What to Look for When Buying Vintage Care Bears
Care Bears are pop culture icons. In the 1980s, they were everywhere, and many people still collect Care Bears merchandise. If you love these cute stuffed animals, you can find lots of different ones on eBay. Here are some things to look for when buying original Care Bears.
Signs of tears and repairVintage Care Bears have usually been through several children. It isn't uncommon for kids to rip their stuffed toys. When buying a Care Bears plush toy, you should always check the description and the pictures for tears that may have been repaired. Look for apparent stitches on the stuffed animal. Torn or restored Care Bears toys are lower in value, so you should pay attention to this when shopping.
StainsLife is messy, and kids are especially messy. A Care Bears toy can get dirt, grass, juice, and food stains on it quickly. Stains can lower the Care Bears' value. You want a pristine plush to add to your collection, so you need to look for stains. Check the pictures provided and search for differences in color on the fur. Sometimes the stains have slowly settled in over the years, so look closely.
Additionally, some stains are easier to remove than others. Grass stains and grease stains are tough to get out, especially if the stains were acquired years ago. You can figure out the type of stain by inspecting the photo. Grass stains are usually green, juice stains are purple or blue, and grease stains look like dark spots on the stuffed animal. Read the description carefully and consider the age and source of any stains. A stain that can't be removed can destroy the value of your vintage Care Bears.
Signs of moldCloth items are especially susceptible to mold. If they get wet and aren't dried properly, then mold can quickly develop. This mold can be threatening to your health and is difficult to remove. One visible sign of mold is black or green spotting on the Care Bear's plush. Additionally, you should read the description carefully when considering your purchase. If the plush has ever been wet or was stored outdoors, then you should be concerned. With a washing machine and some white vinegar, you can get the mold out, but this damage can affect the Care Bear's value.
Care Bears are fun to collect, but you may wonder, "How much are Care Bears worth?" Check the collector's guides before making your purchase. If you carefully inspect the condition of the stuffed animals and you know their value, then collecting Care Bears can be an enjoyable hobby.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Care Bears.