About 10 years ago, my dad and I got into the Beanie Baby business. We had a small store and got in on the craze. The Beanies were so cute, but I couldn't believe how many people, young and old, who collected the furry little varmints. Beanies ranged from cats and dogs to elephants and lady bugs, and they all had cutsie names. Some of the beanies were very rare and worth a lot of money. I have to admit I collected a few of my favorites, which were usually cats and dogs. The most recent addition to my collection is Cargo.

Price and Availability

Once a new Beanie is introduced, it runs its course, and then is retired. That's how some of the original Beanies became worth so much money. If you're familiar with Beanies, think "Dark Blue Peanut" the elephant. I knew a guy who had one of those and was asking $1500 for it. There were some other pricey Beanies, but these days they aren't in high demand. I usually find one I like in a bin at Walgreens, and buy it. That's how I found Cargo. He was sitting in a bin on the end cap of an aisle at Walgreens Drug Store. He was so cute that I couldn't pass him up. Sometimes I find them at local specialty stores or at the card stores. The price is typically $5-6, although I've seen them online listed for $8. I got Cargo at Walgreens for $5.99.

About Cargo

Cargo is a solid white, furry puppy with small, floppy ears and big brown eyes. He has a small tail a little less than an inch long that sticks straight out. Like all Beanie Babies, Cargo has a heart-shaped tag stuck to his ear with his name and date of birth displayed. Cargo's birthday happens to be December 19, 2006. Each Beanie has a little poem inside their tag. Cargo has the following message in his tag:

"Other dogs may like some kibble
Not Me, I won't even nibble
So if you have some time to bake
I'd really like a chocolate cake"

Overall

The Beanies have become cuter over the years. They more closely resemble real animals. The dogs and cats of yore Beanie were very floppy and though they were cute, they were not very realistic looking. Cargo is has sturdy limbs and can even stand up on his own 4 feet, which is not something you could expect from older Beanies. The cuteness factor is way up there also because someone who didn't know better might think he was real from a distance. These pets are great for children or collectors.





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5.99
Type of Toy: Stuffed Toy
Age Range of Child: Whole Family