Spring is Here.. Finally!

The snow has cleared and all the bad weather seems to have evaporated into blue skies and new seedlings. There's still a little nip in the air but what does it all mean? It means spring is finally here after what feels like a year of gloom.
To celebrate the first day of Spring and the oncoming Easter celebrations Electronic Pet Shop has started an Easter Section of all our Springtime Electronic Pets. Electronic animals are much less fattening than chocolate, so perfect as present for Easter.
Do you know someone who loves plants? Why not get them an Electronic Plant. A hassle free way to make a tribute to greenery; the Flip Flap uses only solar power to move. The flip flap is an attractive plant in various pot colours that requires no water or batteries. Simply sit it on your windowsill and watch it flap merrily away.

If you'd like a more complicated potted plant why not adopt a Pekoppa? Pekoppa is a plant imported from Japan that responds to your voice with silent nods of aggreement. Telling your problems to a plant may seem like madness but can be a theraputic way to get rid of your worries.

RSPB birds are a great way to learn about the different birdcalls. I never knew what a Hoopoe sounded like but now I can instantly tell if I hear one. Hoopoes are very rare in this country though, so it isn't very often! There are loads of different birds to collect and each one comes with information about the bird. You can even buy a nest to hold your birds, perfect for the bird lover.

For a more realistic bird, you can now adopt the Sega Toys Cockatoo or Canary. New in from Japan, the lifelike bird will open its beak and call when you pet its back. The Sega Toys birds are a perfect touch of nature for the modern household.

Electronic Pet Shop has a wide range of FurReal Friends Newborns. The FurReal Friends pets are lifelike animals that respond in various ways when they are stroked. New in are the Springtime Honey Bear, Dalmatian, Piglet, Chipmunk and Chimp. Perfect to keep the kids entertained or for the collector.

Get ready for some fun in Spring! You can even personalise your new animals with a free adoption package that includes a keyring with the owner's and pet's name, factsheet and collectable badge.

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Related Link: Easter Pet Collection
Related Link: Flip Flap Solar Powered Plants
Related Link: Pekoppa the Listening Plant
Related Link: RSPB Birds with Real Birdcall
Related Link: Sega Toys Birds
Related Link: FurReal Newborn Animals
Related Link: Pekoppa Blog Entry
Related Link: New FurReal Friends for 2009

FurReal Biscuit wins Girls Toy of the Year Award

Experiencing the hype over Christmas it's not much of a surprise that the FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin' Pup won the girl's toy of year award. Biscuit, the animatronic dog, was following in hoof-steps of Butterscotch the Pony, which was the TRA's Innovative Toy of the Year for 2006.
We have found that as much as electronics and robotics are exciting for boys, they only need to be converted in plush to be made appealing to girls. The FurReal range is especially appealing to girls at allows them to own dream pets. Butterscotch and Biscuit both have another thing in common - the scale to start creating real excitement.

The brand managers for Girls Toys at Hasbro commented "Hasbro are delighted with the TRA Award for FurReal Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup. The award is a testament to Hasbro's innovative toy development. 2009 will continue to see the brand evolve with the introduction of Zambi The Baby Elephant and Lulu My Cuddlin' Kitty from FurReal."

The FurReal Biscuit Dog will be making a national comeback at Christmas 2009. In the meantime, they can be found in the Dog Pound at Electronic Pet Shop.

New Domains for Electronic Pet Shop

With the new exciting additions to the FurReal range this year we have added new domains to make searching easier.
In time, each site will be packed full of information about the new releases.

http://www.FurRealNewborns.com/
http://www.FurRealFriendsCat.co.uk/
http://www.FurRealElephant.co.uk/
http://www.FurRealFriendsElephant.co.uk/
http://www.FurRealFriendsZambi.co.uk/
http://www.FurRealZambi.co.uk/

Hasbro's Official list of FurReal Friends 2009 - Press Release

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – February 13, 2009 - In 2009, Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE: HAS) FurReal Friends line, the #1 selling Special Feature Plush brand for 4-8 year olds(Source: The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service, YTD 2008 through November), once again delivers the amazing “wow” factor that kids have come to expect with the introduction of LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet. As the newest member of the FurReal Friends family, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY is a fun-loving feline that preens, cuddles, and mews just like an actual kitty, making her the most realistic cat to join the brand.

Since its 2002 debut, Hasbro’s FurReal Friends brand has offered children loveable plush electronic toys that “come to life” and provide realistic, nurturing animal experiences. In 2006, Hasbro introduced the popular FURREAL FRIENDS BUTTERSCOTCH PONY, a classic 'dream toy' for girls -- a virtually real pony that girls can love and care for, which became one of the biggest hits of the holiday season. Squawkers McCaw the FurReal Friends Parrot followed in 2007 and FurReal Friends Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup, one of the most talked about toys of 2008, continued to deliver the magical play experiences that have become synonymous with the brand.

LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $54.99/Available: Fall 09)The FurReal Friends brand launched in 2002 with the introduction of a lifelike cat and this fall, the brand returns to its roots with the introduction of LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet, the most realistic feline to join the family. The "purr-fect" pet for little girls, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet features soft white and marmalade fur and preens, cuddles, and mews just like a "real" kitty cat. LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY loves to snuggle; gently rub her back and she will “purr" and "meow" to show that she is happy. Once she's relaxed, LULU will roll over onto her back, indicating it’s time to have her tummy rubbed. Just like a "real" cat, LULU preens as she "licks" her little paw, then lifts it up to clean her adorable face. Requires four “C” batteries, included.
FURREAL FRIENDS LIL' PATTER PUP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 09)The FurReal Friends brand has gone to the dogs with the introduction of the LIL' PATTER PUP pet. This perky little pup cannot wait to get moving! The LIL' PATTER PUP pet loves to walk around and wag his tail. Show him his bone and he will sniff it and then make eating noises! The LIL' PATTER PUP pooch loves to be petted and will respond to touch by walking and barking happily. Pet lovers can choose between two types of puppies - an adorable auburn Pomeranian or a loveable tan, white, and grey Shih Tzu. Each puppy is sold separately. Requires three “AAA” batteries, included.

FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLE CHIMP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 09)FurReal Friends' Cuddle Chimp pet is sure to bring lots of laughs and love to children this fall. This realistic-looking chimpanzee loves snuggle and cuddle - give him a hug and he hugs you back! After being “fed” from his banana bottle or stroked along his back, Cuddle Chimp lets kids know he is ready for a hug by stretching out his arms. When hugged, the adorable chimpanzee snuggles into his owner’s arms and makes "real" happy chimp sounds. Cuddle Chimp loves to be tickled - but watch out, as this loveable chimp will go bananas by clapping his hands and crying out excitedly with baby chimp noises. Requires three “C” batteries, included.

FURREAL FRIENDS LUV CUB PANDA
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 09)Cuddly and cute with arms open wide for a hug, children will love to snuggle and play with the FurReal Friends' Luv Cub Panda pet. This adorable black and white panda bear loves to be held and makes "real" bear sounds to show his delight. Give him a “bear hug” and he’ll give a hug right back! FurReal Friends Luv Cub Panda loves to play peek-a-boo and will move his arms up to his face to cover his eyes. FurReal Friends Luv Cub Panda comes complete with a “bottle” that he loves to slurp up, but be careful, if you “feed” him too much, he’ll get the hiccups! Requires three “C” batteries, included.
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Source: Hasbro - Released 13/02/2009 11:32
Related Link: FurReal Friends
Related Link: Hasbro Website
Related Link: New FurReal Friends for 2009

Hasbro, Inc. Launches PROJECT ZAMBI for Children Orphaned by AIDS in Africa - Press Release

PAWTUCKET, RI, February 10, 2009 – Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) announces the launch of PROJECT ZAMBI, a global cause initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting programs that help care for the estimated 15 million children who have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

This latest initiative, which was employee driven, complements the work Hasbro conducts in the U.S. and around the world in helping children in need through the Hasbro Children’s Fund and product donations. In 2008, Hasbro impacted approximately six million children through its charitable programs and product donations.
To bring PROJECT ZAMBI to life, Hasbro will introduce ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, a special edition FURREAL FRIENDS plush toy. ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT will be available this fall in Australia; Canada; Germany; France; Spain; the United Kingdom; and the United States.

“Hasbro has long understood the important role our company, and our employees can play in helping to address critical children’s issues in the United States and around the world,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President & CEO. “PROJECT ZAMBI will raise awareness and funding for this important initiative, providing hope for children in need in Africa while reinforcing Hasbro’s ongoing commitment to children and families everywhere.

ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available Fall 09) features soft and cuddly ears and feet that are covered in a special fabric pattern designed by boys and girls from Zambia in one of the communities dedicated to caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Like the other animals in the FURREAL FRIENDS line of “come to life” plush pets, when you play with ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, he will play, blow kisses, raise his trunk, and trumpet his elephant call. He’ll also have a sensor on his trunk, so he can hold onto your finger and “shake” your hand.

Hasbro has committed to donate a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, in 2009. This fund will benefit programs that help make life better for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa. The company hopes to expand this global campaign to include additional Hasbro products and brands in the years to come.

Hasbro employees developed the PROJECT ZAMBI concept after being inspired by the Chikumbuso Women’s and Orphans’ Project in Zambia. For a number of years the Hasbro Children’s Fund has supported programs in Zambia that assist children in need.
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Source: Hasbro - Released 10/02/2009 11:32
Related Link: FurReal Friends
Related Link: FurReal Zambi Elephant Information

Related Link: Project Zambi
Related Link: Hasbro Website
Related Link: New FurReal Friends for 2009

WowWee Alive Animals

In 2008 WowWee Robotics released 'Alive pets,' a new range of electronic animals. There are four Alive pets in the range; a Lion, Polar Bear, Panda and White Tiger.

The WowWee Alive pets are quite similar to the FurReal Luv Cubs and Jungle Cats but are more interactive and highly realistic. The pets all make different sounds and respond to motion and touch.

You can't ignore the similarities between the two ranges. Even the tag lines 'If it's not FurReal, it's not For Real' and 'So Real it's Unreal' seem to hold a clear resemblence. The WowWee animals are slightly more expensive than the equivilant FurReal Friends but well worth the extra. They retail at £49.99 but will undoubtably go up in price when the range gets discontinued. Hopefully the new competition for Hasbro will encourage new ranges of realistic pets with more features.

The Alive Panda and White Tiger were Exclusives but have now been released for general distribution. Electronic Pet Shop are currently the only place where you can choose from all four Alive Pets. To celebrate, for a short time we have reduced the price of the WowWee Lion and Polar Bear to £39.99. As always, this will include a free adoption package if you select the details.

Related Link: WowWee Robotics

Related Link: WowWee Alive

Related Link: FurReal Friends

Related Link: New 2009 FurReal Friends

New FurReal Friends for 2009

The Hasbro stand at the Toy Fair in London showed a range of new FurReal pets. Fans will be pleased to hear that limited supplies of the FurReal kittens should be making a comeback sometime this year along with the Cuddle Chimp.
For Christmas 2009 we see the introduction of Lulu My Cuddlin' Kitten, Zambi the Elephant and the Newborn Black and White Guinea Pig.

Hasbro claim that Lulu will be more interactive than the White Cat but unfortunately will not sit up. Instead, Lulu will be able to roll over to let you pet her tummy and will take time out to lick herself. It's nice that the makers took the time to think about hygiene.

Zambi the Elephant will also be making an appearance Christmas 2009. While the demonstration Elephant was not fully working it was able to raise its trunk. When its trunk is stroked Zambi is able to grasp your finger with its trunk and give you a kiss. Zambi is one of the medium sized FurReal Friends and comes in at a retail price of £39.99. Hasbro will be donating 50% of all profits from the elephant, a minimum of $500,000, to a charity in Zambia. 'World Vision' is a charity that benefits children who have lost parents to aids. More about Hasbro children's fund can be found here.
The elephant is being sold for a really good cause and it will be interesting to see how popular the elephant is as one of the only non-household pets available from the range.

The FurReal Newborn range increases in size this year but as always, is a little unpredictable. In spring and summer the sets are said to include a marmalade kitten, chocolate labrador, dalmatian, lamb, piglet, chipmunk, panda and chimp. In Autumn and Winter the range will also include Beagle Pup, Calico Kitten, Honey Bear and Polar Bear. The much loved FurReal Guinea Pig released in the early millenium also sees a comeback in the later part of this year in a new colour.

Unfortunately, due to issues in the far east the FurReal Range will see an increase in prices in 2009. As always, we will attempt to keep the pets reasonably priced so they are affordable to all of our customers.

FurReal White Cat - Back in Stock!

Electronic Pet Shop have come accross a limited supply of FurReal white cats!
Those that are familiar with the FurReal range will no doubt know the playful cat very well. It is one of the most popular electronic pets in the range and has been shown to make especially good company for the elderly and young children. With 5 sensors, including movement detection, the cat looks and sounds extremely realistic.

When it was first released, the Sega cat was available at an RRP of around $200 in Japan. After being released in the US and UK the cat went to a much more reasonable price of £49.99. However, the FurReal cat was discontinued in 2006 and has been much sought after ever since, reaching prices of up to £100 on auction websites.

The FurReal cat can currenly be purchased from Electronic Pet Shop for £49.99.

Related Link: FurReal White Cat
Related Link: FurReal Pet Range