Ty has been a staple of the plush toy industry for over 30 years. Famous for the Beanie Baby craze in the 90’s then switching gears to Beanie Boos famous for their big eyes. The legend of Ty only continues, with the new venture of Beanie Bouncers, collectible plushes that bounce, taking the stuffed animals further into the world of play. But how did it all start? What are some of the behind-the-scenes of the creation of Beanie Babies and the company?
Here are 5 Fun Facts about Beanie Babies and the company behind it:
1. Beanie Babies Helped Pioneer Online Shopping
Long before we were ordering groceries and fast food from our phones, Beanie Babies were already making waves online. In 1995, Ty Inc. became one of the first companies to include a product-specific website, ty.com, on its famous heart-shaped hang tags. Fans would do online research to find the latest Beanie Baby news and updates. It may seem normal now, but at the time, it was groundbreaking, ushering the toy world into the digital age.
Learn more about Beanie Babies history and the golden age of 90s stuffed animals.
2. Beanie Babies Supercharged eBay’s Success
When the Beanie Boom began, it didn’t take long for the internet to catch on. Beanie Babies helped turn eBay into a household name. Launched the same year as Ty’s website (1995), eBay became the ultimate destination for collectors hoping to score retired or rare Beanies. Just two years later, Beanie Babies accounted for 6% of all eBay sales. If you've ever asked, “Where can I buy Beanie Babies?” Many still sell retired Beanie Babies on eBay and other resale sites. You can thank the Beanie craze for shaping the way we buy and sell online today.
3. Ty’s First Product Wasn’t a Beanie Baby
Before the first Beanie Baby ever hit a store shelf, Ty Inc. had already made a name for itself with a different kind of plush: Himalayan cats. Founded in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois, in 1986 by Ty Warner, the company launched with a line of lifelike, high-quality plush cats that instantly caught the attention of toy lovers and boutique gift shops alike. These elegant, silky cats paved the way for the launch of the Original 9 Beanie Babies in 1993, and the rest is history.
Find out more about the role of Ty plush pals within the history of stuffed animals.
4. Not All Beanie Babies Were Released to the Public
Here’s something only the most dedicated collectors might know: not every Beanie Baby was made available to the public. Some were created as prototypes, exclusive giveaways, or special event items. Others were retired before they even hit store shelves. These ultra-rare Beanies often surface years later, tucked away in original packaging, and when they do, they can fetch eye-popping prices.
5. Beanie Babies Are Still Being Made Today
While the frenzy of the ‘90s may have calmed, the magic of Beanie Babies is far from over. Ty continues to release new Beanie Babies to this day, complete with those iconic heart-shaped tags and collectible charm.
Where Can I Buy Beanie Babies Today?
New designs can be found at Ty.com, as well as at major retailers like Walmart and Target, and specialty stores nationwide. And yes, vintage Beanies are still alive and well on resale sites like eBay.
Want to see the latest releases, find out which Beanie shares your birthday, or rediscover an old favorite? Start exploring at Ty.com, the home of the original Beanie Babies.