11 Plush Toys That Came With a “Secret Code”
Here's a look back at the stuffed animals that weren’t just cuddly toys but also keys to hidden digital worlds.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
There was more to plush toys in the mid-2000s than cuddles. They included internet codes that opened collection worlds, virtual pets, and secret games. The distinction between play in the actual world and the expanding virtual world was muddled by these plush creatures. Children found them attractive as a result. These are 11 stuffed animals that were made famous by their hype and secret codes.
1. Webkinz
Erik Eckel on Flickr
The undisputed king of code-based plush toys, Webkinz let kids enter a magical online world. Each stuffed animal came with a unique key to unlock a digital pet version. The virtual home-building, mini-games, and social features kept kids hooked for hours.
2. Neopets Plushies
Mary-Lynn on Flickr
Already a massive online sensation, Neopets expanded into plush toys with special codes. These codes unlocked rare items and perks in the virtual world, making them a must-have for fans. For many kids, it was their first taste of combining toys with internet gaming.
3. Shining Stars
Joe Haupt on Flickr
These cuddly animals let kids register a star in the sky through an online platform. The plush came with a code that linked to a star certificate and digital games. It blended sentimental value with interactive fun, though the craze didn’t last long.
4. Beanie Babies 2.0
daryl_mitchell on Wikimedia Commons
Ty tried to revive its legendary Beanie Baby craze by introducing codes for an online world. Kids could bring their plush to life digitally and explore new activities. Despite the effort, it never reached the same fever pitch as the original Beanie Baby boom.
5. Beanie Boos with Codes
Jan Kopřiva on Pexels
Building on the Beanie Babies 2.0 idea, Ty Beanie Boos also came with special codes. Their wide-eyed designs made them collectible, while the online features added extra appeal. Still, the trend eventually faded as newer toys took over.
6. Ty Girlz
April on Flickr
These plush dolls were Ty’s attempt at mixing fashion with online gaming. Each came with a secret code to unlock a virtual world of clothes, accessories, and activities. While short-lived, they gave kids a new way to play beyond the stuffed doll itself.
7. Disney’s Club Penguin Plushies
VigorzzeroTM on DeviantArt
Beloved penguin avatars came to life in plush form, each carrying a code. Redeeming the code gave players access to exclusive items in the Club Penguin online world. Fans snapped them up to personalize their virtual penguins with rare gear.
8. Build-A-Bear with Codes
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
Build-A-Bear Workshop began including codes that linked stuffed animals to a digital game called Bearville. Kids could create avatars of their plush and interact online with friends. It added another layer of connection to an already hands-on experience.
9. Littlest Pet Shop Plushies
PINKE on Flickr
Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop jumped into the code craze with its plush line. Kids could use the secret keys to unlock games, digital pets, and accessories. It kept the brand fresh and fun for kids during the rise of virtual worlds.
10. Moshi Monsters Plush Toys
Ian Hughes on Flickr
Based on the hit online game, Moshi Monsters plushies came with codes to unlock special characters. Fans collected them both for cuddles and for expanding their digital monster families. It was a winning combo for kids caught up in the Moshi craze.
11. ZhuZhu Pets Plushies with Codes
Martin Weller on Flickr
ZhuZhu Pets weren’t just motorized toys — they also had plush versions with online unlocks. The codes gave kids access to games and virtual hamsters to expand their collection. Though short-lived, they added digital flair to an already popular toy line.