Zhu Zhu Hamsters...The Next Big Thing

Mr. Squiggles & Chunk
Hamster House Starter Kit

We've seen countless animal-themed toys come and go -- Pucci Pets, Fur Reals, Pound Puppies, My Little Pony, Puppy Club...you get the picture. Well, there's a new little animal in town and due to its modest price, it's expected to be one of the most-purchased toys this holiday season.

I saw these little cuties some time ago for a mear $8 at Wal-Mart, and now it seems that can't seem to keep the shelves stocked before they sell out. Amazon is selling them for close to 60 dollars!!

They go by the fancy name of Zhu Zhu Hamsters. It's a battery-powered hamster.They squeak and move around like real hamsters, but unlike real hamsters, they require no unpleasant cleanup and -- this is the best part-- they all drive around in tiny cars. Yes, that's right they're battery powered driving hamster. There are five hamsters available, Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Patches, Pipsqueak, & NumNums. Chunk is my personal favorite as the laid back hamster of the group. In addition to the five hamsters, there are also a number of other accessories available as well, Hamster Funhouses, Cars, Surfboards, Hamster Beds & Blankets, the list goes on and on.

So if you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, chances are that these little guys just might find their way into your home and under your tree. Happy shopping everybody, and good luck finding one of these guys on the shelves.

ASTRO BOY PLUSH HITS SHELVES

Zog Trashcan

Monchichis

The Monchichi franchise is Japanese and held by the Sekiguchi Corporation, a famous doll company, located in Tokyo, Japan. Exportation of the doll line started in North America in 1979, where it was successful. Mattel bought the license for both the toy line and the TV series, localized as Monchichis. As recently as June 2008, Monchichis are still available in the United States in places such as Japan in Disney World's Epcot theme park, and hopefully they we soon be available again at mass. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these little guys. It reminds me of being a kid. :)

New Kai-Lan Plush Line by Fisher-Price

It looks like Fisher-Price has just released new Kai Lan plush dolls with different emotional expressions. For those of you who are unfamilar, Kai Lan is a relatively new TV show on Nick Jr. that introduces children to chinese languages and customs. The dolls come in 4 unique styles, and represent 4 different emtions, Happy Kai Lan, Giggly Kai Lan, Silly Kai Lan and Sweet Kai Lan. Each doll has the Chinese symbol for their emotion written on their shirt, and comes with a jade-inspired necklace of the same Chinese symbol that the girl can wear too! Which are super cute I might add. All 4 are currently available at Toys R Us.

The Art of Amigurumi

Amigurumi means, "knitted or crocheted doll" in Japanese. If you're into Japanese crafts, then chances are you've heard of the art of Amigurumi. If not then check these out!! They're beautiful, and the tiny seal is absolutely adorable!!

All of the items seen here are for sale on www.etsy.com

Project Zambi: Giving Hope to Children in Need in Africa

ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT is a Special Edition FURREAL FRIENDS baby African elephant that was created to help children who have been orphaned by AIDS in Africa. Some of these children even helped by creating the artwork for ZAMBI's ears, feet and bracelet!

When you pet ZAMBI he will respond just like a real baby elephant. His trunk moves up and down and he can wiggle his ears. My favorite feature though, is the fact that he can wrap his trunk around your finger & "blow" you kisses!

http://www.hasbro.com/discover/Project-Zambi.cfm