MAIN Toy Reviews Beanie Babies 2.0

Beanie Babies 2.0

Beanie Babies 2.0, manufactured by Ty Inc.; Recommended for ages 3+, average retail price $6.99

Are you ready for the next fuzzy, little buddy to offer up a secret code that unlocks a cyber world of fun and adventure?

Well then say hello to the Beanie Babies 2.0, by Ty.

Ty, Inc., a leader in plush toys, was founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the widely popular Beanie Babies. Ty Warner has again proven that he is a marketing genius by tapping into this very lucrative market of online interactive plush. Like the Beanie Babies before them the Beanie Babies 2.0® also retire. Yes, trying to stir that old "get 'em while you can" frenzy the original Beanie Babies® created. A real positive is the fact that Ty believes a child's toy, be it pal or pet, should never expire.

Kudos to Ty for not ending the online interactive experience in a year like other online interactive plush toys. They have also tried to maintain a reasonable price; allowing kids the opportunity to purchase the products with their own money. The plush are made with super-soft fabric and are approximately 6 inches tall; a bit smaller than their main competition, Webkins and Shining Stars. Each beanie comes with an individual scratch-off secret code which enables the child to unlock the 3-D virtual world.

In Beanies 2.0.com, each child can view only their own page. Kids can visit and play games in the backyard, the fun forest, the tree house and the farm. Each area has different games. By playing the games, kids can earn items to decorate their own special page in the "Big Book of Beanies". Currently your 2.0 can earn "beans" and flags for trading in the Ty 2.0 world rather than the currency that is used on other internet plush sites.

While visiting the Beanies 2.0 World your child can make friends and chat with others - a scary prospect to most parents I know. At last visit, it did seem like a safe chat environment for kids, and an opportunity to discuss why they should only chat online when Mom and Dad have checked it out and said ok.

There are two chat modes to choose from, basic and freestyle. In Basic chat mode, you can choose from pre-selected words and phrases. No personal information can be shared. Basic chat is available to all members of Beanies 2.0 World. Freestyle chat requires parental permission. While in Freestyle mode you can type your own messages. However, your child can only choose words from the very restrictive dictionary that is provided. If you type a word that is not in the dictionary, it just won't come up.

The little guys are adorable, especially the fuzzy, little, duckling Quackly. The online experience was pleasant and simple enough to follow. Older kids might find the games a bit too simplistic but it depends on the child. Every age seemed to fall for the little critters.

About the Author: Mary Rose is a Mommy, a writer and an early childhood educator who believes in learning through play and the value of good toys.

also see in Toy Reviews -> Millsberry