There are lots of different kinds of stuffed bears out there, but none quite as “beastly” as Beasty Bears. Released in 1991 by Tonka—presumably to appeal to the boys market—these eye-offendingly multi-colored monstrosities looked cute and cuddly on the outside, but flip them inside out and you unleashed the beast (“big fangs with claws in their paws”)! Seriously, what kid would not think that’s the best toy ever?
Apparently parents didn’t agree and, according to eBay seller batgrouch, these plush monsters were put out to pasture only a year later. Trademark evidence seems to support this claim as Tonka let their “Beasty Bears” trademark filing lapse only a year after the line’s initial release (September, 11 1992). It’s sad really since virtually no evidence remains that these toys ever existed… trust me, I tried to find some.
Anyone remember having one of these as a kid? Still have one? Send us your pics and we’ll post them to our Facebook page!
Photos by batgrouch
