We have a total of 37 webkinz, and have been members for about a year now. We have seen the ups and downs of the site. The plushies are all pretty nice, the chocolate lab included.
While this toy entitles you to 1 year access to the webkinz site, you never really know if the site is going to be working because of the glitches. Some days we can’t even get in, and some days we get in just to be booted right out. I had given a webkinz to every child I know as gifts but now I feel bad about it becuase it has just gone downhill. Ganz has turned so money hungry.
A year ago, everything was free when you purchased 1 webkinz for the year membership. Then they added trading cards you have to buy to get certain items, next the charms to access the charm forest. Then the 2nd set of trading cards, figurines and lip gloss and body spray. Now they have carriers, clothes, school supplies and alot more stuff you have to pay real money for to get things on the website or to access certain games or areas. Its as if nothing but the privledge of having to shell out more money is free.
Now the educational value is great. It will teach your child about having to earn money to uy things they want. To have money to be able to care for thier pet. And the responsibility of taking care of thier pet by keeping it happy and healthy (it never dies, just gets sick). While I do think this is a great toy for any child even adults, I would not reccomend it because Ganz loves to nickle and dime you, and trust me your kids will ask for all that stuff.
