Webkinz the Interactive Stuffed Toy

If you have not heard of Webkinz, you may be surprised to know that this line of interactive stuffed animals is one of the hottest toys on the market right now, and that kids in elementary and middle school are spending their allowances on these toys, buying them as gifts, and talking in a new language, Webkinz-ese, about the virtual world of Webkinz World website.

It may help to think about previous stuffed animals that had this kind of popularity. The first thing to come to mind will no doubt be Beanie Babies, those cute little critters from the 1990’s that everyone was eager to collect. And Webkinz do resemble Beanie Babies a little in their shape and size, and the fact that Ganz, the maker of Webkinz, has started retiring some pets and no longer selling them at retail.

But think back a little further. Remember Teddy Ruxpin? Teddy was a bear that could read stories to kids. While that is a far cry from the interactivity kids expect today, Teddy Ruxpin could well be considered the precursor to today’s Webkinz toys.

Each Webkinz comes with a secret code that the new owner uses to “adopt” the pet online. Webkinz owners go to the Webkinz World website, enter their secret code, and get an interactive pet on the web site. They also get cool online stuff like a room for the pet, pet clothes, toys, and other virtual stuff.

Webkinz owners can interact with each other, as well as all the pets they own. It’s a social networking site for kids, a la MySpace but with virtual pets and a very tight safety net to protect kids.

Webkinz World is designed specifically with kids in mind, and offers dozens of activities at any given time to keep kids entertained. The Webkinz News encourages reading, quizzes challenge kids in math and logical skills, and in addition to all the learning, there are opportunities to earn Webkinz money and “buy” cool stuff for the pets.

Webkinz World is free to use, for owners of Webkinz pets. The pets are affordable and very cute little stuffed animals, so the price of admission is very reasonable, compared to some monthly sites. Parents can be sure their kids are safe, because Webkinz World has very strict controls to prevent any inappropriate chat or content.

And kids have a great time “taking care” of their pets, and playing on the website with their pets and their friends.

It is easy to see why kids love Webkinz so much, because it combines the two things young kids love the most—playing and stuffed animals. The fact that it does that while also involving the kids in interactive, educational activities like quizzes, reading and playing games, makes it popular with the kids and parents.

It’s not the same as getting outside and playing real games with friends face to face, but it does get kids out of their own heads and into doing something with someone else, and that’s definitely a good thing.