Identifying Authentic Care Bears
Collectors should pay close attention to specific details to identify authentic Care Bears. The white tush tag provides valuable information about the bear’s origin. Vintage bears from the 1980s and 1991 were manufactured by Kenner, while newer bears are produced by Play-along Toys. The manufacturing year is clearly printed on both older and newer tags.
Vintage 1980s Care Bears have distinct characteristics:
- Flat, pillow-like appearance
- Fully embroidered tummy symbols
- White paw pads on feet (heart-shaped) and hands (larger bears only)
- Some cubs have hard, non-plush faces and came with baby accessories
The 1991 Environmental Bears feature silky belly fabric with complex tummy symbol designs. In 2002/2003, special 20th anniversary collector’s edition plushes were released, resembling the original vintage bears. To distinguish these, examining the tag is crucial.
Cleaning and Storage Tips
To maintain Care Bears in optimal condition, follow these cleaning methods:
- For lightly soiled bears, a simple wipe down or Lysol spray may suffice.
- For deeper cleaning:
- Submerge the bear in water and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub with a brush or sponge to remove stains.
- For machine washing, place the bear in a pillowcase and use the gentle cycle.
- Hand washing is recommended for older, rarer bears.
When drying:
- Squeeze out excess water without twisting to avoid marks on the body.
- Remove as much soap as possible to prevent a crunchy texture.
- Air dry for multiple days, turning them over and changing the towel underneath.
Preserving Value
To preserve the value of Care Bears:
- Handle with care, especially vintage and rare editions.
- Store in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
- Keep original tags and accessories intact.
- Research market values on platforms like eBay, where prices can range from $60 to several hundred dollars, depending on condition and rarity.
Rarity affects value significantly. While some Care Bear Cousins like the lamb, raccoon, and elephant are relatively easy to find, others are more elusive. The horse and pig are considered among the rarest, with the pig being particularly challenging to locate for sale.
By following these guidelines, collectors can ensure their Care Bears remain in excellent condition, preserving both sentimental and monetary value for years to come.
FAQs
Who were the first 10 Care Bears?
The original lineup of Care Bears includes Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear, and Wish Bear. As time passed, more characters were introduced, including the Care Bear Cousins.
Which Care Bear is considered the most famous?
Among the Care Bears, several are particularly famous, including Tenderheart Bear, Funshine Bear, Wish Bear, Good Luck Bear, Bedtime Bear, Share Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, and Birthday Bear. Love-a-Lot Bear is known for spreading love, while Birthday Bear ensures that every birthday celebration is joyful and memorable.
What significance do the belly badges hold for Care Bears?
Each Care Bear and Care Bear Cousin, except for Oopsy, sports a unique belly badge that represents their personality and powers. In most versions, these badges enable the bears to perform magic spells, the most notable of which is the “Care Bear Stare.” The CGI films from the early 2000s are an exception, where these spells are not featured.
Which Care Bear has a rainbow on its belly?
Cheer Bear, who was introduced alongside the original group in 1982, is recognized by her pink fur and a cheerful rainbow belly badge.
