Happy 14th Webkinz Day everyone!
It just doesn’t seem possible that Webkinz World was launched on the web 14 years ago. I arrived at Ganz just over a month before the very first Webkinz Day, so I was lucky enough to see our little game grow into a huge phenomenon and become such an important part of an entire generation’s childhood.
The real rollercoaster ride began just before our second Christmas, when in December of 2006, Webkinz was being featured on all of the big TV morning shows as one of the “hot toys” for the holiday season. Our popularity after that took off like a rocket, and the rest is history!
I actually managed to record a couple of those shows from 2006, and for the first time, I’ve uploaded them to YouTube to share with everyone. Enjoy!
(*Sorry for the low quality—it was the early day of digital recording)
Do YOU remember when the “Webkinz craze” hit where you live? And what would you like me to report on next? Let me know in the comments below.
Many stores don’t carry Webkinz anymore and that’s sad because I like to actually see them before buying.
yesh I remember the Webkinz Craze XD years ago though…
Steve, this is awesome! Luv this report, thanks!!! :)
Happy Birthday Webkinz! My best friend’s daughter got a Webkinz for Christmas the first year so of course, mine did too. We all still play, even though the youngest is now in college! Thanks for all the fun!!!
Please, PLEASE release Webkinz in Europe too, and let it make a huge comeback! I am sure there are enough unsold plushies that could be used for this. The Netherlands would love to see Webkinz, and I am sure we’re not the only one. Maybe it could even spark the interest back up in the US!
I’m all for that! With so many original players coming back to the game I think that it’s a real possibility. As it is the same reasons everyone was so excited for the site originally still apply and even more now.
I knew Webkinz would make a huge come back, I’m sure it will in Europe as well, Nakishawolf! Just takes a bit of time to to get there but it will!
I wonder how many people continue to play webkinz that got a gift bag from Rachael Rey show
I wonder! Oh, to have been in the audience that day!
Happy Birthday Webkinz thanks to friend she started playing webkinz in september of 2007 and I started playing February 2008 we both love webkinz so much we play every single day this is how we relax after work . Have a wonderful 14th year.
Happy Webkinz Day Steve! Thank you for sharing these videos. They’re fun to watch.
My son and daughter were crazy for Webkinz when they first came out. But, they were young, and not to be trusted with the computer yet. We collected the animals, but never entered the codes till about 2008! Now my son is out of college and I am the one still playing!!!
I know, right! It’s a good thing that I have grandchildren to play with!