All Beanie Babies have two labels or 'tags' as they are known. One heart-shaped tag which hangs from their ear (or other body part) and one smaller tag attached to their bottom. These are respectively known as the 'hang' (or 'swing') tag and 'tush' tag.

These tags can help date or age a beanie as they have evolved over time. If a tag is missing or damaged it will reduce the value of a Beanie.

Hang tags are the most likely to be missing (especially from early Beanies) and can reduce the value of the Beanie by up to 50-75%. Even damaged tags will reduce the value of a Beanie - a small imperfection will knock off 5% of the value. A more obvious imperfection such as a small tear or crease will knock off 10-15%. Obvious creases, tears, discolouration or residue of price tags can decrease value by 25-30%. A missing hang tag will cut the value by half, and Beanie missing both hang and tush tags will only be worth a quarter of his original value. Serious collectors will purchase 'tag protectors' small plastic lockets to fit over the tags - these are available in a variety of styles - including official Ty tag protectors. More unusual, but also available, are the tush tag protectors. These are a small "T" shaped piece of plastic which fits inside the loop and a small plastic pocket that slips over the tag.

Obviously, the more valuable a Beanie the more important it is to protect the tags.

In order to value or age your Beanie use these guides to hang and tush tags.