There have been many toy crazes over the last few years, all of them seemingly a little more complex than the last. The reason for this is that technology itself is growing at such an incredible rate that toys these days are just getting more realistic and cool to have. This year is no different with the introduction of Zhu Zhu Pets.

These little guys are made to look like real hamsters, so that children can have a closely simulated experience to owning a real pet. This is leaps and bounds past toy pets of even a year or so ago by incorporating real hamster like motion and activity without the need to actually take care of one or the risk losing a cherished pet.

But is the Zhu Zhu pet hamster worth the hype? Surely one could see the pros in getting a pet of sorts for your little one that never soils the carpet or requires any real maintenance. But many are concerned that with a toy like this, it is actually neglecting to teach children the full responsibility called for in caring for an animal. The children cannot make a real connection with it so it doesn’t help develop a sense of responsibility.