Definition
A collectible stuffed animal made by Ty Inc., filled with plastic pellets instead of traditional stuffing, released starting in 1993 with individual names, designs, and retirement schedules that drove a speculative collecting craze.
Example Usage
She still has her 1st edition Princess Diana Beanie Baby in mint condition, hoping its value will continue to appreciate.
Origin
Created by Ty Inc. in 1993 as a small, affordable plush toy line; the name comes from the bean-like pellet filling used instead of traditional polyester stuffing.
Fun Fact
Beanie Babies sparked one of the most intense collecting manias of the 1990s, with some rare versions selling for thousands of dollars at auction; however, the market has largely collapsed, making most retired Beanies worth significantly less than collectors paid.
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