| Many of us remember when we were young and | | | | group. There are daily and weekly contests in |
| what we desired for Christmas. Believe it or not | | | | which they can participate in and there are arcade |
| those same items are making a come back. | | | | games too. |
| Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, and Rainbow | | | | In addition to online gaming they will be able to |
| Brite; but one of the hottest items on the block | | | | communicate with other pet owners about their |
| are Webkinz! | | | | pets. They can even invite other virtual pets over |
| What are Webkinz? They are stuffed animals | | | | so that they all can interact. These activities also |
| that arrive with a code on their tag and they | | | | increase the owners KinzCash. The website is |
| have to be adopted. It is kind of like the Puppy | | | | constantly changing to keep your childs interest |
| Pounds and Beanie Babies combined, except that | | | | and encourages learning in a fun atmosphere. The |
| you have to complete the adoption online. When | | | | website is completely secure and communication |
| your child accesses the website they are | | | | is limited to certain questions and answers. The |
| introduced to a whole new world of computer fun! | | | | child is not able to provide personal information. |
| After the adoption your child is then shown to | | | | These virtual pets and virtual worlds help your |
| their room in the Webkinz World and given their | | | | child to develop some responsibilities. They are |
| KinzCash (virtual money). This money can then be | | | | responsible for the well being of their virtual pets. |
| used to buy needed items for their pet like food, | | | | The pets need to be nurtured and cared for and |
| clothing, furniture, and decorations for the pets | | | | that resposibility is placed on the pet owner. They |
| unique room. This virtual pet then relies on the | | | | will feel a sense of achievement while learning. |
| owner to take care of them. They enjoy | | | | Although the pets will not die, they can become ill |
| interaction; playing, exercising, and feeding the pet | | | | or may need more food. Your child will use their |
| daily will keep them happy and healthy. Owners | | | | KinzCash for this. When their money is low they |
| can easily check on their pet to see if they need | | | | will need to earn more. This teaches them how to |
| food, water, or a little attention. | | | | set goals and manage their money. |
| Once the owner is finished caring for their pet | | | | So if your child has a Webkinz on their list you |
| they can then play games to earn for KinzCash | | | | might consider the request. It is almost like getting |
| to spend on their pets. KinzCash can be won by | | | | two toys for the price of one. They will get the |
| answering educational questions for their age | | | | plush animal and a new virtual online world. |