First, let me tell you what a "Webkinz" is. It is made by Ganz and first came out in April of 2005. They are similar to the Ty Beanie Babies, only in my opinion a lot better. They are not just a stuffed animal. They are interactive pets that have their own website.
Webkinz is a great alternative to some of the games that children play on the computer, X-box, Play Station and the likes. We limit our children's time on the computer and especially X-box each week. Although we moniter what they play on each, sometimes the games get them so worked up that they begin arguing with one another and also with us when their time is up. But when they play on the Webkinz site, there is none of that. They do like to get on each day, even if it's for only 15 minutes to "do their daily chores".
Webkinz are not available at all retail stores, so you'll have to get on the Webkinz website to find out where they are in your area. They typically cost $9.99, but I have seen a few stores selling them for slightly more. There are a few thousand selling on Ebay at any one time, but of course you'll pay more, and as like the Beanie Babies, some are rare and hard to find, so people are paying more for those.
When you purchase your Webkinz, there are many pets to choose from...different colors and types of cats, dogs, bunnies (the hottest thing going right now are the Sherbert Bunnies), lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and hippos just to name a few. After you take your pet home, you'll have to cut open the sealed plastic tag that is attached to your pet(Don't buy it if the plastic case has been opened!). Inside of the plastic case is a small tag which you will want to hang on to in case your child has forgotten his password. On the inside of the tag is a secret code. Go to Webkinz.com and begin the process of "registering" your pet. You'll have to think of a username and a password, along with a name for your pet. It is very self explanatory when you sign up. Again, put the tag in a safe place so you can use the code in case the username or password is forgotten. Your child will be the only one with this particular code. The only way to play on the Webkinz website is to have a special code that is all your own.
Next, your child can start playing with their Webkinz online. The idea here is to "buy" rooms and furniture for your Webkinz home. It comes autimatically with one room, a few items, and some "Kinzcash". You can play games each day to win more Kinzcash. With the play money you go to W-Shop which is where items can be bought to furnish rooms of the pet's house. You can play games alone (like a word search), against the computer, or against another Webkinz member.
What I like best about this is that even though you can interact with other members, there is no way that someone can find out who your child is, their email address, location, or other personal information that we warn our kids about so much. Every thing that the members say to each other is chosen from a column of questions and responses. They can invite other pets into their house and can again play a game together. Most games are just for fun, but a few could be called educational. Besides playing games, the pets can get a job, write poetry, and send other pets items by "Kinzmail".
My kids are 10 and 11 years old and they and several of their friends have the Webkinz and are just crazy about them. I would say that the age limit would be anywhere from 5 years old to teenagers.
I hope I haven't left anything out. I really like this a lot better than some of the games that are out there online and the X-box type games. Nothing at all is harmful and you can feel safe about letting your child play on the computer without monitering every minute of their play.
Check out the Ganz website at www.ganz.com and the Webkinz website at www.webkinz.com. You nor your child will be disappointed with this toy as a gift. The only drawback, seems like once they get one Webkinz, they will want more. But then again, you'll always know what to get them for Easter, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, and even as a Get Well gift. My kids each have 5 of them and now they have to save up their own money for them if they want more.
How we got introduced to them was through a friend of ours who owns a small gift shop here in town. She actually gave me one to take to my classroom to try out with my fourth grade students. She said they were educational and could be used in the classroom. On a rainy day in October, we sat at the computer during recess and figured out how to play it together....all 22 of us. The kids were hooked and now anytime we have a rainy or snowy day and can't go out for recess, pairs of students play with our class pet. We actually have a sign up sheet so that everyone gets a turn. I wouldn't say it's a purely educational toy but it does have a few educational points. I couldn't justify using it during class time. I choose a different child to take "Sparkle" home each weekend. Since any of the kids could get on using the username and password, I change the password weekly so that only one student can play. If more than one person has the code or password, one person will be bumped off during play.
Thanks for reading my epinion! And have fun looking for that special interactive pet for your child! Unlike real pets, after you have paid for him (or her) there is no cost for feeding, shots, medicines, and no messes in the house!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 9.99 Type of Toy: Stuffed Toy
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens
Where is the seal happiest? Swimming around in a pool, of course! But there's much more to the seal than simply swimming - this fantastic friend also ...More at Albee Baby
The virtual version of the plush animal comes alive online in Webkinz world when activated with the special code that comes with every plush animal Ev...More at Amazon Marketplace
Every Webkinz plush pet is unique Every Webkinz is made with great care Collect all of the cute and cuddly styles - over 45 different Webkinz currentl...More at Amazon Marketplace
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.