The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a surge in collectible plush toys, often linked to specific dates or symbolic meanings. Among these, Avon’s Birthstone Full O’Beans plush collection stands out as a unique example of combining the collectible craze with the tradition of birthstones. Specifically, the “Gill the Goldfish” plush, released in the year 2000, represents a fascinating, if limited, intersection of toy manufacturing, birthstone symbolism, and millennial nostalgia. This article will explore the details of this collectible, its connection to the year 2000, and its place within the broader context of birthstone-themed items.
A Millennial Collectible
The Avon Birthstone Full O’Beans plush toys were produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These plush animals were not intended to represent traditional gemstones, but rather to embody the spirit of each birth month. “Gill the Goldfish,” released in 2000, was specifically marketed as a Millennium Birthstone. The plush toy is approximately 7 inches long and features all original tags, including rhinestone embellishments. A booklet included with the toy details the fish’s name, birth date, and a poem associated with it.
The collection was produced by Avon, a company primarily known for cosmetics and direct sales, indicating a diversification into the toy market during this period. The toys were marketed through Avon representatives, adding a layer of personal connection to the purchasing experience. The “Full O’Beans” designation refers to the beanbag filling used in the plush, a common feature in collectible plush toys of the era.
Production Details and Availability
The available sources indicate that “Gill the Goldfish” was produced in 2000. The plush is described as being in “GREAT condition,” suggesting that many examples remain in their original packaging. The item number associated with this particular listing is 1755681475. The country of manufacture is China.
The sources also reveal information about the broader availability of these plush toys over time. Listings from online marketplaces show a wide range of years represented in the Avon Birthstone collection, spanning from 1998 to 2019, with peak production occurring between 1999 and 2003. The number of available items from each year varies significantly, with 1996 having the highest number of listings (600) and 1992 having the fewest (2). This data suggests a fluctuating production schedule and varying levels of popularity for different animals within the series.
The Broader Avon Plush Collection
The provided sources offer a glimpse into the wider range of Avon’s Birthstone Full O’Beans plush collection. Beyond “Gill the Goldfish” and “Shelly the Turtle” (produced in 1998), the collection included a variety of other animals. The sources indicate that the collection was popular enough to be listed alongside other collectible plush toys, such as Beanie Babies, on online marketplaces.
The categorization of these items as “Beanie baby, beanbag plush, beanie babies” highlights the overlap between the Avon collection and the hugely popular Beanie Baby phenomenon of the 1990s. Both types of toys relied on limited editions, collectible appeal, and a strong secondary market. The sources also show that the collection appealed to a broad age range, with a recommended age range of 3+.
Manufacturing and Market Trends
The fact that the plush toys were manufactured in China reflects broader trends in toy production during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. China had become a major global manufacturing hub, offering lower labor costs and efficient production capabilities. The reliance on Chinese manufacturing was common across a wide range of consumer goods, including toys.
The popularity of the Avon Birthstone collection coincided with a period of strong consumer spending and a growing interest in collectibles. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a time of economic prosperity in many parts of the world, and consumers had disposable income to spend on non-essential items. The collectible market thrived during this period, with items like Beanie Babies, trading cards, and limited-edition toys attracting large numbers of collectors.
Age Demographics and Collectibility
The recommended age range of 3+ suggests that the Avon Birthstone plush toys were targeted towards young children. However, the collectible nature of the toys also appealed to adult collectors. The inclusion of tags and booklets, along with the limited-edition aspect of the collection, added to its appeal for collectors.
The sources indicate that the toys are still available for purchase today, primarily through online marketplaces. The condition of the toys and the presence of original tags can significantly impact their value. The fact that these items are still being bought and sold decades after their initial release demonstrates their enduring appeal as nostalgic collectibles.
Limited Gemological Connection
It is important to note that the connection between these plush toys and traditional birthstones is largely symbolic. While marketed as “birthstone” items, they do not represent specific gemstones with associated gemological properties. The association is based on the idea of aligning each animal with a particular month of the year, mirroring the traditional birthstone chart.
The inclusion of a poem with “Gill the Goldfish” suggests an attempt to imbue the toy with a deeper meaning, but this meaning is primarily literary and symbolic rather than gemological. The reference to Deuteronomy (ch. XXVIII, v. 5) within the listing is unclear and does not appear to have a direct connection to the toy or its birthstone symbolism.
Conclusion
Avon’s Millennium Birthstone Full O’Beans plush collection, exemplified by “Gill the Goldfish,” represents a unique and nostalgic artifact of the late 1990s and early 2000s. While not directly related to traditional gemology, the collection tapped into the popular trends of birthstone symbolism and collectible plush toys. The toys were manufactured in China and marketed through Avon representatives, reflecting broader economic and retail trends of the era. Today, these plush toys remain popular among collectors, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of toy manufacturing and millennial nostalgia. The limited information available highlights the need for further research into the full scope and cultural impact of this unique collectible series.