The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a surge in collectible plush toys, and among these, Avon’s “Full O’ Beans” series holds a unique place, particularly the line marketed as birthstone collectibles. While not representing traditional gemstones in a gemological sense, these beanbag plush toys, specifically “Rembrandt the Bear” representing January, became a popular item for collectors and gift-givers around the year 2000. This article will explore the context of these collectibles, their association with birthstones, and their presence in auction and resale markets, based on available documentation.
The primary sources detailing these items center around auction listings and online resale platforms. These sources indicate that the “Full O’ Beans” series was a limited-edition collection released by Avon in 2000, coinciding with the turn of the millennium. The items are described as “complete sets” and “vintage collectibles,” suggesting a degree of rarity and desirability among collectors. The focus of available information is largely on the commercial aspect of these items – their sale, condition, and identification – rather than any inherent gemological or historical significance.
A Millennial Collectible
The Avon “Full O’ Beans” birthstone series emerged during a period of significant popularity for Beanie Babies and other collectible plush toys. These items were often marketed as limited editions, driving up demand and creating a robust secondary market. The “Rembrandt the Bear,” specifically designated as the January birthstone edition, is described as a soft, cuddly, beanbag-style bear. The sources emphasize its authenticity as an Avon product from the year 2000, a key factor for collectors.
Auction listings and resale posts frequently highlight the item’s condition, noting whether it is part of a complete set or available individually. The presence of these items in auction catalogs alongside other collectibles, such as Cabbage Patch Dolls, vintage glassware, and cast iron cookware, indicates their categorization within the broader market for nostalgic and collectible items. The listings also detail logistical information such as pickup locations and buyer’s premiums, providing insight into the sales channels for these collectibles.
Birthstone Association and Marketing
The association of “Rembrandt the Bear” with January as a birthstone is a marketing strategy employed by Avon. Traditional birthstones for January are garnet, though other stones have been associated with the month throughout history. Avon’s use of a plush bear to represent the January birthstone is a departure from traditional gemological associations, appealing to a different segment of the gift-giving market. The marketing tactic leveraged the existing popularity of birthstone gifting, applying it to a new product category.
The sources do not provide any information regarding the rationale behind choosing a bear to represent January, nor do they elaborate on any symbolic meaning attached to the bear beyond its role as a collectible plush toy. The emphasis is solely on the item’s identity as an “Avon collectible plush from 2000” and its designation as the “January Birthstone edition.”
Market Presence and Resale Value
Currently, the resale market for these Avon birthstone Beanie Babies appears modest. Listings on platforms like Poshmark indicate a price point of around $10 for a single “Rembrandt the Bear.” However, the value can fluctuate depending on condition, completeness of the set, and buyer demand. The presence of these items in auction catalogs suggests they are often sold as part of larger lots, potentially impacting their individual value.
Auction listings also reveal that these collectibles are often found alongside a wide range of other vintage and collectible items, indicating a broad customer base interested in nostalgic goods. The inclusion of these items in auctions alongside antiques, household goods, and other collectibles suggests they are viewed as part of a larger market for vintage and collectible items.
Context within Larger Auctions
The provided auction catalogs reveal a diverse range of items being sold alongside the Avon birthstone bear. These include cast iron cookware, vintage dolls (Cabbage Patch and others), glassware, furniture, and various household goods. This context suggests that the bear is often sold as part of estate sales or auctions clearing out entire households, rather than being specifically targeted to gemstone or collectible enthusiasts. The presence of items like cranberry glass and vintage teapots alongside the bear indicates a broader appeal to collectors of vintage home décor and collectibles.
Limited Information and Scope
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available sources. The documentation consists primarily of auction listings and resale posts, offering limited insight into the historical context, manufacturing details, or original marketing campaigns surrounding the “Full O’ Beans” birthstone series. The sources do not provide any information about the other birthstone representations within the series, nor do they offer any details about the design process or the intended target audience beyond collectors. The information is heavily skewed towards the commercial aspect of these items – their sale, condition, and identification – rather than any inherent gemological or historical significance.
The sources do not contain any information regarding the materials used in the bear’s construction, its dimensions beyond being described as a “beanbag-style bear,” or any details about the manufacturing process. The lack of detailed information limits the scope of this article to a description of the item’s presence in the resale market and its association with birthstone gifting.
Conclusion
Avon’s “Full O’ Beans” series, and specifically “Rembrandt the Bear” as the January birthstone representation, represents a unique intersection of collectible plush toys and birthstone marketing. While lacking the gemological significance of traditional birthstones, these items gained popularity as nostalgic collectibles around the turn of the millennium. Their current presence in auction and resale markets indicates a continued, albeit modest, demand among collectors and those seeking vintage items. The available documentation highlights the commercial aspect of these collectibles, offering limited insight into their historical context or manufacturing details. The items serve as a reminder of the collectible craze of the late 1990s and early 2000s and the creative marketing strategies employed to appeal to gift-givers.