Owlivia the Purple Owl, and a Word on Caring for Collectable Boos

Meet Owlivia. She is a wide-eyed purple owl with a shimmering golden beak and sparkling green eyes. She may be nocturnal, but she is more than happy to snuggle in all night.

Owlivia is a Ty Beanie Boo, approximately 15 cm tall, and she is $11.99 at Beanie Boos Australia. Like every Boo, she comes with her own tag poem and a birthday. Hers is August 10, in case your household celebrates such things. Plenty do.

Beanie Boos sit in an interesting spot. Some are cuddled flat. Some are collected and displayed. Owlivia will happily do either, but if yours is joining a collection, a little care goes a long way. Here is what we suggest.

Protect the tag. For collectors, the heart-shaped hang tag with the poem is part of the piece. Slip a small tag protector over it, or at least keep the toy away from grabby hands if the tag matters to you. A bent tag cannot be unbent.

Mind the eyes. Those big glittery eyes are what make a Boo a Boo. Keep them away from anything abrasive, and dust them with a soft dry cloth rather than anything damp.

Clean gently. Boos are surface clean only. A barely damp cloth with mild soap on the fur, worked softly, then a full air dry. No machines, no dryers, no exceptions.

Watch the sun. Purple fades. A display shelf out of direct sunlight keeps Owlivia's colour rich for years. A windowsill will slowly wash her out, and you will not notice until it is done.

For the snugglers rather than the collectors, relax. Boos are made to be loved, and a well-hugged Owlivia with a crinkled tag has its own kind of value. There is no wrong way to enjoy her.

Beanie Boos Australia is locally owned and family run. We sell genuine, new Ty product sourced through the authorised Australian distributor, at RRP.

Owlivia is waiting at www.beanieboosaustralia.com.