...   December Releases (Soon)
December is soon approaching ... time does fly!  Along with a new month are some anticipated releases by Ty.  We received a few photos a couple of weeks ago ...   I just can't seem to quite get in to Valentines yet!  ... I'm still trying to digest Christmas just right around the corner.

Thanks to one of our readers who writes:

Hi   I happened to find some new Valentine Beanie Babies while searching on-line and was wondering if anybody else has seen them. They are to ship in December. I saw Lovely the puppy, Mischief the monkey and Smitten I think was a hedgehog. Lovely was my favorite with cute hearts on him. I also saw a cute Ty Classic bear called Isabella. Maybe they will be announced December 1st?   Thanks! Petey

 ...   Ty Holiday Wish Contest (Update)
Ty has now posted the details of the Holiday Wish Contest.  Enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card ... to spend as you wish.  Daily winners will be announced. The Contest is open to all persons including children with parental consent.  Daily Winners will be selected for thirty-one (31) days, beginning on December 1st, 2009 and ending on December 31st, 2009.  Each daily winner of the thirty-one (31) Daily Winners will be posted at http://www.ty.com/. 

Click here to visiew on the Ty website

Click here for complete Contest details

 ...   Beanie Boos - the Latest
As you may recall, Beanie Boos were introduced in June, 2009, when they became available to UK dealers.  The original seven were Bamboo, Bubblegum, Coconut, Kiwi, Peanut, Slush, and Waddles.  In August, 2009, the second release arrived in the UK.  Peanut disappeared - and the original Bubblegum was renamed Kooky.  A new 'lemur' appeared, named Bubblegum, and a new Bush Baby named Cleo.  (Beanie Boos were available to dealers in the U.S. in November, 2009.  This time, there were two more mysterious disappearances - Bubblegum and Cleo were removed from U.S. dealer order forms.  So, were they sold out? ... a quality issue?  They are no longer seen on the Ty website.  (It was earlier reported - see October 10 news - on the similar appearance to Aurora's YooHoo's.)   (It's a bit confusing; this is the basic summarization I have obtained.)

The link we shared earlier, shared by Leon and Sondra, can be viewed by clicking here.  Thanks again!

 ...   Ty Store - Gifts for the Holiday
Ty has updated Ty Store with lots of Christmas ideas to choose from.  Thanks to Rosaleen (aka orangeicecream) for sharing the following:

 ...   Ty Holiday Contest
Ty has announced a Holiday Wish Contest on the main page of the Ty website.  Stay tuned for details.

Ty Holiday Contest - Details (soon)

 ...   Alvin !!!! .............
Most of us grew up with 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' ... they were created in 1958.   The group consists of Alvin (a mischievous troublemaker), Simon (a tall bespectacled intellectual), and Theodore (the slightly chubby and impressionable sweetheart).  Do  you know how they got their names?  They are all named after the original record label (Liberty Records) executives ... Alvin Bennet (the president), Simon Waronker (the founder and owner), and Theodore Keep (the chief engineer).  Their voices were all performed by the creator, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., who sped up the playback, thus the higher pitched voices.  Brittany (aka Brittany Miller) is the leader of the Chipettes, which also include Jeanette and Eleanor.
Click here for more - on the Wikipedia website


Our special thanks to Jen (Abbey Bears) who shares photos of 'The Chipmunks' and Chipette 'Brittany' Beanie Babies ... all introduced by Ty on November 1st.  She writes:

Hi Deb
I know these are not UK Exclusive , but I thought the collectors may like the tag info and to see them in the real rather than off the Ty Website Pics, so here are, Alvin, Brittney, Simon and Theodore.  In case the style numbers in the tags are not too clear here is a breakdown.....
 Alvin = 40799
Brittney = 40802
Simon = 40800
Theodore = 40801
 Also I took a photo of the tush tag so that you can see it is not looped.
 Enjoy :)
from jen :)
Abbey Bears

 ...   More of 'What's Happening'
So what else is appearing / disappearing on Ty's website?  Rosaleen is quite observant and shares the following:

 Hi Doodle,
I just finished checking the Ty site and perhaps we should keep following the Ty Store. I noticed that Ty is offering free shipping on ALL Ty products till Christmas. He is also adding new pieces to the store. A couple of days ago I noticed that Pecan had been added. Now I don't know if these two were added just today or yesterday but today I noticed that Romeo and Sugar-the kittens have also been added. Patches has been added to the Beanie Buddy section. I saw that ALL of the Ty Petz have been removed as well as Max and Ruby. I noticed that Max and Ruby had been sold out for some time but now they're completely removed.

Thanks for all of your hard work in trying to keep the beanie collectors up-to-date. I enjoy your site and it is the first thing that I check every morning.

Thanks, Rosaleen aka orangeicecream on Ty talk.

 ...   Retirements?
Well, we all know there have been few retirements this year. If my records are correct, only ten Beanie Babies have retired (excluding last year's Halloweenie Beanies that silently retired in March).  I may have missed a couple ... the silent retirements can be a bit tricky!  I did notice BB2.0's Luckier and Maiden, previously listed as "sold out", have now been removed from Ty Store.  However, both are still listed as "current" on Ty's current Beanie list.  Maybe they will retire soon?  We shall see.  (The NY Yankees Classic 'Inaugural' is still listed as 'current'; the game Exclusives typically retire the same day as the game give-away.)

Yes, as a long-time collector, and after running this website for almost 15 years, it's difficult to watch Beanies slowly fade.  The transition has been sluggish, but it IS happening.  Perhaps inevitable, as most 'hobbies' / collectibles follow this same suit, but still sad.  I will further elaborate, and write a personal note on my experiences, in the near future.  (I will continue to run the website ... I'm not going anywhere.  But miss the hours every day, searching and reporting the latest 'Beanie news'!)

If you come upon a Ty product that you notice has just retired, please share with us.  It's difficult to catch all of them ... your help is sincerely appreciated by everyone!  Just drop a note to news@doodlespage.com   Thank you  :)

 

 ...   San Ysidro Ranch
Want to take a quick peek at the San Ysidro Ranch, newly renovated and owned by Ty Warner?  The San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, has a fascinating history. In the 19th Century it was home to Franciscan monks, but it has been a hotel since the Thirties.  Click here to read the article
... Hmmm ... Now why couldn't I have invented Beanie Babies?   :)

 

 ...   Ty Classic 'Harrison' - Photos
Jen of Abbey Bears has received a delivery of the Ty Classic 'Harrison' and shares the following:

Just received delivery of Harrison so I thought you may like to see what he looks like and his heart tag, his style number is 56014.  Thanks muchly for putting the details on your news about him from us, much appreciated.
take good care  -  from Jen ;)

 ...   Ty Classic 'Harrison'
Jen of Abbey Bears shares news of the "Harrods Exclusive" Ty Classic Bear 'Harrison'.  She writes:

Hi everyone,
just to let you know, I have been able to secure some of the Harrods Exclusive Classic Bear - HARRISON, Harrods decided they did not want them due to the printed ribbons around the necks and so will not be stocking them!  BUT, they are to be listed now as a UK exclusive on the internet so that they can still make it out there to collectors.

The bear itself will no longer have the Harrods Ribbons BUT, still has the same name and Ty hear tag that has the Harrods logo printed in it and states that it is  'HARRISON THE HARRODS EXCLUSIVE' so this really still is the Harrods Bear.
 
If anyone would be interested in one/some please could you let me know asap so that I can add to my already placed order later today, the latest I can add to the order is tomorrow morning UK time.
 
Harrison will work out at £12.99 per bear.
 
Thanks muchly one and all
from Jen ;)

Abbey Bears
01841 532484

 ...   A Christmas Treat !
As you know, we LOVE photos shared by readers.  And holiday pictures shared are definitely a real treat!  Barb (The Shutterbug) shares a couple of photos I know you will enjoy!  She writes:

Doodle's note:  Thanks, Barb ... What an awesome and unique idea ... something I may have to think about myself!  :)

 ...   Changes on the Ty Website (Cont...)
There's a different game every day to play.  Check out what the game is today.  Click here to view / play


 

 ...   Changes on the Ty Website (Update)
Earlier this week Ty made changes (additions/deletions) on the Ty website.  If you visit the site today, you'll notice a new "icon" ... Daily Games.  Check it out - today's game feature is  'Clusterz!'  Enjoy!
Click here to view / play

 

 ...   Hemporium Limited Edition Ty Peace Bear
We have received the following email from the Hemporium Staff ...

 ...   Thanksgiving Display
Our special thanks to Xavier, who once again shares a photo shot of his Beanie Babies ... this time it's a Thanksgiving treat.  (His Halloween photos were awesome - see October 5th news.)

 ...   Changes on the Ty Website
Several days ago, I noticed Ty Talk (or Ty Cyberboard) icon with the talking lips had been moved from the top left to the top right hand side ... and the BBOC page linked you to Ty Store.  Didn't think much about it, as the Cyberboard was still active.  Today there have been more changes ... the Ty Cyberboard is not accessible now.  When you attempt to view Ty Talk on the previous link, the main page of the Ty website comes up (click here).   The following was shared by readers today:

 ...   Ty Classic 'Beckett'  /  Borders Exclusive Book  (Added Note)
One of our readers, Mary, also adds the following note regarding 'Beckett' ... (see yesterday's news)

Hi Deb -

Just reading your info on Border's Beckett, and thought I would let  you know that at my Border's store, you can buy a Beckett bear for  $8.99 with an additional purchase of $30.  I did this, as for me, an  avid book collector, it is easy to spend $30 at Border's !!  LOL  They  had plenty of the cute bears.  He is very cute, and has a book to go  along with the plush.  No sale on the book right now; it is close to  $20, I think.

As it seems all retailers are doing already this year, Borders has  lots of coupons and promos, luring consumers into their stores.  I  think holiday shopping this year will be a win for the consumer:  all  retailers are fighting for our holiday bucks !!!

Take care,
Mary
 

 ...   Ty Classic 'Beckett'  /  Borders Exclusive Book  (Update)
The Borders website lists 'Beckett', the Exclusive Ty Classic as 'not available in stores'.  Per the website, the book (see yesterday's news) is listed to be available in certain stores.  (You can check store inventory by zip code on the website.) For clarification, in case you're searching for one or both of these, one of our readers (Nancy) kindly shares the following:

Hi Deb:
 
In regards to the Borders Beckett Panda exclusive, it is not an online order exclusive.  This classic is already available in the store locations along with the book, which Borders is promoting for their holiday exclusive .
 
Last week, I ordered 2 pandas....one for me and one for a local best beanie friend.  I used the promotional coupons that were available and used the option of having them shipped free to the store location.  The very next day Borders sent out an e-mail about the panda classics being available in the store and I called to verify this info.  The Borders clerk told me that they were in the store and they had lots of them!  So I went and bought one with the current coupon (which has been mailed to another beanie friend) and, in the meantime, I am waiting for the store to call me on the 2 that were ordered online.  It is annoying to find out the day after ordering, that Becketts were in the store already but I am waiting as the promotional coupons were very good (as far as percentages) off of the $19.99 retail price. 
 
This classic is very soft and a very nice panda classic for all the panda bear fans and is worth the temporary aggravation caused by the "online exclusive" info that was first posted/reported.
 
Nancy F
Canton,GA

 

... Thanks for sharing, Nancy.  For those interested, click on the links below:
Click here to view Beckett the Ty Classic panda on Borders' website
Click here to view the book 'Beckett and the Panda-monium; on Borders' website


 

 ...   Ty Classic 'Beckett' -  Borders Exclusive Book
On Monday, October 26th, Ty introduced 'Beckett', a Border's Exclusive Ty Classic.  As we noted, this panda bear can be viewed (and ordered - not available in stores) on Border's website by clicking here,
Click here to view the announcement on Ty's website 

Thanks to one of our readers (Robin) who shares the following:

Hi Doodle, I just wanted to let you and your readers know that in addition to Beckett, the Borders Ty Classic Exclusive, there is also a book available there as well.  It is called 'Beckett and the Panda-monium' and is also a Borders Exclusive.  Here is the link  -  http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1589250907   My daughter loves pandas, this is definitely one I hope to have in time for Christmas <smile>  Thanks, Robin

 ...   Ty Thanksgiving Contest
Ty has posted a Thanksgiving contest.   Just mail a Thanksgiving photo or drawing OR write a note in 300 characters or less and win a Thanksgiving turkey for your family!  (Gift certificates awarded daily,)   For entry details, click on the link below.

Click here for Ty Thanksgiving Contest rules



 

 ...   Harrison Ty Classic  (Disappears)
The introduction of the Harrods Exclusive Ty Classic 'Harrison' has been completely removed from Ty's website today.  There is no mention of this Bear on the website ... maybe later??  Perhaps some upcoming changes?  It's been a bit confusing, so no big surprise.

Harrison Ty Classic Introduction (Harrods Exclusive)  (link now removed)

 

 ...   Harrison Ty Classic  (Reader Responses)
Following yesterday's post on the newly announced Harrods Exclusive Ty Classic 'Harrison', we have received the following responses shared by readers (some names removed upon request):

(Note Removed upon Request)

Hi DoodlesPage!  I have just come off the phone after speaking to Harrods Toy Kingdom to make enquiries about the new Harrods exclusive 'Harrison'.   They have told me some sad news - apparently the bear did not meet the high quality specification required by Harrods & they will not be stocking the bear.   They were aware that Harrison had been announced on the Ty website but Harrods did not have any control over this announcement.  Thought you may like to share this news with your readers.  "Sally"



Hi Deb,  I have spoken to Harrods Today and they have confirmed to me that Harrison will NOT be sold through them this year.  There was a "a Quality Issue with the Harrods Logo".  I do not have any more than that at the moment, but will wait and see what TY UK will do with them.  Regards Lee

 

Doodle's note:  So .... are you confused?  Maybe a bit of time will render us an answer.   The Harrison Classic looks very similar to Nimbus Beanie Baby 2009 (without 2009 on it's foot).  I assume we will see this bear in due time, once minor questions are resolved.




 ...   November Desktop Wallpaper / Calendar
Yesterday we posted a link for November 2009 desktop calendar / wallpaper.  Vicky (The Triple Lady) has also kindly shared November wallpaper for those interested, without a calendar.  Both are quite festive for this month.  Our thanks to both!  Enjoy!

Click here to view / download Nov 09 wallpaper

 

 ...   Harrison Ty Classic
On Sunday, November 1st, Ty introduced  Harrison, a Ty Classic Harrods Exclusive.  Since the announcement of this Bear, we have received questions from several of our readers regarding the availability (time and location - via the Harrods website, in the store, etc.).   We shall hopefully soon find out and will post the information as it becomes available.  Stay tuned.

 ...   November Desktop Wallpaper / Calendar
If you miss the Ty desktop wallpaper, Brendan (the Sloth) can help you out.  He has uploaded a November desktop wallpaper / calendar for your use at the following link:
Click here to view / download

 

 ...   Retirements?
Several readers have written lately with referral to the lack of Ty retirements, specifically the last several months.  A few products have been caught in the 'silent' drift to the retired list, and are sometimes difficult to catch.   A couple of the posts are noted below:

Hi Doodle - I was just looking at the releases and retirements this year on your site and am amazed at the imbalance.  Wow!  I counted over 80 / 85 Beanie Babies released, and only about 11 retirements.  (I did notice that Maiden is listed as 'sold out' in Ty Store, but big deal  LOL )  Wonder why Ty isn't retiring many of them??  Even Inagural Classic is still listed as current.  I really really miss the old way things were done, at least there was more of a balance.  But as they say, things never stay the same.  So, come on Ty.  Don't forget about us collectors that are still in the 'game' and enjoy the hobby.  There's definitely an imbalance of collectors compared to years' past, but we still enjoy this hobby.  And the next retirement, Ty, is ?????  ~~ Thanks, Susan

Hi, Thanks for a wonderful site; you always keep it updated.  Your website is one of the first things I check in the am :-D  With the slowdown of this hobby, it's nice to see some sites still around.  I'm curious as to why Ty doesn't retire many products any more.  I don't remember a single product being retired in October, maybe I missed something?  Anyway = thanks again and keep up the good work.  TYY SOON!  Sandra

 

 ...   Ty Newsflash - November Releases (Update)
Ty has introduced the November releases this morning ... Chipmunks 'Alvin', 'Simon' and 'Theodore; amd Chipette 'Brittany'.  The Harrods Classic 'Harrison' has also been introduced.  Clink on the links below to view the announcement.

Alvin and Brittany Beanie Babies
Theodore and Simon Beanie Babies
Harrison Classic (Harrods Exclusive)