These soft and adorable little creatures have been around since 2005. Although it took me until May 2007 to finally meet my first ones. I was living in New York and it was actually an adult who owned several of these stuffed animals. She was a school teacher who came across the Webkinz when one of her pupils brought one to class. She quickly grew attached and raced to the nearest toy store to load up on this new craze. I remember she had the Clydesdale horse and my favorite, a Koala, that I could not resist hugging. She was anxiously awaiting the release of the Raccoon, which was being released in June 2007. I recall this grown, professional woman sounding like a child on Christmas morning as she described the value and fun of owning one of these Webkinz!



I personally didn't get it but that doesn't matter to the Gantz company who produces these stuffed animals and since there is no shortage of Webkinz fans out there. These days you can find almost every animal or creature made into a Webkinz. This month alone, August 2008, will be the release of many more including a silver-back Gorilla and a Skunk. Next month will include a Bat, a Chipmunk and many more. This Christmas season you can run out and buy a Snowman.. I personally think they should have come up with a Snow Lady to match!

You can go online to many sites to find which ones are available to purchase and which ones are "retired". You can also find them in most card and gift shops or at some of your favorite local toy stores.

Now these are not just little stuffed animals that lie around and collect dust. Each one is equipped with a secret code and you go on their website and get access to the virtual Webkinz World. On this site you can play games or interact with your pet. They even have their own room that you can purchase furniture for and decorate to your little hearts content.

I have gone to several websites to learn more about the Webkinz and was amazed to find all the fun things that are associated with these cute little stuffed toys. One of the many cool things was making meals for your virtual pet. There are tons of recipes with funny names such as, "Sloppy Joekinz, Spinneretti or Monstrosoupy". All the food products to make the recipes are purchased with the points you receive as you play games, etc. You can even buy appliances to assist you in preparing the recipes, such as: Stoves, grills, toasters, blenders and almost any that you would find in a real kitchen.

The Webkinz business is a huge and fun phenomenon but of course everything has its downside. I must unfortunately add that there are Webkinz poopers out there who think the whole idea is ridiculous and not a good idea for some Children. But I suppose with everything in this world only you know if buying one of these charming little pets and nurturing and playing with them is for you or not. But regardless, go check them out and enjoy.