Welcome to the wonderful world of Ty Beanie Babies, where the adorable meets the collectible. In this comprehensive glossary entry, we’re going to dive deep into one of the most heartwarming aspects of the Beanie Baby universe: the Charity Bears. These special edition bears have not only warmed the hearts of collectors around the world, but have also made significant contributions to various charitable causes.
From the first Charity Bear to the latest, each one tells a unique story. They’re more than just cute plush toys; they’re symbols of hope, love, and generosity. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the Beanie Baby scene, get ready to embark on a journey through the history and significance of these special bears.
The Origin of Beanie Babies
Before we delve into the Charity Bears, let’s take a step back and look at the origin of Beanie Babies. Created by Ty Warner, the founder of Ty Inc., Beanie Babies first hit the market in 1993. These stuffed animals filled with plastic pellets (or “beans”) quickly became a sensation, with their unique design, limited production, and affordable price.
Each Beanie Baby comes with a heart-shaped tag, which includes the toy’s name, birth date, and a four-line poem. This personalized touch adds to the charm of these collectibles, making each one feel special and unique. Over the years, Beanie Babies have evolved, with new lines and special editions, such as the Charity Bears, being introduced.
The First Beanie Babies
The first line of Beanie Babies, known as the “Original Nine,” was introduced in 1993. These included Legs the Frog, Squealer the Pig, Spot the Dog, Flash the Dolphin, Splash the Whale, Chocolate the Moose, Patti the Platypus, Brownie the Bear (later renamed Cubbie), and Pinchers the Lobster. These initial designs set the standard for what Beanie Babies would become: cute, collectible, and filled with personality.
Each of the Original Nine had their own unique attributes, from their colors and shapes to the poems on their tags. This attention to detail quickly caught the attention of consumers, leading to the Beanie Baby craze that would sweep the nation in the mid to late 90s.
The Introduction of Charity Bears
In the midst of the Beanie Baby craze, Ty Inc. introduced a new line of bears that would take the collectible world by storm: the Charity Bears. These bears were created to raise funds for various charitable causes, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going to a specific charity.
The first Charity Bear, named “Princess,” was introduced in 1997 in memory of Princess Diana. The proceeds from the sales of this bear went to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. This set the precedent for future Charity Bears, which would continue to support various causes over the years.
Princess the Bear
Princess the Bear is a beautiful purple bear with a white rose embroidered on its chest. The poem on its tag reads, “Like an angel, she came from heaven above / She shared her compassion, her pain, her love / She only stayed with us long enough to teach / The world to share, to give, to reach.” This poignant tribute to Princess Diana made Princess the Bear a sought-after collectible.
The bear was initially released in December 1997, just a few months after Princess Diana’s tragic death. It quickly sold out, leading to a secondary market where the bears were sold for significantly higher prices. Despite this, Ty Inc. continued to produce Princess the Bear until 1999, ensuring that the memorial fund received a substantial donation.
Other Notable Charity Bears
Following the success of Princess the Bear, Ty Inc. released several other Charity Bears, each supporting a different cause. These bears continued the tradition of combining collectibility with philanthropy, making them a unique part of the Beanie Baby universe.
Some of the most notable Charity Bears include Peace the Bear, which supports various peace organizations; Mother the Bear, which supports breast cancer research; and Hope the Bear, which supports children’s health organizations. Each bear comes with a unique poem and design, reflecting the cause it supports.
Peace the Bear
Peace the Bear is a colorful bear with a peace symbol embroidered on its chest. The poem on its tag reads, “All races, all colors, under the sun / Join hands together and have some fun / Dance to the music, rock and roll is the sound / Symbols of peace and love abound!” This bear embodies the spirit of unity and peace, making it a beloved collectible.
Peace the Bear was introduced in 1997, the same year as Princess the Bear. Its vibrant colors and positive message quickly made it a favorite among collectors. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Peace the Bear goes to various peace organizations, promoting a message of unity and harmony.
Mother the Bear
Mother the Bear is a soft pink bear with a pink ribbon embroidered on its chest, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. The poem on its tag reads, “To mothers who’s spirit was ever so bright / And loved by her children with all their might / To those who simply made it through / This special bear is just for you!” This bear is a tribute to mothers everywhere, particularly those affected by breast cancer.
Introduced in 2002, Mother the Bear supports breast cancer research, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going to this cause. This bear is not only a collectible, but also a symbol of hope and strength for those affected by breast cancer.
Collecting Charity Bears
Collecting Charity Bears is a rewarding hobby that combines the joy of collecting with the satisfaction of supporting worthy causes. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s a Charity Bear for everyone.
When collecting Charity Bears, it’s important to keep in mind their condition and authenticity. As with all Beanie Babies, the condition of the bear and its tag can significantly affect its value. Additionally, beware of counterfeit bears, which are unfortunately common in the Beanie Baby world.
Condition and Authenticity
The condition of a Charity Bear is one of the most important factors in its value. A bear in mint condition, with its tag intact and in good condition, will generally be worth more than a bear with signs of wear or a damaged tag. Additionally, the bear’s tag should include the correct poem and birth date, as well as the Ty logo and copyright information.
Authenticity is another important factor when collecting Charity Bears. Unfortunately, counterfeit Beanie Babies are a common problem in the collectible world. To ensure you’re purchasing an authentic Charity Bear, look for the Ty logo and copyright information on the tag, as well as the correct poem and birth date. Additionally, authentic Beanie Babies are made with high-quality materials and have a certain “feel” to them that counterfeits often lack.
Conclusion
The Beanie Baby Charity Bears are a unique and heartwarming part of the Beanie Baby universe. These bears not only provide collectors with a valuable and adorable addition to their collections, but also support various charitable causes, making them a truly special collectible.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the Charity Bears offer a rewarding collecting experience. So why not start your collection today? You can find a wide range of Charity Bears and other Beanie Babies at MyBeanieBabies.com, your one-stop shop for all things Beanie Baby.
Ready to embrace the joy and generosity of the Beanie Baby Charity Bears? At MyBeanieBabies.com, we’re dedicated to bringing you a delightful selection of these treasured toys. Each purchase not only adds to your collection but also supports a cause close to your heart. From the classic Beanie Babies to the newest Beanie Boos and Buddies, our collection is curated to spark imagination in children and collectors alike. Don’t miss out on our unique toys and childcare items that promise to give your child the best childhood memories. Checkout our plush shop now and find the perfect Beanie Baby to call your own or to give as a gift that keeps on giving!
