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DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT WEBKINZ?
Webkinz are stuffed animals that were originally released by the Ganz company on April 29, 2005. They are plush toys similar to other popular small plush animals and toys. However what makes these toys different is that every Webkinz toy has an attached hang tag with a unique Secret Code printed that allows access to the Webkinz World web site. On Webkinz World, the Secret Code allows a user or owner, to own a virtual version of the purchased play pet for virtual interaction.
There are also smaller less expensive versions of the stuffed plush toys called Lil' Kinz. In June 2008, Webkinz opened its own E-Store where owners or users can buy virtual items such as furniture and virtual pets. There are numerous types of Webkinz that can be purchased. Some are considered normal pets, some wild animals, some mythical creatures and others that appear magical.
Every Webkinz stuffed animal and Webkinz accessory comes with an eight character code . By registering your assigned code on the Webkinz website, you adopt your pet in the virtual Webkinz World. However, without the Secret Code, the owner will not be permitted access to the Webkinz World. The plush toy animals that are missing tags are not supposed to be sold by Retailers and the removal of the Webkinz tag without purchasing the toy animal is considered shoplifting and punishable by the fullest extent of the law. If the owner, or user happens to forget their Login name and or assigned Password, they can always go back to the Secret Code to gain access. Unfortunately without the Secret Code, an owner or user cannot recover a lost account.
The Webkinz World is an online virtual play area with its own economy. The user can earn money called KinzCash by adopting new pets, playing on line games, answering general knowledge questions and through daily activities like clicking on, "I love my Webkinz!", spinning the Wheel of WOW, playing Wishing Well 2, or completing jobs (mini learning games) that are available every 8 hours. Every day there is a Game of the Day which can be played for bonus money (Kinz Cash). Other bonuses are available each hour, full days on weekends and afternoons, but only on weekdays. With each Webkinz toy purchased, more money, rooms, and items are added to the owners account.
Users can spend their KinzCash at the "W Shop", where they may purchase food and clothing for their virtual pet, items for their pet's room or to build additional rooms onto their house or outdoors areas. Users can decorate a room for their pet with pre-made themes, or mix and match their own furniture.
The online world also contains many rare or exclusive items. Some items require developing a friendship with a Shop owner so you may purchase in their shop, while with others, you may get points for registering other Webkinz accessories to purchase in the real world. Each type of pet gets a special food available exclusively for them. Also, a Pet of the Month is announced at the beginning of each month. If a person registers the announced pet in that month, they will receive other exclusive items.
Many tasks in Webkinz World involve collecting items. For example, recipes are released for the players through cookbooks you can purchase or by viewing one of the Web Kinz TV shows called The Secret Chef. Gems can be also be mined once a day at the Curio Shop/ /with a full set of gems being turned into the Webkinz Crown of Wonder and buy exclusive items. A similar feature, called Alyssa's Star Hunt, involves users clicking on colored stars to find valuable stars. You can also go to Dr. Quack for a check up on your Webkinz' health.
Other features of Webkinz include:
* The ability for players to create their own shows with the Webkinz Studio, and enter to be chosen to appear on the Webkinz television.
* Buying a swimming pool, where you can have your Webkinz swim around. This increases their health.
* Sending gifts or letters to friends on a peer-to-peer network.
* Invite a friend over to your house, where you can chat and interact with some board games and items.
* Participate in the hourly events, which can earn you prizes, KinzCash, and coupons, among other things.
* Play Wacky Bingoz, a form of Bingo where you get one, two and three ball games every day.
* Brushing your pets teeth, hair, washing paws/feathers/feet, bathing, etc.
* Aside from the Webkinz and Lil' Kinz pets, Ganz also has made other stuffed animals and plush toys that may be used on Webkinz World. These are called W Plus items. All W-Plus items also come with a secret code that may be used in the Code Shop in Webkinz World. These codes unlock items for Webkinz pets, like new room themes, clothing for pets, Kinz cash, and other prizes.
CONCERNS
Over time, concerns have been raised about children's use and overuse of the Webkinz toys. Mnay worry that children will become addicted to the Webkinz games. Other parents say this virtual interaction will only help kids learn. Some parents have voiced concerns about the websites on line chat system. The KinzChat chat system has various safety precautions with restrictions on who can send messages. Additionally, users cannot type, but can choose phrases to say from a list. Concerns have also been raised about the toys being a distraction in schools, causing the toys to be banned in some public schools.
Whatever the case may be, it all goes back to parental supervision and monitoring your childs' online activity. Whether you think Webkinz are a great learning tool or a misuse of online play time, Webkinz are here to stay. Think back to the crazy days of Ty's Beanie Babies ... who could forget the stuffed animals that were the best selling plush toy for years and years!! You decide ... is Webkinz stuffed animals a benefit or a detriment?
Unfortunately in our Ebay store, Stuffed Plush Animals, we do not sell Webkinz or Webkinz accessories, but we do offer a huge variety of premium quality plush stuffed animals and toys. Stop by and see us sometime! We hope you enjoyed this learning lesson on Webkinz!
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