I have seen recently that there is alot of hype over the Webkinz Charms. YES, they are sold out in stores. NO, retailers are not getting in their orders. Does this mean that any of them have been retired? NO! Do not believe the hype. Sellers are doing this so you feel a panic and the need to buy now. After all, the charm forest is a really cool place to visit to get bonuses and unlock cool prizes.

What has Ganz concerned is the fact that there may be high levels of lead used in the paint on the charms. As a responsible manufacturer and putting our children's safety first- they are not sending them out to retailers until they are certain they don't pose a risk. They have not retired any of the charms (based on their own website and the additional information obtained inside Webkinz World).

Ganz had sent this to a customer recently when asked about the lead levels:
"The Consumer Products Safety Commission's proposed rules for lead content in children's jewelry establishes a maximum of 0.06%. Webkinz metal products may contain lead, but in amounts less than 0.06%. Lead is known to be harmful to human health. Avoid swallowing Webkinz metal products. Any ingestion of a Webkinz metal product should be reported to a physician with this information about its lead content." (from chiclit dot deviantart dot com)

So, don't fret. They will be back when they are certain they are safe for our kids.
If they test to have high levels of lead, you will see the recall all over the news like previous recalls. In the mean time, make sure you kids don't put them in their mouth. You can also go to the local home improvement store for lead testing kits. Everyone I have heard that has done this has not found any lead in the charms...but it's always best to be on the safe side.
I hope this tidbit of information is helpful, Have a blessed day!
Pattie Everett
Ecommerce Manager
America's Thrift Store

UPDATE: 8-19-08

The Webkinz Charms are still not retired, however they have not been shipped to retailers. Ganz came up with a solution by offering codes only on their brand new eStore. Just check out the link on Webkinz dot com. You can get up to 4 different charm codes every Saturday, but make sure you are there as the sale is only on "Surprise Saturday". Now, the only reason to spend $300 on charms is because you really, really want the charm. If you only want the codes... but direct from Ganz!