As is often the tradition around this time of year, we’ve taken a look back at all that’s happened over the year past, and we thought we’d share our reflections. Here’s are some of the highlights that defined Webkinz World, Webkinz Newz, and the Ganz eStore in 2009:

• The Zumbuddies came to Webkinz World, giving players the ability to visit the beautiful land of Zumwhere.
• The Caring Valley, where players can plant saplings to help Webkinz Foundation contribute to charitable causes, opened.
• Deluxe Membership was introduced, giving players another way to stay active in Webkinz World with exclusive items. It was also later expanded to allow the gifting of Deluxe Memberships.
• Signature Pets, a line of special, more luxurious pets with additional prizes, were launched.

Those are just a few of the big stories for the year. More top stories from the year and a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2010 follow after the break.

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Want to see all of the great Pet of the Month music videos? Now you can watch them any time you want in Webkinz World! Just click on “Music Starz” in the Things To Do menu and select the video of your choice.

And it gets better! If you adopt the Pet of the Month during its month, you’ll get to download a free MP3 of your special pet’s  song. Take these catchy tunes wherever you go! Kinz Tunes MP3s are also available at the Ganz eStore, if you’d like a copy of any of the songs you may have missed.

• We’ve got five great new recipes for you to discover! These recipes can be discovered using your stove, blender and sandwich maker. The first person to discover the ingredients and make one of these new recipes will receive a Super Chef trophy!
• There’s a brand new theme in the W Shop — the Cafe Theme is super chic and has just-right items for creating your own cozy corner. Check out the W Shop now!
• Calling all Super Bed Collectors! We’ve got a brand new “Princess and the Pea” Super Bed that’s perfect for your royal pets! Find it in a Super Exclusive gift box, our gift to you on your 10th adoption and every 5th one after that.
• Keep your eyes on the Curio Shop — more items from the Princess Palace theme will be arriving soon!

It’s shaping up to be a great Halloween this year! We’re doing something a little different — your Webkinz pets will be able to go Trick or Treating in the Clubhouse from October 24th until October 31st. Keep your eyes open for the Webkinz Ghost during that time — you’ll be able to collect one of 12 possible pieces of candy each hour.

We’ve added two new costumes to the KinzStyle Outlet – the Black Ninja Costume and the Scarecrow Costume. There are also two great new pieces for the Haunted House theme — the Jack O’Chair and the Spooky Spider Web.

If you love cooking, you’ll love the brand new Super Chef room in the Clubhouse. We’ve added some great new secret recipes to discover using the Super Chef stove!

We hope you enjoy these great new additions to Webkinz World!