Kids are exploring the virtual world with help from developers who know what web savvy kid are looking for.  We’ve picked out some of the top virtual pets to give you the scoop on why kids have these cute pets on their wish list this year.  Tuck a Virtual Plush into a stocking or give one as a gift!

Webkinz

In a nutshell: Webkinz  and Lil’ Kinz are plush pets and virtual pets at the same time.  Kids can enter Webkinz World, online, with the secret code that comes with each Webkinz plush and product.  Online kids can have fun playing with and caring for their pet(s), answer trivia, play games and earn KinzCash which can be used to purchase “virtual” items for their pet(s) and their pets home.

New this season:  In addition to a snowman and holiday accessories, there are a number of new plush plus, Webkinz has released 24 Christmas Tree ornaments.  The secret code that come with the ornament can be used with an existing Webkinz account. Your code will give you a virtual Christmas Tree and ornaments.  The more codes you have the more to decorate with!  The kids will love to hang them on our tree as well!

What Canadian Parents are Saying:

Even after over 2 years of popularity Webkinz are still a big hit in our house! With each plush toy comes a secret code to unlike the virtual Webkinz World.  Each pet you adopt is given a new room and bed, then you get to play fun educational games to earn Kinz Cash to care for your pet.  You can buy clothing, decorate their room with new furniture, even plant gardens!  The sky’s the limit!

Tips & Tricks worth mentioning:

Find a safe place to store your secret codes, or store them in a  Notepad file on your PC for safe keeping - they expire and you’ll need them to reactivate your pet!

SeaPals

In a nutshell:  SeaPals is the new kid on the block and fast becoming a hit with kids and parents.  This plush line offers kids a unique virtual under-water experience.  WIth the secret code that comes with the plush toy, kids enter an undersea world.  Kids will explore the ocean, interact with friends, learn about marine life, and create their own aquarium.  The points earned playing and learning can be used to customize their virtual underwater world.

What Canadian Parents are Saying…

I am not sure who likes SeaPals more, me or the kids!  Unlike many of the virtual toys out there, SeaPals offers a unique learning experience for kids.  The underwater experience combines learning about the ocean and underwater life with the responsibility of caring for your fish/under water friend; The kids have learned so much about fish and marine life and they think they are just playing!  A big hit at our house!

Tips & Tricks worth mentioning…

If you are looking for an inexpensive gift of stocking stuffer this is the perfect gift.  Much cheaper than many of the other virtual toys out there!

Littlest Petshop VIP Friends

In a nutshell:  The VIP Friends plush toys are a special release for the holiday season.  Each package contains two animals and when you log into your computer, with the secret code attached, the two pets interact with each other.  Inside Littlest Pet Shop World kids can play games, do activities and play with their pet online.

What Canadian Parents are Saying:  Our kids LOVE Littlest Pet Shop toys.  This special VIP Friends line of plush toys is adorable and the kids love that they can log in with the secret code and have two friends who play together.  This is a perfect gift for a kid who is into Pet Shop playing.

Tips & Tricks worth mentioning:   If you have two young children and you want to test out the ‘virtual’ world, the VIP friends is great.  Each child can have a plush toy and they can share the Pet Shop World account.

UB Funkey

In a nutshell:  UB FunKeys are cute, collectible figures that unlock a virtual world filled with games and other fun. Players earn coins and buy items to decorate their “crib” - the starter kit includes the Hub required, USB cable and two FunKeys.  Additional funkeys are optional and sold individually.

What Canadian Parents are Saying:

My boys were so excited to crack the packaging on the UB Funkeys!  It took a little more effort to get the software installed but once we did it was worth the wait! The games were entertaining and definitely aimed at the quirky humour of boys. Unlike some other virtual friends though we did notice some built-in advertising, but it complimented the games we were playing.-Andrew, Liam & Ciaran

Tips & Tricks worth mentioning:

It may be worth taking the time to install the software prior to playing when the kids aren’t around.  Our software had a new update that had to be downloaded so it took more time than expected.

Club Penguin

In a nutshell: Club Penguin is a snow covered virtual island where kids can interact and play games.  The virtual world is free to use without a plush pet but the plush toy brings your favourite Club Penguin characer to life.  Each plush includes a coin with a code to unlock items on-line.

What Canadian Parents are Saying…

Our kids have been playing online with Club Penguin since the summer.  The virtual world is free to use and it also offers a monthly paid option for additional games and fun.  The new line of plush are so cute and the kids love that they are able to buy their favourite characters.  I like that I am able to decide on how my kids interact with the Penguin world, and the signup offers the option to let kids type or use pre-determined text.

Tips & Tricks worth mentioning…

Let the kids play in the world before buying the plush, there is a good selection of plush that will appeal to many kids (guitar playing, princess etc..) but they will love buying a favourite character more than starting with a character.

Posted on November 14th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Christmas, Gifts for Grade Schoolers, Gifts for Toddlers & Preschoolers, Gifts for Tweens, Stocking Stuffers, Stuffed Toys, Virtual Toys, toys