Identification
How to date your beanie from its hang tag and tush tag, and why the generation matters so much for value.
Every Ty beanie was made with two tags. The hang tag is the heart-shaped cardboard tag attached to the ear. The tush tag is the fabric label sewn into the seam. Ty changed the design of both many times, and each design is called a generation.
Because a character could be produced for years, the same beanie may exist with several tag generations. The earliest ones were made in the smallest numbers, which is why they are usually worth the most.
| Generation | Approx. years | How to recognise it |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1993–1994 | Single, non-folding tag with a thin “ty” logo. |
| 2nd | 1994–1995 | Folds open like a book; the “ty” lettering is thicker. |
| 3rd | 1995–1996 | Rounded, “bubble” style “ty” lettering. |
| 4th | 1996–1997 | A star appears beside the logo, and poems and birthdays are printed inside. |
| 5th | 1997–1998 | A new, more casual font inside the tag, with the birthday written out in full. |
| Later | 1999 onward | Many further redesigns, including holographic and special-edition tags. |
Dates are approximate and tags were sometimes mixed during production changes. Always confirm with the tush tag.
Beanie Boos use their own hang tags, which changed style over the years and often identify special editions and store exclusives. Keep the hang tag attached and flat: for Boos, tag condition is one of the biggest factors in resale value.