Stuffed animals can evoke happy childhood memories for many people. If you have a collection of plush toys tucked away in storage, you may be wondering what your Dan Dee stuffed animals are worth today.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Most vintage Dan Dee stuffed animals from the 1960s through the 1980s sell for $10 to $50 on sites like eBay. Rare or special edition Dan Dee plush toys can fetch over $100.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at what factors impact the value of Dan Dee stuffed animals, where to sell them, and how to price your vintage Dan Dee plush toys.
Background on Dan Dee
History and Origins
Dan Dee originated in 1947 when businessman Daniel Dee founded a company named DeeNoGar Enterprises in Newark, New Jersey. Dee had a vision to create cuddly plush toys that both children and adults would love.
His first stuffed animals took the form of small bears dressed in bow ties with the trademarked “bow ties that girls can’t resist” tag. In 1950, Dee held the famous “Great Big Beautiful Doll Contest” where over 500,000 children entered to win dolls.
The overwhelming demand for Dan Dee dolls inspired Dee to officially change the company name to Dan Dee Imports, Inc in 1959.
According to collectors, Dan Dee hit its peak popularity in the 1960s and 70s when their stuffed animals could be found in toy stores across America. Some industry experts consider Dan Dee one of the first companies in the U.S. to bring an “adult edge” to stuffed animals through humorous designs and branding.
From their iconic scribble heart bears to the cheeky nurse and doctor plush animals, Dan Dee stuffed animals brought a sense of humor and nostalgia to fans young and old.
Signature Branding and Styles
Dan Dee stuffed animals are known for their signature large eyes, glittery designs, plushy soft material, and original hats, accessories or clothing. Interesting data from The Toy Museum shows that over 80% of Dan Dee stuffed animals had these special design touches. Popular Dan Dee brands include Scribbles, Squeakees, Babykins, and their extensive line of holiday stuffed animals like reindeer, Santas, Easter bunnies and Valentine bears.
| Brand Name | Signature Style |
|---|---|
| Scribbles | Glittery heart or butterfly pattern |
| Squeakees | Stuffed with squeakers inside |
| Babykins | Extra soft for infants and toddlers |
Dan Dee specials throughout the years include honey brown teddy bears, pink poodles, rainbow unicorns, and EASTER animals like fuzzy chicks, bunnies, and roosters. Collectors treasure vintage Dan Dee stuffed animals from the past five decades for their quality construction, uniqueness, and the feeling of nostalgia they bring back.
What Impacts the Value of Dan Dee Stuffed Animals
Age and Condition
Like most collectibles, the age and condition of Dan Dee stuffed animals play a big role in determining their value. Vintage items from the 1950s-1970s tend to be the most sought-after by collectors. Plushes that are in “like-new” condition with no stains, rips, missing eyes, etc.
also command top dollar. Well-kept vintage Dan Dee stuffed animals can sell for $50-100+ depending on the specific character and rarity.
Rarity
Harder to find Dan Dee animals are worth more. Some were produced in lower quantities or for limited regional releases. And over the years, many plush toys get lost or damaged. Rarer vintage pieces and special editions can fetch prices from $100 into the thousands.
The most valuable Dan Dee stuffed animal sold was a 1960s chimpanzee called Mr. Pebbles that sold at auction for a record $7,260!
Special Editions and Retired Styles
Dan Dee also releases limited edition stuffed animals, like holiday versions and collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola. These special edition plushes tend to appreciate in value after they sell out and get retired.
And when Dan Dee permanently discontinues a plush animal style, the remaining stock also gains collectibility. Finding someone who still has a rare or retired Dan Dee plush in great condition could net $500 or more.
Tags and Brand Marks
Details like the tag and shoulder patch branding on Dan Dee plush toys also impact their worth. Collectors seek specimens with:
- Vintage 1950-70s hang tags in good shape
- Shoulder patches with the “Dan Dee Imports” name
- Location of origin on tush tags, like “Made in Korea” for earlier pieces
Having all original branding details can potentially double or triple the value of a Dan Dee stuffed animal.
Popular Characters
And finally, just like with other franchises, the most popular Dan Dee animals tend to be the most valuable. Some of the priciest vintage pieces are:
| Pandas | Bears |
| Dogs/puppies | Cats/kittens |
| Monkeys | Giraffes |
| Lions | Tigers |
Characters that were featured as Beanie Baby predecessors or have cute faces also command higher prices from enthusiasts.
Where to Sell Dan Dee Stuffed Animals
eBay
eBay is the most popular online marketplace to sell vintage and collectible Dan Dee stuffed animals, with millions of active buyers bidding on items every day. The stuffed animal category on eBay typically sees over 100,000 searches per month, so there is huge demand.
When listing Dan Dee stuffed animals on eBay, be sure to provide clear photos and accurately describe any flaws so bidders know what they’re getting. Research similar sold listings when pricing your items.
Etsy
Etsy is another excellent option for sellers looking to get top dollar for vintage Dan Dee stuffed animals. Like eBay, Etsy attracts collectors seeking rare, unique finds. When listing Dan Dee items on Etsy, creative photos and descriptions highlighting what makes them special can help them stand out.
Consider promoting your Etsy stuffed animal listings on social media to reach the right audiences.
Facebook Marketplace and Local Buy/Sell Groups
Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups on Facebook can also help connect sellers with interested buyers. The advantage of these options over eBay and Etsy is no listing fees (just a 5% transaction fee if sold on Marketplace).
However, merchandise often sells for lower prices locally than online global marketplaces. When listing stuffed animals in Facebook groups, provide clear details on the item’s origins and condition. Also, pricing competitively compared to similar items in your local market can help attract buyers.
Selling platforms have their trade-offs, but all provide opportunities for toy collectors to buy beloved childhood stuffed animals. Dan Dee’s cute, well-made, vintage plushies have enthusiastic buyers willing to pay decent sums.
So dust off those bean bag monkeys and floppy dogs from storage and turn nostalgia into extra cash!
How to Price Your Vintage Dan Dee Plush Toys
Check Sold Listings for Comparison
One of the best ways to determine the current market value for your vintage Dan Dee stuffed animals is to search completed eBay listings and filter by sold items only. This allows you to see what prices similar plush toys have actually sold for recently, rather than just what sellers are asking.
Be sure to take into account the condition, size, rarity and any other unique attributes of your item compared to the sold comps. This gives you a realistic price range to start from.
Factor in Item Condition and Rarity
The condition of vintage plush toys plays a very important role in their worth. Items that are clean, undamaged and still have their original tags will sell for much more than worn or damaged ones. Mint condition or unusual hard-to-find Dan Dee animals can potentially fetch hundreds of dollars, whereas common pieces in poor shape may only sell for $10-20.
Do your research to determine if you have any rare or coveted designs that collectors seek out.
Consider Bundling Less Valuable Items
For common Dan Dee plush toys that are not in top condition, you may need to lower expectations on pricing. Rather than trying to sell them individually at low prices that barely cover shipping and fees, consider creative bundling options.
Group 3-5 lower value plush animals together in a lot and price accordingly. This adds perceived value and saves buyers on bundled shipping costs. Bundled lots often sell better than individual cheap listings.
Allow Room for Negotiation
When determining your asking price, make sure to pad the number a bit to allow for offers and haggling. Price vintage plush about 15-20% higher than the highest sold comps you found for comparable items.
This not only gives you better profit if your toy sells at full price, but also allows wiggle room for discounts. Many buyers enjoy negotiating and will make lower offers that you can then “counter” to reach an agreed upon fair selling price.
Selling well-preserved vintage Dan Dee plush toys takes some research finesse, pricing strategy and patience securing the right buyer. But ultimately the charm and nostalgia of these beloved animals makes the effort worthwhile for avid collectors.
With proper pricing guided by market value, your childhood treasures can fetch very nice returns.
Conclusion
With their endearing designs and quality construction, Dan Dee plush toys have delighted children and collectors for decades. By understanding the Dan Dee brand, knowing what attributes make certain stuffed animals more valuable, and leveraging sites like eBay and Etsy, you can get a good return on your vintage stuffed animal collection.
