Ty Beanie Babies, Star Trek Collectibles Highlighted in Lion & Unicorn Toys and Games Auction

H. Ty Warner formed Ty Inc. in 1993. He intended to design and manufacture a line of quality stuffed toys that were affordable to even a child with allowance money. In early 1994, Warner and Ty Inc. introduced the original nine Beanie Babies. These were easily poseable, polyester toys intentionally under-filled with PVC pellets and stuffing. By mid-1995, Ty Inc.’s strategy of restricting sales to select stores and frequently retiring designs had established Beanie Babies as collectibles. Beanie Baby sales began declining around the end of 1999. Ty Inc. announced they would cease production of the toys. Later, the company left the Beanie Babies’ fate in the hands of fans and collectors by allowing a vote on whether to keep them in production. They voted “yes.”

Several rare Ty Beanie Babies are featured in the upcoming Lion & Unicorn auction. Showcased is a rare 1996 Maple the Bear. This Beanie Baby, distributed solely at McDonald’s Restaurants, has several errors on its tags. The year incorrectly reads “1993” and “Oak Brook” is mistakenly spelled as “Oakbrook.” The unopened box measures 11 inches high and 4.5 inches wide. Also available is Glory the Bear. This 1997 Beanie Baby, also exclusive to McDonald’s Restaurants, is presented with similar tag errors. Visit Lion & Unicorn to view these lots and more, and to place to bid.