Ganz Webkinz has done it again and set up an online store where Webkinz stuffed animal owners can buy virtual items for thier online pet with real money. Here is an example of a type of item from the eStore:
Animated Items
To use these items you must have an account in Webkinz World. These items cannot be sold back to the W Shop, traded or sent via KinzPost.
The items for sale cost a whopping $4 to $10…almost as much as a Lil Kinz. Previously, Ganz has made purchases of Webkinz items a way to get extra kinz cash and bonus virtual items: you had to buy real Webkinz stuffed animal clothes, Webkinz trading cards and Webkinz charms that come with a code that unlocks extra kinzcash and bonus items. Now they have made it even faster for Webkinz owners to spend extra real cash to buy special items that other owners cannot buy by earning Kinzcash by playing games.
My daughter, of course, wants to buy the special items, but so far has not used any of her allowance to do so. Since she plays Webkinz with her friends often, having a special item online is almost as good as having a real item in terms of envy rights.
I guess the purchases go to good use paying for more fun games at Webkinz world. I know my daughter often loves these games more than any other she plays online or off.