Hamsters, Barbie, transforming robots are Christmas 2009's must-have toys

The hot toys for Christmas 2009, according to TimeToPlayMag.com, include (top row, from left): Transformers Constructicon Devastator, the Zhu Zhu Pets stuffed hamster and Barbie Fashionistas; (bottom row, from left): Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire, Rocky the Robot Truck and Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid.

She battled the holiday shopping lines last year to snag a Tickle Me Elmo, but Melinda Wolfe has never faced a toy as elusive as the Zhu Zhu Pets.
"It took several days but I found them," said the Southaven parent, who hit every toy store she could find.
Across Memphis and around the country, people have been scouring stores to get their hands on the battery-operated hamsters that squeak and scoot around.
The interactive rodent, with 40 different sounds that alter with its environment, plus tons of hamster accessories, is a standout this holiday season.
Tasha Bohanna of Bartlett was among 10 others recently waiting outside Toys "R" Us across from the Wolfchase Galleria before the store opened.
Her 11-year-old son spotted the Zhu Zhu Pets on a TV commercial and had to have one, she said.
"He's like, 'Mom, go get it. It's like it's real,'" she said.
Compared to having to deal with a live hamster, it was worth the early-morning wait, she said.
But before she could grab one, a store employee popped her head out between the sliding doors, announcing there were no Zhu Zhu Pets to buy.
Parents who waited outside local Target stores the day before got the same disheartening news.
"We can't keep them on the shelves," said Deryl Gardner, manager of the Colonial Road Target store. "As soon as they come in they're gone."
And Cepia, the tiny toy company in St. Louis that manufactures Zhu Zhu Pets, hasn't been able to keep up with demand, leaving many stores' Zhu Zhu stock unreplenished.
"It's this year's Tickle Me Elmo," explained Jim Silver, editor in chief of the online magazine, Timetoplaymag.com.
Yet, dollar-wise, he believes the Zhu Zhu craze will outsell Elmo.
The toy hamster was among 16 products predicted by Timetoplaymag.com to be best-sellers for the 2009 holiday season.
Also landing the list were Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid, Barbie Fashionistas dolls, Dora's Explorer Girls and Transformers Movie Constructicon Devastator.
"There's usually a bunch of hot items each year, but one will pop out," Silver said.
Nevertheless, there is one thing most of these popular items have in common.
"A low entry price point," Silver said.
Catering to hard economic times, toy companies have developed lines that can be had at a range of income levels.
Dora's Explorer Link Girls, a doll that plugs into the computer for an interactive experience, goes for about $50.
But there's also a basic Dora doll without the bells and whistles for about $15.
If you can snag a Zhu Zhu in stores like Target, Wal-Mart and Toys "R" Us, they cost $8 to $10.
But parents can choose to splurge on accessories, like the hamster funhouse, hamster wheel, adventure ball and the car and garage.
Because finding the top-selling fur balls has been difficult for many, online hawkers are cashing in and charging as much as $50 for one hamster.
"There's a lot of parents looking for the Zhu Zhu toys," said Bob Friedland, toy expert for Toys "R" Us.
The toy chain announced Friday it would be putting 100 Zhu Zhu Pets in each of its stores beginning at midnight on Thursday, in anticipation of "Black Friday" shopping.
But according to Silver's estimates, the company's limited production capability will still leave many unable to snatch the toy hamster.
"They're about a 100 million short of meeting demand," he said.
-- Lindsay Melvin: 529-2445
Most wanted
Zhu Zhu Pets
Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid
Barbie Fashionistas
Dora's Explorer Link Girls
Transformers Movie Constructicon Devastator
Crayola Crayon Town, (coloring and construction kit)
Rocky the Robot Truck
Candy Land Sweet Celebration Game
Battle Strikers (magnetically controlled spinning tops)
Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS 35
Printies (a craft toy)
Air Hogs Switchblade
EyeClops Night Vision Goggles
Girl Gourmet Sweets Candy Jewelry Factory
LEGO Star Wars
"The Beatles: Rock Band" (video game)
-- Source: timetoplaymag.com
Shopping Tip
Toys "R" Us will put 100 Zhu Zhu Pets in each of its stores at midnight on Thursday for "Black Friday."