Apr 17, 2007

Where are the Webkinz? Toy craze hits AshevilleBy Anne Fitten GlennCitizen-Times.com

Asheville — If you haven’t heard of Webkinz, you probably don’t hang with many 6- to 13-year-olds. Webkinz are the hottest toy no one can find, making these plush stuffed animals worth more than a cheap tank of gas, and just as rare.

Last week’s hot tip on the local mommy network was that a few Webkinz were left at the St. Joseph’s gift shop at Mission Hospitals. Because of the shop’s not-for-profit status, media liaison Merrell Gregory was “unable to confirm or deny” whether or not the store sells Webkinz. A reconnaissance visit confirmed that several tree frogs and poodles were indeed available. And unless more shipments arrive soon, these may be the last Webkinz for sale in the area.

Each Webkinz animal comes with a “secret code” that gives kids access to Webkinz world on the Internet, where they “adopt” and name the online representation of their new toy. In this virtual community, children can decorate rooms for their pets, play games to earn pretend money (called Kinzcash), and communicate with other Webkinz owners. They monitor their Webkinz’ health, hunger and happiness, and respond by taking them to the doctor, feeding them and playing with them.

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