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Toolkit for Collectors
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www.beanwatcher.com
Bean Watcher
News and Reports for Beanbag Collectors!
This site exists for your enjoyment. My goal is to make your beanbag collecting experience more enjoyable. I focus on Ty products
-- Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Beanie Boppers, and more. I do not receive any financial compensations whatsoever --
I prepare it because of the joy that it brings to me and others. I hope you'll enjoy the news, photographs, and articles that you see.
So grab a beverage, sit back, and enjoy the read! ~ Bean Watcher
Do you have a news story, heard a credible rumor, want to share a story, or want to brag about a lucky shopping find?
Share them with others by using the contact link above. Feel free to drop me a line, even if it's to say "hello!" ~Bean Watcher
Worldwide News and Reports
February 2007 Archives
February 28: Announcing the March 2007 Styles
 Today, Ty officially announces the March 2007 introductions. There are 18 different styles in four different product lines. Here they are:
February 28: Ordering Information for Cocoa
 Yesterday, I posted an update to my article, Another Chocolate-Themed Bear Surfaces. The update, from Nancy in the USA, informed readers that Cocoa, as well as the retired Ty Classic bunny called Thatcher, are sales items on the Ghiradelli Easter Gifts site. The posted pictures, however, do not show a Ty hang tag.
A reader from California wrote to the Ghiradelli Chocolate Company after reading yesterday's article. She asked if Cocoa was a Ty product and if it would come with a Ty tag. Here is the company's response:
Thank you for your interest in Ghirardelli Chocolate,
Yes our bear is a product of TY and yes it does have the heart TY tag on the ear.
Janine V-------
Later in the day, I called the company's gift store. The receptionist confirmed that Cocoa was a Ty Classic and would be shipped with a Ty tag. Further, she stated that the store ships by Fed Ex and only to street addresses in the U.S. Click here for more shipping information.
To place an online order, click here. To talk to a store worker, use the company's toll-free phone number (1-888-402-6262). To contact the store by email, use the following address: corpsales@ghirardelli.lindt.com
 Bean Watcher comment: I have not been able to confirm if this Ty Classic will be available to all Ty retailers or if it will be an exclusive.
February 28: Silent Retirements for February 2007
 Daniel from Maryland, webmaster of Beanie Universe, shares the following list of beanies that were silently retired yesterday. Here they are: Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing the news with us!
February 27: The February 2007 Retirements
 Today, Ty officially announces the February 2007 retirements. More than half of the retired styles have a holiday or special occasion theme. Say "good-bye" to the following seven Beanie Babies and one Beanie Buddy:
February 27: Early Pictures of the March 2007 Introductions
A source shares early pictures of some of the March 2007 Ty, Inc. introductions. The names may change when the beanies are officially announced on Ty.com. If so, I will update the tables below.
Expect similar pictures to be posted on internet auctions, secondary market retailer sites, and beanie news sites in the very near future. Pictures of upcoming country exclusives, if any, will be posted separately. To see the source's pictures, click on the links below.
Beanie Babies
Beanie Buddies, Baby Ty, and Bow Wow Beanies
Bean Watcher comments: (1) Thank you for sharing your pictures with us! (2) The source has shared pictures of previous introductions with us in the past. The actual pictures (or versions of them) have appeared on Ty retailer flysheets or within a day or two on Ty.com.
February 27: Another Chocolate-Themed Bear Surfaces
A member of Beanie UK, a UK-based beanie group, has a posted a report about and pictures of an adorable Ty Classic Teddy bear called Cocoa. The bear was found at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida with an assortment of Ghiradelli chocolates tied around its neck. Pictures that have been posted on the beanie group's site. The pictures reveal:
Will this Ty Classic be announced this week? We'll find out soon....
Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to Shirley from the USA for alerting us to this news! Bean Watcher update: Nancy from the USA shares that Cocoa, as well as the retired Ty Classic bunny called Thatcher, appear as sales items on the Ghiradelli Easter Gifts site.
February 27: What's in a Name? Merlion the Bear
 Merlion the bear, an Asia-Pacific exclusive, was introduced on January 31, 2007. This Beanie Baby clearly represents the country of Singapore. Interestingly, it differs from other members of this year's Asia Pacific set. Instead of the name and the image of the country it represents, a mythical creature can be seen on its chest. What is the creature? Merlion's hang tag poem, as posted on Ty.com, provides a clue:
In a tropical paradise by the sea
That's where the mythical Merlion might be
A creature part lion, the other part fish
An ocean full of life is his greatest wish !
According to Wikipedia.com, an online encyclopedia, the Merlion is a statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name is derived from the words, mermaid and lion (MER - maid and LION). The creature was designed... for the Singapore Tourism Board [STB] in 1964 and... used as its logo up to 1997. The Merlion continues to be its trademark symbol.
Other Singapore themes are associated with this beanie. Merlion's red coat is the same color as the background color of its national flag. Further, its birthday (August 9) falls on the same day as the country's Independence Day (National Day).
So based on its name, embroidery on its chest, birthday, and hang tag poem, Merlion the bear clearly represents the island nation of Singapore... and that certainly is no fish tale!
February 26: It's a Jester? April Fool!
 Today, Ty introduces April Fool the bear. This Ty Store exclusive wears a jester-like hat on its head and has the words April Fool embroidered upside-down on its chest. To view the announcement for this Beanie Baby and place your order at Ty Store, click here. Bean Watcher comment: Daniel from Maryland, webmaster of Beanie Universe, shares that the birthday for April Fool the bear is April 1, 2007.
February 26: The Week Ahead
This week, the month of February will come to a close and March will begin. Expect Ty to be busy this week! Some announcements will include the February 2007 retirements, March 2007 introductions, March 2007 Beanie Baby of the Month, and silent retirement of Snuggins the February 2007 Beanie Baby of the Month. What other surprises will Ty have for us? We'll find out soon.... Bean Watcher comment: If Ty is on time, expect to see the March 2007 Desktop Wallpaper this week.
February 26: Enigma with the Extras
 During the past few days, collectors have been receiving their orders of Enigma from the The Nessie Shop. Many have acknowledged receipt of this exclusive plush toy. However, there has been little mention of the "extras" that accompany each order. Some collectors seek such items to enhance the meaning of their beanies or to validate their authenticity.
I received Enigma, direct from the shop, during the past weekend. My Beanie Baby came with a Loch Ness 2000 brochure; a post card depicting the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, Drumnadrochit; and a post card showing Nessie and views of Loch Ness, Scotland. These souvenirs certainly are a nice touch to this shop and entertainment center - exclusive beanie! To see a picture of Enigma with these souvenirs, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Other common extras that collectors seek, depending on the beanie, include ticket stubs, sports programs (programmes), collector pins, and shopping bags.
February 26: Ty Girlz in the News
 The Daily Herald, a Chicago, Illinois - based news source, has posted an article titled, Beanie Babies Maker Debuts Ty Girlz. The article reinforces expectations that the dolls will be available during late March. To read the complete report, including comments from Scott Wehrs (the Chief Operating Officer for Ty, Inc.), click here.
February 26: From the Email Bag -- Odds and Ends
 A reader from the USA shares her thoughts about the Ty Girlz. She writes:
I have been looking at the pictures of the Girlz, the pictures of them on their cards in particular. They are so animated, not just a drawing, almost like a cartoon character. I know in the past we have thought how fun it would have been if TY had made a Beanie Baby Cartoon. Well these drawings are cartoonish. [I] wonder if one isn't in the making or being really considered?
Bean Watcher comment: The Ty Girlz dolls are meant to appeal to girls, ages 6 to 12 years of age. Thus, I believe that those who visit the Girlz's secret website will find images that are cartoon-like. We'll have to wait to know for sure. Jenni from Padstow (UK), an employee at Abbey Bears, shares that she will be on holiday (vacation) from February 27 - March 26, 2007. She is sorting through her orders to ensure that all outstanding packages are timely shipped. During her absence Alex, another Abbey Bears store worker, will be checking her emails as time permits. You can contact Jenni prior to her departure by sending an email to: abbeybears@hotmail.co.uk.
February 24 - 25: Toy Fair Collectibles at Bargain Prices
 In my February 12, 2007 column, I shared a report from a reader in the USA (click here) who attended the American International Toy Fair (sometimes called the New York Toy Fair). The Fair started on February 11, 2007 and was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, New York. Here is a portion of the report that I posted:
Those visiting the Ty booth could get a small 4 1/4" by 4 1/2" pink Ty Girlz change purse. [Click here to see the tush tag on the purse.] In each was a card for one of the new Ty Girlz....
Click here to see a picture of the Dazzlin' Desitny card
Click here to see a picture of the Lovely Lola card
Click here to see a picture of the Punky Penny card
Click here to see a picture of the Rockin Ruby card
As expected, many of these give-aways have appeared on eBay. Many purse and card combinations, as of this writing, are selling for the shipped price of $15 (US) or lower. What a fantastic bargain! To find these collectibles, use the search words Ty and purse. Happy collecting!
February 24 - 25: More Pictures from the American International Toy Fair
 Dusty from Texas shares more pictures from the American International Toy Fair. Dusty's first picture shows Ty Warner, surrounded by models. The models are intended to represent the different Ty Girlz, Ty's latest product line (click here). The second pictures shows the models by themselves (click here). Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
February 23: Latest Ask Ty Response Posted
 Ty has responded to this week's winning Ask Ty question. Which two winter activities does Ty enjoy? Just Ask Ty!
Q: On a cold winter's day, would you rather sit in front of the fireplace or go sledding? (submitted by jasminekittykat)
A: I like both. In fact, after a day of sledding at the park I like to sit in front of the fireplace with a hot chocolate !
February 23: Sold Out Ty Products
 A reader from the USA shares information from the Ty retailer site. Here is a list of plush toys that are currently listed as sold out:
OUT OF STOCK
Beanie Babies: Stargazer
SOLD OUT
Beanie Babies: Dooley and Houston
Beanie Buddies: Coop
Baby Ty: Bunny Hop Blue and Bunny Hop Pink
Classic: Harewood
Will these Ty styles ship out again at a later time or will they retire early? We'll find out in the days ahead....
February 23: From the Email Bag -- A Pads Trio
John from the UK (aka the phoenix) shares a group picture of Pads the dog, a European exclusive. This People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) - themed Beanie Baby was officially introduced on February 16, 2007. To see John's picture, click here. Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your picture with us!
February 22: What's in a Name? Kia Ora the Bear
 On January 31, 2007, Ty introduced Kia Ora the bear, an Asia-Pacific exclusive. This Beanie Baby clearly has a New Zealand theme. The Maori language, one of the country's three official languages, plays a prominent role in the bear's name and part of its poem.
Kia Ora in the Maori language literally means be healthy. However, the words can also mean hello or good-bye. Kia Ora's hang tag poem follows:
We live in the land of the long white cloud
They call us Kiwis; we always stand proud
Our land is small, but there's so much to see
So won't you come and enjoy it with me ?
According to Wikipedia.com, an online encyclopedia, Aotearoa is the most widely known and accepted Maori name for New Zealand. And Aotearoa is most often translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud, a phrase found in the first line of the bear's poem (click here).
Other New Zealand themes are associated with this beanie. Embroidered on the bear's chest are the words New Zealand and its two major islands. Further, those who inhabit the country's islands are internationally known as Kiwis (found in the second line of the bear's poem).
So based on its name, embroidery on its chest, and hang tag poem, Kia Ora the bear clearly highlights the friendly people and natural beauty of this nation. Kia Ora !
February 22: From the Email Bag -- When Retired Does Not Mean Retired
A reader from the USA shares information from the Ty retailer website. The reader writes:
... on February 5th Casanova, Cheek to Cheek and Blushed Classic were all retired. However, going to the Ty.com site, they are still on the current list and no official retirement of the beanies took place. I think that this might be an error on Ty's part and that these three styles are just being prepared for the February retirements.... I have no doubt in my mind with Valentine's Day over, that they will retire.
Bean Watcher comment: We will have to see if the February 2007 retirements are posted this week. And if so, we will see if Ty retires more Valentine's Day beanies. Stay tuned for more....
February 21: Pictures of the Hallmark Exclusive Bears
As I expected, pictures of the four Hallmark exclusive bears have already been posted elsewhere on the internet. So, as stated in my report below, I am sharing pictures of all four bears with you. To see pictures of the two March 2007 introductions -- Dear Mom and Dear Grandma -- and the two April 2007 introductions -- Dear Dad and Dear Grandpa, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to the three readers who informed me that the pictures had been posted.
February 21: Four New Hallmark Exclusives Coming Soon
 A source shares information about four new Hallmark Store exclusive Beanie Babies. Two bears, with a Mother's Day theme, will be March 2007 introductions. Two bears, with a Father's Day theme, will be April 2007 introductions. Their names, style numbers, and descriptions can be found below.
* Dear Mom resembles last year's Love U Mom the bear. Dear Mom (compared to Love U Mom) is the same style of bear; holds a flower in both hands; and has Love You on her right foot pad and Mom on her left foot pad. Dear Mom, however, is darker (coral - colored) and holds a flower with white gossamer petals.
* Dear Grandma also resembles last year's Love U Mom the bear. Dear Grandma (compared to Love U Mom) is the same style of bear and holds a flower in both hands. Dear Grandma, however, is darker (but different in color than Dear Mom); holds a flower with coral-colored gossamer petals; and has Love To on her right foot pad and Grandma on her left foot pad.
* Dear Dad is a new style of Beanie Baby bear. He is a natural-brown, sit-up teddy bear with a pronounced muzzle. The cap on his head has #1 Dad embroidered on it. Also, he is wearing a blue polo shirt with a single gold star on its chest.
* Dear Grandpa resembles last year's Honors the graduation bear. Dear Grandpa (compared to Honors) is the same style of bear (even the fabric looks identical) and wears the same type of wire frame glasses. Dear Grandpa, however, wears a plaid bowtie and has Grandpa embroidered on his right foot pad.
To maintain the excitement, I will share pictures of the two Mother's Day bears early next week or after they are posted elsewhere, whichever comes first. (In the past readers had to wait just a few days). If pictures of all four bears are posted, I will immediately share all pictures with you. Stay tuned for more....
February 21: Shipping Costs from The Nessie Shop
 Linda from Scotland, an employee at The Nessie Shop, shares the cost to ship Enigma, a Loch Ness 2000 exclusive, to different countries. Total costs will depend on the number of beanies ordered and the delivery address. Here are the costs (in British pounds):
Shipping Costs
Shipments of more than 10 beanies will be sent by DHL. To order Enigma from The Nessie Shop, click here for more information. To convert British pounds to your local currency, click here.
February 21: From the Email Bag -- Lots O'Lucky at Ty Store
Your Friends at Ty sent an email yesterday to many collectors who previously ordered from Ty Store. The email (with the subject, Lots O'Lucky at Ty Store This St. Patrick's Day) informs addressees that Ty welcomes O'Lucky and that he is available only at Ty Store. The graphic in the email is identical to the one seen in the beanie's official announcement. To see the graphic, click here.
February 20: Party Hearty Before Lent
 Today, February 20, 2007, is often called Mardis Gras (Fat Tuesday) (U.S.), Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day (UK, Ireland, and Australia). Today is also the final day of Carnival (the Caribbean, Europe, and South America) -- a period of celebration prior to the arrival of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent).
To commemorate this special day, Ty introduced two Beanie Babies two years ago. The first, Masque the bear, was introduced as a Ty Store exclusive on January 6, 2005. Its birthday (February 8, 2005) coincided with Fat Tuesday in 2005. The second, Mardis Gras the bear, was introduced as a retail beanie on January 31, 2005. Its birthday (February 24, 2004) coincided with Fat Tuesday in 2004. Both bears wear a party mask (masque) -- a common accessory worn on this day.
For much more information, click here to read about Mardis Gras. Click here to read about Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. Click here to read about Carnival.
February 20: Talking About Masque....
 Considering that today is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), I thought I would post pictures of Masque the bear that I received two years ago. Interesting, revealing, and perhaps amusing, the pictures are certainly worth a look. The original article and pictures, from my February 25, 2005 column, are posted below.
February 19: In-Hand Pictures of Enigma
 John from the UK (aka the phoenix) shares his in-hand pictures of Enigma. This Loch Ness 2000 exclusive may be officially purchased only from The Nessie Shop in Drumnadrochit, Scotland. To see John's pictures, click on the links in the table below.
In Hand Pictures of Enigma
To view recently-posted ordering information from The Nessie Shop, click here.
Bean Watcher comments: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
February 19: President's Day in the USA
 Today, February 19, 2007, is a United States Federal holiday called President's Day. It is officially designated as Washington's Birthday and is celebrated on the third Monday in February. During the 1980s, the holiday expanded its focus to honor Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. Presidents.
According to Wikipedia.com, President's Day is intended to honor the accomplishments of the man who is known as The Father of our Country, George Washington. The holiday also:
encourages the investigation of early colonial life, the importing of slavery from the Old World, and what it took to achieve a young country's independence in the midst of not all its citizens being free.
For more information about this U.S. holiday, click here.
February 19: Beanie Babies Honoring U.S. Presidents
 Ty has introduced at least three Beanie Babies that honor, either directly or indirectly, Presidents of the United States. Here they are:
* Ronnie the bear. Ronnie was introduced on July 7, 2003. He shares the same birthday (February 6) as Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the U.S. Sales of this bear supported the Navy League of the United States, Santa Barbara Council, which benefited the sailors and families of the USS Ronald Reagan.
* John the bear. John was introduced on April 29, 2005. He shares the same birthday (October 30, 1735) as John Adams, a Founding Father of the U.S. and its second President. This Beanie Baby was a member of a patriotic trio (the other two were |
David from the UK (aka Scorrie) shares pictures of what the Mardi Gras-themed Beanie Baby called Masque the bear, looks like before and after its masque (mask) is removed. David writes: 
