Webkinz

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Webkinz are toy stuffed animals that were originally released by the Ganz company on April 29, 2005. The toys are similar to many other small plush toys, however, each Webkinz toy has an attached tag with a unique "Secret Code" printed on it that allows access to the "Webkinz World" website. On Webkinz World, the Secret Code allows the user to own a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction.

There are also smaller, less expensive versions of the toys called Lil Kinz as well as larger, slightly more expensive versions in the Signature collection launched in early 2009. In June 2008, Ganz opened the Webkinz eStore, where users can buy virtual items such as furniture, clothing, charms, and online-only pets. eStore items can only be used in conjunction with an active Webkinz or Webkinz, Jr. account.

Sales of plush Webkinz and Lilkinz are limited to the United States and Canada, however virtual pets can be purchased from the eStore by international residents. Secret Codes issued in conjunction with virtual pets can be used the same way as Secret Codes attached to plush pets.

Kinds of Webkinz

There are many types of Webkinz — some are normal pets, some wild animals, some mythical creatures, and some completely made up. See the List of Webkinz stuffed animals for a complete list of pets.

Gameplay

Each Webkinz stuffed animal and Webkinz accessory comes with an 8-character code. By registering this code on the Webkinz website, the customer "adopts" this pet in the virtual Webkinz World. Without the Secret Code, the user may not get access to the Webkinz world. Accounts expire within one year, unless another Webkinz animal is purchased, and that animal added to the user account.

The Webkinz World is an online play area with its own economy. The user receives money (called KinzCash) by adopting new pets, playing read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webkinz