Get the code to a new craze: Webkinz blends fun and education

A toy that combines fun and education has defined new possibilities for retailers and consumers.

The stuffed animals, called Webkinz, are made by the Ganz Company. Since appearing in Rochester a year ago, they have become so popular that managers of area stores are struggling to keep them in stock.

Kelly Holtan, manager of ABC and Toy Zone, said Webkinz were on the shelf for some time before becoming popular.

"I'm not sure exactly when the craze hit, but suddenly we just couldn't keep them on the shelves," she said. "They took awhile to catch on."

The pint-size animals come in different shapes, such as puppies, monkeys and unicorns. Like many other stuffed animals, they are soft, fuzzy and detailed, but cards containing secret codes set them apart from their plush peers.

Each animal comes with a code that allows its owner to access the Web site dedicated to Webkinz: www.webkinz.com.

When Webkinz owners enter the code online, they complete a quick adoption process that brings their doll's virtual counterpart to life. The animal's online "life" consists of a virtual room that serves as its home. Success in Webkinz World is measured on a scale of one to 100 in three categories: happiness, hunger and health. Each animal begins its life at 100 percent in the three areas, and users have to engage in games and interactions to earn KinzCash; the play money can be redeemed for virtual clothing, furniture, food and other accessories to keep the dolls healthy and satisfied.

The Webkinz experience provides age-appropriate education through a host of online activities ranging from takes on classic video games to trivia, language and logic.

The site also allows users to communicate with each other in a two-tiered system designed to prevent them from sharing personal information. The first tier, called KinzChat, is the most safe. In this mode, users can only send and receive words and phrases from a pre-populated list. If parents choose, they can give their child access to open communication -- the site calls this KinzChat.

Plus. In the open mode, children can type anything except phone numbers, addresses, place names and words the site owners have deemed inappropriate.

Risa Klein, 8, is among the growing number of Webkinz fans in Rochester.

"A lot of people have them," Klein said as she scrolled through her buddy list to see if any of her fellow Webkinz friends were online.

Holtan frequently receives positive feedback from parents who purchase Webkinz for their children.

"They say it's the best thing ever," she said. "It's the safest Web site and they've had a great time with them."

Depending on their size, the toys cost between $8 and $16. Holtan compared the surge in demand for Webkinz with that of Beanie Babies in the 1990s. A recent letter from the Ganz said the overwhelming popularity of Webkinz came as a surprise; prices may be increased, the letter said.

Webkinz appeal to anyone old enough to use a computer -- especially 8 to12 year-olds, Holtan said. And novice virtual-parents need not fear -- according to the Webkinz site, the online animals cannot die; they can only become less happy.

Unhappiness is not an issue in Klein's Webkinz World though; she plays the games daily to earn KinzCash so her online pets stay satisfied.

"Mine are almost always completely happy," she said.