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Toolkit for Collectors
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ww.beanwatcher.com
Bean Watcher
News and Reports for Beanbag Collectors!
This site exists for your enjoyment. My goal is to make your beanbag collecting experience more enjoyable. I focus on Ty products
-- Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Beanie Boppers, and more. I do not receive any financial compensations whatsoever --
I prepare it because of the joy that it brings to me and others. I hope you'll enjoy the news, photographs, and articles that you see.
So grab a beverage, sit back, and enjoy the read! ~ Bean Watcher
Worldwide News and Reports
March 2008 Archives
Happy Collecting!
Bean Watcher
Videos Posted on the Ty Home Page
Illinois, USA
March 31, 2008
 A new video posted has been posted on Ty.com.
Three other videos are currently posted in the video playlist.
BB 2.0 Sizzle: A video tour of Beanie Land.
Rock the World: The Ty Girlz are the hottest band to hit the stage.
TV Girlz Tour: A video tour of Ty Girlz world.
To view all four videos, click here.
April Fool's Day Beanie Display
USA
March 31, 2008
 Allen from the USA (aka albeansouth) shares his display of Beanie Babies with an April Fool's Day theme. Featured are April Fool the bear, Punchline the chihuahua, and Jokester the bear. To see Allen's picture, click here.  Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your picture with us!
Names of the Next Beanie Babies 2.0s
USA
March 29-30, 2008
 A reader from the USA shares the names of new Beanie Babies 2.0s (BB 2.0s) to be introduced. The names are posted on the secondary sales site, BuySellBeanies.com. The nine new BB 2.0s are identified by name, along with a short description. Here they are:
Chill - penguin with sparkle-black fabric
Derby 134 - licensed horse *
Fletch - golden retriever
Pops - Father's Day gray monkey
Saddle - brown monkey
Scholars - 2008 graduation bear
Sledder - chenille husky
Topper - giraffe
Vines - brown chenille monkey
* Derby 134 may be an "original" Beanie Baby, not a BB 2.0.
To see the names posted online, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing the news with us!
In Hand Pictures of Abbey Press' Quackly
USA
March 29-30, 2008
 A reader from the USA shares his picture of a Beanie Baby 2.0 collectible from Abbey Press. As previously reported, Quackly the duck is featured. The reader writes:
When reading about the Abbey Press Quackly offer in your newsletter, I decided to place an order. I do not have children so I was not exactly sure what name to have printed on the bib. After much consideration, I thought using my Ty site name would be a nice way of personalizing Quackly.
I placed an online order on March 5th and thought I was done. On Friday, March 7th, I received a phone call from an Abbey Press representative asking me to verify the name that was to be imprinted on the bib. I quietly laughed to myself knowing that my Ty site name was not a "usual" baby's name! I spelled what I wanted printed and was told my order would be shipped soon.
On Monday, March 10th, I received a shipping confirmation via email.... My package arrived in Philadelphia on March 12th and stopped. I sent Abbey Press an email on March 21st asking their assistance in finding out why it was stuck in Philadelphia. I was asked to wait a few more days... Easter passed and still my package showed no movement. I wrote Abbey Press again....
I am pleased to say that my replacement Quackly arrived today. I commend Abbey Press for their excellent customer service.... I am including photos of Quackly (pink grass is a prop and was not part of the order); the card that was included; and the bib.
One thing I happened to notice about the card was it has a 2003 copyright. I'm not sure if this is an error... Note that the card mentions "...this soft chickie..." when, in fact, Quackly is a duck(ling)!
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report and pictures with us!
Latest Ask Ty Response Posted
Illinois, USA
March 28, 2008
 Ty has posted his response to this week's winning Ask Ty question. Does Ty have anything planned for April 1st? Just ask Ty!
Q: Do you have anything up your sleeve for April Fool's Day? (submitted by 4760177)
A: I don't know . . . what do you think ??
The Lull Before the Storm
Illinois, USA
March 27, 2008
 The Ty home page, Ty.com, has been quiet -- there have been no newsflashes, announcements, or "surprises" for a few days. Typically, when there is a period of silence, a flurry of activity follows.... In the days to come, we will likely learn about the latest retirements. And in a few days (on or around April 1st), we should hear about the new Ty introductions. Enjoy the peace and tranquility now.... And be prepared for the excitement to follow ... !
Picture of Tenderly, the Ty Classic Bear
Florida, USA
March 26, 2008
 Ms. Janie has posted a picture from a collector in Florida who found a Ty Classic bear at Walgreens.
Marilyn's Pictures of the 2008 Mother's Day Bears
Wisconsin, USA
March 25, 2008
 Marilyn from Wisconsin shares her beautiful pictures and report of two Mother's Day-theme Beanie Baby 2.0 (BB 2.0) bears. Her report (slightly edited) follows:
I picked up Love to Mom, the US version today. There seems to be no difference between the UK and US versions. Style number is the same, 42014. The only extra in the UK version is the Safety Precaution tag. Neither Love to Mom - US nor Motherly have the separate full heart tag with the name and urging to register online as the first grouping of 2.0 beanies have.... Motherly, a Hallmark exclusive, features sky blue background and lots of dark pink flowers. Style number 47096.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report and pictures with us!
Derby 134 Beanie Babies at the Kentucky Derby Store
Kentucky, USA
March 24, 2008
 A reader from California and Dan from California both share that the Kentucky Derby Store is offering a pair of unannounced Beanie Babies. Bean Watcher comment: (1) Thank you for sharing the news with us. (2) The previous two versions of the Kentucky Derby - licensed toys, Derby 132 the horse and Derby 133 the horse, were both US exclusives.
Easter Greetings
USA and UK
March 23, 2008
 
A reader from California and John from the UK (co-manager of Beanie UK) share their Easter-themed pictures with us.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. And Happy Easter to all!
Easter Sunday throughout the World
Worldwide
March 23, 2008
 According to the site, HowStuffWorks, Easter is considered one of the oldest and most joyous days on the Christian calendar. Religious services and other Easter celebrations vary throughout the regions of the world and even from country to country. In addition to religious celebrations, many countries celebrate this special day with sweets, baked goods, dyed eggs, bunnies, and hot cross buns (click here).
Different countries celebrate the day differently. To read how Easter Sunday is celebrated in European countries such as England, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, and Sweden, click here. To read how Easter is celebrated in Australia, click here.
Create Your Own Beanie Easter Basket
Worldwide
March 23, 2008
 Do you have common beanies that you want to give away? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beanie Babies (1998) has an idea... use them in your Easter baskets. Here is an excerpt from the book:
Springtime is a time of renewal for people of all faiths -- and for kids who celebrate Easter, nothing is more fun than discovering what the Easter bunny left behind. For a fun Easter basket decoration this year, include colored eggs, chocolate rabbits, a wind up metal Easter toy, and one of the Beanie bunnies (Ears, Hippity, Hoppity, or Floppity)....
You can add Basket Beanies, baby chicks, lambs, puppies, kittens, or even Easter-themed bears. There are an unlimited number of ideas you can pursue. Be creative, have fun, and most of all, enjoy seeing the smiles from the lucky recipients !
Send an Easter Beanie Greeting
Worldwide
March 23, 2008
 This Easter season, why not send your friends a Beanie Greeting? It's a wonderful way to share your well-wishes with others. And best yet, it's free! To send a greeting, you must have a Ty Cyberboard login and password. If you do not have one, click here to register.
After you login, click here to visit the Beanie Greetings home page. Select Holidays then click on the word Easter. You will then be taken to a screen with a choice of three e-cards you can customize. After completing all required fields, you're ready to send your wishes to others. Enjoy!
Latest Ask Ty Response Posted
Illinois, USA
March 22, 2008
Ty has posted his response to this week's winning Ask Ty question. ? Peeps? Which color? Or is the correct question, Fresh or Stale? Just ask Ty!
Q: Do you like Peeps? If you do, what color is your favorite? (submitted by cold water)
A: I do like Peeps, but the question should be do you like them fresh or a little stale ?
Bean Watcher comment: According to Wikipedia.com, Peeps (branded as PEEPS®) are small marshmallow candies, sold in the United States and Canada, that are shaped into baby chickens, rabbits, and other animals. Click here to see pictures of these very popular marshmallow candies.
An Oddity Happy Birthday Bear
New Zealand
March 22, 2008
 A reader from New Zealand recently wrote to me, asking if her Happy Birthday the bear Beanie Baby was and oddity. She writes:
I kept looking at it thinking something was wrong, then I realised that the writing is on the left foot and is upside down. Is this a common oddity, or have I got an extra special beanie. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click here to see a picture of her beanie.
Bean Watcher response: Thank you for your email. Clearly you have an oddity, as the words Happy Birthday embroidered on your bear's left foot pad should be right side up. Have your beanie authenticated and you will likely be able to sell it for more than you paid for it.
Brookfield Zoo's 2008 Beanie Babies Days
Illinois, USA
March 21, 2008
 Brookfield Zoo and Ty, Inc. are once again teaming up to sponsor a Beanie Babies Day this year. More information about the event, which can be found on the zoo's Special Events site, is posted below:
Brookfield Zoo and Ty® are once again partnering for the zoo’s annual Beanie Baby® weekend this summer. The first 4,000 children (ages 11 and under) to enter the zoo each day will receive a ticket that can be redeemed for a free Beanie Baby® at the tent located near the North Gate. Throughout the weekend, Beanie Baby® lovers can shop ‘till they drop in a large tent where virtually every style of Ty® product will be available for purchase, compliments of Ty®.
According to a zoo employee, the exact date of the event is yet to be determined. Further, the Beanie Baby to be given away and whether or not it will have a promotional hang tag is not known at this time.
Pictures of the Dora Dress Up and Go! Magazine
Wisconsin, USA
March 20, 2008
 Marilyn from Wisconsin shares her pictures of the magazine, Dora Dress Up and Go! Marilyn provides the following reports (slightly edited) and pictures: Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your reports and pictures with us!
The 2008 New York Yankees Exclusive Beanie Buddy
New York, USA
March 19, 2008
 The New York Yankees will once again offer what is likely to be another game-exclusive Beanie Buddy.
Previous New York Yankees Exclusive Beanie Buddies
New York, USA
March 19, 2008
 Since 2003, the New York Yankees have given away a game-exclusive Beanie Buddy each year. It seems that we will see a sixth exclusive plush toy in September. Here are the previous promotional buddies, by year of introduction:
Centennial the bear. Introduced September 14, 2003.
World Class the bear. Introduced August 8, 2004.
Tradition the bear. Introduced September 25, 2005.
Yankees Pride the bear. Introduced October 1, 2006.
Legend the bear. Introduced September 1, 2007.
Bean Watcher comment: There are two versions of World Class the bear: a game-exclusive version and an In-Stadium exclusive version. Both were officially introduced during different times in 2004.
Motherly or Cinta?
USA
March 18, 2008
 Yesterday, I received my first Beanie Baby 2.0 (BB 2.0) bear -- Motherly, a Hallmark Gold Crown Store exclusive.
From the Email Bag: The Boston Store has Beanies
Wisconsin, USA
March 18, 2008
 Marilyn from Wisconsin shares a picture from the Boston Store, a mid-line department store based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She writes:
A flyer I got today for Boston Store's Easter sale, shows beanies on sale on page 11.
To see Marilyn's picture, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your picture with us!
St. Patrick's Day Greetings from the UK
UK
March 17, 2008
John from UK
Co-manager of Beanie UK
(click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized picture)
St. Patrick's Day Greetings
California, USA
March 17, 2008
 A reader from California shares her beautiful "St. Paddy's Day" beanie display with us. Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your picture with us!
St. Patrick's Day-Themed Beanies
USA
March 17, 2008
 Ty, Inc. has recognized St. Patrick's Day with several different plush toys. Many of these styles have a birthday that falls on March 17th.
Create an Irish Gift Basket
USA
March 17, 2008
 An early guide published during the Beanie Babies craze, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beanie Babies (1998) provides a creative way to use your St. Patrick's Day-themed beanies. Here is an excerpt from the guide: Bean Watcher comment: Clearly, you can substitute any of the Irish-themed gifts or Erin for any other St. Patrick's Day-themed beanie. Wrap the basket in cellophane, secure the top with a ribbon, and you'll have a gift basket that will brighten anyone's day!
Send a St. Patrick's Day Beanie Greeting to Friends
Worldwide
March 17, 2008
 Are you searching for a way to brighten a friend's day? Why not send a Beanie Greeting? Ty has many different e-cards in several different categories you can modify and send. Three different cards with a St. Patrick's Day theme -- all free of charge -- are waiting to be sent. To visit the Beanie Greeting site, click here.
Teens Collect Hundreds of Pounds of Beanie Babies
New Hampshire, USA
March 15-16, 2008
 Blackanthem.com, a US-based military news source, has posted a report about the efforts of local teenagers who collected beanies for the organization, Beanies for Baghdad. According to the report:
All counted, the effort collected more than 2,900 stuffed toys. The teens had done a Beanies for Baghdad drive previously, but this time was more successful, they said. "The last time we collected only half as much," Tristen said. "It was really unexpected."
To collect the Beanie Babies the teens placed collection boxes around the Greater Derry and Londonderry areas.
Debbie Curtin said approximately 730 pounds of stuffed cheer was sent off to Iraq.
To read the complete article, click here.
From the Email Bag: The Master Card Exclusive Bears
USA
March 15-16, 2008
John from the USA asks a question about the Ty Master Card bears. He writes:
How do you tell the regular Master Card bears ( I think there are 6 or 7) from the rarer MC Anniversary bears ? Can you help me with names so when I see one I know if it is the rarer versions or not?
Bean Watcher response: Thank you for your email. One way you can tell the difference between the "regular" Master Card bears from the more rare M.C. Anniversary bears is from their names. |
