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 online play for a limited time. To maintain long-term access to an account, the user must continue to purchase additional stuffed toys.
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 Lil'kinz 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.
GameplayEach 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 online games, answering general knowledge questions, and through daily activities like clicking "I love my Webkinz!", spinning the Wheel of WOW, playing Wishing Well 2, or completing jobs (minigames) available once every 8 hours. Each day, there is a Game of the Day which can be played for bonus KinzCash, and other bonuses are available each hour, full days on weekends and afternoons only on weekdays. With each Webkinz toy purchased, more money, rooms, and items are added to the user's account.
Users can spend their KinzCash at what is called the W Shop, where they can purchase food and clothing for their pet, items for their pet's room or to build additional rooms onto their house, or outdoors areas etc. Users can decorate a room for their pet with pre-made themes, or mix and match their own furniture.
The online world also contains many rare or exclusive items. Some of these items require developing a friendship with the Curio Shop owner to purchase, while others are obtained by registering other Webkinz accessories purchased in the real world. Each type of pet gets a special food available exclusively for them. Also, a Pet of the Month is announced at the beginning of each month. If a person registers the announced pet in that month, they will receive other exclusive items.
Many of the tasks in Webkinz World involve collecting items. For example, recipes are released for the players through cookbooks or one of the TV Shows called The Secret Chef. "Gems" can be mined once a day at the Curio Shop, with a full set of gems being turned into the Webkinz Crown of Wonder and buy exclusive items. A similar feature, called Alyssa's Star Hunt, involves users clicking on colored stars to find valuable stars. Customers can also go to Dr. Quack for a check up on their Webkinz' health.
Other features of Webkinz include:
* The ability to create shows with the Webkinz Studio, and enter to be chosen to appear on the Webkinz television.
* Buying a swimming pool, where Webkinz can swim around to improve their health.
* Sending gifts or letters to friends on a peer-to-peer network.
* Invite a friend over to your house, where you can chat and interact with some board games and items.
* Participate in the hourly events, which can earn you prizes, KinzCash, and coupons, among other things.
* Play Wacky Bingoz, a form of Bingo where you get one, two, and three ball games every day.
* Brushing your pets teeth, hair, washing paws/feathers/feet etc, bathing.
