Webkinz are cute and cuddly plush toys that can be found at a number of stores around the World. Further, they provide a way for children to interact with them online in an educational and safe way.
In this article, I will introduce Webkinz. I will also discuss Webkinz.com and all of the activities it has to offer. Further, I will include a step-by-step guide to getting started at Webkinz.com.
When looking at a Webkinz toy in the store, it may appear to be a stuffed animal and nothing more. However, Webkinz has something to offer that no other plush toy does: the opportunity for children to witness their toy come to life. After purchasing a Webkinz toy, the child can visit Webkinz.com and thereby enter Webkinz World. This is done in several simple and easy-to-understand steps. Once the child is at Webkinz.com, they must click on the ?new member? button located in the middle of the screen. Afterwards, a friendly character by the name of Ms. Birdy guides the child through the process of adopting their Webkinz toy. Once the child has chosen to create a new account with Webkinz.com, some information about the child is asked. This includes:
- The child?s first name
- The gender of the child
- The location of the child (country and state only)
- The child?s date of birth
(If the child is under 9 years of age, the parent may have to help with the initial signing up process). Once this information is entered into the computer, the child must choose a username. (The username should NOT be the child?s actual first name OR the secret code that comes with the Webkinz toy). A password must also be chosen. Finally, the secret code that came with the child?s Webkinz toy must be entered and the child picks a name for their pet. The child also chooses weather their pet is a boy or a girl. At the end of the adoption process, the child may also choose to print an adoption certificate for their pet. From the time of adoption, the child is allowed one year of play in Webkinz World. (additional time option after one year).
Once the child is a member on Webkinz.com, all they have to do to re-visit is enter their username and password. In Webkinz World, the child has an endless number of things to become involved in. They are initially given 2000 in KinzCash and a room for their pet. The child can earn additional KinzCash by:
- Participating in trivia games
- Playing in the arcade
Further, the child is responsible for taking care of their pet. The pet has three meters that determine how good it feels. These meters are ?Health?, ?Hunger?, and ?Happiness?. In order for the child to keep their pet content, they must provide food, clothing and furniture to the pet. They do this by earning KinzCash. The child can shop for the furniture, food and clothes that they like best and save money for more expensive items that they want. Even better, the child can interact with other kids on the net. Their pet can invite other pets to see their room, challenge other pets in the arena, and even talk with other pets. Talking with other pets is done in the clubhouse. The clubhouse has two different areas that the children can use to interact:
- KinzChat
- KinzChat PLUS
Kinzchat uses pre-constructed sentences that the child can choose from in order to talk with friends. KinzChat PLUS allows the child to make up conversations on their own. In order for children to access KinzChat PLUS, the parent of that child must approve (this is done by sending an email to the parent). The child is also restricted from using numbers, most common names, place names, and a variety of inappropriate words while using KinzChat PLUS. If the child attempts to use a word that is restricted, the word will turn red and the message will not be sent. There are also several other areas in Webkinz World, both for children and their parents. These include:
- A ?bulletinz? area used to post issues to both members and parents.
- A customer support area used to discuss and solve possible technical problems.
- A parent area that has even more answers to frequently asked questions and technical problems. This area also discusses the clubhouse as well as ways to manage the child?s time online.
- A store locator that can be used to find the nearest Webkinz carrying store near you. Simply type in your country, state, and town and a list of Webkinz carrying stores will appear on the screen.
- A Webkinz catalog that shows every available Webkinz toy.
- A tour of Webkinz World for any curious child or parent.
There are a variety of Webkinz pets to choose from. These include:
- St. Bernard
- Platypus
- Lion
- Polar bear
- Leopard
- Hippo
- Tree frog
- Yorkie
- Chihuahua
- Pug dog
- Golden retriever
- Panda bear
- Horse
- Monkey
- Pig
- White terrier
- Pink poodle
- Elephant
- Rabbit
As well as (believe it or not) many others. Webkinz World, on top of everything else, has daily activities, weekly contests and tons of surprises.
To conclude, Webkinz has a lot to offer any child. The child enjoys the fun of interacting with other Webkinz pets and pampering their pet with food, furniture and clothes. At the same time the child is also learning about responsibility by having to keep their pet content. Further, the child will learn many interesting facts while playing the trivia games used to earn KinzCash. The KinzCash helps the child, too, by teaching the important skill of budgeting money. This interactive program is fun, educational, and safe all around, keeping the child entertained and teaching the child at the same time.
