A stuffed animal frequently inspires creativity and imagination within children. Entire worlds can be unleashed with just a simple plush toy and a child’s brain. All too frequently, toys are manufactured with a “story line” already built in as is seen in “features” that are baked into the toy, leaving little room for your kids to explore their own creativity. But when it comes to things like building blocks or dolls or even stuffed animals, you can really see your kids transport themselves and their toys somewhere else.

A few months ago, I was introduced to a new line of stuffed animals called FreakyPets. What makes these stuffed animals a bit different is the fact that built right into the toy, they have split personalities, much like kids do. They can be incredibly cute and adorable one moment, and then cranky and angry the second. With kids, this can happen at any time for whatever reason. It’s pretty unpredictable. But with the FreakyPets animal, your kids have full control over when the personality change takes place.

The transformation takes place pretty easily, the animal simply folds inside out to change personalities. While this type of transformable stuffed animal isn’t something revolutionary or new, FreakyPets is modernized along the lines of WebKinz in that there is an associated online world that your kids can use their pets in. While I haven’t had time to test out the site yet with my own personal focus group (my kids), the concept is sound and the technology is modern. Kids will enjoy the 3D virtual world where they can transport their own FreakyPet into an interactive environment, that is safe and moderated.

An important aspect to the 3D world for me is the fact that parents can supposedly create their own free account that lets them control specific settings of their kids’ gaming account including the chat mode and game options. I plan on testing this out in the future. The site does state that they don’t accept 3rd party advertising and kids can actually “adopt” a pet for free (in a limited account setting). For the full benefits of the account, you really need to have a physical FreakyPet and register your child for the 3D world.

Also, today only (December 3rd, 2010), the first 5 kids who come to the FreakyPets site and enter a password will get a free FreakyPet. Most likely, these will have already been given away but it is definitely a cool giveaway worth mentioning.

To get the site code, you have to purchase a FreakyPet (which are available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores) and their code for the site is revealed then. In the 3D world, kids can supposedly teach their pets up to 60 tricks which include dance moves and acrobatics. They can even get their pets to compete against other players in a variety of minigames. Again, I haven’t tested this out but I’m sure once my kids start using it, they will be addicted!

Introducing the Pets

I thought it would make sense to show the pets that are available (cute picture is first, then cranky picture):

Puff Puff

Bullog

Dinork

Gweek

Monket

Orkal

Penga

Turtoe

Walloc

Warto

I would say that is a pretty nice selection!

The MSRP for the FreakyPets is $14.95 and includes a 1 year subscription to the FreakyPets online game and community. The pets can be purchased at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores.

HighTechDad Ratings

Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to explore the online community so the ratings below only reflect the stuffed animal side. One comment, when you choose your FreakyPet at the store, be sure to inspect it very carefully. I got some of the first run versions and one of the pets had a weak seam that came undone. I have been told that they have corrected this issue but in any case, check those seams carefully because they do get a full “workout” from your kids as they turn them inside and out. This is an innovative toy that is really great in the physical world since your kids get essentially two stuffed animals in one. This can really build on their creativity. The online world may limit some of the imagination but does give your children a protected “social” environment for them to interact with their friends remotely.

EASY TO GEEK FACTOR – is the device easy to get up and running

FAMILY FRIENDLY – does the device fit well into family environments

RECOMMENDABILITY– would I recommend it to others (more means “yes”)

PRICE POINT – does the price reflect the product function

OVERALL – my general rating

Disclosure Text : I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period. More information can be found in my About page as well as here.

HTD says: FreakyPets are definitely a lot of fun for kids, and with a safe online community, a pretty good gift that keeps kids entertained for hours.