Ty Beanie Babies Hang Tags & Tush Tags Expert Guide

Unveiling the Mystery of Beanie Baby Tags

Understanding the intricacies of Beanie Baby tags can significantly impact the value of your cherished collectibles. Did you know that without a tag, the average Beanie’s worth can plummet by over 50%? That’s why delving into the details of their tags is crucial for any enthusiast.

Beanie Babies sport two types of tags: swing tags, also known as “heart tags,” and tush tags, the ones attached to the rear end of your plush companions. These tags have undergone numerous transformations over time, leading to the identification of various “generations.” Currently, there are 15 generations of swing tags and 13 generations of tush tags, including a distinct Canadian tush tag variant and the elusive Beanie Babies with embroidered tush tags.

Ever pondered the prevalence of tag errors? From the inception of tags, spelling mistakes, date inaccuracies, and even name alterations have occurred, adding layers of complexity to the Beanie Baby tag universe. Dive into the Tag Errors section to unravel common spelling blunders and other intriguing tag mishaps! The bottom line is this… errors, spelling mistakes, date issues, name issues, etc DO NOT increase the value of Beanie Babies as the errors were mass produced.

Beanie Baby Hang Tags vs Beanie Baby Tush Tags

Quite simply, Beanie Baby Hang Tags are the swinging heart tags that are world famous. They are synonymous with Ty and Beanie Babies and they’re easily spotted by pretty much anyone over the age of 30. Hang Tags may otherwise be referred to as swing tags, heart tags, ty tags, or hang tags.

Tush Tags are white printed tags that are attached to the rear of Ty Beanie Babies. They are typically white and red although some of the older generations have black text printed tush tags. These tags are not attached by plastic but rather are sewn directly onto the beanie baby.

Some Beanie Babies, most notably Canadian Beanie Babies, have two tush tags. All Canadian Beanies have the normal tush tag, and then a larger Canada-specific tush tag. This was due to country specific manufacturing requirements.

Ty Beanie Baby Hang Tag Generations

Exploring the Evolution of Beanie Baby Swing Tags

1st Generation Heart Tags:

In the early months of 1994, the first-generation heart tags made their debut on Beanie Babies. These tags, characterized by what collectors call the “Skinny Ty,” were unique in that they were single tags that did not open like a book. The tag featured the style number, name, and other Ty information printed on the back. Notably, 1st generation Beanies were manufactured in Korea or China. Additionally, Beanie Babies with 1st generation hang tags in the UK sported a special sticker affixed to the backside.

Rare Pre-Generation Tags:

Certain early tags in the UK were rectangular in shape, specially crafted to comply with UK plush laws, necessitating the presence of the “CE” mark. This mark indicates compliance with European safety standards, ensuring free movement of goods within the European Union. These rare pre-generation UK tags were exclusive to the original nine Beanie Babies.

2nd Generation Heart Tags:

Spring of 1994 ushered in the era of 2nd generation heart tags. These tags, often referred to as the “Double Tag,” retained the “Skinny Ty” but now opened like a book. They featured information about the Beanie’s original distribution location on the inside left and the Beanie’s name, style number, and TO/FROM section on the inside right. Some variations of the 2nd generation tags lacked the TO/FROM section, instead featuring copyright and care data. Notably, some 2nd generation tags had “Handmade in China” covered with a sticker reading “Handmade in Korea.” These tags were exclusive to Beanies with 1st generation tush tags from 1993.

3rd Generation Heart Tags:

Spring of 1995 introduced the 3rd generation heart tags, which continued the trend of opening like a book. These tags were distinguished by the fatter “bubble font Ty logo” and a slightly rounder shape. They featured trademark symbols and Ty’s corporate addresses on the inside left, along with manufacturing details. The backside now included a warning to remove the tag before giving it to a child, along with a barcode and the “CE” mark. There were four different versions of the 3rd generation tags, each with unique features and appearances.

4th Generation Heart Tags:

Spring of 1996 saw the arrival of the 4th generation heart tags, which closely resembled the third version but with notable additions. A yellow star declaring “BEANIE ORIGINAL BABY” was added, and the “Ty” logo was slightly reduced in size, with gold trim removed. The inside right of the tag now included the Beanie’s birthday, a poem, and Ty’s website address. These tags featured six different variations, each with distinct elements and manufacturing details.

5th Generation Heart Tags:

At the beginning of 1998, the 5th generation heart tags emerged, bearing similarities to the 4th generation but with notable font changes. The comic sans font was used both inside and outside the tag, and the inside left featured a registered trademark symbol. Address lines were updated to reflect Ty’s corporate entities in the USA, Europe, and Canada. Some 5th generation tags had spelling errors, notably “Surface” misspelled as “Suface,” which were later corrected with stickers or revised tags.

6th Generation Heart Tags:

March of 2000 marked the introduction of the 6th generation heart tags, notable for the replacement of the yellow star with a holographic star bearing “2000” in yellow font. The inside left listed the four Ty distribution areas: Ty Inc., Ty Canada, Ty Europe, and Ty Japan. European versions of the tag specified “Ty Europe Gosport, PO13 OFW.” Changes included a smaller font for the Beanie’s name, birthday, and poem, along with a new safety warning and smaller barcode on the back. These tags exclusively accompanied 9th generation tush tags. Additionally, special editions like the Zodiac Series Tags, 2000 Holiday Teddy Tag, Periwinkle and Sunny’s e-Beanie tags, and Ariel’s tag were considered 6th Generation. Only Issy from the New York Four Seasons Hotel had a 6th generation hang tag, while others had 8th or 9th generation tags.

7th Generation Heart Tags:

Exclusive to the UK (European), 7th generation heart tags mirrored the 6th generation but featured “Ty Europe Gosport, PO13 OFW” on the hang tag. The only other difference was the inclusion of “BEANIES” written across the yellow star.

8th Generation Heart Tags:

Beginning in early 2001, 8th generation heart tags sported a new look on the front, with “BEANIE BABY” encircling a small holographic star in the top right corner. The remainder of the tag resembled the 6th generation. These tags were paired with 10th generation tush tags.

9th Generation Heart Tags:

Introduced in July 2001, 9th generation heart tags mirrored the 8th generation but with “BEANIE BABIES” around the star instead of “BEANIE BABY.” Notable inclusions were Rescue & Courage, sold online to raise funds for the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, and America the Beanie Baby. These tags accompanied 10th generation tush tags.

10th Generation Heart Tags:

December 27, 2001, saw the introduction of the 10th generation hang tag, coinciding with the announcement of new 2002 January Beanies. Around August 2002, a second version appeared, featuring Ty Australia and Ty Asia on the inside left. These tags were paired with 11th generation tush tags, which could bear the date 2001 or 2002.

11th Generation Heart Tags:

In 2003, the arrival of the special Ty MasterCard Anniversary edition Beanie Baby bear heralded the introduction of the new 2003 tags. These tags prominently featured a “10 years” slogan on the front, commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Beanie Babies. Notable changes included a bolder font for the www.ty.com on the right inside portion and the removal of the “Handmade in China” inscription from the inside left. Additionally, Beanies arriving in Canada from the USA during Ty Canada’s transition had a special Hang Tag attached to their regular heart tag to comply with Canadian plush toy laws.

12th Generation Heart Tags:

In 2004, a new hang tag design debuted, signaling the end of the 10th Anniversary celebrations. Alongside new tags for US and Canadian Beanies, the UK received new tags, a significant update after many years. The UK tags were dubbed 13th generation tags, marking a fresh start for Beanie Baby tagging in the region.

13th Generation Heart Tags:

The first Beanie Babies of 2005 showcased new tags, with separate versions for the UK market. UK tags differed by featuring only “Beanies” on the front, deviating from the “Beanie Babies” branding seen on other tags.

14th Generation Heart Tags:

In this iteration, the star on the front of the hang tags shifted to sit beneath the center of the word “Original.” While Europe-tagged Beanie Babies only displayed “Original Beanies,” US-tagged Beanie Babies retained the “Original Beanie Babies” branding on the front.

15th Generation Heart Tags:

A white star now adorned the left side of “BEANIE BABIES” on the 15th Generation UK tag, adding a subtle yet distinct visual element to the tag design.

As Beanie Baby tagging continued to evolve, each generation brought fresh updates and nuances, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of Beanie Baby collecting.

Ty Beanie Baby Tush Tag Generations

1st Generation Tush Tags: These original black and white Beanie tush tags, bearing copyright dates of 1993 or 1995, typically accompany Beanies with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation heart tags. Variations may include “For Ages 3 And Up” or the CE mark, with manufacturing origins in Korea or China.

2nd Generation Tush Tags: Characterized by a large red heart with “ty” inside and a ® symbol, these tags lack the Beanie’s name. Versions feature copyright dates of 1993 or 1995, alongside “Made in China” or “Made in Korea.”

3rd Generation Tush Tags: Featuring “The Beanie Babies Collection” at the top, these tags include a smaller heart with ® symbol and the Beanie’s name. With copyright dates ranging from 1993 to 1996, they are made in China or Korea.

4th Generation Tush Tags: Initially resembling 3rd generation tags with added stars, these bear copyright dates of 1993, 1995, or 1996, and may indicate “HANDMADE IN CHINA” or “HANDMADE IN KOREA.”

5th Generation Tush Tags: Introduced in October 1997, these tags feature “The Beanie Babies Collection” with ® symbol and ™ after the name. They can bear dates from 1993 to 1996 and manufacturing origins in China or Korea.

6th Generation Tush Tags: Launched in January 1998, these tags alter trademark placements and incorporate PE or PVC pellets indication. Variants may include a red Chinese stamp indicating the production factory.

7th Generation Tush Tags: Debuted post-January 1999, these tags showcase a morphing hologram above the Beanie’s name and a heat-activated disappearing ink symbol. Notably, they lack the Chinese stamp.

8th Generation Tush Tags: These tags are similar to the 7th generation but transition to a non-loop format.

9th Generation Tush Tags: Introduced in March 2000, they revert to a loop format and feature a hologram with alternating “ty” and star reflections, alongside a disappearing heart.

10th Generation Tush Tags: Released in January 2001, these tags sport a complex hologram background with diagonal lines and thin-lined designs of hearts and stars.

11th Generation Tush Tags: Unveiled on December 27, 2001, they feature a hologram of a bear embracing a heart. Dates can include 2001 or 2002.

12th Generation Tush Tags: Starting in 2002, they exhibit minor changes from the 11th generation, such as smaller hearts and stars. Version two was introduced with HERO and Peace 2 in April 2003.

13th Generation Tush Tags: Introduced in July 2003, they boast a red foil design and can bear copyright dates of 2003 or 2004. UK versions differ in address details.

Canadian Tush Tags: Required for Beanies distributed in Canada, these tags underwent a thinning change in 2002 with the introduction of Kanata.

Embroidered Tush Tags: Rare and rumored to be a mistake, these tags, bearing a 1994 date, are found on Ty Classic Animals with second-generation hang tags and Canadian tush tags.

Ty Beanie Baby Hang Tag & Tush Tag Possible Combinations