Zhu Zhu pet hamster interactive toys look set to become the next toy craze for Christmas this year.

Back in the 1970s there was the pet rock, which didn't really do a lot. Technology moved on to the digital Tamagotchis in the 1990s, which did some things. Now we have the Zhu Zhu hamsters, which take another step forward and are a lot more interactive as toy pets than their earlier predecessors.

The Zhu Zhu hamsters are cute and cuddly hamster look-alikes complete with fur, but are powered by battery rather than pet food - and need less cleaning and care.

They come in several variations, each with a distinctive personality. There are differences in appearance but also in how they behave. The main characters on the market so far are Mr Squiggles, Pipsqueek, Num Nums and Chunk, each a different color and each with a distinctive appeal to kids.

Each hamster toy interacts with its environment with the sounds in makes and the way it moves about, scooting all over the place much as a real hamster might. You can even have your Zhu Zhu hamster drive a hamster wheel, and look as though it is enjoying the experience.

When the hamsters operate in "loving mode" they will chatter away as they are petted, and have a wide range of sounds they make in response to different situations, almost as though they were able to make a conversation of sorts. This may be one of the endearing features that help to explain their growing popularity.

In "explore mode" your toy hamster will move about interacting with things it encounters, as if it was on the move just like a real hamster. This feature is shown off at its best when the hamster interacts with funhouse, hamster wheel, hamster adventure balls and other accessories that are available. Kids are fascinated to watch as the hamster actively moves about, seeming to find its own way around and through obstacles.

There are some small parts associated with the Zhu Zhu hamster pets, so they are recommended for kids over 3 years of age, but their appeal on Christmas morning will extend right through the age range to Grandpa.