Webkinz

About Webkinz

Each plush toy comes with a secret code which opens up many new play possibilities for your child. When you go online and visit the Official Webkinz site, you put in your code to "adopt" your stuffed pet. This adoption process will ask various questions such as your (or your child's) name and birth date, desired user name and password and the name you want to give your pet. You also get to choose if your pet is a boy or a girl.

Once the process is complete, you will see a screen that tells you a few details about your pet, like its favorite food and favorite things to do. You are also given your pet's birth date and a printable adoption certificate.

Online Safety

The official site is safe for children because it does not allow personal information to be revealed. Even though many adults enjoy these toys as much as kids do, you won't need to worry about your little one encountering predators online while they are here. The chat room only offers pre-selected messages so no one can type anything inappropriate.

In a new feature called KinzChat PLUS, parental consent is required in order to allow participants to type their own messages and visit with friends. Parents can also block their child from even requesting permission and the block can be lifted at any time.

Even this type of chat is designed to be safe because numbers, certain words and common names and places are blocked from being displayed here. This means that it is nearly impossible for an unwitting child to give out personal information like his or her name, address or phone number, among other things.

Games and Learning

Once you enter your secret code, you have access to one year of play on the Webkinz site as well as renewal opportunities after your year is up. Games provide opportunities to sharpen memory, math and reading skills with curriculum-based activities, while teaching responsibility.

Kids learn that they must monitor their pets to keep them happy and healthy by providing food, play and rest. Each pet gets a room that can be furnished and decorated and additional rooms can be added

They can also take their pet to the clinic to make sure they are healthy. Pets can go to school or get a job and your child will take quizzes to help their pet advance its skills. There are also trivia games, arcade games and contests. All of these activities earn points or KinzCash which can be saved for needed items or fun stuff. This is another way that children are taught to be responsible as they learn to manage money.

Related Sites

Besides the Official Webkinz site, several other sites devoted to these cuddly pets are popping up. These sites often have message boards as well as secrets, codes and cheats. New and upcoming pets and retired pets can also be found here.

All of these things can enhance play on the official site, but it should be noted that these sites are independent from Webkinz and Ganz, the company that manufactures the toys. They do not have the same safety features so use your best judgment before allowing your child to register on these sites.

Buying

You will likely find Webkinz, along with their smaller counterparts called Lil'Kinz, at a store near you. However, there are more than just plush pets to consider. The Webkinz product line has expanded to include trading cards that include special feature codes in each pack. This code will give you extra items for your virtual pet when they are used on the Web site.

You can also shop for charms, mousepads, book marks, lip gloss, body spritz and even clothing for your pet. To find these items, the official site offers a store locator that will help you find a retailer who carries the products that interest you. Click on the locator link at the bottom of the official site's main page, click on the item that you are shopping for and then select your country, state and city.