These are much bigger than expected and take at least £10.00 worth of long life batteries to get them started (6 AAA batteries each!). I ordered quickly so didn't pick up that they were electronic. They work very well now I have got the batteries and they are pretty spectacular and even light up. I would not have bought them in a shop but now I have had them delivered to my door (very promptly) I will keep them and will probably love them forever (or as long as the batteries last!).