...  (Silent) Retirement
Both versions of the Candy Canes Beanie Baby (silently) retired yesterday.  'Candy Canes' (a Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive) was introduced by Ty on September 28, 2007.
... Thanks to KarenBrit and Ms. Janie) for sharing the news of this retirement.


 ...  BB2.0 (Ty U.K.) Hang Tags and Tush Tags
Thanks to John (the phoenix) of the Beanie UK website for sharing information and photos of the hang tags and tush tags of the new  Beanie Babies 2.0.
Click here to view the BB2.0 (UK) tags

(Look for a report to follow on the upcoming Birmingham Show in the U.K. on Sunday.)


 ...  "I Guam" Beanie Baby - Photos
Marilyn kindly shares photos of the 'I Guam' Beanie Baby, including a close-up of the embroidery on it's chest, the hang tag, and the tush tag.  See January 26th news below for more information on this Bear.
... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn
Click here to view the photos


 ...  Now on Ty's Current List ...
Daniel of Beanie Universe writes:
Hello,  I just noticed Ty finally put the Punxsutawney Phil 2008-COC on the Current List. He may have been there for a while but to the last of my knowledge this is the first I've seen him there. Just wanted to pass that on!   http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=36415   Thanks, Daniel

 ...  (Silent) Retirements
The following Ty products have silently retired:

 ...  Another 'Unannounced' Beanie Baby
Another Beanie Baby has surfaced, this time in Guam.  A photo can be viewed below.  KarenBrit has kindly shared the following information with Ms. Janie ...

 ...  Comparison Photos
Now that we've seen photos of the BB2.0, how about some comparison side-by-side photos with the "1st Generation" Beanies.  Several readers have written us, curious as to the size of the new BB2.0.  The photos Marilyn has shared will give you a good idea; I think you'll enjoy these !

Featured are comparisons of the following Beanie Babies:

Duchess to Pinky Poo
Eggs 2008 to Eggs & Hearts-A-Flutter
Fluffball & Baabet to Rosa
Hopsy to Hippily
Jumps to Baubles
Luckier to Killarney
Pico to Punchline
Purry to Frisky
Quackly to Quackingon
Rascal to Biscuit

Click here to view the photos

 ...  Additional Photos
Marilyn has kindly shared additional photos, including 'Baabet', the third Beanie Baby lamb.  Photos of Woolsy and Shearsly were posted yesterday.  These three lil' lambs are an adorable trio.

The Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives 'Quackington' and 'Hoppington' were officially introduced on Ty's website yesterday.  Today Marilyn shares photos, including the hang tags, of these Easter treats.  What's interesting .... both have the same style number.

• Baabet Beanie Baby (BB2.0)

• Quackington and Hoppington Beanie Babies  (Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives)

 ...  Tag Protectors for BB2.0
Marilyn writes:
Since I took Purr's tag off, tonight I put it back on & then went & got a deep well tag protector from one of my older beanies to use on it.  Since the linkage is in a whole new area, I cut a well for it on the right side of the tag protector & that works nicely....I left the front cover of the tag out of the tag linkage so I'm free to open the tag whenever I want to see the inside.  However, since the red heart tag is a fully lobed heart, it won't fit inside the tag protector unless I cut the ridge off the left side of the tag protector.  Right now, the red heart is lying safely pressed between Purry's head & the back of the tag protector.  Perhaps I'm just too stuck on the the idea that heart tags belong on the beanies.  Perhaps these beanies are for kids not collectors.  Tyme will tell.
Marilyn_in_Wisconsin

 ...  Beanie Babies 2.0 - Photos (cont.) ... and More
In addition to the BB2.0 photos posted yesterday, Marilyn also has shared photos of the following:

• Purry Beanie Baby (including inside of hang tag  (**See Marilyn's added note)

• Shearsly Beanie Baby

• Woolsy Beanie Baby

• Basket Beanies  (Floxy, Hopson, and Coop)

• Sweetly Pluffie

 ...  Doll Maker Fights Ill. Recall Over Lead
A couple of days ago, the Associated Press posted an article regarding lead tested in the red vinyl shoes of Ty's Jammin' Jenna dolls.  Excerpts from the article are posted below, as well as a link to the complete article.  I have since been passed along information shared by Ty, which is posted below as well.

Ty has issued the following statement:

TY INC.’S PRODUCTS ARE 100% SAFE FOR CHILDREN
Ty Inc. has removed all Jammin’ Jenna dolls from the toy shelves in Illinois and replaced them with a redesigned version of the shoes that addresses any concern raised by the Illinois Attorney General. Ty took this action even though the Jammin’ Jenna dolls met all federal safety standards and posed absolutely no risk of harm to children.

The Jammin’ Jenna doll meets all safety standards promulgated by the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the doll, like all of Ty’s products, was tested for compliance with federal regulations before it was introduced on the market. In November, Ty again tested the toys, and the tests reconfirmed that the toys were safe and met all federal safety requirements. Even though it was not required to do so, Ty immediately ceased manufacturing this item and changed the material of the shoes. Ty voluntarily stopped distributing and selling the toys in Illinois, even though Ty does not believe this product is governed by Illinois state law.

Ty wishes to point out that it has always cooperated with the Illinois authorities on this matter. Consumers should rest assured that Ty has always been vigilant in ensuring that its toys are 100% safe for children.
http://www.ty.com

 ...  Beanie Babies 2.0 - Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who kindly shares photos of several of the new Beanie Babies 2.0 recently purchased.  Included also are photos of the hang tags, a close-up of the new BB2.0 logo, the new tush tag, and more.  Click on the links below to view each one.

Note:  Marilyn has an interesting question.  Perhaps you can share an idea?  She writes:
I walked out of Hallmark today with a bag full of beanies....everything on my list arrived, even the basket beanies.  I got ready to take pictures when I got home, arranging things & taking out the scissors as I had already decided to open the tags....but I soon realized there was a problem with this....once I cut off the red plastic rectangle holding the tag closed, the tag is no longer attached to the beanie.  So now what do I do....I gritted my teeth & thought about it & in the end chickened out & didn't open the tags.  So I need a suggestion from the newsletter audience.  And I want to tell Ty....two tag linkages please...one to hold the tag on the beanie & one to cut to open the tag.

Updated: 1-24-08 ... Marilyn adds:
Thanks to the urging of Ms. Janie, I've  opened a tag....however, I confess, that I used a needle to widen the hole thru the ear & then folded the T of the tag linkage down & pushed it thru the ear.  I did the same thing thru the Ty tag.  This way I can push it back thru so that the tag will still be connected to the beanie where it belongs.  Ms. Janie said to go & play on the website, but that will have to wait for a new day.  Also will  wait on any plans to take pictures of the  rest of the beanies this  way.  Hope Ty fixes it so that there are double connectors & I can  open the tag while it's still attached to the beanie.   Marilyn_in_Wisconsin

p.s. have you noticed how nifty it is that the red heart tag underneath completes the look of the lobe of the heart where the top tag has its fold?
 

• Quackly Beanie Baby (including photos of the new lightning bolt badge, red tag, and play-on-line tag)

• Eggs 2008 Beanie Baby (note the new BB2.0 tush tag)

• Fluffball Beanie Baby

• Duchess Beanie Baby

• Hopsy Beanie Baby

• Jumps Beanie Baby

• Pico Beanie Baby

• Rascal Beanie Baby
   

 ...  Shampoodle Beanie
Arthur S. shares an eBay auction link of the rare Beanie Baby "Shampoodle".
Birthdate:  June 2, 2007

Click here to view the eBay auction

 

 ...  (Silent) Retirements?
One of our readers, Dennis Jay, is searching for the retirement dates of the following Beanie Babies.  We questioned this on December 27th (click here for Dec '07 news) and are a bit confused as well.

 ...  The Limited Ty Plush
One of our readers writes:

Hi Deb;  I was reading on the Ty Cyberboard earlier and someone had a question about The Limited Ty Plush bears made back in the 90's.  I had saved an article on Sal's Attic which I wanted to share with you.  Maybe this will answer their question.  There were Eloise and Sarah (bunnies) and Harry and Hannah (bears).  Maybe this link will help, as website addresses can't be posted on the Cyberboard.  And yes, I really do miss the Attic Treasures, they were as enjoyable to me to find as many enjoyed looking for that certain special Beanie Baby.  Have a special day today!  TTY soon -- Robin

 ...  'Biscuit' and 'Gravy'
Thanks to Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) for sharing photos, including the hang tags, of the Bob Evans Exclusive Beanie Babies 'Biscuit' and 'Gravy'.  (Additional photos can be viewed on her website.)  These adorable dogs were introduced by Ty on December 14th.
Doodle's note:  What's one of my favorite foods? ...  biscuits and gravy.  Viewing the photos now really makes me want to visit the local Bob Evans and check these Beanies out AND maybe a yummy breakfast while visiting  :)

 ...  Beanie Babies 2.0 - Photos
Following the Torquay Gift Fair in the UK this week, one of the members of the Beanie UK board has shared photos of the BB 2.0 range (kindly shared by John the phoenix).   Click on the link below to view these new 2008 Beanies - welcome BB2.0.
Click here to view the photos

Note:  Thanks for sharing.  John hopes to share a report of the upcoming Birmingham Spring Fair on February 3rd.  We look forward to hearing news of that event, just around the corner!


 ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: If you had to clean out an attic, what would you like to find there?  (submitted by saturngirl)
A: Something sentimental, like old family photographs, yearbooks, or even all my Attic Treasures...
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

 ...  Website / Trivia
We began this website on March 8, 1996, and will soon be celebrating our 12th year Anniversary.  While reminiscing on past years, we randomly posted trivia facts at the top of the news page.  (One of our readers did help refresh the memory a tad  :)  So we've posted a new trivia above, and will occasionally change it.  Just for fun mostly, but it's sometimes quite educational.  Enjoy!
 

 ...  Ty Website
It's 9:40 pm EST and the Ty website is currently unavailable.  Perhaps it's almost tyme for full-speed ahead with the site, and Beanies 2.0 will soon be seen!
 

 ...  Wonder Pets Beanie Babies -  (Ming Ming Beanie Baby and Book)
Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shares photos of the Barnes & Noble Beanie Baby 'Ming Ming' and book gift set 'Teamwork Saves the Day!'.  Now THAT'S one cute duck!  Additional photos can be viewed on her site.
(For additional information, see January 3rd news below.) ... Thanks for sharing, Sakurako!

 ...  Arriving Soon?
It's been nine days since Ty introduced the new Beanies 2.0, as well as new Ty Classics, Pluffies, Basket Beanies, and a Buddy.  Several readers have written with their anticipation of hoping to see these soon.   We shall see, as many patiently wait for the 'new generation' of Beanies to hit store shelves.

Note:  With the final BBOM last month, it appears that Ty may be discontinuing the monthly desktop wallpaper calendar as well.  Everything changes over time ... that usually comes with anticipation and excitement.  And just what's next? .... wait and see!

 ...  Four New Ty Girlz
Today Ty introduces four 'New Girlz in Town!' ... click on the link below to visit the Ty Girlz page for more!
Ty Girlz website
... Thanks to 'the Sloth' via the Ty Cyberboard for alerting us

(Left to Right) ... Cutie Cathy, Sweet Sammi, Happy Hillary, Precious Paris
 

 ...  New Beanie Baby (Dora the Explorer Series)
John (the phoenix) of the Beanie UK website shares information of a new (unannounced) Beanie Baby "Swiper".   This Beanie is part of the 'Dora the Explorer' series.  If you visit the website www.doradollcollection.com and click on the "subscription" button, you can take a peek at it.  This Beanie is currently not listed on Ty's website, perhaps soon!

 

 ...  Thank you, Lisa - and Best Wishes!
Lisa, webmaster of the Planet Beans website, has decided to divert her time to other things.  We have all enjoyed visiting her site for many years, and will truly miss her!  Our best wishes to Lisa and her family for a bright and healthy future, with continued successes!  (To see what Lisa has to say, you can visit her site below.)
Click here to visit Planet Beans
 

 ...  Ty Newsflash - Cupid's Bow
Today Ty introduces the Border's Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Cupid's Bow'.  (See below for photo.)
Click here to view the announcement on Ty's website

 

 ...  Cupid's Bow - Photo
Dan kindly shares a photo of the new 'Cupid's Bow' Borders Exclusive Beanie Baby, and writes:

 ...  Punxsutawney Phil 2008 - Chamber of Commerce
Dan kindly shares a photo of the new Punxsutawney Phil 2008 Chamber of Commerce Exclusive Beanie Baby, and writes:

 ...  Winning Poem!
The winner of Ty's New Year's Eve poetry contest (on the Ty Cyberboard) has been announced.  And it is  ....

Winning Poem!
Your Friends at Ty   (Jan 04, 2008, 03:34 PM)
Message Id: 1174809

Your Friends at Ty writes:

You've written poems so sublime
With perfect themes, cadence and rhyme
Because your verses were the best
You've won the New Year's Poem Contest !

Congratulations bneebob! Here again is bneebob's wonderful work !

A little toy was born one day
Designed with love and made for play
Ty's dream became reality
Bringing laughs and smiles and lots of glee !

We waited for each month's release
As love for them did quite increase
Both young and old got such a rush
From all the wondrous bean filled plush !

But a new adventure is in the works
With chats and games and other perks
Ty proves again that he's our hero
By introducing Beanie Babies 2 point zero!

(Variation on last two lines:
On January 2nd we'll be in the know
As Ty presents Beanie Babies 2 point oh !)

Click here to view on the Ty Cyberboard

 ...  Wonder Pets Beanie Babies -  (Ming Ming Beanie Baby and Book) UPDATE


Click here to order on the Barnes & Noble website

On December 15th, we posted the following:

On June 19th, we posted a Press Release on "Nichelodeon / NVCP New Merchandising Programs.  (Click here for June 2007 news archives)  The PR stated that Ty, Inc., in a  partnership arrangement, would "produce plush products including the brand's signature Beanie Babies that would hit shelves in fall 2008".  Click here to read the article.  (This article refers to future 'Wonder Pets' Beanie Babies.)

Added Note:  1/3/08 ... Susan writes today:
Hi Deb, I have had this book on my mind for quite a while now, and just checked the Barnes & Noble link.  I was able to order the 'Teamwork Saves the Day!' book and Beanie Baby Ming-Ming.  It says it should ship in 24 hours.  We shall see ... and I'll definitely let you know as soon as I receive it.  Happy New Year to you and your family! ~~Susan
 

 ...  Additional Ty Releases
In addition to the seven new Ty Classics introduced by Ty yesterday (see below), there are also two more ... 'Kittles' and 'Mesquite'.  Perhaps these two were erroneously left off the initial introduction.  Both have been added to Ty's current Classic list.  Click on the link below to view.
Click here to view
... Thanks to Daniel of Beanie Universe for sharing this news



 ...  eBay Beanie Collection
Daniel of Beanie Universe writes:

... Good lucky, Daniel, and our best wishes on your new endeavor!
 

 ...  New Ty Releases - BB2.0 and More
This afternoon Ty has introduced the much anticipated Beanie Babies 2.0, as well as new Ty Classics, Basket Beanies, Pluffies, and a new Buddy.
January 2008 complete product introduction

You can also click on the individual links below to view:

Beanie Babies 2.0:
Duchess, Pico, Rascal
Fluffball, Purry, Jumps
Luckier, Hopsy
Quackly, Eggs 2008
Baabet, Woolsy, Shearsly

Ty Classics:
Fielding, Mayfair
Lambert. Whispers
Hobble, Shanghai, Honeycutt

Basket Beanies:
Coop, Floxy, Hopson

Pluffies:
Woods, Ducky, Ponds

Beanie Buddy:
Large Diego


Note:
The general Ty link can be viewed by clicking here.  You can view Beanie Babies 2.0 (Meet the Beanies, Where to Buy, and Enter a Secret Code),  Ty Girlz, and the general (unchanged) home page.

 

 ...  New Beanie Baby 2.0 Birthdays
Thanks to Daniel of Beanie Universe for sharing the birthdays of the new January releases:

 ...  Ty Cyberboard Party / Poem Contest
There were lots of GREAT poems written by collectors on the Ty Cyberboard on New Year's Eve ... a job well done to all who submitted!  Even Ty Warner posted one!

Here is my poem for you
Ty Warner   (Dec 31, 2007, 11:34 PM)
Message Id: 1174448

Ty Warner writes:

2000 and 7 has almost past 
This year has gone by very fast 
I look forward to 2000 and 8
And wish you a New Year that is great !
Click here to view



 ...  And the winner is .... !
Upon initializing the poem 'contest', Ty Warner noted that a "very special Beanie" would be given to the winner, and wrote:

Good Idea
Ty Warner   (Dec 31, 2007, 10:26 PM)
Message Id: 1174375

Ty Warner writes:

I like this idea. How about a poem using Beanie Babies 2.0 in a verse.
I will judge the poems in the morning and the winner will receive a very special Beanie.
Put on your poem thinking caps and let's get started.
Click here to view