How to Get Started with Webkinz and Webkinz World

Webkinz have become a huge craze among kids and preteens over the past couple of years. These fluffy friends come complete with an online code for use at Webkinz World, and online gaming and social site just for kids. Here are answers to some common questions about Webkinz pets.

What is a Webkin?

Webkinz pets are small stuffed animals with an attached tag containing an online code. Once purchased, this code can be used on the Webkinz World website to create a virtual version of your stuffed animal. You can then virtually create a room for your pet, decorate it, feed your pet and play games and even interact with other pet owners in the Kinz Chat area. Each Webkinz purchase entitles the owner to one year of website use at Webkinz World. You can adopt as many virtual pets as you like, and pets can have their own room or share a room with other pets. Webkinz trading cards are the newest item available. Webkinz come in two sizes, Webkinz and Lil'Kinz. Webkinz pets come in a great variety of animals, including frogs, bunnies, cats, dogs, unicorns, and even a pig.

What can you do at Webkinz World?

Webkinz World has multiple games available, including arcade games, tournament games, a dress up and fashion show game, and word and strategy games. There are daily prizes and incentives to return to Webkinz World for daily and weekly prizes and gifts. Webkinz owners can send mail and gifts to friends, chat in the new Kinz Chat feature using prescripted chat messages appropriate for kids, and earn kinzcash to spend on food, clothing and room décor for their pet.

Where can I buy a Webkin?

Webkinz pets are sold at many gift and card stores, including Hallmark stores and privately owned gift shops, candy stores and magazine shops. Webkinz are manufactured by Ganz, so basically any store that sells Ganz pets could potentially carry Webkinz. The trick is to find them in stock, which can sometimes be tricky. If you can't find them in your area, Webkinz can also be found on Ebay.

How much do Webkinz cost?

Full sized Webkinz pets cost from $11-15 depending on the store and the demand. Lil'Kinz cost from $7-11. Both full-sized Webkinz and Lil'Kinz allow the purchaser one year of access at Webkinz World. Accessories like Webkinz purse style carriers can be purchased as accessories. Some high-demand and retired Webkinz such as the Cheeky Monkey and Cheeky Cat can go for several hundred dollars at auction. At the time of this writing, a set of three retired Webkinz is selling for over $700!

OK, I finally bought a Webkin, Now what?

Open the tag on the Webkin, and keep the code handy. Go to www.webkinz.com and click on new member, right below Log In in the middle of the screen. This will take you to the Webkinz Adoption Center, where you will be directed to sign up as a new account. Once you have read and agreed to the terms of service, you'll be directed to give your name, whether you are a boy or girl, and give your date of birth and location. Personal information that you give here is for security purposes only (i.e., lost password, lost code, etc.) and will not be displayed when you play on Webkinz World. The next step is to decide whether your pet is a boy or girl, name your pet, and adopt it with the secret code. Then you receive a printable adoption certificate, and a free gift will pop up in your pet's new room. Now you can play unlimited games and travel throughout Webkinz World with your pet. Be sure to save your code in a safe place, in case you ever forget your password.

Now you have all the basic information to own and play with your own Webkinz pet. Have fun!