Not sure what all the fuss is about. I bought 3 hamsters (not at the crazy amazon price!)gave one to a 5 yr old boy for his birthday. He was bored with it within minutes. It runs around making an odd noise and when it bumps into a wall it changes direction. You are supposed to be able to stroke the hamster but what this actually involves is pushing a button on it's head,which is far from realistic. Surely there must be better toys out there. I am convinced these are "the emperors new clothes" of the toy world so if you really must have one then my advice is to wait until after xmas when retailers won't be able to give them away and under no circumstances pay over the odds for them ! merry christmas.