What is Webkinz?

[wmackleit]

If someone could explain ... and what age group would this be good for.

Thanks

 

[Schachteles]

Check out http://www.webkinz.com/ but apparently you buy the animal and they come with a code so you can play a game online or something. There was a thread about them a week or so ago. I personally had never seen one before, but ran into them at a store and I thought that they were ugly...but that is just my opinion...other people really think that they are cute!

 

[clori]

basically you get a stuffed animal that comes with a code. You use the code to get 1 year of internet access to the webkinz site. It gives you a virtual pet that you have to use virtual money etc to buy stuff like food/accessories for it. It has games to play to get extra money and all that. If you know someone else with one there is a way to play with two players etc. I think it would be good for 5-9 year olds. I agree that the stuffed animals aren't all that cute but one you enter the code I don't think you actually need to use the stuffed animal. I can tell you more in a few weeks since I got my 6 year old one for the holidays.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I bought each one of my older kids one, ages 5-10, because they really enjoy virtual pet-type things and computer games. I received mine that I ordered and I thought the tiger, alley cat, and pug were really cute, but the Yorkie was kinda ugly, of course everyone's opinion is different.

 

[momm2four]

I'm having problems accessing the website. It keeps telling my kids that they are having problems with their server.

Anyone else having this problem? It's been over a week now.

Lori P.

 

[JerseyGirl84]

Between my 4 kids we have 12 webkinz. It is very popular here and kids in my daughter's 5th grade class love them as well (10 -11 year olds). When you register them, a picture of your pet and it's name appear in your account. You can also print out a birth certificate. You can make movies starring your pet. You feed it and buy it accessories. You also build a house for it and add rooms and furnish the rooms. There are alot of games to play and some are educational (math, typing, etc.), but most are just for fun. You can invite others over to play at your house and you can play interactive games against your friends as well. There is no "chat" function, so it is a very safe site.

I don't think they realized how popular their site would be and had to bring the site down to do numerous upgrades. We had trouble getting in, but it has been fine the last few days.

It's a great gift considering that it's only $10 - $11.

They are not sold in toy stores, but you can find them in Hallmark stores and specialty gift stores.

 

[1of6]

Thank you thank you! DD is going to a birthday party on Sun. and I was at a loss. I think I will track one down tomorrow.

 

[Lovemydog]

Yes, these are a uge hit with my 7 & 10-year old and their friends! Perfect gift for first-fourth grades.

 

[SunKat]

I'm having problems accessing the website. It keeps telling my kids that they are having problems with their server.

Anyone else having this problem? It's been over a week now.

Lori P.

Yes, we've come across this problem several times. My dd was able to get on the site tonight, but a few weeks ago, she was unable to access the site for about a week. Last week, there were problems with the site and she couldn't get on for a day or two. It's very difficult to try and get customer service from Webkinz. I've called and e mailed to no avail. I'm hoping the problem gets fixed because she has more Webkinz on her Christmas list!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Between my 4 kids we have 12 webkinz. It is very popular here and kids in my daughter's 5th grade class love them as well (10 -11 year olds). When you register them, a picture of your pet and it's name appear in your account. You can also print out a birth certificate. You can make movies starring your pet. You feed it and buy it accessories. You also build a house for it and add rooms and furnish the rooms. There are alot of games to play and some are educational (math, typing, etc.), but most are just for fun. You can invite others over to play at your house and you can play interactive games against your friends as well. There is no "chat" function, so it is a very safe site.

I don't think they realized how popular their site would be and had to bring the site down to do numerous upgrades. We had trouble getting in, but it has been fine the last few days.

It's a great gift considering that it's only $10 - $11.

They are not sold in toy stores, but you can find them in Hallmark stores and specialty gift stores.

Hi JerseyGirl84! It must be an NJ thing, since the kids at DS's school here is So. NJ are crazy for these, and we have quite a few who have joined the stuffed zoo at our house. Even all of the boys, at least up to third grade, are relly into them. They even bring them to school to play with at recess. Some of the kids are even into collecting the "rare" ones. Luckily, DS just likes what he can find at the store, and DD is too young to care about the hard-to-find ones.

For those looking for them, Hallmark stores are a great place to find them. There are also "Lil Kinz," which are smaller versions of the animals. They also come with a code for the computer.

Keep in mind, though, that most places will not allow returns, since once a code is used it becomes invalid. The last thing they want is someone buying one, using the code, and then returning it.

 

[mommytomy3]

Hi JerseyGirl84! It must be an NJ thing, since the kids at DS's school here is So. NJ are crazy for these,

LOL..yep, here too in N. Jersey!! very popular!!

 

[disneylovinmom]

We have a small toy store in our town. You know one of those little exclusive type places and I went in to buy my youngest daughter a few things because I'm totally stuck on what to get her. They were trying to sell me one of these things for my oldest daughter and being that I was done for her I passed. After reading this thread I'm going back and buy her one. I think that she'll just love it. I also thought they were pretty cute. Maybe I'll bring her in and let her pick one out. The dog ate her teddy bear and she was so tramatized about it. Of course she's already on to a new toy...lol

Lisa

 

[christinou]

My DD are 9 and 11 and both love them, it is very popular with all of their friends, they send each other presents, and just love playing, buying things for their animals, my older one is right now pet sitting for oneof her friend, who has no interned access at her Dad's house

 

[Taylors6]

We have a very popular, mature 14 year old (8th grader)...big into sports, student council, band AND Orchestra....who has asked for one of these after seeing me checking it out for our 5yr old and 9 yr old.

She has had quite a few friends check out the website also and now there are about 10 of the lovely ladies eagerly awaiting their webkinz on Christmas morning. They can not wait to design their houses! Apparantly they think this is a much cutier way to play the Sims!

I'm sure this wouldn't go for all older ones...has to be that a group of them get in on it, but I think its great because it gives her something in common to participate in with our younger ones! I'm putting hers in her stocking which usually has a cute stuffed animal of some sort anyways.

 

[Pixiedust34]

How much does it usually cost to buy a Webkinz stuffed animal with the code?

 

[pixidust princess]

and i like it almost as much as he does! the website is so cute and lots of fun. he got it as a present from his church school teacher. i plan to buy more for christmas stockings!

 

[MaybeFall]

Is it just me, or does this seem like a reincarnation of the beanie babies. LOL.

 

[DiznEeyore]

The timing of this thread is perfect -- I had never heard of these things 'til my nephew received one (a little lion he immediately named Max) for his 6th birthday last night. He was beyond thrilled, and when I picked my niece up from school today, she went on and on about how she and her brother spent the whole evening online setting up Max's "room" and earning "money" to take care of him. I haven't seen the site myself, but it sounds really cute!

 

[Hedy]

Is it just me, or does this seem like a reincarnation of the beanie babies. LOL.

With both the tweens and the kiddos wanting them? I was thinking the same thing.
It's kind of Beanie Babies meets Neopets.

 

[Hedy]

How much does it usually cost to buy a Webkinz stuffed animal with the code?

generally between $10 and $13.