Customer Reviews

KooKeys Giraffe

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wasn't sure whether to get a Webkinz, Kookey or Shining Star for my daughter. With a little research I noticed that Webkinz's fans were mostly middle school aged and very hostile toward "knock-off" competitors, but yet there was a huge fan base. I decided to get one of each to see which my elementary aged daughter preferred. As a toy, I would score Webkinz the lowest in quality and Kookey and Shining Star equally high. The websites are all very similar, but my daughter much more preferred Kookey's because it had a navigation map and unique homes that were not just rooms, but neighborhoods. I preferred that Kookey does not have access to chat with other members (as does Webkinz). Even more important, Webkinz website is limited to a year's membership, while Kookey's has no such limitations. I also recommend Shining Star for its educational benefit with the star registry. My daughter was tied between Kookey's and Shining Star, and Webkinz failed in comparison.

Amazing what a year can do! Kookeys has completely rebuilt their website into an amazing 3-D world where virtual 'koos' can meet, become friends, go to the University, do jobs, find quests, own and decorate homes, and play games. It is much more involved now than Webkinz. Kookeys has a safe chat that allows players to communicate using the available words and phrases. This feature is much more indepth than Webkinz. Also, when you become friends with another koo, you are supposed to be able to 'whisper' to each other, which allows typing text like on Club Penguin. Right now that feature isn't up, but Kookeys is adding new content every 2-3 weeks. The giraffe is really cute in person and online. I recommend Kookeys for anyone who enjoys Webkinz and similar online worlds.

My Webkinz obsessed 5 year old asked Santa for one thing this year ... a stuffed giraffe. Since "Santa" had already spent a fortune on Christmas gifts, he was looking for something less expensive than the Webkinz giraffe. I looked into KooKeys online before purchasing this and thought the website looked really cute, and the price was good, so I bought it.

The stuffed animal itself is really cute and seems well made. Visually, I think the website is much cuter than Webkinz. Other than that, though, I much prefer Webkinz. It's easier for my daughter to navigate without help and, although everything on Webkinz isn't designed specifically for preschoolers, there is plenty for her to do on her own. If your child can't read you will most definitely have to do KooKeys with them. Also, there really aren't a lot of games like at the Webkinz arcade, and the ones available are pretty difficult.

My daughter still loves her stuffed giraffe but mom is not a fan of the website.

I was pleasantly surprised by this item. I was expecting it to be smaller than it was. My daughter loves it!

Now to the internet aspects. I was convinced by other reviews regarding the online community vs the webkinz. I think it is great. My kids sure seem to enjoy it.