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BEANIE BABIES OFFICIAL CLUB

In 1998 Ty partnered with Cyrk Inc. a marketing company in a new venture. The Beanie Baby Official Club (known as the BBOC). Introduced in March 1998 the first 'kit' did not include any Beanie, it was a cardboard case which included a gold membership card (the size and shape of a regular credit card). This card carried a membership number which entitled the holder to go the BBOC website and order Clubby the Bear.

Clubby is the first of the 'Clubby Series' he is dark blue and proudly wears the special BBOC pin on his chest. The first kit was retired in December 1998 and collectors had until March to order their Clubby Bear.
 

After the success of Clubby and the Gold Collectors Kit it came as no surprise when in the following year Clubby II and the Platinum Kit were released. The Platinum kit was a vinyl case which included this time not only the card and other items, but also Clubby II!
 

2000 saw the BBOC release date move from March to the now familiar September. Clubby III was introduced at the same time as Clubby III Buddy. These were available to order by US residents only via a dedicated hotline telephone number. However, after a couple of weeks - and much to the relief on international collectors the Clubbies became available to order online.
 

In 2001 Clubby IV was released. Joined this year not only by the Buddy but also by a Beanie Bopper and  a set of Jingles! Clubby IV (yet again) was only available on-line to US Residents... although the Beanie was to be available at retail. Clubby IV came in 3 variations... the pin was covered by a sticker sporting the Ty logo - and when peeled off would reveal a coloured button, a silver button, a gold button or for the lucky few a button signed by Ty! Clubby IV is only listed once on Ty.com and has a the sticker covering his button.
 

2002 saw the release of  Clubby V who was happily available on both sides of the pond... a came as a set with the Buddy. Collectors received a mail-shot with an order form - and UK collectors contacted Ty Europe direct!
 

2003 and Clubby VI is the last of the Clubby family (so far!). Clubby VI comes in 3 distinct versions the blue and purple 'pot bellied' bear and the rainbow new-faced teddy. Once again, Clubby VI was available to UK collectors by ordering direct from Ty Europe.
 

2004 saw an all new offering from the BBOC. Available to order for existing members was Snips and his 'memory box' and available in the shops was Bits who came in a customisable travel mug! This again provided new collectors with the chance to join the BBOC.
 

2005 saw yet another new offering from the BBOC. After many cryptic clues on the BBOC website members received a mailshot... this year the original 9 were back! Re-released with a BBOC pin attached it was the opportunity for those who missed out the first time round to own the first 9 Beanies!

Read more about the Original Nine from the BBOC here.

2006 saw the return of the Clubby Bear. Clubby VII is a beautiful ty-dye blue/purple colour! Offered on the BBOC website and available with worldwide shipping!

What will 2007 bring from the BBOC? Will it be Clubby VIII? Well, as usual only Ty-me will tell!

Clubby and the first BBOC Kit

 
Clubby IV with the sticker on his button