Webkinz: The Next Big Thing

Kids always seem to discover the latest trends before adults do, and right now, the buzz is all about Webkinz. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you’re not alone. These plush toys, while not especially cute or groundbreaking in appearance, are causing a frenzy among children. The secret to their success? A special connection to the digital world, offering something beyond a simple stuffed animal.

What Are Webkinz?

Webkinz are plush animals made by Ganz, and they come in a wide range of characters—from pandas and ponies to unicorns, dogs, and even monkeys (a particular favorite of many kids, including my daughter). Although they retail for a reasonable price of around $14-$15, finding them in stores is becoming quite a challenge due to their soaring popularity. But what makes them so special? It’s all about the ‘secret code’ that each Webkinz carries on its collar.

This code grants the owner a free one-year membership to Webkinz World, a digital playground designed just for kids. In Webkinz World, the plush toy comes to life as a virtual version of itself. Children can play games, enter contests, and even engage in a safe, moderated social networking experience. But how does Webkinz World stack up against other online platforms, and is this the next big thing in children’s entertainment?

Welcome to Webkinz World

Webkinz World offers a completely safe, interactive experience for children. Once the secret code is activated, kids can explore a vast online world where they can take care of their virtual pet, play games, and participate in educational activities. What makes this platform stand out from others is its unique combination of physical and virtual interaction. While Facebook and MySpace dominate social networking for older audiences, Webkinz World is designed with kids’ safety in mind. Communication is limited to pre-set phrases, ensuring that interactions are always appropriate and secure.

In many ways, Webkinz World reminds parents of earlier fads like Tamagotchi and Furby. These toys also used basic forms of artificial intelligence to simulate living pets, and just like those, Webkinz has captivated kids to the point where some even believe their virtual pet is “alive.” This blending of reality and digital fantasy raises the question: is it healthy for children to become so attached to virtual creatures?

Is Webkinz Like Having a Real Pet?

One of the most significant benefits of Webkinz is that, unlike real pets, they require very little actual care. There’s no fur to clean, no barking or meowing, no need to take them for a walk or worry about finding a pet sitter when you’re on vacation. They stay “alive” for as long as your child wants them to! This makes Webkinz an attractive option for parents who want to give their child the experience of having a pet without the long-term responsibilities that come with it.

However, it’s not all fun and games. There are some drawbacks to the Webkinz craze that parents should consider.

Advantages of Webkinz

• Safe Environment: Webkinz World is designed to be kid-friendly, with no violence or inappropriate content. The controlled, secure interaction ensures a worry-free experience for parents.
• No Real-Life Responsibilities: Since the pets are virtual, there’s no need to clean, feed, or walk them. This makes Webkinz a hassle-free option for both kids and parents.
• Encourages Digital Skills: Webkinz World can help children become more familiar with computers and digital environments in a safe way.

Potential Disadvantages

• Limited Creativity: The software may restrict children’s creativity. Since everything in Webkinz World follows set rules and options, kids might miss out on the opportunity for more imaginative, open-ended play.
• Less Face-to-Face Interaction: As with any online platform, there’s a risk that kids will spend more time in the virtual world than interacting with friends and family in person.
• Commercial Focus: Webkinz is heavily commercialized. After a year of free access, children may want to keep their membership active, which means buying another Webkinz toy. This could lead to ongoing spending as kids seek out more characters and items in the game.

Webkinz and the Fad Cycle

Much like the Tamagotchi and Furby crazes of the past, Webkinz is undoubtedly part of the “fad toy” cycle. These toys come and go, captivating children for a while before something new comes along. However, the digital element of Webkinz adds a layer of longevity that might keep kids engaged for a longer period. But what happens after the first year? If your child’s access to Webkinz World expires, will they lose interest, or will they want more?

Should You Let Your Child Get Into Webkinz?

The question remains: should you let your child dive into the Webkinz trend? While Webkinz offers many benefits, including a safe online environment and the fun of caring for a virtual pet, it’s essential to consider the balance between online and offline activities. Webkinz World can be an entertaining and educational tool, but it should be paired with real-life interactions and activities to ensure a well-rounded experience for your child.

My suggestion? Give Webkinz World a try yourself before letting your child get too involved. Does it fit with your family’s values? If so, it can be a fun addition to your child’s playtime routine, and they may even learn some valuable skills along the way. After all, as my daughter would say, “It’s the next big thing!”