February News

February 1-28, 2001

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Wednesday, February 28

... Yes, New Beanies!
Ty has introduced the new Beanie Babies on the website this evening. (Note that the releases have an introduction date of March 1, 2001.)

Cassie, the Collie
Float, the Butterfly
Hornsley, the Triceratops
Mellow, the Ty-Dyed Bear
Purr, the Kitten

... New Beanies?
Retailers should be able to order for their March shipments tomorrow morning. Perhaps the names of the new Beanies will be known then, and pictures on the Ty site? We shall see!

... New Info Beanie
Shamrock is the new Info Beanie for March. He just slipped by Prince ... 19.9% vs 19.6%). Smooch writes in the diary:

Wednesday February 28, 2001 12:04 p.m.
"Congratulations, Shamrock! Shamrock is going to be so excited. He's a great guy and I'm sure he'll be a great Info Beanie!..."

http://www.ty.com/infobeanie/lastpage/

... Sakura Beanie Baby (Re-Release) Update
On February 21st, we received information from Ryan at Collectiblez that the Sakura Beanie Baby was on the Ty retailer Japanese order form. (This info was given to him by a retailer; he only posted what was told to him.) I posted the ordering limitations, but removed it ... pending clarification ... as something just didn't make sense. Why would Ty release a country exclusive following nine months of retirement? Today, Ms. Janie has updated news on this 'rumor' ... apparently some retailers received an old order form, which caused the confusion.
Click here to read Ms. Janie's updated news on Sakura

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
10:00 am ... Ty has retired Halo II Beanie Buddy this morning. This Buddy was introduced on September 28, 2000.
View the announcement here

... Fake Sakura's
Fake Sakura's have become an increasingly worrisome Beanie for collectors. Ms. Janie previously reported on counterfeit Sakura's and has now updated the page with a more recent photo. You may want to view this link and become educated to protect yourself.
Click here for info on Fake Sakura's

... Now on Northern Trade Winds ...
From our email, Lulu reports:
Attics arrive to Canada
Sakura Buddy Update
Beanie Meanings

Now at http://www.northtradewinds.com/

... March Info Beanie
12:40 am ... Today is your last chance to vote for Ty's March Info Beanie, if you haven't done so yet. Prince has slipped into the lead (19.5%), followed by Shamrock (19.0%). (I do expect that may change soon though.)
Update: 9:40 am ... Shamrock is now ahead (19.7%); Prince (19.3%)

Click here to vote for March Info Beanie
Click here to view the current rankings

Tuesday, February 27

... "Two Wild Cats"
A reader has sent in an interesting picture ... two wild cats! "Just say CHEESE!"
Click here to view the Cat Duo!

... UK Update (Norwich)
From our email, Kevin reports the following:

Hi Doodle
Just to keep you updated on the news in Norwich UK. Buckingham buddy arrived in one store last week. I was disappointed that with the multibuy tactics of the store the price was in effect just over £60. Second deliveries have started to arrive of Eggs and Shamrock but once again with the multibuy tactics the price was £30+. Kaleidoscope has arrived too but once again one
store wanted £30+ with multibuy but after a long search I found this at normal retail. One store reported that their order was considerably short and there were no Buckingham's delivered, several still have to receive there deliveries so lets hope they have supplies of Buckingham buddy this elusive UK bear. More news as it occurs
Regards,
Kevin

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
10:00 am ... Ty has retired Zip the Beanie Buddy this morning. Zip was introduced on January 4, 2000. Of the 31 Buddies released on that day, only Lips, Rainbow and Jumbo and Extra Large Peace Buddies are still current.

Click here to view the announcement on Ty's site

... A White "Eggs"? Fact or Fiction?
From our email:

It has been reported to us today that Eggs has changed colour as we originally predicted! In an Orlando airport one of our customers saw a White Eggs the Bear.
http://www.ryebypost.com/

Note: Many have speculated that the Eggs Beanie Baby will appear in another color. It will be interesting to see if this 'rumor' is true. I usually do not post rumors, but the thought of a basketful of different colored 'Eggs' would be rather cute at Easter time! Tyme will tell.

... Baby Ty Retirement
Baby Ty 'Frogbaby' has quietly moved to the retirement section on Ty's site. (This item was on the current's list last week, so apparently it has retired within the last few days.)

... Thanks to Heather at The Daily Bean for pointing this out to us

... Ariel - (Something to Think About)
Sly the Beanie Guy comments to Ms. Janie:
"This is Just a Hunch But I have a feeling That Ty posting the auction for the Paul Glaser signed Ariel might signal the end of the run of Celebrity Autographed Ariel Charity auctions at Tytrade. What more fitting and appropriate way would there be for Ty to end the run then with The Ariel Bear signed by Ariel's Father Paul Michael Glaser? I also Think that Ty will probably Retire Ariel soon. Ty has never had 2 bears for charity available to the public and current at the same time ever."

... Speckles Update
The following was posted on Ty's Cyberboards, with Ty Trade's response.

Anyone still waiting to be able to order Speckles?
samlovesdragons (09:22 am. Feb 26, 2001 )
Message Id: 815025
samlovesdragons writes:

It's now 5 months since he was packing his bags and coming to other
countries and yet we still cannot order in the Uk or Canada or anywhere
outside the states for that matter. TY TRADE, any news???? Please
help!!!
Mods, please post on daily tymes and let the ty trade people know that
we would like an update. Thank you very much!
http://www.ty.com/cyberboard/news/msg815025.html

TY TRADE RESPONSE
Ty Trade (12:03 pm. Feb 26, 2001 )
Message Id: 815111
Ty Trade writes:

Thank you for your post.

We will be taking international orders for Speckles.

We are committed to making our line available to you at the lowest
possible cost and with the highest level of security. While we work
through these procedures, we thank you for your patience.

Thanks again for your support.
Ty Trade
http://www.ty.com/cyberboard/news/msg815111.html

... Source: Ms Janie

Monday, February 26

... RyeByPost Contest
If you haven't registered with RyeByPost, you might want to now! In addition to the lottery (for a chance to win the Buckingham Beanie / Buddy Duo or a sewn-on-patch Britannia Beanie), you can also enter (with a unique ID number) in a drawing for three other prizes (aside from the lottery) - an old-face Jade Teddy, a Buckingham Buddy, and a Sakura Buddy. For additional details, visit the RyeByPost website.

... Autographed Ariel Auction
10:00 am ... Ty Trade has added an autographed Ariel to the auction list this morning - signed by Paul Glaser. The auction ends on March 5th.
Paul Glaser Autographed Ariel

Note: As you probably know, this Ariel is kinda special. Paul Glaser is Ariel's father, and husband of Elizabeth Glaser ... who started the charity/foundation for Pediatric Aids.

... Counterfeit Alert
The Orange Digger Beanie Baby is on the loose and may be visiting an auction site near you! If the price seems unbelievable or too good to be true, it probably is. For additional information and pictures, you may want to check out what Ms. Janie has to report.
Counterfeit Orange Digger Info

Sunday, February 25

... RyeByPost Lottery - Update
A winner has been announced, with four numbers being matched, for the Sewn-On-Patch Britannia Beanie Baby in the RyeByPost's lottery. No one matched the five-number pick for the Buckingham Beanie and Buddy Duo. This week's lottery now includes a five-number match for the Buckingham Duo and another Sewn-On-Patch Britannia Beanie with a four-number match. It's free to play ... you just need to register for your own unique ID number. (Don't forget to enter for the Buckingham Buddy and Old-FaceTeddy drawing while you're there as well.)
Click here for further details on RyeByPost

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
No additional celebrity-autographed auctions were added to Ty Trade, after the closing bid on the signed Ricky Martin auction. It will be interesting to see if and when the next auction will be. Maybe autographed Issy's? Hmmm

Also, I would advise watching the Ty Website closely this week ...perhaps the new Beanies will be announced soon ... (My prediction ... Thursday). :)

... No news was posted yesterday ... being a little "under the weather", relatives visited over the weekend, and nothing worth noting 'newswise' . However, I will keep you posted 'as it happens'. I have a sneaky feeling it could be an exciting week! Perhaps the 'calm before the storm'?

Friday, February 23

... New Beanie Pics?
So where are the pictures of the new Beanies, everyone seems to wonder. Last year, following the unveiling of new Beanies at the New York Toy Fair, the new Beanie Babies were listed on the retailer ordering page, followed shortly after by the official announcement on Ty's site. In due time they will be posted, when Ty is ready ... presumably next Thursday, March 1st. (No 2001 Signature Bear yet? and a 'graduation' Beanie for 2001? ... Isn't that what helps make collecting them part of the fun? Aniticipation!!!!)

... Retired?
I have read and heard a lot of discussions, especially recently, regarding the ordering and shipments of retired (Ty) products. I usually do not post 'rumors', although sometimes they are from very reliable sources. A 'retired' product only means ... it will not be manufactured any more! The 'mold' has been 'destroyed'. Production of this Beanie / Buddy will cease. This does not include the possibilities of warehouse storage, shipping, ordering, etc. A shipload of Beanie Babies could be in transport from 'across the waters' when just retired by Ty. Many collectors have visited local retailers, only to find retired products just placed on the shelf. There could be a variety of reasons for this happening. I myself am one of those people who, in the past, hurried out to search for a Beanie/Buddy that just retired, only to find it on the shelf a month or two later. So my personal advice is ... be patient; if you find that special one you've be looking for, enjoy!

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
10:45 am ... The Ricky Martin autographed Ariel Auction ends today at 12 Noon on Ty Trade. The bidding is currently at $860.
Update: 1:05 pm ... The auction has closed at $860 (with 9 bids). (No additional charitable auctions have been added yet.)

... Coloring Contest
Heather from the Daily Bean informs us of the following:

I just wanted to let you know that BusyHandsOnline.com and The Daily Bean has joined together to make one of the best Coloring Contests ever! Please let your readers know!

All you need to do is print up the coloring page and color the picture the best you can and you can win one of these great prizes (in age categories)

AGES 2-4 - Prize: White Tiger Beanie Buddy
AGES 5-7 - Prize: Batty Beanie Buddy
AGES 8-10 - Prize: Zip Beanie Buddy
AGES 11-12 - Prize: Sneaky Beanie Buddy
AGES 13-16 - Prize: Swoop Beanie Buddy
AGES 17+ - Prize: Prince Beanie Buddy

Heather
The Daily Bean

Click here for contests details

Thursday, February 22

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
The Ricky Martin autographed Ariel Auction ends tomorrow at 12 Noon on Ty Trade. The bidding is currently at $860.

... March Info Beanie
There are only a few days left to vote for Ty's March Info Beanie. Currently, Shamrock is in the lead (16.4%), followed by Kaleidoscope (15.2%).

Click here to vote for March Info Beanie
Click here to view the current rankings

... Sakura Buddy Pictures
Sakura Buddy is already being received in Japan, as reported yesterday. Beans Tokyo has informed us of a special "Sakura Buddy" page they have set up, showing various close-ups of this beautiful Bear.

Click here to view pictures of Sakura Buddies

Wednesday, February 21

... Sakura Buddy "Poem"
Sakura is now listed on Ty's site in the Beanie Buddy section. The hang tag information reads:

Sakura, created as a Japanese exclusive,
was the first all pink Beanie Baby bear.
Click here for Sakura Buddy Listing

... Thanks to Beanieholics for pointing this out to us

... Tokyo Gift Show
Rin from Beans Tokyo has shared the following picture with us, of the Ty Booth at the Gift Show in Tokyo. (Pictures near the booth were not allowed.) It was also stated that "some retailer start to sell Sakura Buddies 2001/02/21".

(Picture removed)

... Newsflash Removed
10:30 am ... The announcement of the Sakura Beanie Buddy has been removed and added to the Newsflash Archives page on Ty's site. Now what's next? Wait and see!

... Issy Update
Beanieholics shares a letter that a reader received from the President of Worldwide Hotel Operations for the Four Seasons Hotel ... stating that the Issy Beanie Baby will soon be made available to retailers. (We know that Issy was on display at the Toy Fair in New York ... this clarifies the upcoming availability of this Bear to collectors.)
Click here to read the letter

... New 'Baby Ty' Hang Tag
Ryan from Collectiblez shares the following information with us:
A new hang tag has now shown up on the newly released Baby Ty! The inside stills reads the plush toy as part of The Pillow Pals Collection. The change is that there is now sports in which you can write to and from on it, and it additionally says with love.
Click here to view the picture

... Japanese Exclusive Ordering Limitations
(The information has been removed, pending clarification.)

Tuesday, February 20

... Insured Packages
So you're ready to ship a package ... what's the best way? The U.S. Postal Service offers a "Signature Delivery Confirmation", then there's "insured", priority mail, etc. A post from "Gramma Pat" on the Ty Cyberboard shares a response from the U.S. Postal Service:
Click here to read the post

... Buy/Sell/Trade Board
Effective March 5th, the buy/sell/trade board on this site will be unavailable. This has been supported in the past by "Inside the Web" ... apparently ALL boards on the web of this nature will be shut down. (I personally suggest checking out Ms. Janie's open Forum for buying, selling, or trading.) ... Click on the link below to see how you can participate in an open Forum on her site.
Click here for further details on Ms Janies' site

Monday, February 19

... Ty Newsflash
4:00 pm ... Ty has announced the Sakura Beanie Buddy this afternoon.
Click here to view the announcement

... New Beanie pictures?
Many people have written in and are wondering ... where are the newest Beanies introduced at the recent show in New York? As you may recall, last year, at the American Toy Fair in New York, 20 Beanie Babies were introduced ... February 13, 2000. However, the new Beanies, with their names, were not introduced on Ty's website until March 1st ... at the same time retailers were allowed to order for their March shipments. If history follows suit, perhaps we won't see them until next Thursday, March 1st. But then ... wouldn't that be 'expecting the expected'? We shall see!

... Beanie Mobile
You should be able to see the new Beanie Mobile soon at your local retailers. Part of the new P.O.S. Kit is described as having a Ty heart with gold trimmings, two rainbows, and a hologram oval with a Beanie Babies logo in the middle. A further description can be read on Beanieholics website.

... Beanie Buddies - Retirements?
While looking over the Beanie Buddy History page, it's interesting to note that there are still five Buddies that were introduced by Ty on January 4, 2000, that are still current. The five Buddies are: Peace (jumbo), Peace (x-large), Lips, Rainbow, and Zip. Perhaps they are soon to retire?? .. (I've seen two jumbo Peace in local retailers lately. Hmmm)

... Ty Trade Auction Ends Today
12:20 am ... The Matt Damon Autographed Ariel auction ends on Ty Trade today. The auction is currently at $900 with 6 bids).
Update: 1:10 pm ... The auction has ended at $900.

... Rye Lottery Update
12:15 am ... A winner has been announced in the RyeByPost lottery; four numbers were matched to win the Beginning Beanie and Buddy Duo. No one matched five numbers, so the Buckingham Beanie and Buddy Duo lottery will roll-over to the next draw ... no previous entries will roll over since the four-number prize was won. The new prize for the winner matching four numbers in the next draw is a "genuine sewn-on-patch Britannia Beanie" (pictured here). Remember, it's free to play - you just need to join up to receive your unique ID number.
Click here to visit Ryebypost

Sunday, February 18

... Our Sympathies ...
Today was a relaxing day at home ... spending some quality time with the family ... and watching the Daytona 500 Race on TV. Yes, we're big NASCAR (and Earnhardt) fans! The loss of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. has touched the lives of many people. Our deepest sympathies to his family and all his many friends.

It was definitely a slow day otherwise! It HAS given me a chance to work on the next contest ... details to follow SOON!

Saturday, February 17

... "Beanie Babies to Take Home"
Ty Asia Singapore is hoping to raise $1 million by December 31st, through charity auctions featuring Beanie Babies. The funds that are raised will be towards the Assisi Home & Hospice Centre, which is a local children's cancer center in Singapore. It's an interesting article to read!
Click here to read more

... Source: Beanieholics

... "The Love Dog"
David, one of the webmasters of the Celebrity Bears-UK website, shares a picture of "The Love Dog" ... the Love Bear Celebrity Bear and his dog make a nice combination!
Click here to view the picture

Friday, February 16

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
Ty Trade has just added an auction for an Autographed Ricky Martin Ariel. The auction ends on February 23rd.

Yes!!! That's one Beanie I would LOVE to have in my collection! (All donations accepted! LOL)

... Harry Potter News
Although not "Beanie" related, I wanted to post a link that 'Harry Potter' fans may want to check out. It's the talk on many message boards ... There's even a Dialog Center for posting and reading messages. Check out the link below:
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/web/home.jsp

While you're browsing around, Randy at Beanieholics mentions a site with an adorable 'Harry Potter' t-shirt you should take a look at.
Click here to check it out

... No Newsflash ... yet
2:50 pm ... Smooch hasn't posted in the Info Beanie Diary yet today. Perhaps she's helping work on an announcement to be posted this afternoon? .. or enjoying the early days of her retirement. :)
Update: 5:00 pm ... Finally a posting ... two actually. Smooch mentions "flowers" seven times in the last entry! Hmmm
(Guess I'm in one of those weird, imaginable moods today!)

Click here to read the Info Beanie Diary

Added Note: Joanie has an idea: "Do you suppose the (new) butterfly's name will be Flower?!"

... Buckingham Buddy Availability
From our email:
Hi Deb:
I have a feeling that the Buckingham Buddy will be much harder to get than the Britannia Buddy. Even though I was lucky enough to get Britannia Buddy for £ 9.99 as soon as it came out, the same retailer told me that when it is available, I should get it for retail as well. However, she couldn't promise me that she will even get any. Apparently, they are having trouble producing enough to let every UK retailer even get three. I have since received information from another retailer saying that they only received three, and apparently have put them on eBay. I wish everyone the best of luck in finding this Buddy!
... "Anon"

It sounds like I can close the door on hopes of getting this one as well.

Added note: A few members of the UK BritBeanz Newsgroup are stating that most retailers are receiving shipments of six Buckingham Buddies. So are all now receiving six, or some three and some six? If stores are receiving six, then why are they telling their customers that they only received three? Strange, or is it???

... Next?
10:10 am ... The Ty Newsflash, announcing Chinook's retirement, has been removed from Ty's main page (it's located in the Newsflash Archives in case you missed it). We anxiously sit back and wait for the announcement of Ty's newest Beanies, from the NY Toy Fair. Maybe today?!

... Now at Northern Trade Winds ...
Lulu reports:
- Chinook: A facinating look at the history of this little Beanie
- Ruth Fraser Bears! Check out the non-ty bears made from this famous Ty Attic designer!
www.northtradewinds.com

Thursday, February 15

... Win a Teddy Old Face (Jade)
RyeByPost will be giving away a rare Teddy Old Face (Jade) beginning tomorrow, February 16th. All you have to do is click on the appropriate link and enter your ID number to be placed in the drawing. (One entry per day). This is in addition to the Buckingham Buddy competition and lottery. (Additional information can be obtained via their newsletter or on the site.)
Click here to enter the Old Face Teddy Drawing (As of this posting, they were experiencing technical problems. It should be up and running on Friday)
Friday morning Update: All is ok now ... good luck!
Click here to visit the RyeByPost website

... Ty Site Down
5:15 pm ... The Ty Website is currently inaccessible. However, Ty Trade is up and running. Perhaps a technical problem with the server?? or something exciting about to take place?? We shall see!
9:30 pm ... The website is back up ... Do we smell something brewing? :) Perhaps the newest Beanies will be introduced soon!

... They're How Much ???
From our email:
"Ideal World, a UK Digital Satellite channel had their usual two hours of bean bag collectables on tonight ... had an ISSY the Four Seasons Hotel Exclusive Bear for £545 + S&H ($790), and a Thank You Bear for £498 + S&H ($725). There was no mention of the cards that originally came with the bears or that ISSY is now a current $5 bear at retail.
Thanks, Sid"

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
10:20 am ... Ty has retired Chinook Beanie Baby this morning. Will a Chinook Buddy be next now? :)
Click here to view the Newsflash

... Info Beanie Polls Open
The polls are now open to vote for March Info Beanie on Ty's site.
Click here to place your vote

... Nipponia 2001 Hang Tag - Update
Rin Asono of Beans Tokyo have shared another great scan of the new 2001 hang tag, showing a comparison of both Nipponias. Ms Janie has posted this picture on her site, which can be viewed by clicking here.

... A Touching Story
Ms Janie has posted a story ... a Valentines to remember:

Lynn Moler, a Northern Iowa mom and member of the internet beanie group "Ty-Grinners," is proud of her young daughters for organizing this worthwhile effort to give a sick friend who has just lost her mother a Valentine's day to remember. Below is the newspaper article from today's paper. (Lynn is a regular poster on the ty talk cyberboard grins and gripes board and goes by the id "UNI-Mom.")
Please visit the photo and story at the following link:
http://www.msjanie.com/pix/fromtheheart.html

Wednesday, February 14

... Nipponia 2001 Hang Tag
Sly shared a report earlier with Ms. Janie concerning a change in Nipponia's hangtag (see yesterday's news below). Rin / Rita Asono of Beans Tokyo have shared a great scan of the new 2001 hang tag with me, which I have passed along to Ms. Janie. She has posted the picture on her site, which can be viewed by clicking here.

... Ty Newsflash
Ty has retired Smooch Beanie Baby this morning. (Could Luvie Beanie Kid or Valentina Buddy be next?)
Click here to view the Announcement

... Issy Update
Lulu at Northern Trade Winds shares the following:

ISSY UPDATE: We take a look at the Issy and the many issues surrounding this controversial bear since it's release. Find out what makes this Beanie so exceptional!

Now at http://www.northtradewinds.com/

... 'Gotta Love Those KIDS!'
If you haven't checked out the 'Beanie Kids' page on Ms. Janie's site, you're might want to do so! She writes in part:

"Ty sure has gotten creative with the last bunch of releases of the Kids and from what I've been hearing they have been pretty popular. The following page has been designed for viewers of all ages. It will especially interest parents and kids of all walks of life! This page will also offer fun crafts, experiments and specially designed contest to win your favorite Beanie Kid."

Click here to visit Ms. Janie's Beanie Kids Page

...
From our email:

Bean Source my site has opened, even though it took some time, it finally has... Since we're opening we have a great contest for everyone - win over 40 different prizes!!!!! Happy Valentines!
BJ
Bean Source
http://www.beansource.net

Tuesday, February 13

... Ariel Auction Ends
1:05 pm ... The Scott Wolf Autographed Ariel auction on Ty Trade ended today at $360 (with 3 bids).

... New Ariel Auction
12:30 pm ... A Matt Damon Autographed Ariel auction has been added to Ty Trade. The auction ends on February 19th.

... Change in Nipponia's Hangtag
Sly shared a report earlier with Ms Janie concerning a change in Nipponia's hangtag:
"Word on the Beanie trading boards is Nipponia has had a hang tag change. Supposedly Nipponia Now has the 2001 hang tag that says "beanie baby" on front and Not the 2000 hang tag which says "2000" on front across the star. ...."

Yesterday, there was a post on the Ty Cyberboard from a collector who just purchased one and noticed the change. Click here to read the post.

Note: If you have recently purchased a Nipponia with the new hangtag, Ms. Janie would love a scan of it to share with collectors.)

Monday, February 12

... Buckingham Buddy Giveaway
RyeByPost is now offering you two chances to win a Buckingham Beanie Buddy. The first is noted on their main page, just click on Buckingham and enter your membership ID number. The second is a chance to win via the lottery ... get all five numbers correct (win Buckingham Beanie and Buddy Duo); get four numbers right (win Beginning Bear Beanie and Buddy Duo). Allowed entry is one per person per day. You can register on the site if you haven't done so already.
Click here for link to RyeByPost

... Ty's Current Buddy List
Buckingham Buddy, with tag information and a picture, has been added to the 'current' Buddy List on Ty's website, which can be viewed by clicking here.

... Ariel Auction
The Scott Wolf autographed Ariel auction ends tomorrow at 12 Noon on Ty Trade.

... Issy Availability
Ms Janie has received two reports from retailers, stating that they were able to order 36 Issy Beanies. It is not certain if these are the original Issy's or if there is a new version. (The Issy, as are the other new Beanies on display at the NY Toy Fair, is a 'tagless prototype'.)

Sunday, February 11

... American Toy Fair - Update:
Mary from I Luv Collectibles reports:

This just in...

The exclusive Ty Beanie Issy Bear has been reported by a VERY reliable source that this bear will now be available to Ty retailers in quantities of 36 for each store! Ty retailers could order 36 of Issy today at the New York Toy Fair. Hopefully this now means that Issy will be within everyone's reach. We do not know if the "tush" tag will still say Four Seasons Hotel or what the hang tag will read since there were no hangtags or tush tags on the new Beanies at the New York Toy Fair today. The original Issy from the Hotel comes with a special card and it is not known if this will be included with retail stores bears either.

The new Ty Beanie "sit up" bear will be in the same style as the Holiday 2000 Teddy only in colors and fabric like "Groovy" Beanie Baby.

Best regards, Mary Milazzo

Note: My hopes are up that this is true ... a chance for everyone to purchase an Issy would be nice. Perhaps this week, the newest Beanies will be announced on the Ty Website. (The last day of the Show is Thursday, the 15th!)

... American Toy Fair Report - New Beanies!
New Beanies are on display on the Toy Fair in New York! Ms Janie reports the following:

I received a call from a retailer at Toy Fair who has been unable to view all of the new products because of the amount of people standing around the booth. She indicated that there were a few new styles and one was a butterfly and a new dinosaur. She will call back later with more details.

In the mean time the following was sent through a newsflash e-mail from Joe Elliott.

MaryBeth reports back to Joe Elliot about this year's offerings at Toy Fair.

- A multi-colored butterfly with black piping around the wings
- A green triceratops dinosaur
- A gray laying-down cat
- A collie-type laying-down dog
- A new sitting up Ty-dyed bear
- ..and ISSY the Four Seasons bear!

... Counterfeit Britannia Buddies
BeanieMom has posted information about fake Britannia Buddies:
Click here to read BeanieMom's article

Saturday, February 10

... Bid4Beans Lottery Update
The Winner of the Ty2K Beanie & Buddy Duo is - Dizziebean (Paula) from Montana, USA. (No one managed to match five numbers in this weeks draw, Dizzybean was the only person to match four numbers so we have decided to declare her the winner on this occasion )

Due to our other web commitments we are unable to continue to operate the Bid4Beans Bean Bag Lottery... But, If people would like to continue to play the lottery they can at:
www.ryebypost.com

Note: We would personally like to thank David and Christian for all the time and effort put into the lottery, and for giving everyone a chance to win a free Beanie/Buddy. You will be missed ... Our best wishes in your future endeavors. (I have a feeling we'll see you around though.)

... Toy Fair Update
Beaniemom has updated her information on the Toy Fair ...
Information from Ty retailer updated ...
She has since learned attendance at Toy Fair is not mandatory to order new items however they will be debuted there first for all the world to see. The Ty booth at Toy Fair is always hopping but my guess is these new releases will keep the Ty representatives very busy.

... Buckingham Buddy Tag Details
Tom from Beaniekidz informs us of the following:

Buckingham Buddy tag details
We are now able to confirm the following tag details for the new Buckingham Beanie Buddy: Buckingham

Buckingham The Beanie Baby was one of only a few bears to have two ribbons - Can you name the others?

Thought you might like to know!
Tom

... Canadian Update
Lulu reports:

Now on Northern Trade Winds:

Teddy New Face Brown - The Debate continues
Ty Goodies: Fun predictions for the new releases

Now at http://www.northtradewinds.com/

Friday, February 9

... Buckingham Buddy Shipping
"Sam and Vic" from RyeByPost inform us of the following:

Buckingham buddy is now starting to be delivered to Ty accounts across the UK. This is one hot number at the moment. Auctions on ebay are already fetching over $150 and most of these are pre-sells.

Thursday, February 8

... Are You Creative?
The Celebrity Bears UK website has just launched a 'Design A Celebrity Bear Contest'. You can test your creative talents by designing a Celebrity Bear / British Collection Bear ... simply think of a bear, choose it's color and logo, and submit your entry. You can enter as many times as you want ... The Contests runs until March 3rd. So put on your thinking caps and get started. To enter and read the contest rules, click here.

... Designs in the Snow?
The Info Beanie has made a comment in the diary (regarding designs in the snow):

Thursday February 8, 2001 9:07 p.m.

We have our design all ready for tomorrow. We drew it on a big piece of paper so we can kind of follow it. Our friends at Ty said that it was our "blueprint". I don't know why they said that since we drew it in red crayon. Anyway, I think it's going to turn out great outside on the snow. We're going to draw a big heart with a rainbow going over it and lots of flowers under it. We're also going to draw lots of little hearts all around it. We're not sure how big it's going to end up when we actually make it. Maybe it will turn out to be the world's biggest Valentine! I'm going to see if anyone knows how big the world's biggest Valentine is. I'll talk to you later. Bye!

Click here to read the Diary

OK, so now I envision a Bear, similar to the Thank You Bear, with "a big heart with a rainbow going over it and lots of flowers under it". Let's see ... we could call it "Spring". Then "Summer" could follow, with a sailboat, etc. Never mind, I think I should call it a day now!!!

... Do You Believe in Magic??? This just in ....
6:35 pm ... Ty is up to something! Ms Janie has learned through a very good source that Ty has something magical in store for us, and that the Toy Fair is "the place to be"! Hold on to your seats ... ! It could be an exciting ride.
Click here to see what Ms. Janie has to say!

Beanie Mom also reports on this news, stating "retailer attendance at this show is mandatory to participate in whatever surprises Ty has to unveil."

Note: The American International Toy Fair runs from February 11 - 15, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Ty will be located at booth #1233 ... it is NOT open to the public.

... Ty Trade Has a New Look!
The Ty Trade site has a new design change. Speckles is featured, along with a product directory. And the Celebrity Autographed Ariel auctions are now accessible through a separate link. (Perhaps the reason for the background image change that some people earlier noticed on the main page.) .
Click here to check out the 'new' Ty Trade

... Source: Beanieholics

... Beanie Spotlight
New-Face Brown Teddy is in the Beanie Spotlight on the pbbags site. This bear was introduced in January, 1995, along with five other new-face colored bears, but was the last to retire - on October 1, 1997.
Click here for more information

...
The Ty Newsflash from yesterday, announcing the retirement of the Germania Beanie Buddy and Max Attic Treasure, has been removed from the main page. It can be read on the Newsflash Archives page, in case you missed it. ... Now what could be next? Wait and see!

... International Friendship Month
The Info Beanie refers to February as International Friendship Month. With the Buckingham Buddy unveiling at the UK Spring Show, and Germania Buddy retiring, speculations are abound as to what else may happen this month now. Tomorrow is the last day of the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany, and no special German Exclusive was 'announced' as many as speculated (just the Germania Buddy retirement). But the American International Toy Fair is February 11-15 ... will there be something special announced then? Interesting things have been happening lately ... I expect Ty has some exciting things in store for us!

... Celebrity Bears
New Celebrity Bears are on the horizon! In addition to the recently announced British series, coming soon are Celebrity Bear #81 (a 'hip-hoppin" white bear - Easter Bunny) and Celebrity Bears #82 -85 (Goldilocks, complete with golden curls; and Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear). For more information on the newest and upcoming releases, click here to read the Newsletter or go to www.celebritybears.com.

For further information and details on the British Collection, visit the Celebrity Bear UK Website at www.celebritybears.co.uk

Wednesday, February 7

... Did you know?
Germania Buddy, as noted below, was announced as appearing at the Nuremberg Toy Faire in Germany on February 5, 2000. It was finally listed (on the current Buddy list on Ty's site) on July 26, 2000 ... although never officially announced on the Ty site. No picture was ever posted of this Buddy. Now, it appears in the retired section (after today's earlier announcement), but still no picture. Poor Germania ... such a secretive life!
Click here to view Ty's Beanie Buddy Current/Retired List

... Canadian Update
Lulu from Northern Trade Winds writes:

Kaleidoscope has arrived to Canada!
Possible Info Beanie hints mentions various animals
The Lantern Festival

Now at http://www.northtradewinds.com/

... Valentine's Contest - Reminder
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and to celebrate, Beanieholics has some of the Love Bears and Cupid Bears from Celebrity Bears to give away. (The drawing for prizes is Monday). ... Just a reminder to get your entry in! (They ARE adorable!)
Click here for the contest details

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
9:50 am ... Ty has retired Germania Beanie Buddy and Max Attic Treasure this morning.
Click here to view the Germania Buddy retirement
Click here to view the Max Attic Treasure retirement

(Germania Buddy was out for almost exactly one year. It was announced as appearing at the Nuremberg Toy Faire in Germany on February 5, 2000. It reportedly arrived in Germany on May 4, 2000.)

... UK Fair (Clarification)
We have received the following information from a visitor at the UK Fair, which should resolve some questions we had:

If you order six older Buddies you would get six older Buddies FREE... (As far as we are aware this does not apply to any ordering of New Buddies).

On Sunday, Smooch the Bear was on display at the Ty stand to order but the Reps were stating that they couldn't guarantee any deliveries of this item before Valentines Day, until along came Ty Warner, he ordered Smooch to be taken off the display are there are no more available at all.

... A Special Notice from Ms. Janie

"I have posted a new FORM for newsletter Members ONLY. This form will allow you to contact each other through e-mail for collectibles that you wish to sell, trade or buy. This form will only be available to subscribers of my newsletter and a separate link will be provided.

The form has been posted and is now ready for you to list your trades. Join Ms. Janie's Collector's Studio Newsletter, stay informed and join in on exclusive offers ONLY to members!"

http://www.msjanie.com/pix/newsletterform.html

Note: If you subscribe to her newsletter, you are in for a real treat. There are some fabulous offers you may want to check out. If you haven't signed up, visit Ms. Janie's site here for details.

Tuesday, February 6

... "Beanie My Valentine"
An additional feature on the Beanie My Valentine page has been added ... Desktop Wallpaper (featuring Smooch beside a February calendar.) You can click on the correct image size to fit your computer screen.

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
The Leelee Sobieski Autographed Ariel auction ended today on Ty Trade at $290 (with 3 bids). A Scott Wolf Autographed Ariel has been added ... the auction closes on February 13th.

... Valentines Message from Ty
Yesterday in the Info Beanie Diary, Smooch was working on Valentines cards. She talked about working on 'special sayings'; heart-shaped eggs (wouldn't Eggs look nice with a heart-shaped egg on his chest?); and a long list of names to send Valentines' wishes to (see below). Although we know, from the past, that messages can sometimes be read into the diary entries, it does provide some interesting ideas. Will all the messages be the same? :)
Click here to read the Info Beanie Diary

Ms Janie informs us this morning that 'Ty gets romantic and sends collectors the following message':

Subject: Happy Valentine's Day!
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 02:27:01 -0600
Reply-to: "Your Friends At Ty"
SpecialFriends@ty.com

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Here's a kiss
From Ty to you

http://www.ty.com/ebeaniemyvalentine.html

... Beanies Most Desired
Ty sweeps the nation with Beanies being the most desirable priced collectible at $5.00 or less, cost.

Ty Beanies rank #2 for reorders through retailers; Yankee Candles rank #1.

Click here for Ms Janie's full report

I would personally have to agree. When I walk in a Hallmark, those are the first two items I check out. (Most Hallmark's offer a Yankee Candle "Fragrance of the Month", with a marked discount. My local Hallmark features "Mango" this month ... Ahhh ...thoughts of a tropical island come to mind!!)

... Kaleidoscope in the U.S. Now
The latest released Beanie Baby, Kaleidoscope, is now appearing in retail stores in the U.S. ... A reader found one on the shelf yesterday, so keep your eyes peeled if you're looking for this 'cool cat'.

(Picture removed)

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction
The Leelee Sobieski Autographed Ariel auction ends today on Ty Trade. Look for more celebrity auctions to be added soon.

Monday, February 5

... Buckingham Buddy Giveaway
4:15 pm ... Based on the recent unveiling of the Buckingham Buddy at the UK Fair, RyeByPost is having a drawing for one of these beautiful Bears. All you have to do is 'click' the link on the main page, and follow the instructions. Have your ID number ready, which is available on your Membership Newsletter. (You can sign up for a membership if you haven't done so already.)
Click here for link to RyeByPost

... "Beanie My Valentine" Wish from Ty
1:35 pm ... A Valentines wish ... "Here's a Smooch, from Ty to You ...." has been posted on the Ty Website.
Click here to view Ty's Valentine Wish

... More UK Spring Fair Info
The following email was received from a frequent visitor, who wishes to remain anonymous:

Hi Deb,

I visit your site regularly and wanted to update you on the UK Trade Show. The Ty stand was busy but nowhere as busy as previous years. When the doors opened I expected a mad rush to the Ty stand, but one woman started running and then looked around to find no-one else was rushing, the look on her face of “Boy, I feel stupid” said it all. All day it was a case of just being able to walk up to the reps and place your order. There was no waiting as in previous years and there were quite a few reps standing around each time I wandered past the stand. Like myself, many retailers were surprised at the ease of getting to a rep to place an order, and also had waited until the Spring Fair to place orders in the hope of new products.

I saw Mr Warner wandering around a little, but it was a case of people not recognising him as far as I could tell. Some retailers also did not realise that Buckingham Beanie had retired.

So contrary to other reports of the stand ( which was well set out to be honest ), it was not exactly that busy compared to previous years in the Beanies hayday

Keep up the good work.
Anon.

... Beanie Kids article
I earlier posted a picture of the Beanie Kids, from an article on the back of a magazine. You may also find the following information an interesting read:

(Picture Removed)

... Specs Meets Harry Potter
What happens when a beanie collector who also happens to be a Harry Potter fan brings Specs home? Well, Merwyn the Attic loses his Wizard outfit and we have Harry the Beanie Kid! Ms. Janie has posted a picture you might want to check out, which can be viewed by clicking here.

... Ty Trade Ariel Auction Ends Today
The autographed Cuba Gooding Jr. Ariel auction ends on Ty Trade today at noon.
Click here to view the auction

Update: 1:05 pm ... The auction has closed at $380 (with 5 bids)

Sunday, February 4

... UK Spring Show ... additional info
It has also been reported that the Ty Booth at the Spring Show was one of the busiest booths there, but perhaps not as 'busy' as anticipated. Many retailers were ordering their next shipment of products ... and as earlier stated, Ty Warner was in attendance. I have received a couple of pictures from the Show, but for various reasons, I will not post all of them. However, below is a picture of a Ty balloon at the booth:

(Picture Removed)

... Also, a picture was taken just outside the Show entrance. Could this be Ty Warner's limousine? Just maybe! An interesting pic to share anyway! Click here to view.

... UK Spring Fair Update
The Ty Buckingham Buddy was launched today at the UK's Spring Fair in Birmingham... Although it hasn't been announced on the Ty.com site yet, we now know that it is official.

Word has it that they are currently in the Ty Europe warehouse awaiting shipment, but only three can be ordered per account, and should be shipping to shops in about two weeks.

Even Mr Ty Warner was in attendance at the show over looking things.

With regards to other Buddies, apparently if you order six new ones you'll get six older ones free, looks like there is plenty of older stock to clear.

Smooch beanie is available to order at the show but was told by a Ty Rep that they could not guarantee delivery before Valentines Day.

(Picture Removed)
This picture was on the back of one of the free magazines at the fair. Seems like they were really trying to attract more interest in the Beanie Kids.

We also have pictures of the new Celebrity Bears protoypes and will be linking to them later.
Update: See below!

We will post more reports as and when they come in.

... New Celebrity Bears
The two new Celebrity Bear prototypes (see yesterday's news), were unveiled at the UK Spring Fair ... British Collection Bears "BC5" and "BC6".

BC5 - "Ernie"
This brown bear has a white coat on and white hat. Embroidered on his coat is the name Ernie; on the back is the phrase "Fastest milkcart in the west".

BC6 - The "Big Yin"
This brown bear has a black jacket and Tartan kilt. On each arm of the jacket is the Scottish flag ... on the back of the jacket the words The Big Yin are embroidered.

Pictures and further details from today's show are available on the Celebrity Bears UK website.
Click here to link to Celebrity Bears UK

Saturday, February 3

... Bid4Beans Lottery Update
There was No winner in this week's lottery draw. All previous entries roll-over to next week's draw, which means that those who have entered daily have an even greater chance of winning the Ty2K Beanie & Buddy Duo. The lottery is totally free to play. User Registration is required but this is purely for security reasons to help detect entry abuse.
http://www.bid4beans.com/lottery/

... New Beanie Lottery!
RyeByPost now has a FREE Beanie Lottery. The current prize is a Beginning Beanie and Buddy Duo. To be able to enter, you will need a unique ID number, which is obtained when you sign up to join their Members Newsletter Club. (You are allowed one entry per person per day). RyeByPost has already given away a Billionaire 1 Bear and a Thank You Bear in previous contests, so look for great future prizes in the NEW Beanie Lottery
Click here for further contest details on RyeByPost

... Celebrity Bears - UK ! ... Check this out !
If you are a Celebrity Bear fan, you definitely need to check out the link below. The Celebrity Bear site, in the UK, will keep you updated with all the latest news, especially on what's happening 'across the waters'. Following the release of British Collection Bear B4, there may be two new prototype bears (B5 and B6) on display at the UK Spring Fair; Celebrity Bears UK were hoping to have received them in time for the start of the Show.

www.celebritybears.co.uk

SPECIAL NOTE: I have someone attending the Show ... they will be reporting in with any interesting Ty News also. Ty Europe Ltd. will be in attendance. (The Show starts tomorrow, February 4th, and runs through February 8th.)

Friday, February 2
Groundhog Day

... Valentine's Contest
As you know, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. To celebrate, Beanieholics is giving away Celebrity Bears - the Love Bear and Cupid Bear. (As you may recall, the Love Bear has heart designs that disappear when you touch them, and reappear again. This is something new to the Beanbag toy market!) ... Pictures of both are on the link below ... too cute!!!
Click here for Contest details

... Next?
The Newsflash announcing the retirement of the Buckingham Beanie Baby was removed late yesterday. (It is located on the Newsflash Archives page in case you missed it.) ... Are you prepared for what may be next?

... And just a thought, but have you wondered what may be released at graduation time? A Wise / Wiser / Wisest Buddy? Hmmm

Thursday, February 1

... Kaleidoscope Update
Many had wondered, since Kaleidoscope first showed up in the UK, if it was going to be an Exclusive Beanie Baby. With the introduction on Ty's site of it's release, and no mention of it being an Exclusive, that pretty much answered the question. Ms Janie has also just informed us that Kaleisdoscope can now be ordered. She was told that U.S. retailers can order 36 of 'this cool cat'.

... February Ordering Parameters
This month's ordering is a little different than in the past. Retailers now have the opportunity to order from three different assortment packages. With the variety packages listed and the colorful display that is offered, it should be exciting to see what your retailer has! Ms. Janie has listed the different packages being offered, which can be read by clicking here.

... Contests Abound!
We have received the following information on three different sites currently holding Contests. All have GREAT prizes ... you might want to check them out. You can't win if you don't enter!

Planet Beans will be having our biggest contest ever!! (literally). Thanks to Andrea of Andrea's Attic. Jumbo Valentina Contest!! You must be a newletter subscriber to enter this contest!! Read the details of the contest to make sure you are entering correctly.
Smiles, Lisa
Click here for Contest details

BeanieSpot.com has just kicked off our HUGE new contest!! Bears! Bears! Bears! is the name!! There is over 20 prizes to win... Visit BeanieSpot today for more info!!
~Ryan~ :-)

Collectiblez is currently having a Valentynes Day contest for the month of February with some wonderful prizes being won! Make sure to check it out!
Thanks!!
Smiles,
Ryan Connell

... Ariel Auction Ends Today
2:05 am ... The auction on Ty Trade for an Ariel Beanie Baby signed by James VanDerBeek ends today at Noon.

Update: The auction ended at $380 (with 6 bids)