Kids find out stuff way before we do. By we, I mean parents. What are they finding out now? Webkinz. Yes you heard it right Webkinz. Do they have anything special to do with the internet? I guess you could say they do. Like the hundred or so fad toys before them, Webkinz are yet another. They are not specially cute, but they are plush.

They come in all varieties, including pandas, ponies, unicorns, dogs and my daughters favourite, monkeys. They are made by Ganz. Talk about rare. The retail for around $14-15 as of writing but you try to find them! Popular isn’t the word for it. Do they talk and walk? No. What makes them special is their ‘secret code’ – an ID that is imprinted on their collar tag. The ID gives the owner a FREE year of access to Webkinz World.

Webkinz World is a site specially created for kids. Webkinz World has games, contests and a ‘virtual’ or cartoon version of their real stuffed animal. Just like facebook or myspace it also includes a ‘social networking’ element that is safe for kids because they’re specifically limited to pre-set phrases to say.

Remember the Tamagochi and Furbees? For those not in the know – they were a hit a few years back for kids and some adults alike. Much like these the online Webkinz pets use artificial intelligence to simulate living breathing creatures. Kids have actually started to report back that they consider their pet to be ‘alive’… If you ever had a Tabagochi or a Furbee in the house, you are probably wondering whether it was healthy for a child along with plotting how to do away with the endless beeping!

So, my opinion…

Is Webkinz like having a real pet? Should you let your child get into the Webkinz fad?

One advantage is that it isn’t real. Don’t get me wrong – I love pets. These ones don’t shed hair, bite, bark, piddle, chew, eat, need a walk, need looking after while you are on vacation. They also stay alive as long as your child wants it to Another advantage is that the Webkinz World is a safe environment where no one gets out a gun and shoots or a sword and chops!

Disadvantages include restricting your childs creativity and imagination by the software. There is a danger that the online community will take the place of face-to-face interaction. Difficult to get hold of – Try buying a Webkinz on eBay – they are very difficult to secure. Without doubt Webkinz are commercially driven. Will they want more as they tire of their monkey, unicorn or dog? What happens after the first year? You lose site access – do you have to buy another Webkinz?

What I would say is have a go online first before you let your child – does it fit your family values? My daughter thinks so.

About the Author

Sam Eden is a mother concerned about her kids going on the internet, she wrote this article and submitted it too ArticleFollow.com . You can find more information at Sam Eden – Personal Portfolio.

Hello!

Here are some fun questions about Webkinz!

Please do not answer if you don’t know about Webkinz, or don’t like\care about Webkinz.
Enjoy!

1) What is your favorite Webkinz?

2) What is your favorite Lil Kinz?

3) What Webkinz would you like to be made?

4) What Lil Kinz would you like to be made?

5) What is your favorite thing about Webkinz?

6) What do you think Webkinz should make? Any ideas would be awesome!

7) Who are your 2 favorite characters on Webkinz, Example: Dr. Quack – Ms. Birdy…?

How many kinzcash do you have?

9) How many Webkinz accounts do you have?

10) How many Lil Kinz do you have?

11) How many Webkinz do you have?

12) What is 1 Webkinz that you dislike?

13) What is 1 Lil Kinz that you like?

14) How many Webkinz do you think, you’ll have by April 2008?

15) How many Webkinz do you think you’ll have by April 2009?
Notice: You don’t need to answer all 15 questions! You can answer all or just some. It’s totally up to you!
If this was a fun and interesting poll, please star *!
If you know anyone who likes Webkinz, they may answer this question.
Ok, If you don’t know about Webkinz and you think they are stupid, don’t answer this question!
These questions were for fun! If you don’t want to know about Webkinz, please don’t answer this question☺
Please answer!

The Webkinz craze is a wonderful idea. It brings retailers and internet usage together with one type of products. An individual could purchase a Webkinz at a store. A code is displayed on the stuffed animal and the children, or the parents can log on their website and enter the code. Once this has been inputted, the child can adopt the animal and play games to earn online cash. With this cash the individual can purchase toys, furniture, food and a whole lot more. The games consist of trivia, word games and other fun tidbits that children can participate in. They can also earn this cash in a virtual job setting. It is a fun and exciting method for children to learn responsibility and hard work in a fun and controlled environment. The Webkinz have had their share of shortages. They also are collected by adults and children alike. Some adults even sell these animals for large amount of money on different auction sites.

The shortage of these online and offline virtual pets are becoming bothersome. Webkinz fans are relentless when it comes to trying to find more of these creatures. The furry little pets are being left off shelves which cause the parents and some adult fans to go absolutely insane. This practice is causing Webkinz enthusiasts to turn to other sources to receive these pets for their children and themselves. These individuals are looking through newspapers, online auction houses and other locations for these items. When they actually do find one for sale, the price is usually 2 to 3 times greater than retail. Some individuals are turning to other companies that offer different toys that have an online community as well. Even though, the demand has sky rocketed and the shelves are empty, people are still calling stores and searching on the internet to get their hands on a Webkinz.

There is a collection of retired Webkinz that are no longer available for retail sale. These are rare items that may be worth something in the future. An individual can put these away, if it is not too much of a hardship on them or their children. The list of retired Webkinz is growing often. However, there is a recent list of these furry pets. The horse, unicorn, gold and white cat, St. Barnard, grey and white cat, pegasus and the basset hound have all been officially retired. If this crazy continues for a long enough period of time, these Webkinz will be worth more than the retailed price. It would be wise to find these creatures before it is too late.

The Webkinz craze is an example of just another hot commodity. There is no telling how long these items will be on shelves or in the hearts of children everywhere. Even though, it is difficult to obtain a pet for an individual or for their children, the company promises to have more on the shelves this summer. It is wise to look around every location possible before spending the big bucks on one creature. However, this may be an individual’s only chance to receive a Webkinz today.

About the Author

Visit www.webkinz-for-sale.com/ to find a great selection of retired, new and used Webkinz