Instructions
Check the tag. If it doesn't say Ty, forget it. Ty made the original Beanie Babies. Look for the words first generation; these toys have the most value. Also, the value goes up for those sporting a clear plastic tag protector.
Don't let toy price guides fool you. They will list some Beanie Babies for hundreds of dollars, but finding someone willing to pay that much is almost impossible now that the craze is over.
Browse the Internet for your best chance of finding a Beanie Baby lover who's trying to round out a collection. Otherwise, find a flea market seller who will give you a few dollars apiece for the items in your collection.
Give the toys to a local hospital or children's shelter. The pleasure you'll get from watching kids enjoy the toys is reward enough.