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