Webkinz World (www.webkinz.com)
© 2006 Ganz
Note: See Webkinz Jr. (CTR, March 2009). New for 2009, a new line of $30 larger plush toys called "Webkinz Signature" that are larger, better quality, and unlock more things. Also new for '09, Kinzclips, designed to hook onto a backpack that unlock a year's worth of "zubware." New for 2009, a new line of $30 larger plush toys called "Webkinz Signature" that are larger, better quality, and unlock more things. Also new for '09, Kinzclips, designed to hook onto a backpack that unlock a year's worth of "zubware." Here's the orginal review: A stuffed toy doubles as the key to an activity-filled website, with Webkinz, a collectible toy that has been enjoying some playground buzz lately. Here's how it works. Each of the 60 varieties (as of Fall 2008) of squishy animals, sold either as Webkinz ($14) or as smaller ($8) Lil'Kinz, come with a sealed tag containing a code that can be entered at Webkinz World (www.webkinz.com). Once the code is recognized, children meet a virtual version of their pet that they can use to play games, chat with friends and/or move into its own home — complete with furniture. From this point, the experience is a bit like MMOG (Massive Multiplayer Online Game), minus the ability to freely chat. Instead, you can send messages to other animals using constructed chat, or sets of pull down menus that eliminate the possibility of worrisome contact with strangers. The best part are the 32 addicting arcade games that include mazes, scavenger hunts, sorting contests and trivia questions. (Shhh, don't tell the kids that a former classroom teacher wrote the questions). The games appeal to kids as well as adults which makes this a less painful site to share with your child. Good scores win Kinzcash, which is used to buy more clothing or furniture for your house. To buy more time, you just buy another animal that will be around long after the web site expires. Note that there is a lot of commercial content. Every opportunity is taken to suggest the benefits of buying additional pets and/or accessories. Starting with the opening page, a click will take you to the Webkinz Collection page showing all pets and accessories, the ability to create a wish list, as well as a handy store locator. In addition, other items, like Trading Cards, also have codes or coupons for virtual shopping, or that become a collector's items on their own may be purchased. Also, there are perks for multiple pet adoptions. For example, you receive a new room with your 2nd through 10th adoption and a super-bed with your 10th, 15th, 20th...adoption. These prizes can be visible to players but are off-limits to purchase until the required amount of adoptions have been made. Starting this October, Webkinz has launched a Pet of the Month. With adoption of that pet come prizes. Webkinz adoptions last one year. If your child becomes attached to his or her pet, the room worked so hard to create, or a saved bank account, simply adopt another pet before the expiration date and your account is renewed for another year. Webkinz has a straight-forward privacy policy. They will only collect what is necessary for you to participate. While Webkinz does not share your information, they explain that third parties occasionally have access to the information during site work. These parties are obligated to keep information secure. At times there are links to other sites offered, and Webkinz "cannot be responsible for their commitment to security." A plus is that a parent can visit the privacy policy, FAQ, parent page, and user agreement without a membership. The Webkinz site is full of responsive activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, abilities and ages. You will have a hard time not finding an activity to enjoy, and it is always possible to exit from a game giving children the feeling that they can control the experience.
$814, Internet Site
Teaches: typing, logic, thinking, pretend play, the Internet
CTR Rating: 90%