Santa will no doubt be hearing many requests for the popular hamsters, called Zhu Zhu Pets. Toys R Us listed the hamsters on its "2009 Holiday Hot Toy List” released in September. The Original Tickle Me Elmo, a Toys R Us exclusive, was on the list this year, too.
Lines of parents trying to get their hands on Zhu Zhu Pets have been reported at toy stores since September, and the critters are currently sold out on the Web sites of major retailers Walmart, Target and Toys R Us.
Retail price for the hamsters, which come in four styles, is around $10. But because of the demand, there are listings on Web sites such as Amazon, eBay and Craigslist for three times that amount and even more for a complete set.
"These are definitely a hot item,” said Bob Friedland, a spokesman for Toys R Us.
Other popular toys this year will be the Disney Princess: Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll, Wii Sports Resort, Disney Netpal (a netbook computer), and Little Superstar Jammin’ Band Musical Microphone from Fisher Price, Friedland said.
PayPal and eBay are predicting the season’s top items to be Twilight Barbie dolls, Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle and the "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen” DVD, said Beth Strobel, PayPal’s online personal shopper.
Adult wish list Adults, however, have another hot item topping their wish lists: Amazon’s Kindle, an electronic reader that lets users download books and newspapers. The newest model of the device sells for $259.
An Amazon spokesperson said Kindle quickly has become "the most wished for, the most gifted and the bestselling product” across millions of items sold on Amazon.com.
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