The first Ty Beanie Babies were Brownie the Bear (later renamed "Cubbie"), Chocolate the Moose, Flash the Orca, Legs the Frog, Patti the Platypus, Pinchers the Lobster, Splash the Whale, Spot the Dog, and Squealer the Pig. These nine original Beanie Babies, known as “The Original 9,” were introduced in 1993 by Ty Warner at the Gatlinburg (Tennessee) Gift Show. They quickly gained attention when showcased shortly after at the World Toy Fair in New York City. Soft, adorable, and small enough to fit in a pocket, book bag, or purse, these plush stuffed animals became an instant hit for both kids and adults.

Specialty gift stores and small retail locations began selling Beanie Babies in early 1994. Though the original nine Beanie Babies are retired, these beanie stuffed animals are still available in numerous styles, from classic bears and puppies to darling sea animals like penguins and seals to safari pals like lions and giraffes. Holiday editions and licensed-character Beanie Babies are also available in their current iteration, including beloved favorites from Disney and Marvel.       

The "Ty" in Beanie Babies stands for Ty Warner, the founder of Ty Inc. Ty Warner is an American businessman and philanthropist who founded Ty Inc. in 1986. Ty Inc. is now the world's largest manufacturer of stuffed plush toys. In 1993, the company’s iconic Beanie Babies made Ty Inc. into one of the most recognizable names in the plush toy industry. The company’s name and the distinctive Ty Heart tag are a tribute to its visionary creator, whose innovative designs revolutionized the world of collectible toys.       

The concept of "retirement" in Ty products, introduced in 1995 with the retirement of Humphrey the Camel, sparked a collecting frenzy that lasted for years. All Ty plush and beanie animals are considered retired when Ty Inc. stops producing that specific style. Official retirement announcements became essential for collectors, driving demand and increasing secondary market value. While Ty Inc. no longer announces retirement dates in advance, you can determine if your Beanie Baby or Ty Plush is retired by checking the official Ty website. Retired Beanie Babies are typically no longer listed in current Ty catalogs or promotional materials, making it important to stay updated with Ty’s releases to track retirement status.