Beanie Babies (1990s)

Beanie Babies, the small, bean-filled plush toys, became a global phenomenon in the late 1990s. What set them apart was their intentional scarcity, with Ty Inc. retiring certain designs, creating a frenzy among collectors. This artificial scarcity fueled a massive speculative bubble, with people buying Beanie Babies as investments, hoping they would appreciate in value. The toys were inexpensive and widely available, making them accessible to children and adults alike. Their cute designs and the thrill of the hunt made them incredibly popular, appearing everywhere from toy stores to fast-food restaurants. While the investment bubble eventually burst, Beanie Babies remain a symbol of the 90s collecting craze and a reminder of the sometimes irrational exuberance of the era.