They’re coming down the stairs. Honestly, if you grew up in the nineties, that theme song is probably already stuck in your head just by reading those five words. B1 and B2—the giant, sentient bananas in blue-and-white striped sleepwear—weren't just a weird fever dream from Australian public broadcasting. They were a global phenomenon. And while the show transitioned from those iconic live-action suits to a CGI version in 2011, the market for bananas in pajamas toys has taken on a life of its own in the vintage toy community.
It’s weird. Toys based on fruits shouldn't have this much staying power.
But B1 and B2 were different. They were mischievous but well-meaning. They lived on Cuddles Avenue. They hung out with teddy bears (Amy, Lulu, and Morgan) and a hat-wearing rat who lived in a shop. It was surrealism for toddlers. Because the show relied so heavily on physical costumes and tactile sets, the toys had to feel "real" to the kids watching. You didn't just want a piece of plastic; you wanted a companion that felt like the character on the screen.
The ABC Origins and the Licensing Boom
The show actually started as a song written by Carey Blyton in 1967. It became a staple on Play School before getting its own spin-off in 1992. When the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) realized they had a hit, the merchandising floodgates opened. This wasn't just a local success; the show was sold to over 70 countries. In the US, it aired on Nickelodeon and later on syndication, which meant American toy giants like TOMY and Hasbro wanted a piece of the action.
Early bananas in pajamas toys were mostly plush. That makes sense, right? You’re dealing with characters whose entire identity is based on being soft, curved, and dressed in pajamas. The early 90s plushies by companies like Golden Bear or ABC’s own branding were often high-quality, featuring the signature felt-like skin and removable pajamas. Some of these early models are the ones collectors hunt for today because the "peel" was actually functional. You could literally unzip the banana skin. It was slightly morbid if you thought about it too hard, but kids loved it.
What Makes Certain Bananas in Pajamas Toys Valuable?
If you’re digging through a bin at a thrift store or scrolling through eBay, you’ll see a lot of junk. But there are specific gems. Collectors usually look for "Talkers." In the mid-90s, the talking plush dolls were the gold standard. They had that pull-string or press-button mechanism in the tummy that would cycle through catchphrases like "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, B1?" and "I think I am, B2!"
Condition is everything here. Because these toys were designed for toddlers, they usually met violent ends involving juice boxes and mud. Finding a 1995 talking B1 with a working voice box and no stains on the white stripes of the pajamas? That’s a legitimate find.
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The Tomy "Action" Figures
TOMY produced a line of smaller, PVC plastic figures and playsets. These were great because they captured the scale of Cuddles Avenue. You had the Rat in a Hat’s shop and the Bananas' house. These small figures are often sold in bundles now. The most common issue with these is the paint rub. The blue paint on the pajamas was notorious for chipping off if B1 and B2 "accidentally" fell down a real flight of stairs.
The Plush Variations
- The "Classic" Plush: Large, usually around 12 to 18 inches. These have the most nostalgic value.
- Beanies: During the Beanie Baby craze, there were smaller, bean-filled versions. They’re cute, but they don't hold value as well as the larger ones.
- Pyjama Cases: Some toys weren't just toys; they were functional. You could store your own pajamas inside a giant B1. It's a bit meta.
Why the CGI Era Toys Are Different
In 2011, the show went CGI. It changed the vibe. The characters looked smoother, more "perfect," and a bit more expressive. The toys followed suit. Companies like Moose Toys took over some of the licensing. These newer bananas in pajamas toys are definitely more durable. The plastic is better, the colors are brighter, and they often include more interactive electronics.
However, if you talk to a hardcore collector, they usually turn their nose up at the CGI versions. There’s a "soul" in the original live-action costumes—with their slightly clunky movements and fixed expressions—that the new toys just don't capture. The vintage toys feel like a piece of TV history. The new ones feel like, well, toys.
The Weird World of Bootlegs and Knock-offs
Because the design of a banana in pajamas is fundamentally simple—it’s a yellow cylinder with limbs—the market was flooded with bootlegs in the late 90s. You’d see them at carnivals and discount "dollar" stores. You can tell a bootleg pretty easily. Usually, the stripes on the pajamas are the wrong shade of blue, or the "face" looks slightly haunted.
Interestingly, there’s a sub-market for these weird knock-offs. Some people find the "off-model" look hilarious. But if you’re looking for a return on investment, stay away from anything that doesn't have the official ABC or licensed manufacturer tags.
Cult Appeal and the "Nostalgia Tax"
Why are people in their 30s and 40s buying these now? It's the "Nostalgia Tax." We’re at a point where the kids who watched the original run have disposable income and, quite frankly, a desire to reclaim a piece of a simpler time.
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There’s also a strange crossover with the rave and festival culture of the early 2000s. You’d often see people dressed as the Bananas, or carrying the plushies around. It became a bit of an ironic icon. This kept the brand alive in the cultural subconscious way longer than other preschool shows like Johnson and Friends or The Hooley Dooleys.
How to Spot a Quality Vintage Toy
If you're looking to start a collection or just want to buy a gift that isn't a piece of modern plastic junk, you've gotta check the tags. Look for the "ABC" logo or "Quality Family Entertainment."
Check the "peel." On the high-end plushies, the yellow "skin" is a different material than the pajamas. The pajamas should feel like a thick cotton or a polyester blend, while the banana itself should have a slight sheen.
Watch out for the voice boxes. If a toy says it "talks" but hasn't been tested, assume the batteries have leaked. Acid corrosion from 30-year-old AA batteries is the number one killer of vintage bananas in pajamas toys. If you're handy with a soldering iron, you can sometimes fix them, but it’s a gamble.
The Practical Side of Collecting
Don't buy these thinking you're going to retire on the profits. They aren't 1950s Barbies or mint-condition Star Wars figures. They are middle-tier collectibles. A rare, boxed set might go for a couple of hundred dollars, but most loose plushies are in the $20 to $50 range.
The real value is in the "set." Finding all the secondary characters is the real challenge. Everyone has a B1 and B2. Almost nobody has a mint-condition Morgan the Teddy Bear or a Rat in a Hat with his original hat still attached. Rat in a Hat toys are notoriously difficult to find in good shape because the tail and the hat were easily lost or ripped off.
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Caring for Your Bananas
If you land a vintage plush, do not—I repeat, do not—throw it in the washing machine. You will ruin the felt and potentially destroy any internal structural foam. Use a damp cloth and some very mild upholstery cleaner. If it smells like a basement, put it in a sealed bag with some baking soda for a week.
For the plastic figures, a simple soak in warm soapy water does wonders. Just avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the paint.
Moving Forward With Your Collection
If you're serious about hunting down these pieces of Australian TV history, start by checking regional eBay sites. Since the show was massive in Australia and the UK, the "good stuff" often pops up on eBay.com.au or eBay.co.uk. You might pay more in shipping, but the variety is significantly better than what you'll find in the US or Canada.
Focus on the 1992–1996 era for the highest quality and most "authentic" feel. Look for the TOMY brand if you want playsets and the Golden Bear brand if you want the best plushies. Avoid the "mini" versions unless you're trying to complete a full set of every variation ever made.
Keep an eye on local "Buy Nothing" groups or Facebook Marketplace. Parents often find these in the back of closets when they're downsizing. They usually have no idea that a specific 1994 talking B1 is a sought-after item. You can often snag a bargain simply because someone thinks they're just "old stuffed animals."
Ultimately, these toys represent a specific moment in children's media where things were a little slower, a little weirder, and a lot more imaginative. Whether you're a collector or just someone who wants to share a piece of their childhood with their own kids, the enduring appeal of two bananas in striped pajamas is a testament to the power of simple, catchy storytelling.
Next Steps for Potential Collectors:
- Verify the Year: Check the tush tag for the copyright date. 1992 is the "holy grail" year for the first run.
- Check Battery Compartments: Always ask for a photo of the inside of the battery compartment before buying a "talking" toy online.
- Identify the Manufacturer: Match the toy to the correct era (TOMY for sets, Golden Bear for plush) to ensure you aren't buying a cheap knock-off.
- Join Community Forums: Look for "90s Toy" or "Australian Nostalgia" groups on social media to find leads on rare character figures like Lulu or Amy.