having had numerous pet hamsters as a child I was half expecting the wheel to be noisy as it turned. i was pleasantly surprised to find that the Zhu Zhu Pets Accessories (although the pets themselves do make random sounds) is fairly quiet, unlike my children who spend most of their time squealing with glee whilst playing with the Zhu Zhus.
Zhu Zhu Pets Adventure Ball
Mimicking real-life, the Zhu Zhu Pets ‘Adventure Ball’ clicks together and features a small door from which to insert and remove Zhu Zhu Pets. Having switched on your Zhu Zhu Pet and placed it within the Adventure Ball, these cute, furry figures will zoom around your floorspace providing hours of fun.
Purchasing & Pricing Information
Zhu Zhu Pets toys and accessories are available from a wide range of high street and online stores including Amazon & Toys R Us. Priced from £12.99 each, there are a wide range of Zhu Zhu Pets to treasure and collect.
Both the Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel and Tunnel Playset and the Zhu Zhu Pets Adventure Ball (in pink) retails from £14.99 upwards however, prices may differ according to individual retailers.
The Zhu-Niverse
Along with the range of toys and accessories, Zhu Zhu pets have also launched the ‘Zhu-niverse‘, the official Zhu-natic online handout. Children are able to safely and freely explore the different Worlds featured in the Zhu-niverse, meet the Zhus, play games, learn new ways in which to interact with their toys, keep lists and inventories of their Zhu collections and engage in imaginative, creative fun on a closed, secure site.
The ZhuZhu Pets Television Series
Following the launch of the Zhu Zhu Pets toy range a television series was created based upon this furry franchise. The ZhuZhus (originally titled Polly and ZhuZhu Pets) was a Canadian/ American animated series developed by Hugh Duffy. From May 2017, The ZhuZhus also became available to watch within the UK on The Cartoon Network.
Our Final Thoughts
Having had hamsters as a child I personally was really impressed by how realistic the accessories were, I would go as far to say that the Zhu Zhu Pets accessories are actually higher quality than the actual wheels and balls which real-life hamsters make use of!
Both E & J were equally ecstatic with the Zhu Zhu Pets, they have continued to play regularly with these furry little creatures and will no doubt ask for further Zhu Zhus to add to their collection.
Not only do J & E adore these furry little critters but their fellow friends who have since visited our house have also had much fun playing with the Zhu Zhus! I would thoroughly recommend Zhu Zhu Pets & Zhu Zhu Accessories to anyone considering purchasing a virtual furry friend for their little ones and will be sure to give Santa the heads up come Christmas to slip a few Zhu Zhu’s into the stockings!
For further information upon Zhu Zhu Pets toys and accessories visit www.zhuzhupets.com
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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Character Product Rating
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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel and Tunnel Playset Product Rating
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Zhu Zhu Pets Adventure Ball Product Rating
Disclosure: We were sent the above products for the purpose of this post however all opinions are our own.