December News

... Sports Promo
A reader of Ms. Janie's reports of receiving a Cleveland Indian's 2003 schedule, and on August 30th - a Teenie Beanie Bopper night for kids 14 and younger. Interesting!
Click here to visit the Cleveland Indian's site (promo listings). (She has also posted the links to MLB sites ... the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros.)

... January Orders
Ms. Janie has posted the Ty retailer ordering parameters for January. They can be viewed on her site by clicking here.

... Coming Soon
"W" writes:
"Just found out that retailers could order on January 2^nd. Newbies are in stock and ready to ship. Additional orders are available to be placed at the trade shows. Expect more releases by the end of the month."

(Thanks "W" ... If that's the case, then new Ty products should start showing up soon. There's definitely a few I can't wait to see!)

... Changes at Ty Store
Although no products have been added or deleted at Ty Store yet, the graphics have changed to a 'winter tyme' scene (although a wreath still hangs on the door.) Perhaps (Christmas) 'Cand-e' will change to (Valentine) 'Cand-e' soon? ... as we mentioned earlier. Sounds appropriate to me, anyway.
Click here to visit Ty Store

... BBOC Deadline
On December 16th, the date to order the BBOC items was extended to December 31st (or while supplies last). Can we now 'expect' the BBOC offer to end tomorrow? We shall see.
Click here to visit the BBOC

... Wonder Why?
All the lists on the site have now been updated ... if you see an error, please let me know. It's a time consuming effort ... hopefully I haven't missed anything. While reading through some of the lists, it amazes me that some (Beanie Buddies in particular) are still 'current'. Do you ever wonder why? For instance, the 'oldest' Buddies yet to retire ... large and extra-large Schweetheart, and Sneaky - all introduced at the Dallas Gift Show June 24-27, 2000. The next oldest Buddy is Unity - introduced October 1, 2001, and still current. Guess it's just one of those times when you just say 'hmmm'.

(Most of the lists are located at the bottom of this page, for your convenience. They are also accessible from the main page on the left hand bar.)

... Then and Now
Interested in a comparison of both New Years' Beanie Kids? Nancy K. has sent us a photo of Baby 2002 and Babe-e 2003. (Thanks for sharing, Nancy ... looks like they're sitting and waiting to ring in the New Year!)

... What Can We "Expect" Next?
One of our regular readers, "W", writes of some interesting possibilities in the near future ... "Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Lots of Ty News and just when you think it is done. .... There is more. Color Me Bunny ... and some big surprises at the Trade Show next month. BIG SURPRISES. JUMBO SURPRISES. See where I am going? ... Hint about there being Cand-e for every occasion, kind of sensing that this style will be with us for a long time! ... The 10th Anniversary of the Beanie Baby - he is going all out! ... A tye-dyed bunny like Hippie. ... Something is coming and that something is HUGE!"

Sounds exciting, "W", 'Cand-e' for Valentines and/or Easter sounds logical :) And gotta love those Easter 'treats'. Guess we shall wait and see what 'huge' surprises Ty may have in store for us. Maybe, just maybe!

... Rye By Post Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the Rye By Post lottery page. The 3 and 4 number prizes in last week's draw were won. The next winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear.
5 + Bonus number prize - Lord Of The Rings Two Towers Triple Film Cell.
5 number prize - Harry Potter - Chamber Of Secrets Mini Montage Film Cell.
4 number prize - James Bond - Die Another Day Film Cell.
3 number prize - Tradee Beanie Buddy.

The lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily. You just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID. The next Draw is Saturday. January 11, 2003.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

Beanie Babies Carnation the Cat Dublin the Bear February the Bear Fridge the Bear Schnitzel the Dog Smitten the Bear Twitterbug the Bug	Beanie Buddies #1 the Bear Baby Boy the Bear Baby Girl the Bear Clover the Bear Kissme the Bear Mattie the Cat Romance the Bear Spring the Bunny	Ty Classics Binks the Bear Bojangles the Bear Cameo the Cat Isis the Cat Molasses the Bear Nippey the Dog Nipsey the Dog Scrapper the Dog Thimbles the Rabbit Walnut the Bear
Ty Classics Baby Camper the Bear Baby Rumbles the Gorilla Camper the Bear Flippers the Seal Jonah the Whale Melvin the Moose Rumbles the Gorilla Skimmer the Dolphin Tornado the Horse	Beanie Boppers Dainty Darla Fun Phoebe Pajama Pam	Ty Punkies Flipflop the Duck Pipsqueak the Elephant Polka-Dot the Dog T-Bone the Cow

Ty has RETIRED lots of various products as well ... looks like all the Beanie Kids and Attic Treasures are retired now!

Note: Although not listed in this retirement, the Jingle Beanies are now listed as retired on Ty's Jingle Beanies page (as well as all the 'Baby Ty' products (view here) and Ty Gear) ... 'Cand-e' is still available at Ty Store.

Beanie Babies
2002 Ty Signature Bear
Bam
Bonsai
Color Me Beanie
Frisbee
Herald
Herder
Hoofer
November Birthday Bear
October Birthday Bear
Teddy Anniversary Bear

Beanie Buddies
Butch
Frisbee
Legs
Poopsie
Pounce
Regal
Wrinkles

Beanie Boppers
Adorable Annie
Bubbly Betty
Christmas Carol
Cool Cassidy
Darling Debbie
Merry Margaret
Pretty Penelope
Spunky Sammy
Sweet Sally

Attic Treasures
Arlen
Cassia
Cooper
Demetria
Emma
Flannigan
Karena
Martina
Olympia
Revere
Rhine (German Excl)
Tudor (UK Excl)
Winifred
Winona

Beanie Kids
Angel
Blondie
Buzz
Calypso
Cookie
Dumplin
Ginger
Luvie
Princess
Rascal
Shenanigan
Specs
Sweetie
Tumbles

**Jingle Beanies (Retired)**
2001 Holiday Teddy Dizzy Halo II Jinglepup	Mistletoe Santa Snowgirl The Beginning Zero

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted.
Q: Why did you put beans in the animals? How come not regular stuffing? (submitted by sargelover)
A: Regular stuffing just didn't have the right feel. I wanted Beanies to comfortably sit in the palm of a child's hand or on their lap. And . . . . without beans in Beanies what would I have named them?
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Happy Holidays From Our Family to Yours ...
May It Be Filled with Peace, Joy and Love

... Season's Greetings from Ty
Ty has posted the link on their main page for the Season's Greetings Holiday e-Card.

... What's next for Ty Store?
Although there are several speculations as to what may be upcoming releases at Ty Store, one of our readers ("Will") has a couple of good ideas. How about for Valentine's Day ... 'Sweet-e' or 'Love-e'? And for St. Patrick's Day ... 'Pat-e'?

... Retirements Soon?
With Christmas Day only two days away, and new releases 'expected' soon, we can probably anticipate some retirements to be announced by Ty soon. After all, there are some holiday-themed products ... Beanie Boppers 'Christmas Carol' and 'Merry Margaret', Beanies 'Flaky' and 'CAND-e', and Beanie Kid 'BABE-e' (to name a few) that are probably on the list. I suppose we shall see what's up Ty's sleeve soon.

... Holiday Wishes From Ty
You may have received a Holiday-e Card with special wishes from Ty ... if not, you probably will soon - we received ours today. If you haven't and want to take a peek, you can view it at the link below. (It really is cute, I must say.)

... Need to Change Your Order?
1:00 pm EST ... If you have ordered the 'Beanies and More' magazine subscription, or the 'Beanie of the Month' Beanie Baby from Ty Store, you can update your information by clicking here. (The link has also been added at the bottom of the page on Ty Store.) Our thanks to Sandra for pointing this out to us.

... BABE-e Photo
As you may recall from our earlier news, several readers had reported receiving a shipment confirmation of the Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Kid BABE-e. Looks like they are starting to arrive ... Beanwatcher has posted a photograph from an eBay auction that you may want to check out.

... Almost here
It's hard to believe that Christmas Day is only four days away. My, how times flies! Most of us probably have some 'last minute' gifts to buy. Perhaps you can buy a Jingle Beanie to use in place of a bow on that special gift, as one reader suggested. Just enjoy the season and stay safe.

I'll be busy preparing for relatives' visits, cooking, and wrapping ... but here to keep you posted when 'new' news happens. Maybe some retirements soon? :)

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted.
Q: What have you got up your sleeve for the 10th anniversary of Beanie Babies? (submitted by americanmaid)
A: This is a very special 10 year anniversary and . . . I think a year long celebration is in order!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'
Hmmm, I wonder ... could Ty be referring to the Beanie of the Month program?

... Ty Sponsors 'Amazing Kids!' Toy Design Contest
Sal's Attic reports the following:
One lucky young aspiring toy designer between the ages of 5 and 17 will be given the chance to work with a professional toy designer as their mentor as part of the winning prizes for the first annual Amazing Kids! Plush Toy Design Contest. Amazing Kids!, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring excellence in children and helping them realize their own amazing potential, announced today the launch of the Amazing Kids! Plush Toy Design Contest, which is being sponsored by Ty, creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies and the leader in plush toys.
Click here to visit Sal's Attic

... Hallmark Gold Crown Beanie - Update Info
Will the Hallmark Beanie be a U.S. Exclusive? Are they Gold Crown Hallmark stores anywhere else in the world besides the U.S.? BeanWatcher has posted a note from "Hallmark Consumer Care", with some information you might be interested in reading.

Added note: Martin, as well as a few Canadians readers, have informed us that there are several Hallmark Gold Crown Stores in Canada. Will they sell the Exclusive Beanie? We shall see.

... BABE-e Shipping
9:10 am EST ... One of our readers writes:
Hi Deb ... I just wanted to let you know my BABE-e Beanie Kid has already shipped from Ty Store. I just received a shipment confirmation from Ty. As it was only introduced two days ago, I consider that FAST! I'll send pics as soon as it arrives. Have a happy and safe holiday and keep up the great work on the site! TTY soon ... Susan
(Thanks for sharing the news, Susan. I imagine this one will retire pretty quickly.)

... Teenie Beanie Bopper Backpacks Arriving
The Ty Store Teenie Beanie Bopper Backpacks (with six Teenie Boppers) are shipping. If you ordered a set, you may want to be on the lookout. Ms. Janie has posted a picture of one on her site..
Click here to view the photo

... Ty Retailer Display
Speaking of photos, I thought these were too cute. Kenrick has shared pictures with Ms. Janie of a creative display of Ty Beanies by a Ty retailer. Check out those Jingle Beanie Rovers playing the part of reindeer.
Click here to view the photos

... Ty Newsflash - New Offer at Ty Store
Ty has introduced 'BABE-e', the 2003 Beanie Kid. I don't 'expect' this one will be around too long, so you might want to get your order placed soon. (Also remember the scarcity of 2002 Beanie Kid?)

... BBOC Deadline
12:10 am EST ... Will 'Color Me Beanie' retire today? ... along with the BBOC Clubby 5 Anniversary set and pins? Or will the date be extended? As we reminded you a couple of days ago, Ty's site states 'The offer is valid from September 16, 2002 to December 16, 2002, or while supplies last'. Maybe we'll even see the 'BBOC is Back' removed from Ty's main page soon.
Click here to visit the BBOC

(We may even see some retirements soon, particularly the holiday themed products.)

Update (7:30 pm EST) ... The date to order the BBOC items has been extended now to December 31, 2002 (or while supplies last). (The date on the 'faq' page has not been changed yet.) You can check the date change by visiting the Exclusive Terms and Conditions.

... Maybe?
Remember what Ms. Janie posted on Friday about 'possible changes at Ty'? (Click here to read). One of our readers writes:
… LOTS of stuff has been going on and in fact I can confirm some of the stuff on Ms. Janies but only to a degree. I do know the Ty Gear will no longer be made and also that the Classics are getting “revamped” according to the local rep. Also, HERSCHEL IS DONE. Ty shipped a certain unknown amount (even to the rep) to the CB warehouse and that is who distributes them. There will be a lot of stuff being added and retired in all lines. Baby Ty will be “downsized” but that doesn’t mean discontinued…or does it? The rep also stated that “Wouldn’t it be fun to have Bopper accessories?” Not that Bopper fans have been asking for these since I can remember….Basket Beanies WILL Be Back! As far as Punkies go…I think we will see a panda bear ... ! She knew nothing about the latest rumor of Attics being retired…but whatever! This is the fun part of the year! ... TTYL "W"

(Of course, you know it isn't official until announced by Ty. Irregardless, I think it's safe to say we can 'expect' some interesting happenings with Ty in the near future!)

... RyeByPost Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the Rye By Post lottery page. The 3 and 4 number prizes in last week's draw were won. The next winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - Lord Of The Rings Two Towers Triple Film Cell
5 number prize - Chamber Of Secrets Mini Montage Film Cell
4 number prize - Die Another Day Film Cell
3 number prize - Herald Beanie Baby

The "fortnightly" lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily, you just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

... 'Ellybeans' Update
Ellena of 'Ellybeans' wishes for us to spread the word that they have now moved their site to a new domain. The old site (infobeanie.co.uk) can now be viewed at www.ellybeans.com.

... BBOC Deadline Soon
There are just two days left to order from the BBOC (Beanie Babies Official Club), unless the time is extended. Ty's site (BBOC "f.a.q." page) states 'The offer is valid from September 16, 2002 to December 16, 2002, or while supplies last". The offer includes the Clubby 5 Anniversary Edition Beanie Baby and Buddy set, Display cases, and a 5-Piece Collector Pin Set. Will it be extended? We shall see.
Click here to visit the BBOC

... Enjoy the Holiday
During the recent ice storm, we discussed what we would do first, once the power came back on. Of course, mine was grocery shopping, laundry, Christmas shopping, and decorating for the holiday. I had loads to do!!! My son mentioned that he actually 'enjoyed' the time spent together (playing games, talking, telling jokes ... just plain family fun) ... no TV, no computer. After some thought, perhaps that laundry could be put off an hour, the vacuum cleaner could surely wait! (Kids do grow too fast! And quality time is very important.) Here's our latest project, as my son's suggestion. We had a blast making it! And it's ALL edible! During this busy time of the year, remember to take some extra time to spend with someone you love!

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's site:
Q: Have you ever had a Beanie retire sooner than you expected and that Beanie became more rare and popular than you would have ever expected? If so, what is the Beanie? (submitted by Happy21)
A: I've learned to "Expect the Unexpected" when it comes to anything having to do with Beanies. I was surprised to see how quickly the June Birthday Beanie retired and . . . I have a feeling I will be surprised again real soon!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... New Changes at Ty
So what new additions may be coming our way from Ty? And can we expect some deleted product lines? You might want to read what Ms. Janie has posted on her site. Although the contents CANNOT be verified yet, it's quite interesting!
Click here to read "Expected Changes at Ty"

... Hallmark Beanie Promo Extended
Randy at Beanieholics informs us of an email received from a reader ... stating that the "ordering deadline" for the Beanie Baby promo has been extended until 1/31/03. You can click on their link for more information.

... Woman Angry Over Beanie Theft
"Whoever took Delores Barr Weaver's Beanie Babies from Alltel Stadium last month should consider themselves warned. Weaver is angry, and she isn't giving up. Saying ''my heart is broken,'' the wife of Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver is demanding the return of three of the collectible stuffed toys that were stolen last month from her open-air luxury suite."
Click here to read the article
... Source: Beanieholics

... 'CAND-e' with a Smile
A couple of Ms. Janie's readers have shared photos of 'CAND-e' that they recently received from Ty Store. Check out the location of the candy canes on these Beanies. They just may put a smile on YOUR face.
Click here to view Photo 1
Click here to view photo 2

... MC II Anniversary Bear
The Ty MasterCard Anniversary Bear, MC II, is being shipped to collectors now. Those who have a Ty MasterCard and charged more than $5,000 on their card during the first membership year are receiving this Beanie Baby. Ms. Janie has photos from one such collector which shows the Bear and unique hang tag made especially for this Beanie.
Click here to view

... We're Back!
12:05 am EST ... As you probably heard, last Wednesday the East Coast was struck with inclement weather. Here in North Carolina, we had over 1.2 million people without power due to a severe ice storm (and still over 200,000 patiently waiting). We were without power for six days ... it was just restored late yesterday afternoon. As all the hotels were booked, we toughed it out at home, although it was VERY cold ... sometimes below freezing temperatures INSIDE. It definitely made us more aware of so many things we often take for granted in our everyday life.

The area has been declared a 'disaster area'. The National Guard, along with the Red Cross and many shelters, are offering their assistance as well. Our prayers are extended to those that still await the comforts of heat and electricity.

Thanks to all of you who sent your thoughtful notes and concerns, as well as all the news you shared. And of course to our friends for their website notes on my 'disappearance'. A quick update of the latest 'Beanie news' is noted below, then it's off to a cozy warm bed (minus a few quilts) for a good nights' rest!

... New Ty Product Style Numbers
For those of you keeping track of the style numbers, Martin informs us of the following: (Thanks, Martin!)

Beanie Babies:
4522 January
4571 Tabs
4572 Flaky
4573 Snocap
4574 Glider

Punkies
0407 Sizzles

Sunday, December 8
... New Exclusive Beanie
Thanks to Will, who notified us on Thursday, December 5th, of a new Hallmark Exclusive Beanie. Following the recent introduction of 'Herschel' (the Cracker Barrel Beanie), there is a new Hallmark Beanie on the horizon. It should be available to Gold Crown Card members in March 2003, and 'bears' the Hallmark Crown on it's chest. Ms. Janie has posted additional information, as well as a picture of this Bear, on her website ... click here for more information.

... RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the Rye By Post lottery page. The 3rd and 4th number prizes in last week's draw were won. Next week's winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card
5 number prize - Libearty Beanie Baby
4 number prize - Wattlie Beanie and Buddy Duo
3 number prize - Holiday 2002 Beanie Baby

The weekly lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily, you just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

Saturday, December 7
... Ty Store Beanie 'CAND-e' Arriving
Looks like you may want to watch your mailbox. Collectors are reporting to already be receiving their 'CAND-e' Beanie from Ty Store ... now that's quick!
CAND-e's Birthday: December 13, 2001
Poem:
Winter is my favorite season
I bet you can guess the reason
Candy canes are my favorite treat
That's why I wear them, head to feet !
Click here for a photo on Beanieholics site

Friday, December 6
... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been added to the Ty site.
Q: Do you ever use ideas posted on Bright Ideas? (submitted by MELIQ)
A: I must say . . you all come up with some great ideas ! Keep a close eye in January and let me know what you think.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... "No Longer Available"
Ms. Janie reports that (according to the Ty Retailer website) the following items are 'not available' for ordering in December.

Baby Li-Li
Brigitte
Bonsai
Cheery
Christmas Carol
Cuddlepup
Elephanthugs
Frisbee
Herald
Herder
Jake
Kitty
MacDougal
Magic
O'Malley
Slush

Thursday, December 5
... New Cubs Beanie on May 4, 2003
Beanieholics shares info from a reader of the following that appears on the Chicago Cubs website:
Bonus Beanie Baby: Attention all Beanie Baby fans. Mark Sunday, May 4 on your schedule. On that date, when the Cubs play host to Colorado, the team will give away the first team Beanie Baby and it'll be named "Dusty."

"He said, 'Now I must have really arrived,'" John McDonough, vice president of marketing, said of Dusty Baker's reaction when he got the news. The beanbag toy will feature the Cubs logo. The team has not announced how many will be distributed.

... TURK-e "In Retirement"
12:15 pm EST ... Ty have moved the Ty Store Exclusive Beanie 'TURK-e' to the retirement section of Ty's Beanie Baby list. ('TURK-e' was removed from Ty Store on November 29th when the new Christmas Beanie 'CAND-e' was introduced.) Perhaps the January Beanie of the Month 'Sparkles' will move to the retirement list shortly as well, as it is no longer available for ordering.

... 'Flaky' Beanie Baby
One of our readers, Kenrick in Singapore, has shared photos (including hang tags) of 'Flaky', as well as the new January 2003 Birthday Bear recently introduced by Ty. Notice the slight 'tint of blue'? What a beautiful bear! (Thanks for sharing, Kenrick).
Click here to view the photos

... 'Collectibles Extravaganza' Now Available
Ms. Janie informs us that 'Collectibles Extravaganza' magazine is now available for purchase. It can be purchased at Pathmarks, Shop-Rites, and other Grocery Stores. She also mentions a few websites that offer the publication.
Click here to visit Cindy's Beans
Click here to visit Wallos.com
Click here to visit Go2iguanas.com
Click here to visit Babies With Beans

... A Valentine Tradition?
Ms. Janie has announced that the second issue of 'Collectibles Extravaganza' magazine will feature Valentine traditions and collectibles. Do you have a story you wish to share? ... it may appear in the magazine. Further details can be found at the following link.
Click here for more information

... Ty Donation
Ms. Janie reports the following, shared by a reader:
At 8:30 AM New York time Tania Lundeen represented Ty and his donation to the Toy Drive on the Today Show. A reported 2.6 million dollar donation was reported. Flaky was shown on camera as well as Teenie Boppers, Punkies and Pluffies.

... December Wallpaper
5:55 pm EST ... Ty has posted their December wallpaper at the following link:
Click here to download Ty's December Wallpaper

... 'Holmes' - No. 2 in the 'Beanie Baby of the Month' Program
1:15 am EST ... When you visit the Ty website, the pop-up window currently is no longer there - announcing the Beanie Baby of the Month. There also is no announcement yet (although it's early) on the next Beanie. However, if you click on the earlier provided link, it will direct you to the next Beanie named 'Holmes', a cute dog, to be shipped in February.

... Updated Lists
Are you curious as to how many 'Exclusive' Beanie Babies there are? How many Beanies have been available solely through Ty Store? Our Exclusive Beanie Baby Checklist has been updated with the latest Ty Store release - 'CAND-e'. (Our other checklists have been updated as well. Links are accessible at the bottom of this page, or through the links to the left on the main page.)

Added Note: Thanks to readers Kathy E. and George H. for their assistance in helping to complete the list!

... Reminder - Today is Your Last Chance
When you visit the Ty website, the pop-up window now reminds you that there is only one day left to enroll and reserve the first 12 Beanies in this special collection of the Beanie Baby of the Month program. If you haven't signed up by Monday, you will lose your chance to receive 'Sparkles' (which will be shipped in January).

... RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the Rye By Post lottery page. The 3rd and 4th number prizes in last week's draw were won. Next week's winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card
5 number prize - Libearty Beanie Baby
4 number prize - Wattlie Beanie and Buddy Duo
3 number prize - Frankenteddy Beanie Baby

The weekly lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily, you just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID.
Click here to visit RyeByPost