Dream Pets
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Before Beanie Babies, there were Dream Pets. Collectable miniature stuffed animals, made of velveteen and sawdust. Dream Pets debuted in 1957. Originally manufactured by Dakin toys to protect their toy trains, the little critters were popular and soon were a big hit; by the end of the 1970s there were over 200 different friends to collect. In 2004, due to the ever popular retro-craze and the success of the reemerging of icons like Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, Dakin reissued Dream Pets to an adoring public; some of who remembered them from the 1950's, and some of whom discovered the toys for the first time.
In late 2005, Dakin ceased to operate as an independent company. Its assets were purchased by retail chain Big Lots, who pledged to turn the ailing toy company around and feature its plush toy line in Big Lots stores nationwide.
