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About Webkinz

Webkinz are stuffed animal plush toys manufactured and sold by Ganz Inc. When purchased, Webkinz stuffed animals are adopted and given a name by the owner. The toys come with a secret code that enables the adoptive "parent" to create an account and enter the company's Webkinz virtual world website. The Webkinz world provides a variety of activities, including designing a custom room for the pet and playing games against other Webkinz owners.

Basics
- Created in 2005, Webkinz toys, at the time of publication, are available in 68 styles and are distributed through more than 30,000 retailers worldwide. Most Webkinz animals are 8.5 inches long and are based on Lil'Kinz, the company's previous line of stuffed animals. When adopted, Webkinz animals come with the necessary tools for entering the Webkinz World, including a year membership, 2,000 in KinzCash and an online room, which can be customized. Similar to Beanie Babies, Ganz occasionally retires certain Webkinz animals, making them highly sought after as collector's items.
Webkinz World
- When the Webkinz owner first visits the Webkinz World website, she must follow the "New Members" link, where the online character Mrs. Birdy will guide her through the registration process, which includes entering the toy's secret code and creating an account. Once registered, the virtual version of the real-life toy is given a certain level of hunger, happiness and health, which can be enhanced by frequent play with the virtual Webkinz. KinzCash is the virtual currency in the Webkinz World and is earned by playing online games, such as quizzes and arcade games.
The Toy
- To locate a retailer that sells Webkinz toys, follow the "Store Locator" link at the bottom of the Webkinz World website. Each Webkinz stuffed animal, except for the first generation, features a "W" on one of its paws. If you come across a Webkinz that does not have a "W" on its paw, then you know you've found a first-generation toy, which, in the long run, may make it more valuable. The company recommends you do not wash any Webkinz stuffed animal. Rather, you are encouraged to use a small amount of baby shampoo and gently wipe the toy down with a damp cloth.
Miscellaneous
- The Webkinz World website, according to the company, is updated every two weeks, but, because of the enormity of the site, not all aspects are changed during each update. Webkinz World is the brainchild of a team of writers, computer technicians and artists. Ganz Inc. employs more than 500 and is headquartered in Woodbridge, Ontario.

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