Beanie Babies – The Reason I’ll Never Be Rich

When I was growing up I was always upset because my grandma always had these cute cuddly little beanie babies that I so badly wanted to pet and take to the sandbox, but she wouldn't let me claiming that someday they were what would make me rich... I am happy I didn't hold my breath or spend the money she said I would get from these things, because today I found out it wont be happening.

As I got older I began to appreciate the fact that my grandmother held hundreds of poor stuffed creatures captive in plastic tubs in her basement. I figured that they were the perfect thing to have handed down from a relative. Something like old books or antique silverware that had been handed down for generations would make you feel bad if you were to sell it, but beanie babies, who cares.

One small problem... The stuffed toys were all the rage pre-Y2K, and collectors went crazy snatching up as many as they could in the hopes they’d be worth major money in the future, just like grandma. But a look at the 1998 edition of The Beanie Baby Handbook reveals that the toys’ predicted future values were way off.  For instance, in ’98, a Beanie Baby tiger called Stripes was estimated to be worth $1,000 in 2008.  But today, you can get one on eBay for less than 10 bucks.  And an Otter named Seaweed that was supposed to be worth $60 five years ago is now selling for a whopping $2.99.

Looks like instead of a new house from grandma's toys, I will get a trip to Taco Bell. Thanks grandma!