Why Webkinz are so Popluar
Webkinz are one of the hottest toys to come along in a long time, sold my a company called Ganz, which introduced these stuff toys to the market in 2005. Although they may appear to be the same as other stuffed toys on the market today, Webkinz are unique. They come with a tag attached which has a “Secret Code” printed on it. The secret code allows the owner of the Webkinz to access a special website for Webkinz owners called “Webkinz World”. Not only can they access this special website, but the owner then creates a virtual version of their Webkinz.
The Webkinz World website is the driving force behind the success of these cute little stuff toys. After entering the secret code and creating a virtual version of the toy, users can now interact in an online community. Within the community owners can build houses for their webkinz and decorate them, feed their webkinz and also buy clothes for them. The community also contains games and tournaments for it’s users, while the whole “economy” of the community runs on “KinzCash”. In order to earn KinzCash, users have to complete exercises such as trivia and other activities. As they earn the KinzCash, they are able to spend it on fixing up their virtual home as well as buying different attire for their Webkinz.
Webkinz are popular with boy and girls from a young age, all the way up to early teens. As long as a child can read and answer some simple trivia, they will be able to play with Webkinz and enjoy their time online. In recent years, many parents complain about their child spending too much time on the Internet or playing video games that provide little mental stimulation. Like any toy that a child may enjoy playing with, parents are encouraged to take an active part in monitoring a child’s online activities. Although Webkinz are a wholesome and educational concept, it can become an obsession for many children. Parents are encouraged by Ganz to limit the amount of time that children spend on the webkinz website. Even though some children do enjoy playing with Webkinz a little too much, generally they are a great activity for children to be involved in, and much more educational than regular video games. Many of the games and activities within the website help children to learn and test their knowledge on age appropriate trivia. Because of this, Ganz, the company that makes Webkinz has won numerous awards praising the concept.
