April 2008

In celebration of the Shining Stars First Anniversary they have totally redesigned the whole website making it much easier to navigate and definitely more kid friendly. They are also adding more languages including Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch - just click on the International link. There are now a total of 66 Shining Stars available including the new E.T. available when you visit Universal Studios.

ATTENTION AOL USERS: Since updating the site on April 7, 2008 AOL Users have some difficulty accessing the site. You must upgrade to the newest version of AOL and turn off the pop up blockers. You could also install Mozilla Firefox but again make sure the pop up blockers are turned off. My daughter was very frustrated when she was unable to log on to the Shining Stars website. We requested her password be sent to us and she had been using the correct one. She tried to log on using Internet Explorer instead of AOL and has not had anymore trouble - though she did make a suggestion to the company through the Shining Star website that they make a note of the AOL problems on the Log In page!!

May 2008 - Wonder why you can't play the VIP games?? You must register THREE Shining Stars to be let in to all of the VIP sections of the website!

Important Announcement: Shining Stars have been selected as one of the "Fabulous 15" on the Toys 'R Us "Hot Toy" list for 2007. The annual list represents the best of the best new toys for the Holiday Season!

As of November 2007 the Shining Stars Website has been given a redesign you can now have a new Avastar (Avatar) and the site is much easier to navigate your way around!

Register 3 Shining Stars and gain access to a special VIP Section on the Website!!!

 What are Shining Stars? ~ Russ Berrie has teamed up with the National Star Registry to bring you Shining Stars Plush Stuffed Animals. Each Shining Star is made of the amazing quality that Russ is famous for. Shining Stars are at least 8 inches tall (some of the newer ones can be up to 12 inches) with a crystal-like star icon and Shining Stars logo on the paw pad. When you open the sealed tag use the code to register your Shining Star Online.

 Registering Your Shining Star ~ When you register you can pick out which constellation you would like your star to be in and officially name your very own star! There is a short description for each constellation as well as which hemisphere they are in. An inset map on the constellation page has been added to show the user where they are and all the constellations that are available. After naming your star you can print out the constellation chart. Next, you need to choose a name for your plush character. You even get to decide which traits and characteristics that you want your new friend to have. Choose from several different borders that you would like your certificate to have and then print it out.

  My Star Space ~ After registering and / or signing in, you will start your adventure at My Star Space. From here you can get to all the places in the Shining Star Galaxy! 

The Shining Starcade is where you can play the latest and greatest games. The more games you play the more Glow Points you earn. Earning Glow Points opens up new areas for you and lets you purchase things. You can also choose to donate your Glow points to charity. Some of the games include : Geography Game, Slider Puzzle, Word Cube, Photo Safari, The Name Game, Match the Stars, Star Symphony, Star Bomb, Star Search, Shining Star Says, Star Burst, Star Swap, Bubble Friends, Space Out, Space Racer, Coloring book and others with more games being added every week! Star Grab Game has been added and also a map of the Shining Starcade has been added which makes it much easier to navigate your character around and not miss any of games. July additions include 2 Multi Player Games ~ Bumper Space Hockey is alot like the table game air hockey. Star Slinger is a slingshot game. Shining Stars Dance Party was also added ~ The Shining Stars Friends dance to different music and the player must hit the correct arrow keys at the right moment to execute the proper moves!

Safe Chat / Buddy List ~ Uses pop down menus to communicate with the friends on your buddy list. This will be while you are in the Starcade and you will see your friends in this three dimensional environment. Also Coming soon - you will be able to challenge your friends in player vs player games. NOW AVAILABLE!

Star Wishes ~ Now that you have your very own star make a wish upon it for yourself or a special friend or family member!

Star Share ~ Here you can send e-cards, donate glow points or download cool wallpaper or IM icons!!

Star Theatre ~ Webisode movie tickets can be purchased for 100 Glow Points each. These virtual movie tickets allow you to view Shining Star webisodes. This is an ongoing animated series with cliffhanger endings to leave you waiting in anticipation for the next one to find out what has happened to the Shing Star Characters. Webisode 1 & 2 are now available! In July 2007 Webisode 3 & 4 were added!

Star Pod ~ Purchase music to Play & Share while you are on the Website.

Star Worlds ~ Purchase a world for you Shining Star to Play in. Choose from Space World, Beach World or Cloud World. Once you own your world you can visit the Star Store for Plants, Buildings, Vehicles, Skies, Toys and other Neat Stuff. July 2007 ~ Jungle World is now available and there are now at least 12 items in each category to purchase and decorate your world!

Star Makeover ~ Dress, Customize, Change Names or give your Shining Star a new personality! July 2007 ~ You can now Dress your Shining Star! There are many choices available in the following categories: Hats, Glasses, Tops, Bottoms, Shoes, you can even place objects in or on the right and left hand and change the background that your Shining Star is viewed in! When you are done dressing your Shining Star take a snapshot to save in your Gallery!

Star Explore ~ The place to learn and shine. Learn about your star and the Universe we all share. This will include facts and educational features about stars, space and constellations and will include real images!

My Star Stuff ~ Here's the place you can keep everything that you create, buy, earn or share in the world of Shining Stars.

Star Spotlight ~ You can watch the best video, music and graphics all based on your votes. Plus the biggest star collections, the biggest scorers, the best Star Worlds and much more!

Star Watch ~ The best things that are happening in the world of Shing Stars. See new Star Friends, New Features and the latest Star Watch. July 2007 ~ The Star Watch Section is now opened ~ this details news and events about Shining Stars.

Refreshment Stand ~ Coming Soon! Opening in the Starcade to allow you to buy refreshments and souvenirs with your Glow Points to carry around while in the Starcade.

 A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Starlight Starbright children's foundation.

 There are 24 Shining Stars. This is the first released set. More will be coming soon!

Visit the Shining StarsWebsite to take a full tour!

Breaking News!

September 2007 - Brand New Limited Edition Pink Flamingo has joined the Shining Stars Family!

The Halloween Shining Star will be a Black Cat and for Thanksgiving they will release a Turkey!

The Christmas Shining Stars will be ~ A Snowman, Penguin & Reindeer ~ They are adorable! With the purchase of a Christmas Shining Star you will be able to enter a special Snow World! Russ has also decided to add a Christmas Lab Dog and Christmas Bear.

PSSST! Word has it a New Snail is slowly Sliding its way into the Shining Stars Family!

Valentine's Day will bring an Adorable Love Monkey, Frog and Puppy!

St. Patrick's Release will be an Irish Setter! The dog is holding a shamrock that says "When Irish Eyes are Smiling"

Easter Releases are hopping this way with a Tan Bunny, Brown Bunny, Yellow Chick and a sweet little Lamb!

Sept. 27, 2007 - I just ordered a sampling of the 2008 Shining Stars. I will soon have an Alligator, Hippo and Giraffe available!

Nov. 1, 2007 - I just ordered 4 more Shining Stars - Pug, Parrot, Turtle and Koala - They are Soooo cute!!!!!!

October 2007 - Fall Spectacular - Register a Black Cat or Turkey for Double Glow Points!!