OT-What is a webkinz

[punkin]

How much does it cost and where do I buy one?

My niece wants a cat webkinz and I am clueless since my DD8 is a tomboy only interested in Hockey and Avatar right now. Any ideas.

 

[allison443]

Webkinz are stuffed animals that come with a tag containing an access code for the website webkinz.com. The child registers the animal at the website, then they can play games to earn points and use the points to buy a house, toys, food, clothes, etc. for their webkinz. The access to the website is free for one year beginning when you register.
The webkinz come in two sizes, small, around $8 and larger were I think $12.
The problem is that webkinz have become very difficult to find as they have gotten very popular. Of course they are available on Ebay for much more. Maybe it is different in your area.
Good luck!

 

[allison443]

Just wanted to add that if you go to webkinz.com on the first page there is a store locator, so you could check on availability. Hope this helps.

 

[punkin]

Thank you. Now I understand why Auntie was given the unenviable task of finding one of these things. Grrr. I guess I have to get on the phone and start calling local stores.

 

[java]

Good luck and your best chance will be hitting a store just right- think card stores, and pharmacies.
Just to let you know how hard they are to come by- they are suppose to "expire" in one year(you have to pay a fee to continue to play online after that) Well they have waived that "expiration" until the supply catches up with demand.

 

[ckoncurat]

My daughters 6, 8 and 10 are CRAZY for webkinz right now- its defintely the hot thing of the moment. They sell them in hallmark stores, card shops, other places that sell "collectibles". Check the website for locations. The website is actually really cute and fun. The kids can name the webkinz, make a home for them "buy" things for them. etc.

 

[littleelvis]

PS if you go to the webkinz.com they have a store locator, it might save you some time finding them.

 

[mamalle]

none here right now. Im told by the owner of my local hallmark store that there are not any in the county right now- try back in mid May. I noticed on the front page while dd was on tonight regarding the lack of animals being sold right now. I did have to buy the Pug off ebay for ds since we had promised him one since Valentines day. didnt realize there was such a craze over these things.

 

[ceecee]

We have been checking for weeks and they are all sold out everywhere, apparently there is a strike of some sort which is preventing the stores from getting their shipments. I was told mid to late May as well. Once place had a few and they raised the price to $14.99 (it was $10.99) supply and demand...we passed. DD has 8 so far so she has plenty to play with. I have to admit they are fun, designing their houses, etc.

 

[Parksfamily5]

I think that the whole webkinz craze exceeded Ganz expectations. I think by the end of May and the beginning of June things should be back to normal. Ganz did just raise the wholesale price so you will probably notice a 1-2$ increase. I own a children's boutique and we sell them. I must get a dozen calls per day wanting to know if we have them. Ganz is changing the way that they sell them to their customers. They are going to start a rewards system. Based on how much money you spend per year on other Ganz items will determine which tier you are on and this will determine how many Webkinz you will be allowed to buy. They haven't released the tier amounts to us yet. I had to laugh because someone sold a "presale" for the Clydesdale on Ebay
(which hasn't even been shipped out to any stores yet ) for 157.00! That is Crazy considering that when they do ship they will be out in full supply.

 

[ceecee]

They are going to limit how many you can buy??? That seems a little extreme. The only Ganz things we have ever bought were the Webkinz. Ty is also coming out with a similar toy (Shining Star?? I don't remember for certain) and Russ or another company is also planning something.

 

[Parksfamily5]

Hello. Sorry, I should have explained that better. That pertains to the stores getting them from Ganz, not the customers getting them from the stores. Sorry about that. Basically, if you want to sell Webkinz than you better be selling their other products in your store also.

 

[crisrn2003]

The website is very child friendly for anyone who isn't familiar with it. There is "chatting" but it's predetermined phrases only that they may choose from. You buy your webkinz animal from the store (we've got several from our Hallmark Store's in KY and AL.) It comes with a code on the inside of the tag that's attached to the animal. You then go to the website, enter your information so that you may officially "adopt" your pet. The child can choose the name and gender of the pet. Then there are games and activities they can play either solo or against other children on the website in order to earn "kinzcash" which they use to buy furniture, toys, clothes, and food to feed their new pet. They are encouraged to put the pet to bed before logging off. And they have to feed the pet and make they happy by playing with them. It sounds time consuming, but it's really not. My daughter with play with hers alot then go periods of time when she doesn't. Her animals don't die or anything like that. She just has to play when she gets back. There are trivia questions for a variety of topics such as math, science, arts, etc. which makes me feel better about letting my child play---at least I feel like she's doing something "somewhat" educational. She also enjoys playing with the actual stuffed animal.
We've also given them as gifts, but I make sure to tell the moms or dads not to lose the tag in all the shuffle as that number thats on the inside is all you have to register the animal. The kids she's given them to have been very excited and seem to enjoy them. We usually give one and a little something I pick up for not much money at the Disney Store--it's a great combo!
And I'm embarrased to say, I play on her site too. She's always excited when I do because then she has even more kinzcash she can use to 'buy' stuff.
Anymore questions, just let us know....

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

My 7 y/o has been begging for one. We were in NYC last week at the big TRU and she said she would rather wait than pick something from TRU. Well I was so impressed with her patience that I found one on Ebay. It was 21.00 shipped so not too bad, but she loves it. Of course now the other 2, who wanted something in TRU last week want one too. I told them keep saving

 

[Benducci]

I cannot find them right now. Bought one for each of my older daughters for their birthday in January - now it is my younger one's birthday & I cannot get it! Ugh! Tried the Shining Star one but not as nice as Webkinz. I like to log in & play also. Helps them get webkinz cash.

Good luck finding one!

 

[daisyduck123]

I noticed you're in Maryland too....

When we were in Annapolis Mall over Easter break, one of the Hallmark stores there had a ton of them.

 

[StephMK]

That's why I love this board! DS's classmate mentioned this as one of her interests when I asked, never heard of them. Now I know to be prepared as I'm sure DD7 will find them eventually. Luckily, she just likes LPS & doesn't know about collecting those either. Thanks for the heads up - they sound like fun!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just to chime in -- I went to the gift shop of a hospital and children's hospital, and found them there. The regular hospital only had one or two types, the children's hospital had about 10...I don't know if they have any priority in receiving items, but it might be worth a phone call. Neither hospital was listed in the store locator, I just got lucky.

 

[Jenn Fest]

i play with my dd6 - we've been doin' this for about a week - i am lucky we have an outta the way store that still has 'em - i bought a unicorn, a cow, a bunny and a chihuahua - my best friend bought 2 different dogs, a green hairy frog and a unicorn....
they put our names on a list with which animal we want and said they call us and give us 1st dibbs when they got a shipment so we are waiting for the hippo and the clydesdale - they got a shipment last week, but what we're waiting for should be around may or june - they still have some on the shelves here...
good luck

 

[Parksfamily5]

Glad to know I am not the only adult that gets on my daughters and plays some of the games