January News

... Ty retires Buddies
Ty has officially retired Beanie Buddies Inch and Schweetheart today!

... Pictures of the new Canadian Attic Treasure tush tags ...
Ms Janie has informed us of the following:

Pictures of the new Canadian tush tags can be viewed on the Maison D'Ours site at http://www.maisondours.com/news.html. (Lulu also writes that she recently sold her Tyra with pompoms for $1325.01)

... Lizzy, the Beanie Buddy
I'm sure you've seen pictures on various websites (see yesterday's news below) of some of the newly released Buddies .... but have you seen Lizzy, the ty-dyed lizard??? Beanieholics has a great picture you can check out at http://www.randyandtheresa.com/Lizzy2.jpg.

... UK News ... Beanie Babies Fail to Scoop Craze of Century Award
It's always interesting to read what's happening around the world ....

At the British Association Of Toy Retailers awards for Toys of the Century, Beanie Babies failed to scoop the award in the category they were nominated in, Craze of The Century. This was won in the end by the Yo Yo. The toy of the Century was Lego, beating off Action man and Barbie, whilst the game of the Century was won by the trading game Monopoly. For the results on who won what, view the following page :-
http://news2.thls.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid%5F625000/625077.stm

Some additional press releases have also been found, for some interesting reading:

... Beanie News Wrap-Up
Beanie news is a bit slow today! .......
* Don't forget to keep checking the Contest!!!!
* Also, there are some new pictures posted on Ms Janie's site you might want to take a peek at.
*A local retailer informed me today that she did received LB Peanut Buddy, but only got four. She suspects this was a one time delivery for some retailers. (They seem to be a little more available than first expected, but NEVER sit long a store shelf!)
* Beanieholics writes that some of the new Attic Treasures are showing up in Canada, but in "a different kind of way". For more information, visit Maison D'Ours.

(What a nice relaxing day! It's snowing/sleeting once again ...and we're just enjoying friends and family together in the warmth of our home.)

... Baby Ty®
Sitting on a shelf, waiting for ME today (yeah, right) was Baby Ty Bunnybaby, along with the monkey and dog. (I love bunnies and bears especially.) Actually, I was picking up a baby gift ... and voila! She is just too cute and very huggable. If you'd like to see a couple of pics I took of the hang tag and tush tag, click here for scans.

... Baby Ty®
A friend wrote in with information on the Baby Ty that she just received. I was a little surprised at the description, as she wrote ...
"What I was expecting to be small and a little ugly turned out to be big (buddy size) and adorable with the cutest little fat tummies ever? These guys are made out of the Groovy type fabric and are so soft. You can't resist hugging them."
Somehow I didn't expect them to be that large! Cool !!

... Buddy Pics!
Ms Janie has a picture that was shared with her of a Kicks Beanie Baby™ and Beanie Buddy™. Click here to view.

SmartCollecting has a picture of an Xlarge Peace Bear held by a preschooler. Click here to see the comparison ... and that's not the "Jumbo Peace"!

... "Beans up for grabs! But who’s buying?"
Kathy Flood of the Collecting Channel writes an article with a good synopsis on online auctions and which bean bag toys are the hotly pursued. Included in the article are Disneys, Puffkins, and a variety of other collectibles ... and, of course, Ty. Click here to read her article!

... The Contest has started!
Today is the first day of the next Contest, and it ends Monday, March 6th. The prizes are as follows:

1st Name Drawn - Red, White, and Blue Face Ty® Beanie Baby 'Spangles'
2nd Name Drawn - Ty® 'The End' Bear Beanie Baby
3rd Name Drawn - Ty® '1998 Holiday Teddy' Beanie Baby

... A sleeper!
Today seemed like it lasted two weeks; the power is on (for now) - the snow has stopped (finally). A cabin rental in the mountains is crossed off my calendar now ... I'm looking at June and thinking BEACH!

... Meteorologists!
Too funny! ... Guess even Mother Nature has her tricks! Our local news station predicted snow flurries for this morning, nothing (as they said) "really worth mentioning". Snow began falling at 8:00 am; it's been snowing for 7 hours now, with 8 inches on the ground and another 6-8 inches before it's over with ... and that's on top of 5 inches from the weekend. If you live in North Carolina (other than the mountains), that's a lot of snow! Well, at least we have a "snowman" family in the front to greet our visitors (those who dare to venture out).

Beanieholics (randyandtheresa.com) has a great summary of the Los Angeles Gift Show, reported by a reader who attended, with their personal opinions and observations. In addition to the Ty products on display, also discussed are various other bean bag lines, including Collecticritters, Salvino's, and Treasure Champs. The article, with detailed descriptions, can be read here

... Hmmmm
What a nice R & R day! (The "Beanie" news seems to be a bit slow.) However, I did work on the site a while, and hope to have the new pages up very shortly! Are YOU ready for the next Contest? :) If so, then get ready! You won't want to miss THIS ONE!!!! :)

... I did notice that Clubby 2 is now noted as "retired" on the Ty website and Chip the Beanie Buddy is listed as current, although he was retired on 12/12/99. Perhaps there will be some more minor changes on the Ty site soon!

...
"Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina ..." IF you like snow! Another anticipated evening of 4-6 inches of snow through Sunday, a quick break, and it's back again on Tuesday and Wednesday. The kids are having a ball (with a "snow-woman" replica of me expected soon) ... hmmm. I think it may be a good time to build a fire, fix some snowcream, and finish the final touches for the next Contest! So get ready!!! Contest # 5 will be even bigger and better!

... Attic Treasure news ...
...A Purrcy with two white ears, Blarney - a "recycled" Tyra?, a "different" Casanova !!! .... you can check out all the information, with pics, on the Maison D'Ours site.

... Beanie Kids "Update"
The Beanies Kids webpage on Ty's site is now viewable, although currently there are no images available. Maybe soon! (The URL is quite long.) Click here to view it.

... Princess Buddy tag!
Beaniemom has a scan of a Princess Buddy hang tag with a Ty Europe sticker covering some of the information. Click here to check it out!

... Buddy changes on Ty's site - Retired or Current?!
Well ... Inch and Schweetheart Buddies are now both listed as "current" on Ty's site. (Maybe Inch just retired for the day :) And .... Gobbles has changed back to retired (it was listed yesterday as "current" on Ty's "printable list").

... What's new?
Not much happening today, perhaps a good way to start a weekend! Lots of snow and ice in our area has brought total delight to the kids, a constant run of the washer and dryer, and refrigerator raids! ... But we're having fun!

It appears (from browsing around a bit on Ty's new webpage) that all the buttons are operational now. It has also been brought to my attention that a hidden link has been discovered on the main Ty site for "Baby Beanies", with the following statement:

"The ONLY ORIGINAL Baby beanies are those that bear the famous Ty heart.
In the window to your left is the entire collection of ORIGINAL Baby beanies.
Only those featured on this page are considered part of the Baby beanies Collection.
Any other bean bag animals are NOT Baby beanies. Don't be fooled by imitations."

Are these going to be the next "generation" of Beanie Babies, or is this a new product yet unannounced ??? Maybe something "new" at the Birmingham N.E.C. Spring Trade Fair February 6th-10th??? Just a thought! :)

... Upcoming Changes!
As part of the "domain move" shortly, I will be making additions and changes to the site. Just keep watching, from the main page, as I think you will like what's coming. It's a bit of work, but fun and challenging. ... (Having the job of mom/wife/maid/cook/chaffeur/etc., and a full-time job, keeps me a tad busy .... but wouldn't want it any other way.) Well, maybe a break today would have been nice! :) ... I think we've seen enough snow now! When's Springtime???

... Did you notice?
Several people are reporting that Beanie Buddies Inch and Schweetheart are both listed as retired on the "new" Ty site. However, after checking it out, I noticed only Inch is retired, not Schweetheart! Peanut is only listed as "the elephant" (with no reference to light blue/royal blue), and Osito is officially noted as a US Exclusive!

... Ty Website ... A new look!
The Ty website now is sporting a whole new look! And quite a few new additions as well. The "Info Beanie" is returning .. a message via a Buddy ... Jumbo Peace writes:

Hi everyone, Jumbo Peace here! Our friends at Ty asked me to let you know the Info Beanie will be back shortly. In the meantime, please nose around our new web site! It's so cool! Have you registered for a TyFolio yet? I'm going to do that right away! Keep in mind as with any new site, there may be a few technical difficulties, so please "bear" with us!

Jumbo Hugs!
JP

... Beanie Kids article
It's always interesting to read articles by Kathy Flood, a CollectingChannel.com staff writer. The article entitled "Ty shocks the collecting world with Beanie Kids" is quite interesting and can be read by clicking here.

Ms. Janie has posted scans for two of the new Baby Ty releases - Bunny Baby and Monkey Baby. ...And as you will notice, they DO have hang tags! Check out the Baby Ty Pictures on her site.

... The Unexpected Arrives From Ty
Even the experts could not get inside Ty Warner's head when he left the cryptic message "Expect the Unexpected" -- Beanie Buddies ... 31 new ones (and various sizes now); Baby Ty; and Beanie Kids. Kathy Flood of CollectingChannel.com has an interesting article you may want to read!

... News from the UK
I received the following email from a VERY reliable "UK source":

There will be no new Buddies available in the UK until at least February. They are being launched at the Birmingham N.E.C. Spring Trade Fair February 6th-10th, with deliveries hoped for later that month. The new beanies are currently under design/production, so have patience. Also, the retired beanies are still being shipped, although this is Ty emptying out their warehouses, so there will probably be lots of shelf-sitters. Many shops still have quite large stocks of Beanie Baby shelf sitters that they are having trouble selling , even at a reduced price. Out of the last release of Beanie Babies it seems that "The End" bear & the "1999 Holiday Teddy" are the only real sellers, nobody seems to be interested in the others. All Buddies seem to be quite easy to obtain from most shops, apart from the Britannia Buddy, which I've still yet to see on ANY shop shelf. It would seem that the BBOC products are the same. Shops still have large stocks of Platinum Clubby Kits, Tag protectors, Display cases, Millennium Calendars etc. all at discounted prices, but just can't sell them. This time last year Ty & BBOC products were selling faster than they could be supplied to the retailer, but it's a totally different story now.

... A Light Blue Peanut Buddy???
A reader has written to The Underground Bean reporting he has found a Light Blue Peanut Buddy today at a local Hallmark, with the new style tag attached. Is this Peanut version an error? or is it for real? (Remember the Wingless Quackers?) Perhaps a picture will be made available soon!

... Another thought!
Upon looking over Ty's site, you may have noticed the Beanie Buddy link on the main page reads "Every Beanie Baby needs a Beanie Buddy, Everybuddy needs a friend". Does that mean the Beanie Baby production has slowed down a bit, so the Beanie Buddies can "catch up". If there is going to be a Buddy for every Baby, I now have to buy the house on the OTHER side of me, too??? Or should I just have them live with the "Beanie Teens"? :)

... Don't forget, the NEW Contest starts REAL soon!!! AND very shortly, perhaps something you will REALLY like!!!! ........ Keep watching!

... New Buddies are Arriving Now
In case you haven't notice on various auction sites, it appears that all 31 of Ty's new Beanie Buddies are available now ..... However, since they ARE new, the prices are somewhat high ... Jumbo Peace at $300 for example! Most collectors know that, given time, the prices WILL come down pretty quickly. (Keep a watch out at your local retail store!)

What we don't know, of course, is which one(s) may possibly retire quickly. Remember Twigs? Snowboy? ... My opinion? Keep a watch out for Valentino! .... Valentines' Day is right around the corner, then it MAY be gone! I can't wait to see THAT one, though .... hopefully in MY collection! :) Know where I can find one??? :) :)

... New Buddy Tag!
Ms Janie has posted a close-up picture of a new Buddy tag. It shows a nice image of the new multi-colored star on the front of the hang tag. Click here to view.

... Next?
What's going to happen next in "Tyland"? Of course, none of us really know, and can only build our ideas and thoughts on rumors and speculations. The newly announced Beanie Buddies are reportedly showing up now in stores (and on auction sites), as well as the new Attic Treasures. The pictures are there, the prices are reasonable (considering)! My opinion of the new Beanie Babies yet to be announced is ONLY that - an opinion. But I seriously believe Ty's motive is to introduce new Ty products into the market, hopefully the start of a new and booming collectors' line, let the market "desaturate" a bit with the Beanie Babies, and give it some time. Then perhaps the interest will be resparked when the shelves sit empty of Beanie Babies for a bit. I do know, personally, that I will either have to stop or slow down the collecting ... or buy the house next door! LOL ....... And, perhaps it will make room for the Beanie Teens! OH NO!!!

... Are you Ready for the next Contest to begin?
Three winners, 3 prizes - and another unannounced prize? (Could it be another "The End" bear???) ..... Keep checking ! It's easy and fun!

... "Children to Children"
A very special friend sent me an email this morning, of which I would like to share with you. It's the story of a very sincere sweet 9 year old girl, hoping to make a difference in a foster child's life. It is QUITE amazing! You can read further information, and how YOU may be able to help by going to a special page I have posted - Children to Children. You'll be glad you did!

... The "Inside Report"
Beanie Wonderland reports that he has "on good authority" that the first view of the upcoming Beanie Babies will be on March 1st. Ty Warner has apparently been in Korea, working with designers to launch the new Beanies... And, Beanies with new fabric, new hang tags, and no hologram tag? Check out his site for the full story.

... Contest #5 !
It won't be long now ... and the beginning of the next Contest. So keep checking back ... it only gets bigger and better!

... Blue Face Spangle
Have you wondered about the authenticity of your blue face Spangle? Is there a way you can double-check to see if it's "real"? As you know, there have been reports of white face Spangles being dyed blue. Well, there's an easy way to check. Read Ms. Janie's article here.

... Expert Forecasts New Toys for Holiday 2000
Toy retailers from around the world will be converging on New York City for the 97th annual American International Toy Fair to decide what we'll be pounding the pavement and Internet for next holiday season. What will the hot toys for 2000 be? Take a sneak peek - read the article here.

... Correction
It was reported earlier that H&S Media, Inc., publisher of MBBBW Monthly, is going to press with a special magazine - called "Ty® 2000". MBBBW reports that the Special Edition Magazine should read "Mary Beth's Bean Bag World 2000" - not "Ty 2000". You can read the article at http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000111/il_h_s_med_1.html.

... Newest Attic Treasures
The Maison D'Ours website has some new pics, with the newest tag information, on the newly announced Attic Treasures. Might want to take a peek!
... Thanks for the info, Lulu!

... TBB's at McDonalds
As you are probably aware, McD's is scheduled to have the TBB promo again this year, reportedly around the July 4th holiday. It has been rumored that Righty, Lefty, and Libearty will be available, packaged similar to the 4 International Bears last year. Guess we'll wait and see on that one.

... Note: I thought it quite interesting, upon picking up Happy Meals for the kids over the weekend, to find a Stretch TBB in there. Don't know what THAT was about! Didn't realize it until halfway home - did they run out of the current "toy" or just happen to find the extra TBB box? Who knows!

... Beanie Kids™ presales
There are LOTS of Beanie Kids "presells" up for bid on eBay! Just remember, if you are interested in bidding on these new collectibles, check the sources ... be careful! (It appears the average price is around $20 at the moment.) Click here to view the eBay auctions.

... Ty 2000 Magazine
H&S Media, Inc., publisher of MBBBW Monthly, is going to press with a special magazine - called "Ty® 2000". It will offer full-color photographs and an analysis of the 70 new "stuffed toys" announced last week by Ty, Inc.

The 96-page magazine, scheduled for January 25th publication, will also cover the future of Ty's product lines and the roller-coaster cycle of Beanie Babies. The magazine will sell for $5.99, wherever MBBBW is sold.

... And the winners are .... ? !!!
Congratulations to the three winners, who are now posted on Doodle's Holiday Contest page! I wish to thank everyone who participated ... (the "unannounced prize" was The End Bear!) Expect the next contest to start REAL SOON, with even more prizes! You won't want to miss it ... :) It only gets bigger and better!!!

... Gift Show Dates
The Philadelphia and Dallas Gift Shows end tomorrow; the Atlanta Show ends Wednesday. And next on the "Show Agenda" - Seattle (Jan 15-18) and Washington DC (Jan 16-19). (See above for additional upcoming Show dates!)

... Additional Trade Show Info
If you're interested in what took place at the Philadelphia Trade Show, and especially more information on the newest Attic Treasures™ line, you may wish to read the latest news on the Maison D'Ours website.

It has been reported that the new line, Beanie Kids™, will not show up on the Ty website, according to Ty reps.

... Doodle's Contests
Remember - Winners of the contests will be announced tomorrow ... !!!

... Show Update (Pictures, New Information! ...
Just a quick update, in case you are looking for additional information - or pictures - of the Beanie Kids and other Ty products, from the Shows:

... Pictures from the Show, including Buddies, Classics, Ty Babies, and Beanie Kids, can be viewed on CoolBeanys website by clicking here.
Update: 1/9 ... The pictures have now been removed at Ty's request!

... Interesting (and informative) comments from Show visitors/retailers can be viewed on BeanieMom's site by clicking here.

... Beanie Kids™ !!!
Beanie Kids have been announced today at the Gift Shows! There are nine different designs in the first set.

There are nine (9) Beanie Kids of varying hair, eye, and skin color.
They are 9" people bean bag toys, about the same size as Beanie Babies, but plumper.
They have large bodies and short arms and legs.
They have puffy hair (2 inches long - either blond, dark brown, or red; curly or straight) that kids can shape.
There have a hologram hang tag (numbered, with name and poem) and embroidered tush tag, which says "Pax Trading Corporation".
There are five girls and four boys.
Their faces are finely detailed with ears and hand painted crystal eyes.
The fabric is similar to a Beanie Baby.
They sit up like a Beanie 'bear'.
They will retail for $8-9 each.

1. A boy with mocha colored skin and curly dark brown hair and blue shorts.
2. A girl with mocha colored skin and curly dark brown hair red bows, red dress with blue and white flowers.
3. Boy with light brown hair with plaid Scottish kilt with suspenders.
4. Girl with light skin pink dress and white poka dots.
5. A girl with light skin, a solid yellow dress with pink flower appliqués.
6. A girl called Angel with blond straight hair, blue dress with white daisies and red hair.
7. Boy with light skin, blond hair, with what looks like a diaper but there are no pins on the side.
8. A boy with light green plaid shorts.
-----------------

Reps told the dealers that it takes eight times longer to make a Beanie Kid than a Beanie Baby. Dealers may order 6 of each style AT THE SHOW ONLY.

Doodle's Note:
No new Beanie Babies yet!. It may be several months before new ones are announced, due to the time put into the Beanie Kids and the recent vote by collectors to continue the Beanie Babies line. H Ty Warner .... a marketing genius!!!

... Seems like my "idea" was actually RIGHT this time about "Beanie Kids". (See the note of January 6th). Remember our phone conversation, Rosy? :) And .... can we possibly expect additional releases in the future, a representative of ALL ethnic groups around the world??

... I suggest you watch the Ty, Inc. website closely over the next few days. Perhaps an official announcement soon! (Can't wait to see the pics!)

... Three Shows Begin Today!
2:00 am - MBBBW reports early "feedback" already from the Atlanta Show (Friday was set-up day). It appears that not only the Buddy styles have changed ... the tags are different, too! The newest styles have the regular Ty tag with a multi-colored (blue, pink, purple and white) star with black print (instead of the yellow star saying "Beanie Original Buddy" in black print). The inside left of the tag now list Ty Oakbrook; Ty Canada; Ty Europe and Ty Japan ... no addresses. The bottom of the tag reads "Handmade in China". The Buddy versions differ somewhat from the Beanies™ -- the Ty2K™ Buddy has no pink dots in its fabric pattern; the Goochy™ Buddy is made out of Groovy™ material; the Signature bear is purple, not brown; the Valentino Buddy has a red nose!

And .... one of the newest Ty® products - a watch!!!
Update: This appears to be a "password" NOT a new product!

MBBBW plans on providing collectors with continued coverage of the Shows! I'll keep you posted of the "main events" as soon as they become available. ..... and just what is the "new line"? It won't be long now!

... Trade Shows!
The Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta Gift Shows start tomorrow - Saturday, January 8th. It will be interesting to see what is introduced. I'll keep you posted as soon as anything is known! So keep checking back!

... Buddy Update
Smart Collecting reports that retailers may order 12 Valentino Buddies; 1 each of Jumbo and Xlarge; and 2 each of the Large size. They are also allowed to order 6 of all other current/new sizes. The pricing is conflicting vs what MBBBW reports, although not a big difference. Guess we'll just wait and see!

... Beanie Kids?
MBBBW Staff Writer Karen Gomes has written an informative report on the Australian line of bean bag plush, "Beanie Kids", that we mentioned earlier this month. These plush collectibles are marketed internationally as "Bean Bag Mates" and are a favorite to many collectors. During an interview, Howard Jacobs (Export Manager of the line) commented on the recent rumors of a possible new Ty line called "Beanie Kids". You can read the article at http://www.beanbagworld.net/news/details/bkids.html.

... Ty Retailers ...
A new discovery? ... old news? ... or simply a reminder! - The Ty Retailer website is up and running now! (www.ty-retailers.com)

... Ty News!
At the bottom of the Ty, Inc. main page on the site, the following message has been posted:

ATTENTION BEANIE BABY POLL PARTICIPANTS

Thank you for participating in the Beanie Baby Poll! Should you have any questions regarding charges to your credit card as a result of your participation in the poll, please contact our Beanie Babies Poll Information hotline at 630-455-7994

... Ty Donates $1 Million to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation announced today that it received $1 million from Ty Inc. from the first-ever global Beanie Baby vote.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000106/ca_glaser__1.html

... Retail Prices *Correction:
A retailer who provided the limits and retail prices to MBBBW states there was a mistake on the price of the Beanie Buddies, which should be the following instead:

Jumbo Buddy wholesale $75.00
X-Lg. Buddy wholesale $35.00
Lg. Buddy wholesale $15.00

The maximum order per style of the Jumbo Buddy is one (1) ... the Xlarge and Large are also lower max per style, but reports are conflicting at the moment.

... BEANiE KiDS
Readers are writing in, Beanie websites are posting it, rumors are spreading ... what is this all about? Ever since the new "Beanie Kids" logo was found on Ty's index page directory, people's interest was sparked! There is a line called "Beanie Kids" at a company in Australia. Skansen Giftware Australia introduced these bean bags in December, 1997. (The line is called Bean Bag Mates in the US because of Ty's licensing policy/restrictions.) For more information on this company, visit BeanieKids website.

So, what's next? With the upcoming Shows this month, we should find out soon! (Perhaps the "Beanie ----" in the Ty Newsflash is for new Beanies, called .... "Beanie 2000" (perhaps with a new hang tag and/or tush tag.) ... Or just MAYBE the new line (Beanie Kids?) look like a REAL kid, with hair, etc. !!! .... :) Just a thought :)

Note: The Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta Gift Shows start Saturday, January 8th!!!)

... Ty Newsfash
The following Ty "Newflash World Premiere" was posted on the Ty, Inc. website today. (Looks like a possibility of the "Beanie Kids" that I mentioned earlier !!!)

NEWSFLASH

The world premiere of the Beanie _ _ _ _ will be unveiled at the following shows:

(Shows are listed for Ty USA, Ty Canada, Ty Europe, and Ty Japan)
(See Below for link)

Only Ty Direct accounts that attend in person will be given the opportunity to place an order.

Quantities will be extremely limited.

Expect the Unexpected!

... Ty Info Beanie???
The link to the Info Beanie Diary on Ty's main page has now been removed. Although the Diary is still accessible at the following link - http://www.ty.com/share/beanie/info2/Lastpage/, the the last entry of Friday December 31, 1999 11:55 p.m still remains. (I anticipate the Info Beanie to return once new Beanies are introduced .... Guess we'll just have to wait and see!)

... Did you notice?
Up until now, Snowboy Buddy has been the only Buddy without a matching Beanie Baby counterpart! Now there are two more! Although similar, the 2000 Signature bear is unique ... and what about Flippity - a blue bunny! Perhaps there are matching Beanies when the new ones are announced.

... BEANiE KiDS ???
As we all sit back and wait to see exactly what will be showcased at the upcoming Gift Shows, Smart Collecting has received a hot tip of perhaps a new product line - "Beanie Kids". It was pointed out that all of the graphics (Attic Treasures, Beanie Buddies, Baby Ty and Ty Classic) found on the catalog index page on the Ty website are located in a separate image directory. The "Beanie Kids" image was discovered in this same directory - last modified on 1/4/00.

... Ty Order Limitations for January
MBBBW has listed the Ty order limitations (and some retail prices) for January orders:

Beanie Buddies - (6) Jumbo 48" ($120.00) (Note: see update on Jan 6th)
Beanie Buddies - (6) Xlarge 27" ($60.00)
Beanie Buddies - (6) Large 22" ($30.00)
Beanie Buddies - (6) Reg 16" ($10.00)
Baby Ty - (4) ($10.00)
Attic Treasures (12)
Ty Classics (200) ? (perhaps a typo?)

... And Just Exactly What Size are They, Anyway???
In a MBBBW exclusive, the new Product sizes are as follows:

Buddy™ - regular-16 inches / large-22 inches / Xlarge-27 inches / jumbo-48 inches
Ty Classic® - ranges from 8 - 27 inches
Baby Ty® - 13 inches
Attic Treasure™ - ranges for 8 - 17 inches

... Beanie Buddy Update !
The Beanie Buddies section has now been updated! (All you need to know about Buddies is here!)

... Ty Newsflash ... New Products!!!
Today Ty released new products in a Ty Newflash:
Beanie Buddies - now in "Regular", Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo
Attic Treasures
Baby Ty - new product line
Ty Classics - the previous Ty Plush line

... The Beanie Buddies are getting bigger and bigger. Peace the Bear now comes in three additional sizes - other than what has already been released - large, Xlarge, and jumbo! Fuzz is also available in a new large size. And ... the new Buddy Hippie (which is the Ty-dyed Bunny) is now available in "regular", large, and Xlarge.

Note: (You can click on the above "Ty 2000" image to see a list of all the new products!).

With the new addition of all the Buddies (now 31 retired, 46 current ... except Schweetheart and Inch), the Beanie Buddies section has now been updated! (Although those two Buddies have not officially retired (they are not listed in the new Ty 2000 catalog) ... they are still "current" on Ty's website.) Therefore, I have still listed them as "current" since there is no official retirement date!

Look for the new Beanie product at the following trade shows:
Atlanta Gift Show January 8-12
Philadelphia Gift Show January 8-11
Dallas Gift Show January 8-11
Washington DC Gift Show January 16-19
Seattle Gift Show January 15-18
Kansas City Gift Show January 21-25
Los Angeles Gift Show January 22-25
New York Gift Show January 23-27
Chicago-McCormick Gift Show January 29-February 1
Chicago-Mart Gift Show January 29-February 1
San Francisco Gift Show February 5-9
New York Toy Fair February 13-17
Denver Gift Show February 26-29
Boston Gift Show March 26-29

... Info Beanie Update
Although not posted until today, the last Info Beanie entry (12/31/99) reads as follows:

I wanted to stop in real quick before we count down to the New Year. Thanks so much for voting for me to be the December Info Beanie! I still can't believe the month is over already. Gee, I wonder if there will ever be another Info Beanie. I guess that is up to you to decide. If you haven't voted already, make sure you do! Remember, if you're under 18 you'll need to get a grown up to help you. I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year! Thanks again and good-bye!

... Gift Shows
There are several Gift Shows in the U.S. scheduled for this month. Presumably, Ty will introduce his "new line" at that time. Several feel that perhaps he will introduce the new line, or at least new Beanies, before that time, as pictures were showing up on Beanie websites before the initial introduction by Ty - remember Lips, Flitter and BB Bear from the Dallas Show last year? The Shows are: The Atlanta Gift Show - January 8-12; the Dallas Gift Show, January 8-11; and the Chicago Gift Show, January 29-February 1. But what are you supposed to expect when you are to "expect the unexpected"? Stay tuned for more details.

... Note: The Gift Show dates were gathered from information sent to me and through various website sources.

... Doodle's Contest!
The "Holiday Contest" has ended now, as of 12:01am EST today! All winners will be announced January 10th. The "turnout" was a GREAT success! This was the 4th Contest; I hope to continue a Contest every month, as long as I still have extra Beanies and/or Buddies to give away. (If anyone is interested in sponsoring the prize(s) for the Contests in the future, just let me know at dmh13@alltel.net. Your name and/or banner recognition will be displayed on the Contest Page!) With the anticipation of new Beanies, as well as an introduction by Ty of a "new line", I hope to have even bigger and better Contests in the coming months. (Thanks to all of you who participated; your kindness was overwhelming!!!) :)

... Reminder!
Doodle's Holiday Contest ! ends at 12:01 am Monday (just shortly after midnight tonight!!!) Enter now for your chance to win BF PF and WF Spangles or '99 Holiday Teddy! Check the rules ... you may be able to enter again!

... Any ideas ?
As Doodle's Page will shortly launch to our new domain, I would be interested in any and all ideas you would like to see added/changed to the site. I wish to share with you what YOU are interested in. Now's the time for you to voice your ideas! You never know what might evolve from your suggestions !!!! :) .... Email dmh13@alltel.net !

... Prediction from "Doodle"
Ty says to "continue to Expect the Unexpected"! We know a new line is coming, right? And more Beanie Babies, too! ("The Beginning" WOULD be a nice start!) Keep checking the Ty website ... tomorrow may be a big day! Of course, as soon as I know something, it will be posted here immediately!

NEWSFLASH

RESULTS OF WORLDWIDE VOTE

WOW!!! THE BEANIES WON!!!

91% voted "YES" and 9% voted "NO"

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Beanie Babies Ballot. We hope you have enjoyed the excitement of this event. Your vote in this "first of its kind" worldwide poll has made a difference to children all over the world and has helped a wonderful organization.

Best wishes for this new millennium and continue to. . . . .

Expect The Unexpected!

Ty Warner

... Looks like more Beanies!
As the voting poll nears the deadline, it appears more Beanies are on the horizon! At 12:15 am this morning, there were a total of 201967 votes - 91% yes, 9% no. That's $100,983.50 at 50 cents per vote (plus Ty will TRIPLE the amount) for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The poll closes at 6:00 am !

... Who is it?
Have you been able to figure out ... just who is that Beanie to the right of Ty2K on the TyTV Remote? I've received many suggestions, such as Groovy and Valentina ... but this one has what appears to be a red bow-tie or ribbon with gold on his chest? (Or do I need to go back to bed?) :)

Update: Most readers say it's Groovy! Guess the unanimous decision wins! Too little sleep for me perhaps!

... Can't see the TyTV?
There is a Ty website where you can view the latest results without going into the actual TyTV remote site. This should help those whose system requirements do not conform to the viewing requirements. Try http://www.ty.com/vote_data.html.

... Info Beanie Update:
While searching around, I found the following posted on Ty's site concerning the Info Beanie's diary: (The link is listed below for viewing as well)

Sorry!

This section of the Ty web site is temporarily unavailable while the Question of the Millennium is being answered: Should New Beanie Babies Be Created in 2000? Please tune to TyTV at www.ty.com to receive poll updates and to place your vote. This section will be available again after the vote has been decided.

... Ty TV - Update:
2:30 am! (Yes, I'm STILL up!) Ty has received 95,487 votes: 92% yes, 8% no! Looks like Beanies are back!

AND .... just a curious question! Can anyone recognize the Beanie Baby on the Ty remote, to the right of Ty2K in the upper left corner??? It appears to be a white bear, with a red bowtie, and gold on his chest! Let me know at dmh13@alltel.net and I'll post it! (Maybe I DO need to go to bed! :)

... Ms. Janie's Millennium Celebration Postponed
Ms. Janie had not been feeling well lately and learned yesterday that she has an inner ear infection, causing her to experience vertigo. She feels bad about not being able to do the Millennium Celebration on her site. (She has put a lot of work into it.) She is hoping to be able to post the winners of the various contests on Monday if she is feeling better. (Our best wishes for a speedy recovery for her!)

... Our best wishes for a Happy New Year 2000, from our family to yours! We have LOTS of new things to share with you this year - a new location (our own domain), more Contests, too much to mention!!! Thanks to all of you for your kindness, your support, your friendship! Because of you, we shall continue to grow and look forward to many exciting things in the new Millennium

Precious	Curly
Cutie	Rascal
Angel	Boomer
Ginger	Chipper
Tumbles