 Unlike Beanie Babies, the Meanies line is humorous in nature and was made to target a younger audience than Beanie Babies, usually by relying on bodily functions and gross-out humor.Meanies were first released in October 1997 with a 12-animal run.They were an attempt by the Idea Factory and Topkat LLC, to capitalize on the Beanie Babies fad by providing a humorous alternative to collectors and a younger crowd.