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