Webkinz Jr. Plush Review

You’ve heard about Webkinz, but have you heard about Webkinz Jr?

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you will know that my daughter Alyssa, soon to be 7, LOVES animals, especially her stuffed animals. She is also at an age where we have started to let her go on the internet in a kid friendly browser. She loves it. Then we heard about Webkinz Jr.

From the site:

“Ganz – the creators of the famous Webkinz Virtual World have developed something brand new! The “Webkinz Jr.”  line of plush pets come to life in a completely new and educational website just for kids 3 to 6 years old (www.webkinzjr.com). With each toy purchase, children receive an access code that unlocks content in an virtual world where they can practice navigating online while having fun and learning for a whole year.

Parents have their own login area to set their child’s skill levels and manage the account. A Deluxe membership is also available for purchase that sends detailed reports about your child’s progress along with even more fun and games! The site launched in April 2009 and has also received an award fromChildren’s Technology Review for Excellence in Design.”

So what happens is you get this ADORABLE plush pet. In its tag is a code that you use when you sign your child up for an account on the website. This code is good for a whole year. A parent has to go through this because they have to choose the login and password. I like to know when my kids are online so Alyssa comes and asks to play Webkinz Jr. and I go ahead and log her in. On the site there after your account begins they have you name your pet. Alyssa named her cat Rosie. Rosie is then placed into her house where you can click on things and learn how to take care of her. There are places to explore outside of the home too!

Alyssa picked the cat but there are other animals like puppies and monkeys!

They are REALLY soft too. Alyssa has been carrying her cat everywhere since she first got it. It even had an appearance in the first video I took with my new Nikon d90:

I love that this toy has an online program with it and it is very kid friendly. I love that I can cook dinner and not have to be sitting right behind Alyssa to know that she is in a kid friendly environment online. She can read the words on the screen and understand what she has to do to keep her cat happy. Its perfect for her age.

Buy It: You can get your Webkinz Jr by going to their site and clicking the store locator button. Your best bet is possibly a Hallmark store in your local mall.

Win It!! The great people at Ganz are giving away a Webkinz Jr. Pet to one of my lucky readers! Please check out the Webkinz Jr. site and take the tour, you can learn a lot about the online environment

Mandatory Entry: Tell Me which Webkinz Jr. pet you would choose if you won! (hint: They are all in the pic above!)

Extra entries:

• Become a fan of Webkinz Jr. on Facebook
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This contest is closed. The winner is comment #74, Anthy! CONGRATS!

Thank You Ganz for providing a plush for us to review!