On this page we catch up with and diagnose the search trends on eBay from the previous week. We get our information by matching the top 20 items spiking daily in search trends from eBay itself with other topics currently being searched on outside the eBay walls.
Top Search Trends: Week ending Friday February 17, 2012
Our search trends last week reflected people’s interest in the Grammy Awards show that happened on February 12. People were searching for Deadmau5 costume and Deadmau5 head after seeing Deadmau5 (aka Joel Zimmerman) appear at the Grammys in full costume. We found several of the heads for sale on eBay, including this one, autographed by Deadmau5:
It could be, though, that people were just hoping to find a great costume for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
No sooner had the Super Bowl ended and the Grammy Awards came and gone, than our shoppers’ minds turned toward that great Irish-American tradition, St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day happens on March 17th, and our shoppers wasted no time in getting ready, searching for shamrocks, leprechauns, or simply for St. Patrick’s day decorations. We’ve seen our shoppers get a jump on seasonal events (Christmas decorations in August, anyone?), so this is not a huge surprise. What is interesting is how widespread this once exclusively Irish celebration has become.
Searches for teddy bears are pretty common on eBay, as our shoppers look for great gifts for their kids (either brand new or gently used). But a search for the Steiff Anniversary Teddy Bear took us by surprise, and straight to this listing:
The Steiff 125 Carat Teddy Bear
This special edition bear was created to celebrate Steiff’s 125th anniversary. With a Buy it Now price of over $40,000, we knew there had to be something very special about this bear, so we weren’t surprised when we found this brand new bear was not is atypical. The bear’s fur is made of gold blond silk mohair with gold fibers, and its eyes are two deep-blue sapphires surrounded by 40 flawless diamonds. Finally, the mouth and nose are made of 24-carat gold. As Yogi Bear said, “this is not your average bear!”
We found an interesting story in the listing regarding the Steiff company founder Margarete Steiff, one that has “almost has a fairytale quality.” She contracted polio when she was only 18 months old, but survived, persevered, and learned how to sew and tailor. She started a small clothing business, but when she created an elephant made of cloth for a child, she decided to concentrate on making soft toy animals for other children. “Only the best is good enough for children!” became her motto.
Her nephew created the first teddy bears with moving arms and, eventually, the company’s name became synonymous with high quality plush animals. As the listing notes, everyone loves their cuddly companions with the “Button in the Ear.”
So, we hope that whoever ends up with this magnificent bear remembers to cuddle it from time to time, as well as admire its opulence.
Selected high-value items listed or sold on eBay this week:
Please note this a sample of high-value items on eBay. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a representative list.
- 1983 Ferrari 512BBi Boxer – $105,000
- 2010 Lumenis Lightsheer Duet Laser for Hair Removal – $60,000
- Fine Old Italian Cello by Engenio Degani from 1879 – $52,000
- Jeremy Lin Game Worn Uniform Jersey From first ever New Your Knicks Game – $40,000 (read about more Jeremy Lin items here)
- Vintage Rare Rolex Daytona 6265 from 1970s Complete Set with Box & Punched Paper – $27,861
- Large 40×30 THOMAS KINKADE Original OIL Painting on CANVAS Signed Art Light – $25,000
- Original Charles Schulz Peanuts Strip 1-12-1961 – $20,900
- 500 Silver American Eagle 1oz Coins – 2012 Monster Box of Silver Eagles – $18,800
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so cute!!!
” so we weren’t surprised when we found this brand new bear was not atypical”
I think that you found that the bear IS ‘atypical’.
@Nancy: You are absolutely right, apologies for that error. I have corrected the sentence to give it the right meaning! Thank you.
Oh my Gosh!!!! Santa, Santa, I’ve been avery good girl this year. Could you please bring me one of these teddy bears?
I no longer have my husband with me to snuggle with and this bear would be so nice to snuggle with. And make me not feel so lonely. And remind for my husband.