"The Web site is very focused on money and getting more money, and learning how to buy, buy, buy," Levin said. "It feeds into 'you can never have enough, and the more you have the better it is."'

Webkinz run loose in schools, on computers

Webkinz also do little to foster creativity or problem-solving abilities, Levin said. "My worry is that you don't just sit down and read a book. You don't make your own thing out of Play Doh," she said. "Kids aren't involved in having to imagine and create for themselves."