Webkinz

Would you give a first grader $2000 to spend on decorating a bedroom? Neither would I. But I did spend $9 for a Webkinz that came with its own room and a pile of KinzCash. The Webkinz is a stuffed animal that comes with a personalized web site. Using the code on the Webkinz tag, an online account was activated and “Fuzzy” has a place to live online. The KinzCash can be used to buy things like decorations, furniture and even a swimming pool. With enough money, you can add extra rooms to the house. Don’t forget to buy food. If you don’t feed your Webkinz properly, she will end up at Dr. Quack’s office.

My daughter is now spending time on the web site doing odd jobs that earn her more imaginary money. Some of things she is learning aren’t so imaginary. First she has to manage a bank account that has already gone over $10,000. At first she was spending every penny on little things. Once she figured out that she didn’t have to spend every dollar as it came in, she started saving for the big ticket items. Today she added a kitchen with all the appliances. Now she can keep food in the refrigerator.

The “jobs” are really quizzes in math, science, social studies and language arts. She gets money for answering questions correctly. The harder the question, the more money the question is worth. She is up to $5 questions. Even at that rate, it takes some dedication to earn enough for a $2000 addition to the home.

There is also a safe “chat” feature. If you have friends with Webkinz, you can send them gifts and even have a Webkinz over to your house. The chat is safe because all the text is pre-scripted. The initiator of the conversation is given a list of things to say. The recipient is given a list of possible responses. It is all accomplished using only the mouse. This eliminates the possibility of someone asking for personal information or other objectionable questions. There is literally no typing that is possible.

For less than ten bucks, I don’t think I have seen something as entertaining or educational as this fuzzy little guy.