As with most successful ventures, Boyds Bears began when an individual fell in love with an idea. Such ideas usually grow out of a hobby or something learned along the way. (That's the way Jeannie's Cottage began, by the way.) For Boyds, it began when Boyd's "Head Bean," G. M. Lowenthal, opened an antiques shop in rural Maryland. G.M. went into the business with Justina Unger (who is now his wife). At first the couple just sold antiques, but then began to produce a line of products that had the look and feel of antiques, but not the high price. And the idea took off. In 1987 the couple moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Their unique lines of products were very popular and their business continued to grow. Today the many lines of Boyds products continue to delight collectors young and old all over the world. Jeannie's Cottage is proud to be able to offer a variety of them to our customers. Enesco purchased the rights to produce Boyds Bears in 2008 and then discontinuted the line in 2014. Though discontinued, they are still popular collector items. All  our Boyds items are still brand new and never used.