Ganz Midwest-CBK facts for kids
Logo for Ganz used since 2019, but first introduced in October 2018 with the Midwest-CBK logo next to it before the brand was phased out in 2019
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Formerly
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Ganz Bros (1950-1996) Ganz Toys (1996-2000) |
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| Industry | Manufacturer / Importer |
| Genre | Home décor and toy manufacturer |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founder | Samuel Ganz and children Sam, Jack and Miriam |
| Headquarters |
Woodbridge, Ontario
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| Products | Webkinz |
| Divisions | Ganz World (2005-present) |
| Subsidiaries | Midwest-CBK (2012-2018) |
Ganz Midwest-CBK LLC, often called just Ganz, is a Canadian company. They are well-known for making soft toys and items to decorate homes. Ganz is especially famous for its plush animals and collectibles. They are the company behind Webkinz, a popular toy that comes with a secret code. This code lets kids explore a fun online world.
Ganz was started in 1950 by Samuel Ganz and his sons, Jack and Sam. They had survived a very difficult time before coming to Canada. The company was first named Ganz Bros Toys. It began by selling products for homes in Canada. They also supplied items for carnivals and made many products in their own factory. Ganz is a private company, meaning it's owned by a few people, not sold on the stock market. Its main office is in Woodbridge, Ontario, just north of Toronto. Ganz is also known for using a special fabric called TyTips for some of its older Webkinz toys.
The Webkinz toys first came out in 2005 and became very popular. Their success helped the Ganz family create The Webkinz Foundation. This foundation was a charity that helped children's programs around the world. It also helped the company with marketing. The Webkinz Foundation closed in 2015. In 2012, Ganz bought Midwest-CBK, a home décor company from Minnesota. The two companies officially joined together in October 2018.
Contents
Fun Ganz Products
Popular Toy Lines
Webkinz: Online Pet Fun
- Webkinz: These are plush animals that come with a secret code. This code lets you unlock an online world where you can explore and play with your virtual pet. Webkinz are made for children aged 6 to 13. Since they launched in 2005, Webkinz have helped Ganz grow a lot. Their online site has even won awards! You can find Webkinz plush toys all over the world.
Other Cool Plushies
- Heritage Collection: This line features many different stuffed animals designed by Ganz. They come in both new and classic styles.
- Soft Spots: These are small plush animals made from super soft, fuzzy material. If you squeeze them, they make a sound!
- Tubby Tummies: These are large, round plush toys. They come in designs like teddy bears and other animals.
- Silly Scoops: These are tiny, collectible plushies. They are a fun mix of animals and ice cream flavors.
- Butterbits Lane: This is another line of small, cute plush animals.
Past Favorites
Ganz World Adventures
- Webkinz Jr: These plush animals were made with very soft material. They were designed for younger children, aged 3 to 6. Like Webkinz, their website had an online world where kids could play and learn. Webkinz Jr closed on January 31, 2018.
- Tail Towns: This was an online world similar to Webkinz, but for older kids (ages 13 and up). You could get into Tail Towns by buying a Tail Towns Figurine. It started as a game on Facebook called Tail Town Friends. Tail Towns closed on September 2, 2014.
- Amazing World: This was a 3D online world where players could play with their Zings. They could also decorate their own land in the game and complete tasks. Plush toys and figurines were part of this line. Amazing World closed on January 31, 2018.
- Nakamas: These were plush toys with long, thin arms and legs. They were made for younger users. Nakamas later joined with Amazing World.
- Zoey's Design Academy: This was a computer game about designing clothes. It closed on August 30, 2014.
- Webkinz Friends: This was a game on Facebook for ages 13 and up. It was a spin-off game from Webkinz. Webkinz Friends closed on September 2, 2014.
Other Classic Toys
- Wrinkles: This was a line of plush toy dogs that were popular throughout the 1980s.
Images for kids
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Ganz logo, used from 1996 until 2018. It is still seen on many Ganz products and services.
