Webkinz are stuffed animals originally released by the Ganz gift company in 2005. The toys are similar to many other small soft toys, however they come with a special code on their labels that allows access to the “Webkinz World” website. Here the player can “adopt” a virtual version of the pet. After adopting, the player is given basic items such as a room, a welcome balloon, a food item, a piece of furniture and 2500 in “Kinzcash”. Kinzcash is the virtual currency of the game. Each pet has levels of happiness, health, and hunger that vary as time is spent with the Webkinz. The stats can be increased by feeding, playing, exercising and bathing the pet. Many of these activities require Kinzcash. Earning Kinzcash involves playing multiple minigames, including quizzes and arcade games. The game requires a lot of reading, we therefore recommend Webkinz for players ages 10 and up or with parent help for the younger ones.
