Year after year more and more toys flood the market, new trends rise, new trends die. Finally a trend comes along that will probably last for a while; Webkinz. Ok I must admit at first glance these look like a total gimmick to suck parents dry of every last dollar this year. However this toy crosses a barrier not many toys have been able to do. Not only are they cool, educational and fun, kids and parents alike seem to love them. Unlike many toy trends this one will last more than 1-2 years and you're about to find out why.



I know you are probably saying to yourself now (yeah right) but webkinz are different than other toys. They seem to come to life and children everywhere can't wait to get home and finish their homework to play with their webkinz online. So what is going to make them last you might ask? Tickle Me Elmo didn't last more than 2 years beanie babies they were great for a short time. Well the answer is simple; creation. When you go online with your webkinz pet you give it life into a game and then build your pet up and earn kinz cash after creating their pet and their world. Think of it as almost role playing a character that you created. Its also an interactive world that has limitless potential as long as Ganz continually updates the enviroment kids will be hooked at the changes. So you build your pet up in a new world and bring it all to life. Sure it could get dull at some point and it will as kids get older they won't want to play anymore, but new recruits can be brought in everyday. Unlike most toys that are just a physical doll or toy this brings entertainment to a new level. You get the physical products and the mental product of going into your own little world.

I see this trend lasting awhile I'd estimate about 5 years. Even after 5 years however it won't be dead it will have life for upwards of 7-8 years before fading out with the next new hot product that takes the world by storm. Webkinz bring a whole new element to the interactive experience that kids have longed for for years that outside of a video game or console system never really existed. Ganz will create new products each year that revolve in the webkinz universe that collectors and kids alike will have to get their hands on. Even as we speak some of the collectors pieces are going for over $200!

The trend will be determined by supply and demand right now supplies are low and eventually supply will meet demand and the trend will level off and fade away. It won't fade away for quite some time however because this product simply has it all. Parents think of it as a way to keep your kids out of trouble and away from violence all while enjoying their own virtual world.

Mikey Simms