Build-A-Bear Workshop is the clear winner in the Build-A-Bear Workshop vs. Webkinz World debate, because the Build-A-Bear Workshop experience encourages activities that don't involve the computer while the Webkinz World experience encourages children to spend more time online.

Both web sites promote plush toys for children, and both sites have a similar interface and similar interactive features.

When comparing two children's sites that are so similar, a shopper should look at the retail product behind the site and the overall experience created by the product, its online environment, and its retail environment.

COMPARING THE SITES

At the online Build-A-Bear Workshop, children can shop for Build-A-Bear products, send e-cards to their friends, schedule a Build-A-Bear party with their friends at a real Build-A-Bear store, play online games, and join an online book club that encourages them to seek out and read books about bears.

At Webkinz World online, children can shop for Webkinz products, play games, create Webkinz trading cards, and send pre-written phrases to their friends as "instant messages." One Webkinz World game, awards points for playing with, feeding, and exercising a virtual online pet - not the actual Webkinz World toy the child owns.

COMPARING THE TOYS

Few toys have the enduring appeal of a teddy bear. Plush stuffed bears have been known as "teddy bears" since 1902, when American President Theodore ("Teddy") Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear as a hunting trophy. Teddy bears of all shapes and sizes have appealed to every generation of children since then.

Teddy bears occupy a special place in many children's hearts. When teenagers leave their childhood bedroom decor behind and have to choose just one toy from childhood to put on their bed, they usually choose their teddy bear. Some "children" even take their teddy bears with them when they leave home and move into apartments or college dorms.

In contrast, a Webkinz World toy can be anything from a frog to a horse to a particular breed of dog. Webkinz World bears exist, but they get lost in a sea of dogs, cats, farm animals, and jungle animals reminiscent of another trendy toy: the Beanie baby. The Webkinz World toys are adorable, and the concept of registering them online is appealing, but they just don't have the same traditional appeal and heritage as the teddy bear.

COMPARING THE RETAIL STORES

Build-A-Bear retail stores are devoted to bears and bear accessories. The stores are filled with bear parts and completed bears. Children are encouraged to look at and touch the bears, the stuffing, the clothes, and other bear-building merchandise.

The process of building a bear teaches children skills like organization, math, money management, patience, and how to interact with adults and other children in public. Going to a Build-A-Bear retail store can be a magical experience.

Webkinz products are almost always found in a few feet of shelf space in one corner of a store that sells lots of other products, including breakable crystal and ceramic knick-knacks that appeal to children almost as much as Webkinz toys do. Going to a retail store that sells Webkinz toys with children who are drawn to bright, shiny objects can be a stressful experience.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP - THE WINNER

Admittedly, Webkinz World has more online features than Build-A-Bear Workshop, but parents who like the timeless appeal of a teddy bear and who think their kids already spend enough time in front of the computer will choose Build-A-Bear Workshop over Webkinz World.

Learn more about this author, Marilyn Lindblad.
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