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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
Worldwide News and Reports
August 2007 Archives
2007 Summer Trade Shows
CGTA - Toronto, Canada: August 12 - 15, 2007
New York Gift Show: August 12 - 16, 2007
Announcing the September 2007 Introductions
Illinois, USA
August 31, 2007
 Today, Ty announces the September 2007 introductions. There are 31 new styles in six different product lines. Here they are:
The Ty Beanies Tracker, Third Edition
USA
August 31, 2007
 In my June 27, 2007 column, I posted my first article about the previous unannounced Ty Beanies Tracker, Third Edition. Here is a portion of what I reported:
Several other online stores and sites allow you to pre-order this book. Here are three more of them:
 Bean Watcher update: A post on Beanie UK from the editor, Karen, references the following sentences in my original article:
Be sure to shop around, as there are many sites selling the same book, or a version of it. Let's hope you'll find what meets your needs.
After re-reading it, I now realize that the sentences are ambiguous. Please be aware that there is only one version of the Ty Beanies Tracker, Third Edition. The article should have stated:
Be sure to shop around. Although there is only one version of the book, collectors can obtain one that is signed or unsigned. Let's hope you'll find what meets your needs.
To prevent further confusion, I have removed the sentences. My apologies for any inconvenience the original article may have caused.
Goodbye England's Rose
England, UK
August 31, 2007
 It is hard to believe, but ten years ago, on August 31, 1997, Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, died tragically in a car accident in Paris, France.
Latest Ask Ty Response Posted
Illinois, USA
August 31, 2007
 Ty has posted his response to this week's winning Ask Ty question. Ty wearing a fur coat? What's that all about? Just ask Ty!
Q: What's the craziest thing you have done in the past that when you think about it now, it makes you laugh? (submitted by volleymom)
A: Has everyone heard the story about the Rolls Royce and the fur coat???
Sale of 4-H Beanie Babies
Maryland, USA
August 30, 2007
 A reader from the USA shares that the 2008 Source Book, a catalog of 4-H items for sale, has pictures of three exclusive beanies. The reader writes:
I received a catalog in the mail. Page 29 has the various 4-H Beanie Babies that Ty created. I know these have been out for a long time so I think that is why they are on sale.
They are also selling the Ty acrylic display boxes for $3.00 each.
Attached is a scan of page 29 from the catalog.
If you are interested in adding more of these beanies to your collection, now is a good time to do so! Click here to view the scan. To check out other beanie shopping opportunities, click here to visit the 4-H Mall.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing the news with us!
Marilyn's Pictures of Recent Key Clips
Wisconsin, USA
August 30, 2007
 Marilyn from Wisconsin shares pictures of three key clips that were introduced as part of the August 2007 introductions.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
Online Version of Topspin is Sold Out
New York, USA
August 29, 2007
 Joyce from Louisiana shares that the online version of Topspin the bear, a US Open exclusive, has sold out. Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
The Latest Ty UK Updates
England, UK
August 29, 2007
 John from the UK (aka the phoenix), assistant manager of Beanie UK, shares the following updates relating to Ty UK. John shares: Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your updates with us. September is a good month for collectors in the UK. It seems like this year will be no different. We'll know more in the days to come....
A Great Deal on Koowee
Australia
August 29, 2007
 Custom Bears from Australia, a very reliable supplier of Ty plush toys, shares news of a special offer for three Australia/New Zealand exclusives. Bean Watcher comment: Custom Bears is the same supplier of the charity beanies, Alpha the bear key clip and Bravo the bear key clip.
Zakka Pinks' Latest Promotional Bears
Tokyo, Japan
August 29, 2007
 Sakurako from Japan, webmaster of Bottega Beanies, shares her report of the latest promotional bears from Zakka Pinks, a Ty Japan retailer.  Two Beanie Babies were used for these Ty Japan retailer promotions, Daichi the bear and (I Love) Japan the bear. The promotions were sold as: a) a set of both bears and b) a single piece of (I Love) Japan the bear. A total of six sets of Daichi and (I Love) Japan bears were released. A total of 14 single pieces of (I Love) Japan the bear were released. So the total number of promotional Daichi bears released is six and the total number of 14 (I Love) Japan bears released is 20. The six sets and 14 single pieces were sold out in one second. Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report and pictures with us!
No Hamleys - Exclusive Ty Beanie Baby This Year
England, UK
August 28, 2007
 While I was away, I had written to and received a response from Hamleys, a UK-based toy store.
From:
Date: Aug 19, 2007 9:10 AM
Subject: RE: Hamleys Exclusive Beanie Baby
To:
Dear ------ ----,
Thank you for your recent e-mail.
Unfortunately we are not planning to release a Hamleys TY beanie baby this year.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Kind regards,
Hamleys Customer Services
Pictures from Asheville's Veterans Appreciation Day
Asheville, North Carolina
August 28, 2007
 Nikki from North Carolina shares her pictures of Beanie Buddies and Ty Classics that were displayed at a recent veterans-themed event and later donated to a noteworthy charity. Nikki writes:  I'm attaching photo's for you to consider posting to share with Beanie collectors that visit your website. My husband and I recently participated in the Asheville Veterans Appreciation Day and the Asheville Ride for Kids events.  Our bike was decorated with Ty Patriotic Buddies and were given to the Veterans at the V.A. hospital. Assorted Ty Buddies & Classics were given to kids at the Asheville Ride for Kids (proceeds to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation). The smile on the faces of the Veterans and these brave children will live in our hearts forever. Thanks so much for sharing...    
To see Nikki's pictures, click on the thumbnail pictures above.
Bean Watcher comment: (1) Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. (2) If you would like to help Nikki and her husband raise funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, click here.
Take Good Care of My Beanie Baby
Indiana, USA
August 28, 2007
 SouthBendTribute.com, an Indiana-based news source, recently posted a question from one of its readers that caught my attention. When I first read it, I started laughing.
Q. My kids collected Beanie Babies for years. When they lost interest, the toys were packed away and stored. Now that she's pregnant, I'm going to surprise my daughter and give them back. I'd like to clean them up, though. How?
A. Beanie Babies are washable. Although they can be machine-washed, hand-washing is better because the eyes and noses hold up better. Immerse the Beanie Babies in warm, sudsy water. Rinse in clear water. Wring out and air-dry. Do not put them in the dryer. Washing may change the look of the fur a bit, but it will still be soft and clean.
Because the eyes and noses are small pieces that can come loose, Beanie Babies generally aren't good toys for infants and toddlers.
To view the question and answer online, click here.
Announcing the August 2007 Retirements
Illinois, USA
August 27, 2007
 Today, Ty announces the August 2007 retirements. Saying "good-bye" are four styles in two product lines. Here they are: Bean Watcher comment: Daniel from Maryland, webmaster of Beanie Universe, shares that the Pluffies, Milkers, silently retires today. Click here to see the silent retirement.
The Week Ahead
Worldwide
August 27, 2007
This week, the month of August will come to a close and September will arrive. Expect a flurry of activity. Here is what to look for:
Also, we can anticipate the following introductions (either silent or announced on Ty.com):
We can expect more, but I will share that information later. And there may be a surprise or two that may surface. What will it (they) be? We will know in the days and weeks to come!
Marilyn's Pictures of Nana 2007 and Papa 2007
Wisconsin, USA
August 27, 2007
 Marilyn shares her beautiful pictures of Nana 2007 the bear and Papa 2007 the bear. Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
Operation Beanie Baby
Lakeland, Florida and Iraq
August 27, 2007
 My Fox.com, a Tampa Bay, Florida news source, posted a report last week, titled Toy Surge Winning Hearts in Iraq.
Bean Watcher Updates to Resume
USA
August 26, 2007
I was debating whether or not to update the Bean Watcher site this week or wait until next month. Since I have much to share and so much will be happening in the days to come, I have decided to return sooner than later. My first update will appear tomorrow. So stay tuned for more...!
Bean Watcher comment: (1) Many thanks to all who wrote to me while I was on leave. I appreciate your kind words and well-wishes. (2) Although I will update this site tomorrow, this column may be updated intermittently (on an as-needed basis) in the future, depending on the amount of information to share.
A Time to Reflect
USA
August 14, 2007
It's funny how fast time flies.... It's hard to believe that I posted my first artic |
