"I Dream of Beanies!"
by
Deena Resnickoff, Canada

I can't pass by a gift shop without feeling an overwhelming urge to browse through their selection of Beanie Babies. It's as if all the missing members of the Beanie Baby family I'm collecting are calling to me to come in. After I make my selection and approach the cash register the bills I've yet to pay flash in front of my eyes. I put the Beanie Baby back on the shelf and leave the store wishing I could bring it home. "Next time" I reassure myself. I'm finally able to understand how my kids feel when I tell them the same thing.

If you're dreaming of adding a new Beanie Baby to your collection but are also faced with the reality of bills, bills and more bills why not enter some Beanie Baby contests? The web offers many contesting opportunities for Beanie Baby collectors. None require much time or effort. As in any contest there are a few very important rules to follow to ensure that your entry will be added to the draw and not discarded.

1. Read all the rules and fine print. I can't emphasize this enough. If you don't understand them write to the webmaster to clear up any confusion. You should reconsider entering if they don't answer.

2. Follow the rules. Your entry will be discarded if you don't. Always give the email address you check most often.

3. Due to constant changes on the internet check whether a contest is still valid before entering. One way is to see when they gave away their last prize. If the last prize winner was in April 1998 then it's safe to assume the contest is no longer valid. Don't waste your precious time.

4. If a contest states you may enter daily, try to confirm whether that means once a day or every 24 hours. I keep an organized list of the daily Beanie Baby contests I enter . Begin with the first contest you enter and the actual time that you entered. Then continue to list the rest along with the times you entered. A list like this allows you to be organized, preventing you from entering a daily Beanie Baby contest before 24 hours are up. If I don't keep a list like this I spend more time trying to remember when I entered the previous day then actually entering the contests. I like to use a green pen for good luck!

1. Visualize yourself winning a Beanie Baby. Positive thoughts bring positive actions. Don't think of yourself as a loser! One day you'll win. Persevere. If you don't enter you can't win.

2. If you feel you're on a "losing streak" make a list of the things you've won in the past, even if it was a hamburger at a local fast- food restaurant.Refer to this list when you're frustrated; wondering why you enter and "never" win. I've felt the same way. It helps to think of yourself as a winner. You are!

3. Beanie contests are supposed to be fun. A Beanie Baby isn't as costly as a new car or an "all expense paid trip to Jamaica". Go ahead, buy a Beanie Baby AND keep entering contests.

When I first started searching the net for Beanie Baby contests I'd happily click onto a contest site only to discover it wasn't open to those of us who live in Canada. The following list of Beanie Baby contests appear to be open to Beanie Baby collectors residing in Canada and the US. Others should ask the webmaster before entering. Of course your first entry on your quest to win a Beanie Baby should be at:

Take a chance. It won't cost you anything and you'll have something to dream about. Even adults need to dream. What better to dream about then a Beanie Baby!

Good luck! May all of your Beanie Baby dreams come true.

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