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The Webkinz phenomenon is producing positive feedback from children and parents alike! These plush toy pets are affordable, offer a variety of associated online activities at no additional cost and have educational benefits to boot!

Webkinz, produced by the Ganz gift company, are marketed similarly to Beanie Babies. And speaking of the Beanie Babies this is an equal if not greater craze never seen before or since until Webkinz! However, Webkinz targeted age group is 6 - 13 years of age in contrast to the Beanie Babies that appealed to more of an adult market.

The marketing strategy is modern and smart. The purchase of one toy earns you a one year membership to the Webkinz World website. Nevertheless, a majority of sales are repeat customers. Children are collecting numerous webkinz.

Webkinz animals are available in a two different sizes. Lil'Kinz which are about two thirds the size of their sister product the full size Webkinz. Lil'Kinz are a little less expensive, approx. $11 as compared to approx. $15. Also, Webkinz are available in domestic animals, wild animals and pretend animals alike. There are a number of special issue Webkinz which are retired after a short release and can be sold for a large profit providing the tag is intact.

Your experience begins with the purchase of a webkinz stuffed animal of choice for approximately $11.99 through $15.99. Each pet has a unique identity in it's name given by the owner. When you register your pet on the site it receives an online room, food, starter furniture, and starter cash. You can earn cash by playing online games and then purchase clothing for your pet and items to decorate its house. You can also send gifts to other Webkinz World members.

The genius in this strategy is that it gives younger children access to the internet on a safe fun site. This toy peaks the interest of children and parents alike being that we are living in an internet culture. It provides a gateway to the internet for a child which is a hugely significant part of the adult culture.

There are various educational benefits to taking care of your virtual pet online. The concept of care taking maintenance is exercised in that the child feeds, bathes and plays with their pet in order to increase it's happiness. The child also must learn to prioritize "spending" and earn the "cash" needed to purchase items for their pet. Socially, the child can interact with their friends using Clubhouse Chat where they can instant message other webkinz members using a highly restrictive content instant messaging.

Finally, the games are educationally geared appealing to logic and problem solving skills. A feature game titled Quizzie's Question Corner allows a child to pick from standard school subjects and answer trivia questions in order to earn Kinz cash!

Webkinz Pets are a smart, fun and apparently highly appealing! They take traditional play into the computer age in an affordable package. The associated website is rich with educational activities for children and the traditional stuffed animal is huggable and portable!