Webkinz

By D. Smith

Webkinz stuffed animals come with a code that allows the user to register the "pet" on a website. Your child can name the pet, decide it's gender, and then log on to play with it. So, you are not just buying the stuffed animal, you are also buying access to a website that gives you virtual money to buy pet supplies and virtual locations in which you can feed, groom, and entertain your pet. I am assuming while you do this the "real" stuffed animal sits alone in another room. The virtual animal has a meter that lets you know how happy and well-fed it is. If you neglect it, it will suffer (or at least become less happy).

I suppose some could argue this is a good way to teach children about the responsibility of pets or to let them feel as if they have a real pet (but without the mess).

Consumers who object to excess use of video games and tv, probably should opt for a traditional stuffed animal that does not come with a virtual counterpart that requires the use of a computer.