Hobbies And Interests
Types of Birds
Webkins birds are attractive and colorful stuffed toy birds in sizes ranging from about 4 inches to as large as 9 inches. They represent many real bird varieties, such as turkeys, chickens, parakeets, swans, owls and more.
Price
Webkins generally retail for less than $10, although a few are in the $15 range. Some exceptional birds, like the bald eagle, are priced at $50. Webkins are expected to be collectibles; some have already been discontinued. If demand rises for a particular bird, a collector may be willing to pay more than the retail price to complete his collection. The toys can be purchased from retailers and from online outlets.
Interactive Website
In addition to being an appealing toy for children, Webkinz birds come with a specially marked tag that contains a secret code that allows the bird to be registered on the website by name and formally adopted by the owner. The toy, in virtual form, has a virtual online room, a spending allowance for accessories and furnishings and access to entertaining games and contests. Winning more of the virtual money is one of the motivations for continued involvement by the child.
Outside Purchases
On Internet auction sites, vendors offer accessory items for Webkinz pets. The purchaser receives only a secret coded certificate to unlock the item on the Webkinz World. If the item is a bed, for example, it is a virtual bed for the owner's virtual toy. One auction site offered a Birds Nest Bed for $14.50. The buyer registers the certificate online and the toy is entitled to use the bed online only.
Levels of Pleasure
Reviews of the Webkinz birds and other animals posted by Internet retailers indicate that children are completely satisfied with the stuffed toys because of their appealing colors and shapes. On another level, children may be enchanted with the virtual version of this toy.
Parental Participation
Parental involvement is required for use of the Webkinz World website. Children younger than 18 are not allowed to purchase from the catalog or catalog stores, and only parents can register for the use of the website. Interactive activities --- such as contests, games and chat rooms --- operate only with parental approval and strictly limit the kinds of personal communication transmitted online. Additional information is available on the website.