Thursday, July 29

 ...  "World Class"?

We first reported last Thursday, July 22nd, that the NY Yankees website had finally posted a photo of the 2004 NY Yankees / Ty Beanie Buddy to be given away August 8th - a blue bear with a striped ribbon - and what appears to be a Ty logo on the right foot.  ( This Buddy will be given to the first 18,000 fans, 14 and under.) Click here to view the NY Yankees promo page

Posted on the Ty Cyberboard today ...
Info about "World Class" Ty Yankee Buddy Giveaway
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus   (Jul 29, 2004, 07:21 PM)
I just saw a very nice clear shot of World Class (which I am guessing is the official name of this year's Yankee Beani Buddy SGA, as that's what they were calling it). The game announcers said that the bear has the date on it and you could clearly see that there was the red Ty Heart logo embroidered on the footpad as well. The chest button is definitely different from Centennial's, but I still couldn't pick out any clear details. So it wasn't a flag on the foot, as Byte2 and I had previously been speculating, based on the tiny promo pic on the Yankees site. .....
Click here to read the Ty Cyberboard message  

... Doodle's note:  As August 8th is just around the corner, guess we shall soon see what the name of this new Buddy is.


 ...  More Ty City/State Bears Sold Out
Ty has announced as "sold out" - Beanie Babies (I Love) Washington D.C., (I Love) San Francisco, and (I Love) Chicago .

Click here to view the announcement  

 ...  Want to Keep Track? ...
If you're trying to keep track of the I ______ Bears, perhaps this may help.  We have put together a "City/State Bear" page on the site, listing the Show name, location, date, and applicable bear for that area.  We've also listed the 'status' of each Beanie Baby, along with a photo.
Click here to visit the City / State Bear page 


 ...  Upcoming Shows
San Francisco Gift Show - San Francisco, CA, July 24-28
Washington, D.C. Gift Show - Chantilly, VA, July 25-28

Added Note: I San Francisco has been added to Ty's Current Beanie Baby list.


 ...  McDonalds 25th Happy Meal Promo
McDonalds has posted the Teenie Beanie promotion on their website.
Click here to visit the McDonalds website 

... Thanks for sharing the news, Randy!


 ...  Pandaville
Our thanks to Sakurako of Bottega Beanies (Japan) who shares a photo of "Pandaville" :)  ... definite similarities can be seen among these Beanie Babies.  Pictured below are Fortune, China, Mandy, and Li Mei.  (Additional photos can be viewed on her website.)

 ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Who draws the gorgeous banners on the Ty Store? (submitted by ty-dye-beanie)
A: I am very fortunate to have great graphic designers. The credit for most of the TyStore graphics goes to Eric, Robert, Monica, and Patrick . . . . how about a round of applause for my creative team !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  


 ...  'Philadelphia' Sold Out
Ty has posted that the I Philadelphia Beanie Baby is now 'Sold Out'.


 ...  Thanks To All
Our thanks goes to all who shared their adventurous McDonalds stories today, in search of the Teenie Beanie Babies.  From the reports, most seem to be satisfied with the luck they incurred - some being told they had to purchase a Happy Meal, some allowed to buy a bear individually.  Ahhh, memories of times from the past! :)  (Due to personal reasons, I could not venture out today.  Maybe tomorrow.)


 ...  Officially Starting Today ...
Although reportedly already available at certain McDonalds locations, the Ty Teenie Beanie Babies promotion officially begins today, July 23rd through August 19th.   So get your appetite going, your running shoes on, and head on over soon to your local McDonalds restaurant for one of the 12 'beloved icons / McDonaldland® characters to add to your Teenie Beanie Baby collection.

Thursday, July 22

 ...  NY Yankees Buddy Giveaway

As we reported several months ago, there is a 2004 NY Yankees / Ty Beanie Buddy giveaway scheduled for August 8th.  The NY Yankees website has finally posted a photo of this Buddy, a blue bear with a striped ribbon - and what appears to be a Ty logo on the right foot.   This Buddy will be given to the first 18,000 fans, 14 and under (sponsored by Adidas). Click here to view the NY Yankees promo page  Note:  Do we see a slight resemblance?   Remember 'Centennial', the 100th Anniversary NY Yankees Exclusive Beanie Buddy, given away last year (September 14, 2003)?

 ...  And Then There's 'Chicago'

Susan writes to inform us that the "I Chicago" Bear has silently appeared in Ty's current list.  This is one of the four Bears that appears in Ty Summer Show 2004 Schedule.  The Chicago Gift Show is July 24-27 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.  (See schedule link above). Click here to view

 ...  "Sold Out" Newsflash

Ty has listed the "LA" (I LA) Beanie Baby as 'sold out' now. Click here to view

 ...  Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has retired two Beanie Babies today - 'New York' (I New York) and 'True' (Canadian Exclusive).  (Both the I NY - Bear (NY Toy Fair 2004 Retailers Only) and I New York - Bear (Retail version) are now listed as 'retired' on Ty's website.

Click here to view the announcement 

 ...  'Pajama Bears'?
A reader of Ms. Janie's site has given a detailed report of The California Gift Show (July 17-20).  Included in the report is the mention of 'Pajama Bears', "soft Pluffie-like bears" in Beanie and Buddy sizes, dressed in 'bunny pajamas'.  For a further description of these 'bears', as well as what else was seen at the Ty Booth, click here to read the report. 

Tuesday, July 13

 ...  'Sold Out"

On July 7th, Ty announced that 'Ratzo' was "sold out", only to be followed by a retirement two days later.  Today, Ty announces that 'Atlanta' is "sold out".  Will this Beanie "retire" soon as well? Click here to view the announcement

Monday, July 12

 ...  'Kona Village Resort' Purchase by Ty Warner
Posted on Hotel News Resource:
Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts Purchases the Kona Village Resort
Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC announces the purchase of the Kona Village Resort from Kona Village Associates.

Mr. Ty Warner, Chairman and sole owner of both Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC, a luxury hotel company and Ty Inc., the largest manufacturer of soft toys, said he "felt privileged to purchase this unique Hawaiian icon and carry on the tradition of maintaining this property as the most truly Hawaiian resort experience."

The resort, situated around ruins of an ancient fishing village and natural brine tidal ponds fronting Kahuwai Bay at Ka'upulehu, was established in 1965 by John M. "Johnno" Jackson as a retreat for his family and wealthy associates who flew in on the property's private airstrip.

.... Ty Warner is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 30th wealthiest individual in the U.S. with a net worth of six billion. He is known for his generosity, most recently donating six million dollars to the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation for his underprivileged children's school in Las Vegas. He also completed an 8.1 million dollar building fund for the Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara, California. Recently, Mr. Warner donated soft toys valued at Y300 million to promote a Red Cross Blood Drive in Japan.
Click here to read the entire article 

Note:  Perhaps the 'reason' for the July 'Beanie Baby of the Month' ... Alani?  A thought worth pondering anyway :)


 ...  Sisters' Day at Ty Store

Ty has added the image "Sisters' Day August 1st" at Ty Store.  As we noted last week, Sisters' Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday in August, and commemorates the special relationship of one's 'sister'.  (After some research, we also discovered that Brothers' Day is noted as May 24th.  Maybe a Beanie Baby 'Bro' then :) Click here to visit 'Ty Store'

Sunday, July 11

 ...  2004 McDonald's Ty Teenie Beanie Bears
Susan writes:
Hi Deb - I remember you posted an eBay link to an auction for the upcoming Ty TBB bears to be released.  I found an auction on eBay that shows the bears out of their packaging and a much better view of them.  It looks like this person may work for or be associated with McD's, as they have several other McDonald auctions on eBay as well.  Thought you and others may want to take a look at them.  By the way, it's interesting, as the auction also states "Grimace is a purple bear made of a different softer fabric than the rest".  Can't wait till these are available!!  They are too cute!  TTy soon, your friend Susan

 ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: You are a celebrity of the Beanie world - are you ever recognized in public? (submitted by ty-dye-beanie)
A: I am recognized more today than in years past. The question I hear most often is . . . . "Don't I know you?"
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 


 ...  Ty Newsflash - 'Ty Store Surprise'
Ty has introduced Beanie Baby 'Sis', an adorable dog, available at Ty Store.  (Thanks to Donna for the news tip!)

Note:  Celebrated annually on the first Sunday in August, Sisters' Day commemorates the special relationship of one's 'sister'.  (After some research, we discovered Brother's Day was noted as May 24th.  Should we 'expect' a Beanie Baby 'Bro' then?  :)


 ...   "I Love Texas"
Ms. Janie has posted a photo of the new Beanie Baby "I Love Texas", along with hang tag information.

Date of Birth:  December 29, 2003
I hail from the Lone Star State
And here's why Texas is so great
Rich in culture and history
Texas is the place to be !

Click here to view the photos 

 ...  Ty Beanie Babies® Support World Wildlife Fund's Efforts to Save Pandas and Other Animals
From World Wildlife Fund
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Washington, DC ? Ty Inc. (Ty) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are proud to announce an innovative and exciting partnership to help save endangered species through an exclusive on-line Beanie Babies® limited edition collection. Beginning this year, Ty will offer a series of WWF co-branded Beanie Babies on-line, with a percentage of sales benefiting WWF's conservation work around the world.

Launching the WWF limited edition collector's series will be a giant panda named Li Mei?. Beginning July 5, Li Mei will be available online at www.Ty.com/wwf. By purchasing the WWF Beanie Babies, consumers will be helping WWF to save the giant panda as well as other endangered animals. For each WWF Beanie Baby® sold, Ty will donate 6% of the purchase price to WWF.

"We are proud to be a partner with World Wildlife Fund in helping to save endangered animals around the world," said Richard Jeffrey, Chief Financial Officer for Ty Inc, "and these Beanie Babies give everyone a chance to make a difference."

This is the first time that Ty has partnered with an environmental organization. Available for five dollars, Li Mei will come with a collector's hang tag featuring WWF's panda logo and educational information on the giant panda.

"We are excited about this partnership, which is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to children and adults alike to teach them about one of the world's most popular, but endangered species," said WWF President Kathryn Fuller. "We look forward to a long-term alliance with Ty, helping WWF build awareness and funds for our conservation work."

Found only in China, the giant panda clings to survival, facing habitat fragmentation and poaching as its greatest threats. In a recent survey, it was estimated that as few as 1,600 pandas remain in the wild today. WWF works to help giant pandas in the wild through a variety of programs, including scientific assessments, habitat conservation and outreach to local governments and people within the panda's home range.

Known worldwide by its panda logo, WWF leads international efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Now in its fifth decade, WWF works in more than 100 countries around the globe to conserve the diversity of life on earth. With nearly 1.2 million members in the U.S. WWF is the world's largest privately financed conservation organization.

Founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies®, Ty is the leader in plush toys. In addition to Beanie Babies®, the company's product line includes: Teenie Beanie Boppers®, Beanie Boppers®, Punkies®, Pluffies®, Ty Classic® and Beanie Buddies®. The red Ty Heart Logo®, recognized around the world, can be found on all Ty products available at finer specialty gift retailers. Visit Ty on the Internet at http://www.ty.com.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Stewart
Manager - Marketing Communications
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
jennifer.stewart@wwfus.org 

Click here to read the article on ENN (Environment News Network) 

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 5:35 pm    Post subject: BBCM
The next issue of BBCM - August issue, out in a couple of weeks - has just
gone to press
And then ... I heard, just this afternoon, that there will be no more
Maybe I'll post some more later ... when I feel a little more 'composed'!
Daphne
Click here to read the post 

... Thanks to Randy for sharing the news


 ...  'Sam's' Nose Color
Tammy writes:
Hi Deb,  Hope all is well with you.  I rely on your page for all my Ty info and really appreciate all you do to keep me informed!  I was just looking at my 3 "Sam" beanies and just noticed the nose on the white one is brown.  That prompted me to check my other 4th of July beanies and the only other white one with a brown nose is the original "Libearty"!  Just wondering if all of them are like this or do I have on unusual one?

I am still searching for the teenie beanie bopper "Curve Ball Curt".  Have you heard anything about the MBNA promotional boppers being available again this summer.  And a long time ago you mentioned a NY Yankee buddy coming in August--is that the only baseball Ty this summer?

Also wondering if the McDonald beanie that will be limited to 10 for each restaurant is the same one that was given out at the McDonald convention and is already retired?

Hope your 4th of July weekend is great!  Tammy 

Note:  Thanks for writing, Tammy.  You have a question that many collectors have asked.  The Beanie Baby 'Sam' (white version only) DOES have a brown nose, unlike the black nose of the red version and blue version of 'Sam'.

Regarding your other questions, I have not heard of any further promotional Beanie Boppers.  (Hope you find 'Curve Ball Curt' soon; I remember your searching for this Bopper a while back.)  The only baseball giveaway that we are aware of (so far) is the NY Yankee Buddy, to be given away on August 8th to the first 18,000 fans (14 and under).  Of course, as you know, things do often change with Ty.  So I guess we shall wait and see.

Regarding the McDonald Beanie (limited to 10 for each restaurant) ... at this time that appears to be ONLY a rumor.  A Teenie Beanie version of Ronald McDonald WILL be available later this month.

Hope your holiday weekend is enjoyable as well! ~~ Deb


 ...  'Cherish' Auctions - Update

Sue Owen writes:

A long list of auctions has started on eBay under seller ID sue_owen Click here to view  The list ranges from the item that may have been missing from your collection for a while - predominately Candian and USA exclusives - to some special signed items to a couple of auction items unique to CHERISH. As usual there is the opportunity to bid on some of 'Boglin's Knitwear' but this time with a difference! I believe that I may have the answer to the 'missing' Canada exclusive! Do check out the auctions for Maple and the Sam trio - I hope that you will enjoy the fun! There are also 2 prototype CHERISH tee shirts and their models up for grabs. These have been printed by a new company based in UK, 'Bumhugs'.

Click here for more information 

 ...  New Tush Tag
The newly announced Beanie Babies are already showing up in stores.  Several readers have reported that these new Beanies have a new tush tag ... the word 'Ty' is filled with gold.  However, Sandra reports that 'Deutschland' (black nose) does not have this new tush tag.  We will share more information as it becomes available - and hope to share a comparison photo soon.

Thursday, July 1

To All Our Canadian Friends,  Happy Canada Day !

 ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: When you are not at Ty Inc. thinking of Beanies, what are you usually doing? (submitted by wilcomj)
A: When I'm not in the office I am usually traveling. This week was New York, California, Texas and Florida. However, no matter where I might be . . . I'm always thinking about Beanies !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'  


 ...  July BBOTM
Ty has introduced Alani, the July 'Beanie Baby of the Month'.  ('Countess', the June BBOTM,  is now listed as retired on Ty's site.)

Click here to view the announcement 

 ...  July Desktop Wallpaper / Calendar
Ty has posted the July desktop wallpaper and calendar.  To view and download, click on the link below.

Click here for July Desktop / Wallpaper 

 ...  Ty Store
Ty Store is festively decorated for the 4th of July holiday.  When checking out the Store, you may want to place your order with 'Dominion' if you haven't done so yet.  (Today is Canada Day ... this moose Beanie Baby may not be available much longer.)  Also, it sounds like a new addition may be in the Store soon.  Keep watching!
Click here to visit Ty Store 


 ...  July BBOTM
Susan writes:
Hi Deb;  I'm sure you know that the July BBOTM is 'Asani'.  Ty's 'Beanies & More Magazine' has a picture of this Bear which is really cute.  I wanted to give you a description of the bear -- it is a new face bear, kinda off-white, with peachy colored spots-different sizes.  The hang tag information is - Date of Birth:  July 2004; and the poem reads:
I love a tropical paradise
The warm breeze feels oh-so-nice
We'll watch the waves break on the sand
As we walk together hand in hand.
Ty will probably post a picture on the site today. :)  Thank you for taking the time to share news with us collectors.  I have visited your site for many years.  Hope you have a GREAT holiday weekend!!!  Your friend, Susan

Doodle's Added Note" ... Several readers, including Susan, noted the spelling typo error above.  It should read 'Alani'.