By Rufus Jones
Webkinz are small stuffed animals that were introduced by the Ganz gift company in 2005. Each one has a special code of their own which allows the owner to go to the internet site, Webkinz World, and adopt a virtual version of their toy. Once they have created the virtual pet, they are able to interact with it. There are also younger brothers and sisters of the Webkinz called Lil’Kinz. These stuffed toys are even smaller than the Webkinz, but are made on the same order.
These toys are reminiscent of Beanie Babies, as each one is manufactured for a time and then retired. This drives the price up and will make it more difficult to get them. The retired Webkinz include: the unicorn, gray and white cat, the cheeky dog, and the cheeky cat. More than two million Webkinz have been sold to retailers, and another million to registered users of the Webkinz site.
When a Webkinz is adopted each child is given a room on the website, a food item, a balloon to welcome them, 2000 in KinzCash, and a piece of furniture for their virtual counter-pet. KinzCash is a version of virtual currency. Each virtual pet has certain levels of health, happiness, and hunger that decrease as a child spends time with them. These levels can be increased by exercising, bathing, feeding, and playing with the pet. If these levels become too low, the pet will need to take special medicine that can be bought at the virtual clinic. Game play on the site consists of making and spending KinzCash. To earn KinzCash you can play games, and answer quizzes. Once earned, the KinzCash can be used to purchase items for the virtual pet, to keep them happy and well. Once a user registers a pet, they are allowed to use the website free for one year. After the year is up, they must register a new pet to extend the play for another year.
Some parents have been concerned that the chat system being unsafe for children. There are strict rules in place for users, with restrictions on the way messages are sent, and a dictionary put in place to prevent any unsavory words from appearing on the chat. Younger users need to use a drop down menu with at least 900 pre set phrases that can be clicked on as an answer to others the chat room. They will not be able to type on the system at all. Parents who have concerns can take an animated tour of the Webkinz website.
Kids will have a ball taking care of their virtual pet. From customizing the room it will live in to buying food, clothes and furniture for your pet, and even buy other Webkinz pets at the Webkinz store. There are several games to play and stories to read, and the people at Webkinz World have promised to keep adding new activities to the site so they will never be bored.
This is one of the brightest ideas for children, to date. It gives them focus, and teaches them responsibility. Even if they are young, they will be able to use the computer like the older kids do. I think Webkinz are a great idea.
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