Webkinz

Tipped to be one of this year's big hit toys in the UK are Webkinz.

Webkinz are incredibly cute beanie-like plush toys in the shapes of animals - elephants, cats, dogs, pandas, cows, pigs, tigers, bears and hippos to name but a few! Like Beanies, Webkinz are highly collectable and only a limited number are made in each design - after a certain time the Webkinz toy will be retired. This has already lead to popular lines that have been retired having a resale value.

Webkinz has it's own unique website, www.webkinz.com that Webkinz owners can only access using a secret code attached to each soft toy. When you first get a Webkinz toy, you use the secret code to 'adopt' your new pet on the Webkinz website.

Once you have registered on the Webkinz website you can do quizzes, play games, earn 'Kinzcash' - a special Webkinz currency, find out about your pet's likes and dislikes and whether it is tired, ill, hungry or happy. You can also find Webkinz-themed crafts and recipes to try.

A popular feature of the Webkinz website is KinzChat, a chat room for registered members. Younger members can chat using set phrases. Older members can use KinzChat PLUS, a chatroom where they can type their own messages. This area can only be used with a parent's permission.

Such is the popularity of Webkinz that a book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Webkinz, is available to enable parents to find about the pets, understand the Webkinz Web site and join in with what their kids are doing online.

Webkinz toys are 8" tall and cost around £10. There is also an equally cute range of smaller Webkinz pets called Lil' Kinz which are a little smaller and cost around £8. Lil' Kinz also have the code allowing access to the Webkinz website.

Webkinz and Lil' Kinz are available at TheToyShop.com, Amazon.co.uk, Hamleys, MailOrderExpress and Amazon.com

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