A Meanie is a small stuffed animal made by Topkat LLC, starting in October 1997 and lasting until 2000. A Meanie is a type of bean bag in the form of a stuffed animal toy. Unlike Beanie Babies, the Meanies line is humorous in nature, and were made to target a younger audience than Beanie Babies, usually by relying on bodily function and gross-out humor.
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History
Meanies were first released in October 1997 with a 12 animal run. They were an attempt by The Idea Factory and Topkat LLC, to capitalize on the Beanie Baby fad by providing a humorous alternative to collectors and a younger crowd. The first line of toys was generally based on bodily function or gross-out humor, including Splat The Road Kill Cat, Fi & Do The Dalmutation a two-headed mutated Dog, and a flatulent Elephant named Bart. Keychain versions of 9 of the Series I Meanies were made available at 7-Eleven stores in 1998. They were small versions of the characters on a small chain with a standard keychain clasp. When a Meanie design ceased production, it was "Exterminated" instead of Retired.
Later lines
Infamous Meanies were takes on celebrities, such as "Donkeyng" for Don King, "Mike Bison" for Mike Tyson, and "Bull Clinton" for then-United States President Bill Clinton.
Meanies "At Large"
A few of the Meanies were made in a larger version in the Meanies "At Large" Series.
Special Giveaways
Some special edition Meanies were given away as collectibles at arena events such as basketball games. They were animal versions of players for the home team, which was either the New Jersey Nets or Philadelphia 76ers.
Other meanies were mail-away offers where collectors could send in tags or proofs of purchase to get a free mystery Meanie in the mail. This was done First with "Fangaroo the Kangaroo" in Series I and then in Series II with "Cubby The Bear", and finally with "Tiger Shark" as a special promotion through Cap'n Crunch.