...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's site.  (Sounds like we may want to keep an eye on Ty Store.  Ya think?)

Q: What new plans do you have to make 2004, exciting for Beanies? (submitted by 9164)
A: How about a poem for the final answer ?
2003 was a fun filled year
Now 2004 is almost here
I'm working harder than ever before
You'll be surprised at what's in store !
I'll see you at the Cyberboard New Year's Eve party !

Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'


  ...  Farewell to Beanieholics
Randy and Theresa of Beanieholics started their website a little over five years ago.  During this time, they have provided an enormous amount of news and information to collectors, especially concerning Ty products.  Even more so, they have been two special friends to many of us, ourselves included.  Today, a sad day comes as they have announced a "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" on their site.  They have been an inspiration to us personally, and will be greatly missed.  As they wrote in their message, "Just think of us as Beanie Babies that have 'retired'.  Everyone knows that retired Beanies have a way of popping up somewhere, somehow, when you least expect them to".  As we consider this a sad 'retirement', we shall all keep our eyes open to see when and where they may 'pop up'.  I'm sure we speak for MANY collectors as we wish them the best in their future endeavors, and thank them gratefully for all the effort and hard work put into running a website.  Words cannot really express how much you will be missed.  Thank you, Randy and Theresa, and stay in touch.  Have a wonderful New Year!!!
Click here to read Beanieholics' Farewell Message 


  ...  Is Your Beanie Baby Collection Insured?
Get expensive gifts? Insure them quickly
By Paul Bannister • Bankrate.com
... If you're one of those extra good little boys or girls, your first call after Christmas should be to your insurance agent, because if a Grinch steals the bracelet, or even if you lose it in a snowdrift, you probably don't have enough insurance to replace it.

... "People think their renters or homeowners insurance will cover them for any loss, and it just isn't true," says Loretta Worters, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.

... Called an endorsement or a floater, the added insurance is specifically for that diamond tennis bracelet, gold wristwatch or valuable collection of baseball cards, Beanie Babies, or butterflies, which must be listed and described.

"We advise people that any item worth more than $1,000 to $2,000 should be added as an endorsement on their homeowners policy," says Worters. "You might have to pay extra, maybe a few hundred dollars a year for a very valuable item, but the peace of mind in knowing you will be properly reimbursed if you lose your expensive Christmas gift is well worth it."
Click here to read the article  


  ...  Ty Newsflash - January BBOTM
Ty has introduced 'Jersey', the January 2004 'Beanie Baby of the Month'.  If you are a BBOTM member, you could possibly see this new Beanie in your mailbox soon.  (December's BBOTM, 'Tinsel', is still listed as 'current' but we should expect it to 'retire' soon.)

Click here to view the announcement on Ty's site 

  ...  Ty Newsflash - January Wallpaper
Ty has posted the January 2004 wallpaper/calendar.  Teenie Beanie Bopper 'Terrific Tessa' is shown, being pulled by the 'Mukluk' Beanies, along with the quote  "Bundle up and don't forget your mukluks!".  (A mukluk is "a soft boot made of reindeer skin or sealskin and worn by Eskimos".)

Click here to view and download Ty's January 2004 Desktop  Wallpaper  

Have a Safe New Years' Eve
From our family to yours, our best wishes to you for a Safe, Peaceful, and Happy New Year 2004. Thanks to all of you for your kindness, your support, and your friendship! We look forward to another exciting year!

  ...  Ty 2004 January Releases
Ty has posted pictures of the new releases for January ... Beanie Babies, Buddies, Boppers, Pluffies, Punkies, and Classics.
Click here to view the New Releases 

  ...  December Ty Retirements
Ty has retired 38 products today ...

Merry Christmas !
From Our Family to Yours 

  ...  Clubby VI Retirement
On December 15th, the BBOC page on Ty's website stated "Sorry, this offer is no longer available".  (See news below).   One of our readers writes:

I would just like to bring to your attention that on December 15th, the Beanie Baby Club stopped accepting any new orders for the Clubby VI beanies and the Decade jingle beanies. However, they were still listed on the current beanie baby listing. Today, December 23rd, those beanies and jingles have been removed from the current listing and placed in the retired listing.

My question is what would be the official date of retirement for these beanies and jingles? Would it be December 15th when the BBOC stopped accepting orders or would it be December 23rd when they were officially removed from the current listing.

I hope you have a very Happy Holiday!
Joe C

Doodle's note:  I have listed the retirement as December 15th on the main page of our site, the day these Beanies were "no longer available".  In the past, Beanie Babies / Buddies have been officially retired in a Ty Newsflash, but later placed in Ty's retired listing.  Some have quietly retired to the list with no announcement and considered retired on that day.  This is why you will sometimes notice a variation of a retirement date with certain Beanies.


  ...  Holiday Greetings from Ty
Last Thursday, Ty posted a link to a Holiday Greeting in the 'Ask Ty' question and answer.  Today, the link has been posted on Ty's main page of the site, wishing all a wonderful holiday!
Click here to view Ty's Holiday Greeting 


  ...  CindysBeans Donation to Toys For Tots
Ms. Janie shared news that CindysBeans website has donated Ty products ($15,000 worth) to Toys For Tots.  To visit CindysBeans website, click here.  The generosity shared, especially during this time of year, has a very special meaning!

  ... 'Decade' Beanies
As you know, ten 'Decade' Beanie Babies were released by Ty this year - in celebration of ten years of Ty Beanie Babies.  The last one was announced on Monday, December 15th, and is available through Ty Store.  Beanieholics has posted a photo by Marilyn of all ten 'versions' of this bear ... showing the 'grand finale' brown version.

  ...  January Releases
We have all wondered, and as we mentioned a couple of days ago ... what are Ty's plans for January releases.  Coming from a very reliable source, Beanieholics has now posted possible releases forthcoming.  Of course, until officially announced by Ty, we will consider them as 'rumors'.  But an exciting group if all proves to be true!  So who are Chopstix, Corsage, Killarney. and Parfum? ... Beanie Babies, Buddies?  To view the complete list, click on Randy and Theresa's site at the above link.

  ...  BBOC Offer - No Longer Available
"Sorry, this offer is no longer available."  That's what is now stated on Ty's 'Beanie Babies Official  Club' website.  The offer was stated to be "valid from October 1st, 2003 or while supplies last". 
Click here to visit the BBOC 


  ...  Ty Newsflash - New 'Decade'
Ty has introduced the 'Grand Finale' of the 'Decade' Beanie Baby - Brown Decade.  The hint from Ty in the 'Ask Ty' question and answer last week stated that the color starts with the letter 'B'.  (We guessed black, brown, or burgundy.)  Brown Decade is available exclusively at Ty Store.  (The previous nine colors are Blue, White, Red, Royal Blue, Hot Pink, Orange, Purple, Green, and Gold.)

Click here to view the announcement 
Click here to visit Ty Store and Order Your 'Decade' 

  ... What's Next?
12:20 am EST ... It's hard to believe that the holiday season is among us.  Many of us have busy schedules this time of year ... work, school, shopping, cooking, visiting with family and friends, etc.  And we may also be wondering what Ty has in store for us in the upcoming days.  Perhaps something new at Ty Store?  Some retirements around the corner?  December 17th is the date we will commemorate and celebrate the historic achievement of the first powered flight.  Could we possibly see 'Bearon' retire this week?  (I have yet to see either 'version' in a store in our area - and we live in North Carolina!  Thanks to a dear friend, I do have the red version.)

As usual, we shall see 'what's next' over TYme!


  ... 'Cherish' Fundraising for 2003

A job well done - to Sue Owen and the many people who participated in this year's 'Cherish' project for Cancer Research!  Sue writes:

The Grand Total (for the final week of auctions) is ... £2,327.07!

The Ty signed Cure went for £1450 (all proceeds to Breast Cancer Research).  The rest of the money raised will go to Children's Cancer Research.

I am delighted with the total raised in this final week of auctions - this brings the total raised by CHERISH during 2003 to well over £11,000.

Winners have also been announced for the Crackers for Christmas Draw, which raised £359.  The lucky winners (20 in all) are listed here.

  ... Beanie Baby of the Month ... and Then There Were 12
Sakurako (of Bottega Beanies) shares a photo with us of the 'happy dozen' BBOTM' Beanie Babies.

  ... Ty Warner Signed 'Cure' - Auction Has Ended
The eBay auction for the one-of-a-kind Ty Warner autographed 'Cure' Beanie Baby has ended today.  Patricia Roche (from Ty Europe) certified its authenticity.  Proceeds of this auction will go to Cancer Research UK.  The auction ended at £1,450.00.
To view the auction, click here. 

Saturday, December 13

  ... Ty Products & Birthdays
After going through the birthday lists on our site, we noticed there are only three dates yet to be filled with a Ty product.  (This lists includes Beanie Babies, Beanie Kids, Beanie Boppers, and Teenie Beanie Boppers.)  The dates still 'open' are June 25th, July 11th, and December 10th.)
Click here to view our Birthday List 

Note:  If you see something you think needs changing or added, please feel free to drop us a note and we'll check it out! 


  ... The Beanie 'Trio'
From our email bag, Sandra writes:
"Hi Deb, Thanks for posting the photo yesterday from your Japanese friend Sakurako showing the color variation comparisons of the True, Thank You Bear, and Premier Beanies.  Looking at them separately, they all appeared to be the same color.  She is one lucky collector to have all of them! - a nice trio!  Keep up the good work on keeping us informed!!!  Have a Happy Holiday!  Sandra"

Thanks, Sandra.  Sakurako has been a long time friend for several years, and does an excellent job of photo-taking!

Friday, December 12

  ... 'Thank You' Bear - Additional Photos
On Wednesday, Sakurako (of Bottega Beanies) shared photos with us of the new 'Thank You' Bear which had recently been received by Ty Japanese retailers.  Along with the additional new photos below, Sakurako writes ... (translated) "My friend was able to purchase this new Thank You Bear at her retailer ... she was very surprised - a nice Christmas present.  The Japanese letter which accompanied this Bear is also displayed".

(Doodle's note:  It has also been brought to our attention that retailers within the U.S. are also receiving this new 'version' of the Bear.)  

The three Beanie Babies ... True, Thank You Bear, and 'Premier'  ... are also shown as a comparison of their colors.

 
Beanie Babies ... 'True', 'Thank You' Bear, and 'Premier'

  ... Ty Warner Signed 'Cure' - Auction Update 
Sue Owen informed us earlier (December 3rd) of an eBay auction for a one-of-a-kind Ty Warner signed 'Cure' Beanie Baby.  Patricia Roche (from Ty Europe) certified its authenticity.  Proceeds of Sue's auction will go to Cancer Research UK.  The auction ends on Sunday, December 14th, at 12:00 PST, and is currently at GBP 1,234.00 (approximately US $2,154.75).  To view the auction, click here 


  ... '12 Days of Christmas' Contest
The '11th' day of Christmas graphic in Ms. Janie's Contest is located on our site.  Be sure to make a note of the exact URL when you find it and follow the instructions as noted.
Click here for contest details. 

Thursday, December 11

  ... Note from 'Beanies & More' Magazine
Do you use Ty products to decorate your workspace?  We have received a note from Erin Brereton, Senior Editor, who writes:

Sitting at a desk covered in Beanies?
You're not the only one! Beanies & More wants to interview collectors who use Ty products to decorate their workspace. If that sounds like where you're sitting, just send your name, e-mail address, phone number and a brief description of what you do for a living and how your desk is decorated to us at beaniesandmore@imaginepub.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you!

Erin Brereton
Senior Editor
Imagination Publishing
ebrereton@imaginepub.com 


  ... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website ...
Q: Any hints as to what color the last Decade Beanie will be? (submitted by scooby20)
A: I have enjoyed reading all your guesses on what the final color may be for Decade. For those of you with little patience here's a hint . . . the color starts with the letter "B" !

Doodle's note:  ... And what color do you think it will be?  - Black? Brown? Burgundy? We shall soon tell with tyme!  (The previous nine colors of 'Decade' are:  Blue, White, Red, Royal Blue, Hot Pink, Orange, Purple, Green, and Gold.)

Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  

Wednesday, December 10

  ... 'Thank You' Bear in Japan
Sakurako of Bottega Beanies writes us of a new 'Thank You' Bear for Ty Japan retailers and has shared photos with us.  As in the United States, Canada, and the UK, these bears will not be available for sale and are for 'display' only.  Only one 'Thank You' bear was sent to the Ty Japan retailers.  This version has some obvious differences ... it is beige, has a different hang tag poem, and also has the '10 Year Anniversary' tag.  A 'thank you' letter (in Japanese) also accompanied the Bear.  (Thanks for sharing with us, Sakurako.  This apparently will be a rare and treasured bear indeed!)

Thank You Bear™ Thanks for everything you've done Because of you we're #1 We're a great team you and me Thanks again for your loyalty ! (USA, Canada, UK)	Thank You Bear™ Together we make quite a pair So please accept this special bear For your support and dedication A token of my appreciation ! (Japan)

  ... Santa  Fund 2003
Timesrecord.com
Santa Fund 2003
Even a child can understand
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Joan Ingersoll, Bath, has a special Beanie Baby collection. She wants to share these with the children receiving gifts from the Santa Claus Fund. This elf had the pleasure of admiring each Beanie Baby, and knows that they will mean so much to any child who is fortunate enough to have one placed in his or her package. Twenty-nine were in the bag received, and Joan states that she has many more that will find their way to the Santa Claus Fund warehouse. Thanks to Joan for coming to this decision of parting with her "Beanie Baby family." Many children will benefit from the donation you have made.
Click here to read the article 

  ... 'Cherish' Auctions - Update
Sue writes:
This week sees the final and perhaps most exciting of the CHERISH auctions, which have been taking place each week for the past ten weeks.  The theme is STARS and the cast-list is truly star-studded!

For all the information, click here. 

  ... Ty Retirement
Ty has retired 'Tidings', the Ty Store Exclusive Christmas mouse.  Tidings was officially released on November 25th, less than two weeks ago ... a short life for this cute Beanie!
Click here to visit Ty Store 

... New 'Ask Ty'  Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website today:
Q: Does each Beanie Baby have its own personality? If so, which one best describes yourself? (submitted by Drumstick)
A: All Beanies are lovable, friendly, and like to have fun, but they also have their own unique personalities.  I guess I probably have a lot in common with all my Beanie Babies.  Today . . . I feel like Snowball !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  

... 'Cherish Auctions - Updates
Sue has sent us information on the latest 'Cherish' auction updates ... including a 'Cure' Beanie Baby signed by Ty Warner.
Click here for the latest information and updates 


... Contest at Beanzaddiction
In addition to the contests listed earlier (see yesterday's news), there's another contest for the holidays you may want to check out.  Hayley writes:
Hi there!
Just to let you know, the new Christmas competition is up and running at Beanzaddiction.com. There is a great prize - a huge sack full of mystery goodies. The prize includes SPECIAL beanies - no ordinary beanies! The winner will be amazed! WOW!
The idea of the contest - Peace is playing hide and seek with Santa and the beanies in Santa's Village at the North Pole. All you have to do is find where Peace is hiding and tell Santa the name of the place! Visit www.beanzaddiction.com for more info and to enter!
The competition will run from today (3rd Dec) until the 15th Dec.
Good luck to all who enter and have a Happy Festive Season!
Hayley

Ms. Janie's '12 Days of Christmas' Celebration
Ms. Janie's '12 Days of Christmas' Contest kicked off at 9 pm EST last night.  Be sure to stop by and check out the details.  There are lots of great prizes be offered.
Click here for Contest details