Cute pet without the clean-up

Webkinz may very well be the ideal pet to have. They are soft, cute, quiet and don’t leave messes behind to clean up later.

What exactly is a Webkinz? Webkinz are stuffed animals that can be used to make a virtual pet online. One pet will give you an account that will last one full year. If you do not adopt another pet within a year they will close your account until you do so.

In order to go into the Webkinz community, owners must log on to the Web site using a special code. The code comes on the tag wrapped around your Webkinz’ leg.

To log on you go to webkinz.com and click on new member. If you are already a member, click on log on and go to adoption center. Owners will now create a username and password. Once he or she has logged on the owner will receive 2,000 kinzcash and a medium-sized room. If you are already a member and are logging on a new pet you will receive 2,000 kinzcash as well as another room added on to your house.

Through the Web site, new “owners” can build a house and make new friends. To keep your pet in good shape you must feed him and play with him. There is a W Shop where you can buy food, clothes, toys and furniture for your house. There is also an employment office, curio shop and a school for your pet to attend. The Curio Shop is a place for you to hunt for gems and buy rare items with kinzcash. Kinzcash is money earned from playing games.

Each Webkinz has its own personality. You can find what your pet likes to eat and enjoys doing under the adoption certificate. On the Web site there is a section named, Quizzy’s Corner where they ask trivia questions and you earn kinzcash.

Kiersten Franklin, 11, of Hedgesville, owns two Webkinz. One of them is a koala by the name of Kyle and the other is a pug named Muffin. She “adopted” Muffin six months ago and Kyle four months ago.

Franklin said her favorite thing to do with her Webkinz are “dressing her pets, decorating her room and shopping at the W shop.” She said she expects to get Webkinz for Christmas, but if not, she hopes to get one before her account expires.

Ganz Co., which creates them, has a variety to choose from including bears, unicorns and dogs. During different seasons of the year they sell one-of-a-kind pets and accessories. For the winter season, Ganz is offering a reindeer and a Santa Claus costume. Ganz has also created a pet of the month, in which you receive exclusive items for adopting that particular pet. The Chihuahua is the December pet.

Owners can make friends and also visit their houses. The Web site created a safe chat mode that enables visitors to choose what he or she wants to say without typing it. This means you can only use the words the Web site has provided for you. This is a positive for parents because you cannot give out personal information or use bad language.

The Ganz Company also sells additional things for your pet; such as, trading cards, clothes and charms.

Webkinz World Under Fire for Child-Targeting Ads

Webkinz parent Ganz is facing criticism over the introduction of ads into the kid-centric virtual world, reports The New York Times.

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is taking Ganz to task for placing ads for movies like Bee Movie and Alvin & the Chipmunks in the right-hand margin of the Webkinz virtual world.


The group's concerns were echoed by parents who posted blogs complaining about the move. Parents say that part of the brand's allure was that it was ad-free.Ganz introduced ads on the site in October.

Access to the virtual Webkinz world is free, aside from the cost of buying the real-world stuffed animals, which are used by children to access the virtual world and encourage interaction. Dolls are available at mass-market retailers, no longer the smaller stores where the Webkinz phenomenon originated.

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.

140 essays tell why local children love Webkinz

Triangle kids are wild about Webkinz.



If you're clueless, Webkinz are stuffed animals that are in such demand that stores can't keep them stocked, and they're being auctioned online for top dollar.

These are toys with a purpose. Children register the animals online and then are responsible for caring for their virtual pet. They play educational games to earn "Kinzcash" to buy things in the virtual world for their pet. Teachers and parents -- some of them wrote us, too -- say that Web-kinz help teach math and money skills.

We asked fans to tell us what Webkinz taught them about money.


* Greer Wendland, 11, of Apex wrote that Webkinz teach you "to contain your inner shopper and save up your money."

* Elissa Gaiffi, 6, of Cary learned the hard way not to share her account information in the hopes that her friends would help her earn Kinzcash. "I gave my password to Andrew, but he went on my account and spent all my money," she wrote. "I was very sad, and learned my lesson not to give out my password anymore."

* Christina Bailey, 6, of Raleigh addressed the Webkinz shortage that has parents scrambling. "Mom says the stores are sold out and the only way to get them is to buy them on Ebay," she wrote. "The people on Ebay want 50 dollars for a webkinz. They are bad people."

* "My teacher is pleased how well I am doing in math," Amelia Parkerson, 8, of Wake Forest wrote. "I told her it's all because of Webkinz."

* Cary's Leah Jensen, 9, had this thought for doubtful parents: "Web-kinz does not turn your kid's brain into mush because it's educational and talks about the economy."

Here are the winning essays:

'I saved up for a long time until finally I got one'

I have learned that the smartest way to buy something is to save up all your KinzCash and wait until you see it in the Curio Shop if it's a rare item or wait until it's on sale or you have a lot of KinzCash if it's in the W Shop.

When I was running low on food one day I went to the W Shop and saw that oranges were 30% off. I bought them and I saved a lot of money that I used later to buy a table and some chairs for my Webkinz's room. When I need to buy a bed I usually play games in the arcade that I'm good at (beds usually cost a lot of KinzCash even if they're on sale) until I have about 1000 KinzCash. I really wanted a pool one day to put in my backyard so I saw that they cost about 2000 KinzCash! I saved up for a long time until finally I got one and still had enough KinzCash leftover to buy a T.V. I have seen really cool books and video games before and I've saved my money and bought them and had a lot of money left to save up. If I win a Webkinz I will give it to my sister. She almost got a Pegasus but it was needed for something else for our school, so I really want her to win either Webkinz.

--Daniel Nance

'Savvy buying is ... a must'

Webkinz has taught me about saving money and buying smartly. If you don't save your money in Webkinzworld, you will end up broke. Saving money in Webkinzworld is the key to letting your Webkinz live a longer, happier life. If you buy everything your Webkinz wants, you won't be able to afford its needs. If it doesn't have a bed to sleep in or food to eat, it will get sick and die. And believe me, a dead Webkinz is absolutely no fun!

Savvy buying in Webkinzworld is a must. You don't need "exclusive" items. (Exclusive items are only available to owners of five or more Webkinz and are very expensive.) Sale items can be very cute. Save the exclusive item for your Webkinz birthday.

There are ways to earn extra KinzCash in Webkinzworld. Don't forget to play the "game of the day!" If you play the "game of the day," you get more Kinzcash than usual. If you win, you get your name written up in the Webkinz newspaper! Also, you can sell Arte, the dog who owns the Curio Shop, any items you don't need anymore. It is like a virtual consignment store.

Webkinz has taught me things about money and saving that I can use in real life. Just like in Webkinzworld, I consigned a painting I did not need anymore when I redid my room. Webkinz has taught me the value of comparing prices in the real world. I help my Mom by picking up coupons in the grocery store. I investigate to see which brand is having a sale on ice cream before buying it. I always check the clearance rack before I purchase.

Webkinz has also taught me the importance of saving. It has taught me not to buy everything that I want. Instead, I save my money for special things. Right now I am saving for clothes for my doll.

Webkinz has shown me how to purchase smartly in Web-kinzworld, as well as in the real world.

--Evie Fordham

'I have $8,948 dollars on Webkinz because I save my money'

Everything in the W shop, where you buy things on webkinz.com, is really expensive, even if it's on sale! Sometimes you get free coupons so you can get discounts on items. The best coupon I've ever gotten is 60% off! To save money I buy the cheapest food. That compares to real life because you need money for other things too. So you can't just buy the most expensive food for your pet. You can use expensive food for special occasions instead.

I have $8,948 dollars on Webkinz because I save my money. If my pet gets sick, I want to be prepared in case the medicine costs $2,000. I saved up to buy a bed that cost $1,200. All my younger sister does is try to win stuff and send gifts to everybody. So she only has $509 dollars. She wouldn't have enough money if her pet got sick and the medicine cost $2,000.

I am now saving up for a living room. I save my money in real life for things I want right now. I used some of my money to buy my first Webkinz. I have 3 now.

Most people like to save their money but some people don't. Some people like to send gifts to others because they think they will get a package back, like my sister. Some people just buy things repeatedly.

I have learned that you should be a good shopper, use coupons when available and don't forget to save your money.

Webkin Tree Frog

Webkinz Tree Frog


Webkinz animals come with a special internet code where your child caninteract with it. They can name it, make it a home, even play games.Not recommended for children under 3. NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 pieces per style per customer.

Webkin Golden Retriever

Webkinz™ Golden Retriever


Golden Retriever plush is made of several different fabrics. Tag on arm contains a code for the Webkinz "Adopt A Pet" website, virtual petgame. Approx. 7½". NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 pieces per style per customer.

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Horse

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Horse


Webkinz animals come with a special internet code where your child can interact with it. They can name it, make it a home, even play games. Not recommended for children under 3. Age Group: 3 to 7 Years Manufacturer Name: Ganz

Webkin Pug

Webkinz™ Pug


Webkinz animals come with a special internet code where your child caninteract with it. They can name it, make it a home, even play games.Not recommended for children under 3. NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 pieces per style per customer.

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Rabbit

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Rabbit


Meet the Webkinz, a cuddly collection of very special plush pets. Every Webkinz wears a tag with a secret code that can only be read after purchase. This code is the password into Webkinz World, an online environment just for kids. Click on the Webkinz World link for a virtual tour. After they log in, kids can name and adopt their new pet, learn and adopt it, play and have fun. There are rooms to build, trivia challenges to play and lots of arcade games, too. It's all age-appropriate, friendly and welcoming. There will be loveable new Webkinz arriving regularly. Age Group: 3 to 7 Years Manufacturer Name: Ganz

Webkinz Poodle

Webkinz Poodle


Webkinz animals come with a special internet code where your child caninteract with it. They can name it, make it a home, even play games.NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 piecesper style per customer. Not recommended for children under 3.

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Pink Pony

Webkinz: 8.5 inch Pink Pony


New with Unactivated TAG Each WebkinzTM pet comes with a secret code. Great for kids, adults, teens, tweens Stuffed Animal with code for Website Games & Activities..VERY SAFE :) Not recommended for children under the age of three. Age Group: 3 to 7 Years Manufacturer Name: Ganz

Lion Webkinz

Lion Webkinz


LION WEBKINZ by Ganz

GENERAL FEATURES: Lion Webkinz is a soft shaggy pet about eight inches long. Each Webkinz pet comes with a secret code to bring your pet to life on the web! Discover a virtual world of Webkins. Collect them all! . From the Ganz Webkinz Collectible Plush Pet Collection. Mint with mint tags (secret code inside tag) One of the Wild Cat style Webkinz Pets. Approximate size: 9 inches.

Information provided by Ganz Webkinz: Kings and Queens of the jungle, it goes without saying, our lions are the most regal of all Webkinz. But just because they're descended from royalty doesn't mean they can't let their manes down, curl up on a couch and munch on a Zebra dog or two!

Webkinz Latest kid craze

Cuddly critters with an online alter-ego on their way to becoming the 21st century Cabbage Patch Kids

It won't trigger allergies, gnaw at the couch or leave furballs behind.

But it will take some luck -- and an Internet connection -- to find this perfect pet.

Meet the Webkinz, a menagerie of cuddly critters, each with their own online alter-ego, who've got the playground set chomping at the bit to bring home the year's latest toy sensation.

The Webkinz -- 8 1/2-inch or 6 1/2-inch plush pals retailing for between $8 to $12 -- are stuffed animals with a twist: Each arrives home with a "secret code" that when typed into www.webkinz.com unleashes a virtual world where leopards feast on "garlicky gazelle gumbo," webkinz dogs unwind in "bark-o-loungers" and monkeys sip on "jungalicious banana shakes."

"I sleep with her in my bed every night," said Ashley Lizzi, holding tight to Princess, an ordinary stuffed frog who, when transformed into her digital self, struts around in a bikini and shades, dressed for success by her 4-year-old caretaker with a few mouse clicks and some help from mom.


EXCLUSIVE ADDRESSES

Problem is, retailers can't keep them on the shelves. And Webkinz can't be bought in national chains either. These creatures of habit are exclusive to small gift boutiques and card shops. They're a little picky that way. ( You can also get them from this site)

Twenty-seven borough retailers carry Webkinz, according to their Web site.

Laura Walsh, owner of Checkerbells, an eclectic gift shop in West Brighton, estimates she receives 20 to 25 calls a day looking for the vast zoo of Webkinz and Lil' Kinz, which includes cats, dogs, bunnys, tigers, unicorns, cows, pandas and lions.

Ms. Walsh placed her first order in August after a parent pointed her toward the interactive Web site. At first, she said, sales were slow.

"It was not so quick in the beginning," she said. "Then people started getting interested and asking me about them. When did it get crazy? I am going to say in December. I didn't expect it to be so big."


SOARING DEMAND

Webkinz haven't quite hit epic Cabbage Patch Kid or Tickle Me Elmo proportions, but the buzz is getting louder. Ganz, the Ontario-based, privately held family business that manufactures the toy, doesn't release sales figures but a December article in Playthings, an industry magazine, said 700,000 members and 1.5 million pets are registered on the Web site.

Ganz spokeswoman Susan McVeigh said the company is doing its best to keep up with product orders.

"The huge surge in demand has taken a lot of our time and resources to deal with, and we are doing everything we can to satisfy it," she told the Advance via e-mail. "We are working very hard in every aspect of our business to support our retailers."

Ashley and big sis Brianna, 7, are two of the lucky ones. They received their Webkinz for Easter from an Eltingville neighbor, who scored four in Brooklyn.

When they first logged on with mom, Tracey, they were able to print out a birth certificate and learn more about their pet. Brianna's horse -- named after her sister -- likes pretzels, is best buds with an elephant and thinks "going on a vacation is the best."

After being led through a tutorial, they were ready to build Internet homes for their pets. In addition to creating rooms, they are also responsible for feeding, bathing and giving lots of TLC as monitored by the Hungry, Happy, Healthy meters.

To get all that going, each kid starts with $2,000 in KinzCash, virtual money that allows them to keep the on-line version of their pets in the lifestyles to which they are accustomed: Hot tubs, hamburgers, tutus, baggy jeans and wallpapered bedrooms with the latest in creature-comfort gadgets.

Brianna fed her horse a $12 hamburger and bought it sunglasses, a groovy hearts swimsuit and a ballerina bed. By the time she was finished, Brianna had $628 left in her KinzCash account.


BUILDING BANK ACCOUNTS

To rack up more cash, kids can solve math problems, answer questions about social studies, play games and sell unwanted goods, eBay-style.

"It's educational," Mrs. Lizzi said as she helped her girls navigate the Web site. "It has games and teaches them how to take care of something. It teaches them math because they have a set amount of money so they have to know what they are spending and how to earn more. Plus, it comes with a doll they can sleep with."

Like typical kids, Brianna and Ashley want to collect them all.

After Brianna set her horse up in style, Ashley visited her frog's on-line pad. It was time for Princess to take a bath in her porcelain tub, complete with gold faucets.

"Clean her all up," Brianna told her sister. "I want to see her sparkling."

"She's tired," Ashley said. "Get her in bed."

With that Princess, curled up in her lily pad water bed, dreaming of the "buggy jelly" that might come tomorrow.

[via] latest kids craze: Webkinz

Webkinz Yorkie

Webkinz Yorkie


You will receive: One Webkinz Yorkie

Webkinz Unicorn

Webkinz® Unicorn


You will receive: One Webkinz Unicorn

Webkinz Persian Cat

Webkinz Persian Cat


This Persian cat is the most luxuriously cuddly kitty you?ll ever meet! With soft, fluffy fur and a sweet, winning smile, this cat is happiest when warm and snug in a well-decorated room. Persian kitties love to lounge around, visit with friends, and even play a game or two! If you want a purr-fect pet, pick up a Persian cat! Special Item: Super Fluffy Sofa Special Food: Fluffy Tuna Tartufo

Webkinz Cow

Webkinz Cow


You will receive: One Webkinz Cow

Webkinz Panda

Webkinz Panda


You will receive: One Webkinz Panda

Webkinz Cheeky Monkey

Webkinz Cheeky Monkey


You will receive: One Webkinz Cheeky Monkey

Webkinz Orange Cat

Webkinz Orange Cat


You will receive: One Webkinz Orange Cat

Webkinz Basset Hound

Webkinz Basset Hound


You will receive: One Webkinz Basset Hound