Webkinz 101 - Everything you need to know about the hottest craze

I recently decided to learn more about Webkinz and figure out why everyone on the planet is talking about them.  I first heard about them at eBay Live and now my children are all abuzz about them.  So after researching them online I figured I can't be the only confused parent trying to get up to speed on these cuddly collectibles.

Parents do you remember the last big craze?  No not the iPhone, I'm talking about the last childrens craze.  Yes I'm talking about Tamagotchi. Or Beanie Babies. Or when we were kids, Cabbage Patch Kids. Put them together and you've got Webkinz, the latest toy craze that's sweeping the country and has some parents concerned that their young children are spending hour upon hour online.

• What are Webkinz?  Webkinz pets are lovable plush pets that each come with their own unique Secret Code. With the code in hand, you and/or your child can enter Webkinz World where you care for your new virtual pet, answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play kids games online.
• What do i do when I get one?  Each stuffed animal comes with a secret code on its tag that allows children to log on to the Webkinz Web site to adopt the animal. So the first thing you will need to do is click on the new member button and login and setup an account with the unique code and adopt your pet.  Then you can custom design a room for your new furry pet. You can play games in the Arcade, or compete against other players in tournaments. You can answer quizzes in Quizzy's Question Corner and enter contests. All of the above things earn you KinzCash, which you can use to shop for your pet in the W Shop.  There you can buy toys, furniture and clothes. There are stories to read and fun daily activities. One of the unique things and the part that keeps children coming back is that Webkinz World is updated frequently.  Ganz is continuously improving it so it constantly gets bigger and better.
• How do i get started?  You can access Webkinz World after you purchase your pet.
• Is Webkinz World free?  The first year of access to the site is included in the price of your Webkinz pet.
• How many Webkinz are there?  This is a tough one to answer.  Ganz routinely retires them and releases new ones.  Currently under the Webkinz collection there are 51 and under the Lil'Kinz collection there are 29.
• What are Lil'Kinz?  Lil'Kinz are a smaller version of Webkinz. And like the Webkinz, these Lil' Kinz wear tags with a secret code that can only be read after purchase. This code is the password into the same Webkinz World that I mentioned above.
• Where do i buy them?  Where ever you can find them.  Typically pharmacies and Hallmark stores carry them.  eBay is another great source and is the best place to find rare and retired Webkinz.  Below I've listed some links to help you find Webkinz on eBay.
• Are they washable?  Ah the question any parent of a boy asks..  Direct from Ganz:  No, your Webkinz Plush pet should not be washed in a washing machine. If they are looking a little scruffy, and a bit of a wash seems like a good idea, please wipe it with a damp cloth with a little, teensy-tiny bit of baby shampoo. Next, wipe it again with a damp cloth, this time with no soap.
• Whats the story with Retired Pets?  When a pet is retired, it means that they are longer being made.  However, if you can find one it can still be adopted.  Also if you've already adopted one that is retired you can continue play with it.
• What are the names of the retired pets?  The Webkinz pets that I found to be retired (i'm sure there's more) are Cheeky Dog, Cheeky Cat, Unicorn, and Grey and White Cat.  If you can find them in a store I suggest you grab them, if not you can find them here: Cheeky Dog, Webkinz Cheeky Cat, Webkinz Unicorn and Webkinz Grey and White Cat.

So now that you are armed with all this new knowledge its time you find your new Webkinz or Lil'Kinz pet.

Here's a list with links to find these hard to find items on eBay with getitnext.com:

• Webkinz Pegasus
• Webkinz Horse
• Webkinz St. Bernard
• Webkinz Gold & White Cat
• Webkinz Basset Hound
• Webkinz Black Lab
• Webkinz Polar Bear

• Lil Kinz Black Bear
• Lil Kinz Hippo
• Lil Kinz Basset Hound
• Lil Kinz St. Bernard

Here's so more useful Webkinz collectibles blog information.

Matt
getitnext.com

Comments

[sierra]

Very useful, excellent information..

[Janet]

Very useful info for this grandparent to know! :o)

[Shel]

Ganz tells you not to wash Webkinz, but anybody with a little boy with the all white Webkinz plush animals like the Seal or Google knows they can get pretty grungy looking. I put my son's into a lingerie bag and washed it on the delicate cycle. I just used regular Tide with a splash of stain remover and it came out looking like brand new. I let it air dry overnight and by morning my Son had a nice clean friend :). (quick tip: don't put it in the dryer some parts have plastic pellets inside)
I hope that is helpful :)