Today’s story of success is a little different; I’ve heard about it through mainstream media. But for readers who need to buy gifts for kids in the near future I thought this might also serve as a nice heads up. Squinkies are apparently the latest greatest gift for the holidays. They seem similar to webkins – where you get a tiny toy animal that also lives online or at least you track your ownership online. But as I recall webkins were just under $10 each; Squinkies are $10 for 16 animals. They were hot sellers last weekend. (I feel that I may know more about these guys after Christmas.)

Back to the broadband-Minnesota connection. First – Squinkies are made by Blip Toys, headquartered in Minnetonka. Second – the web site and the personal inventory tracking are integral to the toys so it ties into the online and offline worlds, which kids seem to love. Also folks seem to be crediting their online media plan for much of their success. They have used their Facebook page to get feedback from parents, apparently the idea of a printable “Squinkie bank” came from Facebook and has been a big hit. They reached out to more than 300 bloggers, sending them products for review and giveaways. Squinkies also have a YouTube channel – another big hit with kids. They have a video where stars (such as Eric Estrada) talk up Squinkies.

So Squinkies are bringing joy to kids – and helping at least one Minnesota business thrive. The marketing and part of the product assume an Internet connection – and actually the website assumes a pretty hefty broadband connection for maximum interaction.