Beanie Babies were treasures in the 90s. Anyone who had a rare Beanie Baby felt like they were sitting on a pile of gold. But how true was that and what would they be worth if you sold them today? If you’re considering what to do with your collection, here’s what to factor into your decision to keep or sell.
The State of the Beanie Baby Market
If your stockpile of Beanie Babies is collecting dust, you may be asking yourself whether they’re worth anything. The unfortunate reality is that while some Beanie Babies are still worth a lot of money, most have lost a lot of their worth significantly since their original release.
That’s partially because the market quickly became oversaturated and partially because many collectors lost interest in them. Even though many collectibles that evoke nostalgia often sell well, Beanie Babies just don’t seem to have the staying power collectors thought they would.
But that doesn’t mean they’re worth nothing; there are a few things that impact how much return you’d get for a Beanie Baby nowadays.
Rarity and Condition Rein Supreme
Rarity and condition have the biggest effect on how much you might get for your collection. As far as Babies that still have decent value, there are a few worthy of note.
The Princess Diana Bear
Launched in tribute to Princess Diana, this bear is still one of the most coveted Beanie Babies. Depending on condition, it can go for anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
Valentina The Bear
This heart-shaped beauty can be worth $1,000 or more in mint condition.
Garcia The Bear
This bear, named after the legendary musician Jerry Garcia, can be worth between $1,000 to $2,000, especially if it has the rare “tie-dye” pattern.
Bongo The Monkey
Another of the rarest Beanie Babies (and notably the only non-bear entry to our list), it can fetch up to $3,000.
If you own any of these rare Beanie Babies, you might want to consider selling them. However, if your collection consists mainly of common characters, you might be disappointed and find that they are not worth much more than their original retail price.
Should You Hang On to Your Collection?
Some collectors may choose to sell their Beanie Babies, while others see sentimental value in keeping them. The decision to sell or get rid of your Beanie Babies is a personal one, and it comes down to your own personal circumstances and your desire to keep the collection. If you are looking to squeeze out some cash of your collection (even if it isn’t much) or just declutter your life, now may be a great time to figure out what you have and see if it’s worth selling.
That said, it’s probably worth mentioning that while there isn’t necessarily a guarantee they’ll increase in price anytime soon, it doesn’t mean they won’t. But since most of them have dropped in price, we can’t say they’re a sound investment if that’s your sole reason in keeping your Beanie Babies.
