...  New 'Collecticritter' "I Love Lucy" Bears
If you're an "I Love Lucy" fan, you'll want to check out the three new bears on Collecticritters website.  Each bear is 9.5 inches tall, and is a numbered limited edition of only 1,500.  They will be shipping in mid-February.

Click here for more information 
Click here to visit the Collecticritters website 

  ...  Upcoming Gift Shows
The New York Gift Show begins tomorrow (February 1 - 5) at the Jacob Javits Center, as well as the NEC Spring Gift Fair in the UK (February 1 - 5).  We do anticipate the latest UK Exclusive Beanie to be introduced at the UK Show, as mentioned earlier in our news.  We'll keep you posted on the latest news from both Shows as it becomes available. 


  ...  Groundhog Day Soon!
Groundhog Day is Monday, February 2nd.  Perhaps the retirement soon of 'Punxsutawn-e' Phil (Ty Store) and Punxsutawney Phil (retailer version)?  'Punxsutawney Phil' (Chamber of Commerce version) silently retired on January 25th.   Will the groundhog see his shadow?  (We're crossing our fingers for an early Spring here - snow and sleet is expected again on Monday!)
Click here to visit Ty Store 


  ...  Super Bowl Eve
As you know, the Super Bowl is tomorrow.  Yes, living in the Carolinas, we a bit partial to the Panthers.  :)  We do anticipate an exciting game, along with a houseful of family and friends to enjoy this game.  ('Velvet' and 'Patriot' are sitting atop the TV, although somehow Patriot keeps disappearing.)  We wish for everyone's safety; and no matter where you are, enjoy your favorite team and have fun.

  ...  Ty Retailer Ordering Parameters
Thanks to "D" for sharing with us the following ordering parameters for February shipments (from the Ty Retailer page):

  ...  Ty Newsflash - February Introductions
Ty has introduced the new products for February:
Beanie Babies:    Eggerton, Eggs 2004, Goddess, It's a Boy, It's a Girl, Springfield 
Beanie Buddies:  Dippy, Mr., Mrs.
Basket Beanies:  Carnation, Lullaby, Nibbles, Petey
Pluffies:              Twitchy

Note:  The Basket Beanie 'Petey' is a new style, with no Beanie Baby or Buddy counterpart.   And potential variations?  Think of an Easter tree with different colored eggs on Petey'.  Oh my!  ... And while your imagination is wandering, remember 'Dippy' Beanie Baby?

It's been a bit of a hectic week, with cold/icy/snowy weather, kids out of school for three days, the Super Bowl countdown, server updates, and various personal ventures that would only bore you ... our reason for posting the news a bit late.  We do wish to thank all of you who wrote to share the latest news!  Have a safe and happy weekend.


  ...  News from Boyds
Show yer sweetie how much you care with a smoochie…by that we mean a Boyds bear from our Valentine Collection, not a kiss…what were you thinkin'? Boyds line of Valentines products will soon be hitting stores and spreading luv across the country. So, if you're lookin' for the ideal gift for yer honey this Valentine's Day, look no further, click on the link below for a sneak peek at what's to come in The Smoochies collection.
Click here for Boyd's Valentine news 

... Thanks to Randy for sharing this news


  ...  UK Spring Gift Fair
Daphne, editor of Bean Bag and Collectables Magazine, shares news of the upcoming Spring Gift Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, England.  She writes:

We shall be at the Spring Fair from Sunday morning and should be able to provide our usual report on www.bearsandbeans.com from mid-morning UK time.  The latest UK exclusive is expected to be revealed there.  I admit that I've seen it, as we have it (proper job hat on now) as Bean Bag and Collectables Magazine cover star for the March (out in February) issue.  Of course, as you'll appreciate, I wouldn't break any confidences by saying any more about the bear before it's revealed by Ty Europe.  Regards, Daphne

The Spring Fair runs from February 1st - 5th.

Daphne also writes:
"Enough to make you squeal!"
It seems that pigs are banned from the Spring Gift Fair at the NEC in Birmingham UK from Sunday 1 February!

Not, of course, the real life oinkers, but a sweet pink velvet pig which was all set to help fledgling company The Wild Pigs spread the word about their brand new pigurines and encourage potential buyers to visit their exhibition stand.  Darren Barker, the pigs’ designer, well known for his Chubbley Bears designs, explained how it’s hard enough for new companies to attract visitors, given the size of the Fair and the sheer scale of the site, but it had been hoped that the little pig, armed with flyers, could take a tour and help attract interest. But, it’s not to be: the Sow (!) organisers need a huge sum in payment for ‘extra promotional activities’ which includes a pig, so The Wild Pigs will have to do without the extra little trotter’s help.  We have a unique item donated by Darren to help spread the word about these little pigurines. Whilst pigs are usually pink(ish), this one is a sliver coloured pigurine – an early prototype, which will never be for retail sale.

For a chance to win this unique little squealer, you should email pigs@bearsandbeans.com telling us how many pig type references you can find in this news piece: just the total number will suffice. Simple. If you want to know more at any time about the pigurines, you can use the same email address.  If you’re able to visit the Sow, you will find The Wild Pigs in Hall 16,   Stand D65. Please tell them ‘the pig sent me’!

  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: What do you collect besides Beanie Babies, or do you collect anything else? (submitted by peachypooh44)
A: When I was young I had a small collection of baseball cards. Today, I have two collections . . . . Beanies and those old baseball cards !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  

  ...  New Ty Products - Photos
Are you anxious to take a peek at what's around the corner for February?  If so, photos of the new February Ty products (yet to be officially announced by Ty) are now popping up on the internet.  A couple of links that have been brought to our attention are Beanies4you and Cindys Beans.  (Thanks to everyone who sent along this info!)

  ...  2003 Thank You Bear from Australia
Colleen, one of Ms. Janie's readers,  has sent photos of her recently acquired 2003 Thank You Bear from Australia.  It came in the Ty case and two letters rolled up in a tube.  Check out the extra promotional items she also received at the following link.
Click here for photos   


  ...  Just Around the Corner
Collectors are awaiting the announcement of new February releases ... sounds like some Easter products are just around the corner!  Not only do we anticipate an announcement soon, perhaps some possible retirements?  (Remember: Groundhog Day is February 2nd - perhaps 'Punxsutawn-e Phil' will retire at Ty Store soon.)

As one reader, Susan, writes:
Hi Doodle, I think the idea of a leap year Beanie would be awesome -- a frog perhaps?  Remember the game "leapfrog"?  So how 'bout 'Leap' the frog for Ty Store in February?  LOL  We have lots and lots of cold weather and snow.  Guess I'm thinking ahead to anything closer to Spring!!  :)  TTy soon!  Susan

Doodle's note:  Good idea, Susan!  For those of you experiencing the COLD weather -  stay warm.  This ice and snow has got to go SOON.  My (cabin) fever is elevating quickly!

  ...  Punxsutawney Phil 2004 (COC version) Retires
The Punxsutawney Phil 2004 Beanie Baby (Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce version) has silently retired on Ty's website.  On Wednesday, January 21st (see news below), the groundhogstuff.com website posted that they had sold out of this 'y' version.
(Thanks to Robin for sharing the news of Phil's retirement!)
Click here to view Ty's Beanie Baby listings 
Click here to view 'Phil's' retirement listing  


  ...  CHERISH Update
Sue Owen writes to us with updated fund raising events on the Cherish calendar:

These are the two impending fund raising events in the CHERISH calendar: International Childhood Cancer Day on 15th February and Britain's Biggest Breakfast in March. In fact, we have renamed the latter 'World's Biggest Breakfast' or 'Boglin's Global Beanie Breakfast' as it is taking place on line and offline, hence the 'doctored' graphic! In February a new series of auctions will begin on eBay for a variety of interesting and international ccollectibles.  The money raised from these will go to Research into Children's Cancers http://www.boglin.net Many thanks to all of the donors! Sue

  ...  Japan Promotional Beanies
Two new JIHL (Japan Ice Hockey League) All Star 2004 Beanie Babies have been given away in Japan.  Sakurako of Bottega Beanies shares news of these promotional Beanies, and writes:

I would like to introduce these new nice JIHL(Japan Ice Hockey League) All Star Game 2004 NIKKO.....   JIHL/ http://www.jihl.jp/   All Star Game site.....http://www.jihl.jp/allstar2004/allstar_main.html

There are 2 version of these promotional Beanies.  One is Decade royal blue and the other is Decade red.  They wear a sweat shirt - white one is for Royal blue Decade, and ivory one is for red Decade.  These sweat shirts have the symbol marks of 2 teams....'Blue Orion' for royal blue decade, and 'Red Antares' for red decade.  Also the back of their sweat shirts.....JIHL All Star Game 2004 NIKKO 100 LIMITED EDITION.  They are 1500 yen (including tax)  There is a second hangtag with JIHL All Star Game 2004 NIKKO on back.

Also 50 royal blue decade bears and 50 red decade bears are sold today (January 25) at Nikko Kirifuri Ice Areana at Nikko city in Tochig prefecture.

  ...  Ty Easter Product News (Update)
As a follow up to yesterday's news of Ty's upcoming Easter products, the following has been posted on the Ty Cyberboard:  (The Chicago Gift Show runs January 24 - 27.)

new product in chicago
beanies....
eggs 2004 white with eggs all over fabric
its a girl bear pink color
its a boy bear blue color both wearing diapers and are pooh style bears
goddess swan white color fancy eyes
springfield bunny pink color
eggerton white color bunny

buddies
dippy the bunny
mrs. the bear
mr. the bear both very nice.....

basket beanies
carnation the cat
petey the rabbit
nibbles the bunny
lullaby the lamb

pluffies
twitchy the bunny

Click here for the Ty Cyberboard post  

11:55 pm ... Additional info has also been posted on Ms. Janie's site, found on the link below.
Click here for details 


  ...  Crafts Kids Can Make
What can you do on a cold, snowy, icy, or rainy day?  You may want to check out this article, which gives lots of ideas on how to make special costumes for your Beanies.

Crafts Specially Designed for Kids to Make Now you can have the best-dressed Beanies in town with costumes specially designed for kids to make. These adorable costumes can easily be made by children as young as 8 years old (or even younger with parental supervision), using only felt, scissors and glue. Costumes can easily be adapted to fit many different beanies. Click here for more information

Friday, January 23

  ...  Ty Warner's Vision for San Ysidro Ranch
The following article appeared in today's Santa Barbara News-Press.

Ty Warner's vision for San Ysidro Ranch: A return to its golden era A multimillion-dollar renovation is under way at the San Ysidro Ranch and owner Ty Warner is seeing to the details as if in his own home. The Beanie Babies creator, who purchased the 540-acre Montecito ranch and hotel in 2000, is hand-selecting oriental rugs, antiques and artwork, arranging knickknacks on bookshelves, even advising on color schemes and where towel racks hang in the bathrooms. Considering that all 38 cottages are distinctly decorated, that's no small task. So far, three of the romantic retreat's white clapboard cottages have been upgraded, at a cost of about $500,000 apiece.

Click here to read the article 


  ...  Ty Easter Beanie News
What may be just around the corner for Ty Easter products?  Ms. Janie shares news you may want to check out.
Click here for details  

  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: In your opinion, what is the most successful Ty Beanie Baby you've made? (submitted by 221155)
A: When I think back over the past 10 years, names like Princess, Erin, Peace, Glory, and America immediately come to mind. But, as I sit here pondering this question, I'm taken back to 1993, Gatlinburg and nine little Beanies that I must say are the answer to your question !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 


  ...  News from Japan
Our friend Sakurako of Bottega Beanies shares the following news with us:

* Ty Store Promotional Beanie "Only at Motomachi Beanie" * (This is the 'Ty Store' in Yokohama, Japan). This Beanie is "Ai" from the Asia Pacific Flag Beanie 'set'.  Click here to view photos This promotion beanie will be selling on Sunday, February 1st.  This is a collaboration - Ty Store in Japan and Yokohama Motomachi street shop owners for the opening of the Minatomirai Railway. This Beanie has a second hang tag, and will be sold only in the Motomachi area in Yokohama )  (It was indicated that it will not be selling on the internet.  If we receive any updated information, we will surely pass it along.)  Click here for photo

Thanks to Sakurako for sharing this news !  (Minor translation 'editing' has been made.)

  ...  'BeanBag & Collectable' Magazine
The Valentine's issue of BeanBag & Collectable Magazine is starting to appear on newsstands in the UK.
Click here to view the cover and more info 

... Thanks, Randy, for sharing the news


  ...  Punxsutawney Phil - Updated Info
The wording has changed on the Punxsutawney Phil website about ordering this Beanie. No longer does it mention the Ty website.

Get your Punxsutawney Phil Ty Beanie Baby by calling 1-800-752-PHIL! (Not available through this web site). Note: This is the Punxsutawn-e version of the Beanie Baby. We have sold out of the "y" version.
Click here to visit the site 

... Thanks to Randy for sharing this information


  ...  Ty Newsflash - Ty Store Offer
Ty has posted the introduction of 'Official Portsmouth Football Club Jerseys' at Ty Store.  These jerseys are offered in various sizes, and in both long and short sleeve versions.  If you're interested in purchasing this jersey, click on the link below. 

Click here to view and order on Ty's site 

  ... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has retired 'Sparks', the UK Exclusive Beanie Baby.
Click here to view the announcement 


  ... New UK Exclusive
Ms. Janie shares a photo from a reader of a new UK Exclusive 'expected' to be announced at the Upcoming Show.
Click here to view the photo 

  ...  'Asia Pacific' Beanies / 'Bidder' Comparison
Our friend Sakurako of Bottega Beanies shares a photo of the six Asia Pacific Flag Beanies, along with 'Bidder'.  Other than the nose color (and of course the hang tag and emblem), there appears to be no visual differences in these Beanies.  (Other photos can be viewed on Bottega's website.)  Thanks for sharing with us, Sakurako!

  ...  Herrington Teddy Bears
The January Press Release has just been issued.  The link below will update the latest information from Herrington Bears.
Click here to read the press release 

  ...  'Parfum Buddy' - Collar Color Variations - Update
On Tuesday, we reported news from Chris (from the UK) and Nancy (from the U.S.) of different collar colors of 'Parfum' Buddy.  The colors mentioned were blue, purple, gold, and green.  Looks like teal and orange may be added to the list now.  A note on the Ty Cyberboard points out these two additional colors:
Click here to read the Cyberboard Message 

  ...  Valentine Display
Over 'tyme', Ty has released an assortment of Valentine products.  Jennifer, one of Ms. Janie's readers, has shared a photo of her display.  Now THAT'S a lot of Ty hearts!  :)
Click here to view the photo 


  ...  Prototype Beanie Auctions End
On January 7th, one of our readers ('Robin') pointed out two eBay auctions for prototype Beanies 'Coral' and 'Flutter', authenticated by True Blue Beans.  Both auctions have ended this evening.  Coral closed at $6,300 (reserve not met); Flutter closed at $5,990.95 (reserve not met).  To check out the auctions, click on the links below.
Coral Prototype Beanie Auction 
Flutter Prototype Beanie Auction 


  ...  Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has retired 'Kissme' Beanie Buddy and 'Flirty Francie' Beanie Bopper this afternoon.  'Kissme' was introduced on December 27, 2002; 'Flirty Francie' was introduced on December 27, 2001.  These are two Ty (holiday) products that many anticipated to retire much sooner!  To view the announcement, click here. 


  ...  Imperial Toy Company - In the News
Remember Imperial Toy Company? They won a lawsuit against Ty over Roary the
Lion years ago. They are back in the news:

Imperial Penalized For Small Parts Violation
Imperial Toy Corp. has been slapped with a record $200,000 civil penalty for importing toys that violated federal safety standards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced this week.  The fine — the largest ever imposed against a toy company penalized or sued for the first time for violating CPSC's small parts regulations — stems from a lawsuit brought against Imperial by the CPSC that alleged the toymaker imported two models of toys which had small parts in violation of CPSC rules.
Click here to read the entire article 

... Thanks to Randy for sharing the news

  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's site.
Q: Can you give us a clue about the mysterious bear behind the window shade in the Ty Store? (submitted by SillyBear)
A: Bear behind a shade ? I don't see any bear behind a window shade in the TyStore.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  


  ...  Grand Coulee Donates Beanies
From the 'The Star of Grand Coulee' ...
by Stephen Mercer
Couple donates toys for traumatized kids
A local couple donated bags of stuffed animals Monday to emergency services of the city of Grand Coulee to help children in crisis situations.  Last week, Electric City resident Don Daniels said he and his wife Karen bought 40 Beanie Babies and stuffed animals at Coulee Gifts, etc.
Click here to read the article 


  ...  "Currently Unavailable"
Tammy reports to Ms. Janie: ... Per the retailer page, Flirty Francie the bopper is currently unavailable to order.


  ...  'Bidder' Photo
Marilyn shares her photos of 'Bidder' Beanie Baby.  Click here to view the photos on Ms. Janie's site 

  ...  Hallmark, Brettwood Village, Closing
From the Herald Review:
Hallmark store's closing ends 32-year run at Brettwood Village

There was a time when people camped outside the Haines & Essick store waiting for the latest shipment of Beanie Babies to go on sale.  "We had people sleeping outside the door," said Sandy Swofford, manager of the Hallmark Gold Crown store in Brettwood Village. "I'd have to slip in the back door."  That hasn't been the case recently.
Click here to read the article

... Thanks to Randy for sharing the news

  ...  New UK Hang Tags
(Update from Monday's news)
... Here are the photos of the new UK hang tags as promised yesterday.
Best wishes, Sue

  ...  Parfum Buddy - A Collar of Different Colors!
One of our friends in the UK, Chris, is a HUGE Buddy collector, and has provided us many times with new style numbers to help keep our list updated.  Chris reports of three different 'collars' on 'Parfum' Buddy - blue, purple, and gold.  Here's what Chris has to say:

Dear Deb
I have loads to tell you.  (My favorite) Beanie shop got their Ty delivery yesterday, Monday 12th, so today I went in to get some.

I saw the new Beanies ... Demure, Phil, Righty, Lefty and Corsage.

New Punkies are nice.  Flame # 0420 and Marbles # 0423.

But the Best are the Buddies.  Ty has outdone himself - they are brilliant.  Peace  # 9709 and Dublin  # 9711 are the best and a close second is Parfum # 9707.   Filly # 9708, Lullaby # 9712, Sampson # 9710, and Bo # 9706 are nice if you collect that animal.  As for Parfum, yes - the collars are different colours -  like ribbons around the bears neck - BLUE the rarest color, then PURPLE and then GOLD.  In the shop, they had 2 Gold, 1 Purple, no Blue out of 3 (that came) in.   I came home with 3 Buddies - Peace, Dublin and Parfum with Purple collar, and a Phil too   I now have Bones, Beak, Pumkin, Radar, Quackers, Magic, Cupid, Lizzy, Parfum Buddies, and 112 Bear Buddies Total of 121.

So I had a good day. I double checked #'s before I left the Ty account shop.

But on a sad note, they have started only getting 3 buddies of each style.

I hope this helps.  Take care, Your UK Bud , Chris

Doodle's note ... Thanks for sharing your news, Chris.  What an awesome collection!  We have updated our Beanie Buddy history page with all the style numbers, etc.  It will be interesting to see what color of collar may be the rarest over time. If anyone has further information to share regarding 'Parfum's' collar, please drop us a note to share with others.

Added note:  (1/15/04) ... Nancy of the U.S. adds of a green collar also available.

The conviction on the Class 3 felony carries a maximum sentence of two to five years in prison, but is also probationable.

  ...  'Bidder' is Arriving
Looks like Bidder is arriving now.  Sly notes on Ms. Janie's message board (click here) of an eBay auction, including an "in hand" photo.

This was posted earlier today on her message board, but I have been unable to upload this news due to FTP upgradings.

Click here to view the auction


  ...  Introducing ValueTracker
There's a new Beanie Baby Handbook, ValueTracker, which is available as a printed handbook or inventory software.  It includes printed price guides with comprehensive information on Beanie Babies, as well as a history of Beanies, retirements,  authenticating sources, collector stories, and more.  More information on the book (and software) can be found on the bangzoom.com website.
Click here for more information 

... Thanks to Ms Janie who shares Karen's news of her new book

  ...  Coming Soon - Two New Ty Store Exclusives
From the Ty Cyberboard:
Basha writes:
New Ty Store Exclusives
In the January-February 2004 Beanies & More Magazine it shows 2 new Ty Store Exclusives not yet announced. Smooch-e a pink old style beanie bear with a red heart & red ribbon and a buddy Kiss-e. Kiss-e matches last years Ty store beanie.
Click here to visit the Cyberboard posting 


  ...  New German Exclusive?
The International Toy Fair in Nuremberg will be held February 5-10, 2004.  Rumors are spreading of a new German Beanie Baby that is 'expected' to be introduced at this Show.  Ms. Janie has posted a photo of this 'anticipated' Bear, which can be viewed by clicking here. 


  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: How do you decide which Beanie grows up to become a Buddy? (submitted by Beaniebrother)
A: As you know, I am an avid reader of the Cyberboards. Many times your "Bright Ideas" have determined the next Buddies !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 


  ...  Silent Retirements
Looks like a few Ty products have (silently) retired.  Although no official announcement was posted by Ty, they now appear on Ty's retired lists.  The products are as follows:

BEANIE BABIES:  Blue Star - Ideations Exclusive Angel Bear

CLASSICS:  Garland, Lagoon, Winthrop

PUNKIES:  Frizzy, Rainbow, Sizzles, Skitters, T-Bone, Twizzles (These are the first Punkies to retire)
 
PLUFFIES:  Bluebeary, Cloud, Pinks (These are the first Pluffies to retire)