Chris Simpson asked:


Webkinz are stuffed animals originally released by the Ganz gift company in 2005. The toys are similar to many other small soft toys, however they come with a special code on their labels that allows access to the “Webkinz World” website to “adopt” a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction.

When a user adopts their first Webkinz pet, they are given basic items such as a room, a welcome balloon, a food item, a piece of furniture for their pet, and 2000 in Kinzcash. Kinzcash is the Webkinz World version of currency. Each pet has levels of happiness, health, and hunger that decrease as time is spent with that Webkinz. They can be increased by feeding, playing with, exercising, and bathing the pet.

The online game is free to use for one year after the purchase of the first toy, then a user must enter a new code from another pet. There is a grace period of 30 days during which users can still access their accounts after which their account will be deactivated. Their pets, Kinzcash, and other items will be kept intact for a minimum of 30 days after the account has been deactivated. If the user does not re-enter the code within that period, the account will be deleted unless renewed.

In summer 2007 Ganz introduced sets of Webkinz trading cards and charms to add to the gameplay. Much like the toy line, the trading cards and charms codes that allow access to additional content on the website. The codes that are supplied with the charms allow access to the site’s “Charm Forest”. Ganz released other Webkinz-themed accessories in Fall 2007, such as clothing which includes website codes.

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Chris Simpson asked:


Webkinz are one of the most popular toys around right now. Chances are that if you have a child aged between 5 and 13 they’ve already been asking you to get them one. It can be difficult to know where to buy Webkinz with so many different websites offering Webkinz for sale.

If you don’t know what a Webkinz is then it is a plush toy animal made by the Ganz Company. The different between Webinz and other soft toys is that Webkinz come with a secret code that allows you to “adopt” a virtual version of your toy at the “Webkinz World” website.

Children will enjoy the rich, educational, interactive experience that Webkinz World offers them. They can take care of their pet to help develop their sense of responsibility and also earn “Kinzcash” to spend on many different items for their Webkinz by playing a whole range of educational arcade and trivia games.

It isn’t just children that Webkinz are popular with, however. Some of the first Webkinz that were released have completely sold out and have been replaced with new ones. These original Webkinz can be very rare and as such are now considered a collector’s item. In the past some of the rarer retired Webkinz have been sold for over $1,000.

Since Webkinz are popular with both children and collectors a huge market has developed for buying and selling them. Every day the popular auction site eBay is full of Webkinz for sale and it can be a great place to get hold of one.

Before leaping right in and buying the first Webkinz you see on eBay you should take care to make sure that you only purchase a genuine toy. There have been reports of fakes being sold on the Internet so you need to be sure that you aren’t getting ripped off. One of the best ways to ensure that you only buy off reputable sellers is to examine the feedback that other buyers have left about them.

You should never buy a Webkinz that does not come with a valid secret code. This code is needed to access Webkinz World website. If the auction description does not make this clear to you then you could ask the seller a question to make sure before bidding.

Some sellers will also offer a money back guarantee if you are not happy for with purchase for any reason so this is something you should also check. Always pay for your purchase using either PayPal or a credit card wherever possible to protect your purchase as much as possible.

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Chris Simpson asked:

Are you a parent who is interested in letting your child have a Webkinz virtual pet? If you are, you may be curious as to how they can get started. You may also be wondering how the online adoption process works. If you are, please continue reading on.

To get your child set up on the Webkinz website, which is where they will be able to adopt a virtual pet, you first need to purchase your child a Webkins plush toy. Unfortunately, your child cannot access the website without one. Why? Because these plush animals have secret Webkinz codes that come attached to the tags. If you purchase a plush animal without a secret code, take it back to the retailer, as it will be their responsibly to provide you with a valid code. Do not lose this code, as you often cannot get it back again.

In keeping with buying Webkins plush pets for your child, you will want to be cautious of those that are being sold as used. They are cheap and easy to find online, but they may prevent your child from adopting an online pet. The Webkinz secret codes can only be used one time and one time only.

To get the online adoption process started, an account will need to be created. You may want to help your child with this part. A user name and password will need to be created. Make sure that they are unique, yet easy to remember. It may be a good idea to write all of the information down and keep it in a safe place. It is also important that you save the Webkinz secret code. If there is a problem, like if your child forgets their username or if they want to change their password, the secret code provided will be needed again.

What is nice about the Webkinz.com website is that your child can adopt more than one pet. In fact, you will find that a large number of pets can be adopted. The Ganz company, however, recommends that you have no more than 100 Webkins virtual pets on one account. If you or your child wants to have more pets than 100, a new account should be created. Please remember though that it can be difficult and time consuming to care for a large number of virtual pets at the same time. As previously stated, each Webkinz secret code can only be used once. If you and you child want to adopt more pets, additional plush animals must be purchased to get more codes.

Once the adoption process has been completed and your child has named their virtual pet and decided on a gender, they will see a total of 2000 in KinzCash in their account. They will also receive a special Webkinz Guide. This guide should be looked over, as it will help them understand the process of owning and caring for their virtual pet. Additional ways that KinzCash can be earned, like by playing games online, will also be covered.

The Webkinz secret code will expire after one year. There will be a two-week grace period where the account can still be used. After that, account access will no longer be granted. All users still have thirty days to purchase new secret codes before they lose their current account settings, which may include a large amount of accumulated KinzCash.

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Chris Simpson asked:

Are you the parent of a child who would like to have a Webkinz pet? If you are, you may be looking for more information. At first glance, the Webkinz animals look just like traditional stuffed animals and plush toys, but they are much more than that. Your child’s plush animal comes with a tag that has a secret code. This code can unlock a virtual world where they are able to adopt an online version of their plush pet and care for it.

As neat as the Webkinz pets sounds, you may be concerned. After all, the internet can be easy to get addicted to. Unfortunately, many parents make the mistake of assuming that internet addiction is only a problem that adults face, but it isn’t. Children, even those young in age, have the ability to get addicted to the internet. That is just one of the many reasons why you should limit your child’s time on the Webkinz website.

Another one of the reasons why you should limit your child’s time on the Webkinz website is because you don’t want it to end up running your child’s life. This is similar to developing an internet addiction. What is nice about the Webkinz pets, namely their virtual world online, is that your child can play games and take quizzes to earn “cash.” This “cash,” allows them to take care of their adopted online pet. They can buy furniture, medicine, food, and other accessories. This setup sounds neat, but it also leads many children to spend as much time online they possible can. Make sure that your child’s home life and schoolwork comes first.

Another one of the reasons why you should limit your child’s time on the Webkinz website is so that they don’t get bored too quickly and too easily. As previously stated, your child gets to adopt and name a virtual version of their plush animal. The constant playing of games on the website and the taking of quizzes can make the game seem boring really easily. The Webkinz website is actually really neat. It teaches your child the importance of goal setting, responsibility, and money management. This is a lesson that your child can and should learn; therefore, you will want to them to use the Webkinz website, but in the proper way.

Now that you know a few reasons why you should take steps to limit your child’s time on the Webkinz website, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. One of the best approaches to take is to create a set schedule for your child. For example, you can let them use the website for a half hour three days a week. This is one of the easiest and safest ways to keep your child from developing an online internet addiction.

As it was previously stated, you not only want to keep your child from getting addicted to the internet, but you also want to prevent the virtual world from overrunning their life. For that reason, you can let your child use the Webkinz website as a reward. For example, once they finish their homework, eat all of their dinner, or do all of their chores, you can let them gain access to the website. If the night was already a scheduled night to use it, consider giving your child an additional five or ten minutes if they had a good day.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you should limit your child’s use of the Webkinz website, as well as a number of easy ways to do so. As a parent, you should know that Webkinz pets are good for your child, as they can teach them about money management and reasonability. With that said, the website should only be used in moderation, as you don’t want your child to take the virtual word too seriously, as there are a number of dangers when that happens.

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Chris Simpson asked:

Are you the parent of a child who loves plush toys and who loves using the internet to play fun, safe games? If you are, you may want to consider buying Webkinz pets for your child.

As nice as it is to hear that Webkinz pets are neat and great for children, you may be looking for more information. You may be curious as to why you should buy them for your child. For your convenience, five reasons why you should buy Webkinz pets for your child are outlined below.

Before focusing on reasons why you should buy Webkinz pets for your child, it is first important to know what they are. Webkinz pets are plush animals that come in a number of different styles, including pandas and lions. Attached to the plush animals are tags. On one of those tags will be a Webkinz secret code. This code can be used on the website and your child can adopt a virtual version on their plush pet. They can then take care of their pet, by earning KinzCash, through the playing of games, to pay for food, medicine, and other accessories.

As for why you should buy Webkinz pets for your child, please continue reading on.

1 – They Are Affordably Priced

Typically, you fill find that a Webkinz plush pet has a price tag of around $15 or less. In all honesty, the price that you pay will depend on where you make the purchase from. Each secret code lasts for one year and then another will have to be purchased. Even so, this is a good deal. Most electronic toys nowadays are high priced, with a price tag of $30 or more and that doesn’t even include the cost of additional books or cartridges.

2 – Two Toys for the Price of One

In keeping with cost, it is important to remember that you are essentially getting two toys for the price of one. This is pretty neat when you stop and think about it. In addition to getting a stuffed, plush animal, your child also gains access to a fun, yet safe virtual world. As it was previously stated, most Webkinz plush pets sell for around $15, with the secret code. Once you examine all that your child gets to do on the Webkinz website, you may be surprised just how cheap and affordable it all is.

3 – Ideal for Children of All Ages

As it was previously stated, when you purchase a Webkinz pet, you get a plush toy and a secret Webkinz code that can be used online. According to the Webkinz website, their site is designed for children aged six and up. This means that a large number of children can have fun, safely on the website. With that said, the secret code does not actually have to be used. If you have a young child, like a toddler or a preschooler, they may just want to have the cute plush animal.

4 – The Online, Virtual World Is Fun

As highlighted above, your child can earn KinzCash, which can be used to help take care of their pet. For many adults, earning cash is work, but for children it can be loads of fun. There are a number of different ways that your child can earn “cash” to pay for their adopted pet’s care. These ways are all fun. Your child can play games, perform “jobs” and take quizzes. As a parent, you may actually be surprised how much fun it is for your child to do all of these things.

5 – Webkinz Pets Can Teach Responsibility

Although Webkinz virtual pets will not die, they can become sick or they may need more food. Your child will need to use their KinzCash to purchase these items for their pet. When their money starts to run low, they will need to earn more. This is a great lesson to teach your child. Webkinz pets and the website will help to teach your child about goal setting, responsibilities, and money management.

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