January
1-31, 2009
www.doodlespage.com
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A New Look
Ty Store is now featuring a new look!
Ty has changed the browsing feature for ordering, which includes Beanie
Babies, Ty Girlz, Angeline, Garfield, Clothing & Accessories,
Nickelodeon, Max & Ruby, Boblins, and NASCAR products. You can
also check your order status, search Ty Store, and view your shopping
cart. Most of the same information is still available, just easier
(and quicker). You can check it all out by clicking on the
following link:
Visit Ty Store here
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Karen, Get Well Soon!
We have been informed that Karen Holmes (aka
KarenBrit) is currently "under the weather" with some medical issues.
Due to some blockage in her arms and legs, she has recently had stints
placed in both legs and one arm to aid in circulation. She will
also soon undergo open heart surgery. Please keep her in your
thoughts and prayers. Karen ... get well soon!
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A Sneak Peek
As we have mentioned, it's
(almost) time for February Ty products to be introduced. And we
really think this group will appeal to many collectors - they're all a
bit different than some of the more 'typical' ones. Wish to take a
peek at a few of them? Then click on the link below ... OR just
wait a day or two and view them on Ty's website. It's almost tyme!
(I personally LOVE the ladybug! :D ... and Hello, Kitty!)
... Thanks to an 'anonymous' reader who shares the following with us
...
Click here if you wish to see more
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Just Around the Corner ...
It's hard to believe January is
almost over ... it's been a cold month and looks like a major snow storm
coming to the eastern part of the U.S.! Yes, we're ready for
Spring. Along with the beginning of a new month just around the
corner, retirements and new products are anticipated by collectors.
There haven't been too many retirements lately - maybe the holiday
Beanie Babies will retire in Ty Store soon? Let's keep an eye on
the Ty website. 'New' news is coming, and when it does ... we'll
let you know!
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One More Tyme
On December 31st, with the
introduction of new Ty Girlz ... little did we know the stories and
comments that would evolve over the next few weeks regarding 'Sasha' and
'Malia' Ty Girlz. Unless you've been hiding or completely
out of 'the loop', you know exactly what we're talking about.
(Several links have been posted on this site. ) We all have our
personal opinions ... maybe with news a little slow lately, it's
something to talk about! We truly appreciate all the emails
we have received, both positive and negative opinions. And
from various parts of the world. One of our readers from Japan
(Hisako) shares a couple of photos from a magazine in Japan introducing
these two Ty Girlz.
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'Heartley' - Additional Info
One of our readers, Nancy from
Georgia, shares some additional information on the Heartley Beanie Baby:
Hi Deb:
This is an info addition to Marilyn's post about the Hallmark Heartley
bear. There is another small tush tag on this bear that lists new
material/manufacturing information (only). I really enjoy this
bear because it's body and face are nice and plump and it's fun to
look through all the bears and pick out the nicest faces with the
heart/arrows placement. The last 2 bears (Gingerspice and now Heartley)
finally have the added statement about being a Hallmark Gold Crown
Exclusive inside the hangtag, which means you can use reward
certificates now for these bears. In the past, some Hallmarks would
not accept it claiming that the Hallmark Gold Crown
exclusive was not located on the bear.
Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you and many more to come; glad you
enjoyed your day.
Nancy F.
Canton, GA
... Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
Quite interesting news! A photo of the hang tag can be viewed
below.
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Sat/Sunday, January 24-25 |
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'Heartley' Photos
Our special thanks to
Marilyn, who shares her photos of the recently purchased Hallmark Gold
Crown Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Heartley'. This Beanie was introduced
by Ty on December 4, 2008.
Marilyn writes:
Hi....I
found Heartley at a local
Hallmark store at just the right time....I'll be bringing my Valentine
beanies out this week to display. His
style number is 47114.
The pink lettering on the shiny brown ribbon is easy to see....it says
2009 over and over again. How do you think it looks best....with 2009
displayed nicely on the ribbon tips or on the loops? Can't have both as
the spacing of the print doesn't seem to make that possible. I looked
through a bunch of Heartleys trying to find that perfect ribbon.
Finally, a little beanie finding fun!
Marilyn_in_Wisconsin
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Thank You!
On a personal note, I wish to thank
all of you who sent your special Birthday wishes to me earlier this week.
Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. I had a wonderful day
- although a bit cold and snowy, it was perfect to relax by the fire and
be pampered ! That was my birthday wish - a 'do-nothing' day
:)
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"Ty Inc. Selling Sasha, Malia Dolls"
1/24/09 -
On Wednesday we posted several website links with news of the 'Sasha'
and 'Malia' Ty Girlz introduced by Ty on
December 31st,. (Along with these, four other Ty Girlz were
introduced ... Amazing Abby,
Beautiful Brianna, Kool Kayla, and Lovely Lauren.) Our mailbox has
since filled up with quite a few links of news, information, and
comments on the new Ty Girlz. All the links basically report
the same information; we have noted one shared by Carolyn P.
Michelle Obama:
'Inappropriate' to use daughters to sell dolls
Added note: 1/25/09
"The company said
the dolls are not meant to resemble 7-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old
Malia, but considering that the collection’s other dolls are named
Lindsay, Britney, Paris, Hilary and Jenna, it’s safe to say we have some
real-life Pinocchios in Oak Brook."
Obama girls face adjustment to presidential spotlight
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'Ty Girlz World' Website - "Hot News"
You
may recall news of upcoming new products that we first reported on
January 1st, which included the photos below. The announcement of
these new products can now be viewed on the
Ty Girlz website. It states
"Coming soon to Ty Girlz
"Totally Troy" (presumably from the
High School Musical - Troy is Team
Captain). Also posted on the website is
"Coming Soon ... Ty Petz",
showing each of the three petz below. These are apparently Ty
Girlz accessories.
... Thanks to Annaka and TheSloth for sharing this news
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"Ty Inc. Selling Sasha, Malia Dolls"
On
December 31st, Ty introduced six new Ty Girlz ...
Amazing Abby,
Beautiful Brianna, Kool Kayla, Lovely Lauren, Sasha, and Malia.
The following has been posted on the chicagobusiness.com website.
(The article can be read in its entirety by clicking on the noted link
below.)
Ty Inc. selling Sasha, Malia dolls
Jan 21, 2009
(Crain’s) — "The nation’s first daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, have
joined the ranks of Barbie, Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake.
Ty Inc., maker of Beanie Babies, released “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia”
dolls earlier this month as part of its TyGirlz Collection. Westmont-based
Ty launched the line in 2007. A company spokeswoman confirmed that
the dolls were created to resemble President Barack Obama’s daughters.
We hope TyGirlz are as popular as Beanie Babies,” she said. Beanie
Babies, small plush toys that developed a cult following after they were
released in 1994, have reportedly generated sales of at least $6 billion for Ty.
There’s no word yet on whether the new TyGirlz dolls are a hit with the Obamas.
“We certainly hope that they like them,” the spokeswoman said. The
toymaker started shipping the dolls to retailers nationwide earlier this month,
she said. .........."
Click here to read the complete article
Added note: I have also
received several email 'alerts' on additional articles (on the same
subject), which can be viewed below:
Beanie Babies maker sells Sasha, Malia dolls
(Chicago Tribune)
Beanie Babies maker sells Sasha, Malia dolls
(Associated Press)
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Enjoying the Day
Today I feel like a kid
again ... staying home - enjoying the snow, and watching TV. Not
very productive, but a lazy day is due to all of us occasionally.
(And I'm one of the lucky ones that can enjoy a birthday without gaining
another year in age :D Funny how they do come quicker though, as
we get older!)
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Updated List - Beanie Boppers
Although no
longer produced, I always enjoyed collecting the Ty Beanie Boppers.
The first six Beanie Boppers made their official 'debut' at the Dallas
Gift Show (June 23 - 26, 2001). They appeared on the Ty website,
along with their own personal homepages, on July 3, 2001 - "introducing
Sassy Star and her Adorable Friends". The first six Beanie Boppers
were Sassy Star, Huggable Holly, Lovable Lulu, Rockin' Rosie, Pretty
Patti, and Kooky Kandy. (Teenie Beanie Boppers followed,
with an official introduction on 6/28/02.) All the Beanie Boppers
and Teenie Beanie Boppers retired as of December 30, 2004.
... Doodle's note: We were missing a few of the style numbers for
the Boppers, and kindly thank Carolyn C. (again) for assisting us in
completing this list !
Click here to view the Beanie Bopper / Teenie
Beanie Bopper list
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Updated List - Key Clips
If you are a Ty
Key-Clip collector, you may want to take note. We have updated
the
Key-Clips Checklist
to now also include the style
numbers. Our special thanks to Carolyn C., who has provided
all the style numbers for each of them. I'm sure there are
many collectors who appreciate and will enjoy your efforts in assisting
us! :) Thanks again!
... Added note: Oops! The key-clip list was initially
placed with the BB2.0 link. It's correct now!
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Opinion Tyme
One of our
readers from the UK (Ian) shares the following:
Hi Doodle
sorry to see another beanie site is closing but its not surprising as the
beanie market in general is not the same as it used to be and i'm sure
everyone will agree to that.
Here in the UK there are now no retailers were i live, at one time there
used to be about 20. the only way to now buy is off the internet. I read the
beanie news sites every day hoping for a new exclusive or TY has had a
change of mind and gone back to the old styles (quess that will not be
happening) it is a hobby that i have enjoyed (expensive one sometimes) but
these beanies TY is doing now are okay for children who watch the TV
programmes that these beanies appeal too, not the older collectors (this is
my own opinion) and get their parents to go out and buy them for them.
It would be
interesting to see what other collectors think.
thanks ian
Doodle's note ... Thanks for sharing, Ian.
My opinion, for what it's worth .... I do agree that there is definitely
less interest, less retailers, less collectors, etc. But Ty UK,
as well as Ty in the U.S. are still around; for how long, noone really know.
Who would have thought that this hobby would have been around for soooo many
years. I have been running this website since 1994, and followed with
the doodlespage.com domain name a couple of years later. I plan to
continue until no more are made, which hopefully is still a long tyme away.
I also find it more difficult to locate them, and I'm more selective with
what I do buy. (I have hundreds of them, most of all them have a story
:) Like most (collectible) hobbies, the 'fad' comes and goes ... I
still enjoy collecting, running the site, and (probably most enjoyable)
communicating with the many friends met along the way. We shall see as
tyme passes.
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The Future of BeanieUK
So what is the
future of the BeanieUK website, after January 31st?
John the phoenix (from the BeanieUK
website) posts a note on the future of running and maintaining the
site. He writes:
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Since the start of
BeanieUK in December 2006, we have been
thrilled to see the membership grow as it
did, and have appreciated everyone's
contribution to the site very much. It has
also been very gratifying to know that many
others outside the membership have stopped
by, to read the news and articles, and to
check out the photo albums.
2007 was a great
first year, and we often thought then that
we should have set up the site earlier than
we did! We always appreciated the other
beanie news sites, all of whom continued to
be read by most of us, but it was good to
feel that we had something to contribute to
the hobby, based here in the UK.
Over the last 12
months there have been many changes at Ty,
as we all know. There has been much
discussion about them since then, hasn't
there??! Without revisiting those
discussions in this post, the fact remains
that things have changed - considerably.
Let's leave it at that!
Now, we also face
the closure of the MSN groups service in
February, and so, for some time, we have
been considering what to do.
After much thought,
we have decided to close BeanieUK on January
31st.
Whether or not we
move the goup in some form to Multiply, as
suggested by the MSN guidance, will depend
entirely on what members think about that.
It's worth saying that it doesn't look quite
as easy as the guidance suggests, so if
anyone already has involvement in a Multiply
page/group it would be nice to hear about
it. At this moment in time we are not
convinced.
Sad tymes, aren't
they?
Allan - Manager #1
John - Manager #2
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Doodle's note:
We have thoroughly enjoyed reading what John, Allan, and all the members
have shared from 'across the waters'. They have kept us updated on
what's happening in the UK, shared numerous photos, and many have become
true friends to us. We will surely miss 'seeing' them everyday and
send a huge thanks for all their time and dedication.
John / Allan / and friends - please keep in touch ! ;-)
Click here to read the
BeanieUK post - and share your voice
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New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been
posted on Ty's website:
Q:
Are you going to the Superbowl, or watching it on TV with friends? (submitted
by 8885207)
A:
I won't be going to the Superbowl but I certainly will be watching it somewhere
!
Click here to
visit 'Ask Ty'
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Upcoming UK Exclusives
In addition to the
announcement of the upcoming licensed 'Hello Kitty' Beanie Babies we
noted on Saturday, Richard from the UK shares more news on what's around
the corner. He writes:
Hi There
I thought you might like to know that I spoke with Ty today at the
Torquay show. I am pleased to announce that Ty will be
releasing another 3 UK exclusive
Peppa Pig beanies, which are going to be available mid Feb. They
will then be issuing a further
three a month or so later. I am unable to confirm names but
they had two of the prototypes there at the show. They were also
very please to announce the release of
3 Hello Kitty licensed Uk exclusive beanie babies, which will
also be available immediately after the Spring Fair, which is a Uk trade
show Ty will be exhibiting at the first week in Feb. It is great
that the Uk will be getting some exclusive licensed products, so I m
glad I can share this news with you.
Best wishes, Richard
www.cheshirebears.co.uk
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New Ty License & Upcoming Shows
It looks like Ty is working
on a new licensed product - 'Hello Kitty'. Check out the
invitation photo (shared with Ms. Janie by
Jen from Abbey Bears) of the Torquay Fair
2009. Ty UK Ltd is exhibiting at The Torquay Fair in the UK; it
runs January 11-14,
Click here to view the Torquay Fair
2009 Invitation
Click here to visit the Torquay Fair website
Added note:
After doing some additional research, it also appears that Ty UK Ltd
will also be exhibiting at the
Spring Fair 09 International (NEC
Birmingham) in the UK again this year. The Show takes place
February 1-5 Ty will be in hall / stand 5D20/E21.
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Ty-Signed Beanie Baby 2.0
On December 26th,
Ty announced a contest on the Ty Cyberboard ... guess how many Beanies
Ty has manufactured, and explain why you love Beanies. The winner
was announced on January 1st. As most of you are probably aware,
"Trade" (aka Daniel of
Beanie
Universe) was the winner, and informs us today he has put this
Beanie up for auction on eBay.
Daniel writes:
I placed Cargo up for auction here:
Click here to view the eBay auction
If you could let your viewers know, that
would be much appreciated.
As much as I would want to keep it, I need the money for my business!
Daniel
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Ty Guyz / Ty Petz
Are you curious as to the
names of the new products we posted on January 1st? (see below)
Ty Boyz? ... How about 'Ty Guyz'! - AND 'Ty Petz'. The
following is posted on the Ty Cyberboard:
Official
name of new line
Fluffball05 (Jan 09, 2009, 06:23 PM)
Message Id: 1198035
Fluffball05 writes:
The name of the new line of male dolls
that are companions to the Ty Girlz are officially called Ty Guyz. Their logo is
similar except with a blue Ty heart. Also, the Ty Petz are officially
categorized under Ty Girlz and are not called Ty Petz, they are more or less
accessories/companions to the dolls. That is all for now
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Contest Winner's Photos
On January 1st, Ty
announced the contest winner on the Ty Cyberboard ... the prize - a new
2009 Beanie Baby signed by Ty. Our
congratulations to Daniel of
Beanie Universe, who has received a
new 2009 Beanie Baby (Cargo) signed by Ty. To view the photos,
click here.
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The Last Punxsutawney Phil Beanie Baby
The
following has been posted on wearecentralpa.com ...
Punxy Phil
Beanie Baby Discontinued
Wednesday, Jan 7, 2009 @05:45pm EST
A Punxsutawney Phil tradition is coming to an end, but don't worry, it's
not the Groundhog Day celebration, but rather the Punxsutawney Phil beanie
babies.
The company that makes the beanie baby,
Ty, says the 2009 ground hog stuffed animal
will be their last. The animals
were hugely popular when they were first sold in 2003, but Ty says since
then, the demand has dropped. The only place you can buy the
2009 Phil beanie baby is at the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, or on
their website. They are $6.00 plus tax. Officials say they're
selling fast, and they don't know if they will have any left on Groundhog
Day.
Click here to read the story
(Added note: 1/8/08 - There is also a video news story to
view on this link)
Click here to view and order the Punxy
Phil COC
version (link originally posted
December 17)
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Here Comes 'Duckers'
Now we officially know
the name of the cute little duckie we posted last week ... 'Duckers'.
Ty has very quietly placed
this Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive Beanie Baby on the current Beanie
list, which can be viewed at the link below. Thanks to
Fluffball05, who also points out that three Hallmark Exclusives also
retired ... Carvers, Gingerspice, and Motherly.
3 Retirements, 1 Introduction today
Fluffball05 (Jan 06, 2009, 01:43 PM)
Message Id: 1197853
Fluffball05 writes:
1 New Beanie, Hallmark exclusive:
Duckers - duck
Click here to view Duckers
2 Retired Beanies, Hallmark exclusives:
Carvers - bear
Gingerspice - bear
1 Retired Beanie 2.0, Hallmark exclusive:
Motherly - bear
Click here to view the Ty
Cyberboard post
Added note: Duckers'
Birthday: April 15, 2008
... Thanks to Daniel of
Beanie Universe for sharing the BD
...
A Huge Thanks!
Our special thanks to
Carolyn C. and "orangeicecream" (from the Ty Cyberboard) who have been a
tremendous help in sharing the missing style numbers we needed for the
Beanie Babies 2.0 list. Your assistance is greatly
appreciated. I'm sure there are many collectors who also
appreciate and will enjoy your efforts in assisting us! :)
Thanks again!
Beanie Babies 2.0 list - current and retired
(updated)
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Updated Lists (cont.)
We have also updated
the
Beanie Babies 2.0 list (current and retired).
Included are the style numbers, release dates, birthdays, and retirement
dates (if applicable). There are a few missing style numbers; we'd
love to hear from you if you know any missing info. Thank you!
...
Updated Lists
We are currently updating the
various lists on the website; so far, the
Key-Clips Checklist has been updated.
If you see anything that may need changing / adding, please let us know.
Thank you!
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More New Products Coming
In addition to the
new products announced earlier today, Ty may have some more surprises up
his sleeve. Looks like we may soon be seeing a NEW "Ty Boyz"?
And some more Easter products? ... how about a cute puppy or kitten,
along with it's own travel bag? Tyme will tell. (Thanks to
one of our readers, who shares the photos below.)
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Ty Newsflash - New Products
Today Ty has
announced the new products for January - Beanie Babies, Beanie Babies
2.0, Ty Classics, Basket Beanies, and Pluffies. Click on each of
the links below to view.
Beanie Babies
Heather, Gardenia, Valley
Springer, Sheepishly
Captain SpongeBob, First Mate Patrick
Beanie Babies 2.0
Cargo, Henley, Cricket
Ty Classics
Sheepers
Basket Beanies
Minted, Skylight, Sunlight, Pinkette
Pluffies
Waddler
Beanie Baby Birthdays:
Captain SpongeBob-No Birthday
Cargo-N/A
Cricket-N/A
First Mate Patrick-No Birthday
Gardenia-April 3, 2008
Heather-April 11, 2008
Henley-N/A
Sheepishly-April 11, 2008
Springer-March 20, 2008
Valley-April 11, 2008
... Thanks to Daniel of Beanie Universe for sharing these dates
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Ty - 7.5 Billion Beanie Babies!
So now we know
approximately how many Beanie Babies Ty has manufactured - 7.5 billion.
Ty has announced the contest winner on the Ty Cyberboard ... our
congratulations to Daniel of
Beanie Universe, who will be receiving a
new 2009 Beanie Baby signed by Ty.
(Ty's post also states ... there will be another Contest soon!)
Daniel's post (on December 29th) reads ...
"... My guess is
roughly 7.5 billion or 7,500,234,981. Why I still love Beanies...
"Never has something so small made such a huge impact on my life. Just
as Beanies sold like wildfire, so does the love they brought."
Ty Warner's post,
announcing the winner, states:
BEANIE CONTEST WINNER
Ty (Jan 01, 2009, 12:04 AM)
Message Id: 1197532
Ty writes:
Wow...I'm so happy to see so many of my
friends back to welcome the New Year! It's great to see you still love Beanies
as much as I do. The winner of our contest is ***TRADE*** who guessed
7,500,234,981 on 12/29/08. Congratulations!!! I know all of you are
still big fans and you will always be in my heart. This has been so much
fun...I'm going to have a new contest very soon. Wishing you all a
wonderful, happy and healthy New Year,
Ty Warner
Click here to read Ty's Cyberboard post
