Computerized Hamster Is Hot Toy For Holidays

November 9, 2009

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November 9, 2009

The hot toy in the run-up to this year's holidays is apparently a $10 computerized hamster. The Financial Times reports that demand for the hamsters, which have names likes Mr. Squiggles, Chunk and Pipsqueak, is so high, Toys R Us did not even list them in its Christmas toy catalogue — word of mouth was enough. The furry playmates are embedded with a computer chip so they can squeak, chirp and respond to human touch.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Speaking of special requests, here's one that many parents may be getting soon - it's our last word in business today: Get me a hamster. The hot toy in the run up to this year's holiday is apparently a $10 computerized hamster. The hamsters have names like Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak. And the Financial Times newspaper reports the demand is so high, Toys R Us did not even list this item in its Christmas toy catalog because word of mouth was considered enough.

The furry playmates are embedded with a computer chip so they can squeak, chirp and respond to human touch. The $10 price tag may be part of the appeal, too, though, on eBay, the toy rodents are already selling for more than 20.

That's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.

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