Teddy Day
Huggable, soft companions that bring comfort and warmth to people of all ages, embodying timeless affection and solace.
Huggable and squeezable, teddy bears offer a delightful way for children (and adults!) to find comfort and affection from these fuzzy, cuddly creatures.
Show some special love to someone in honor and celebration of Teddy Day!
Teddy Day Timeline
November 14, 1902
Roosevelt’s Mississippi Bear Hunt
President Theodore Roosevelt refuses to shoot a captured black bear on a hunting trip near Onward, Mississippi, an act of sportsmanship that later inspires the naming of the teddy bear.
November 16, 1902
“Drawing the Line in Mississippi” Cartoon
Political cartoonist Clifford Berryman publishes “Drawing the Line in Mississippi” in The Washington Post, depicting Roosevelt sparing a bear and cementing the association between the president and a bear in the public imagination.
1902–1903
Michtoms Create “Teddy’s Bear”
Brooklyn shopkeepers Morris and Rose Michtom sew a stuffed bear inspired by Berryman’s cartoon, display it as “Teddy’s Bear,” and, with Roosevelt’s permission to use his nickname, spark America’s first commercial teddy bears.
1903
Steiff’s Jointed Bear Debuts in Germany
German toymaker Richard Steiff introduces an articulated mohair bear for the Steiff company, shown at the Leipzig Toy Fair, helping launch the teddy bear as an international soft toy phenomenon.
Early 20th Century
Teddy Bears Become Children’s Comfort Toys
Within a few years of their invention, teddy bears spread across Europe and North America as beloved bedtime companions and gifts, symbolizing affection and security for children.
Mid–Late 20th Century
From Toys to Collectibles and Cultural Icons
As designs evolve and early examples gain value, teddy bears become prized collectibles, appear in literature and media, and come to represent nostalgia, love, and emotional comfort for both children and adults.
1997
Build-A-Bear Popularizes Customized Teddy Bears
Maxine Clark opens the first Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Saint Louis Galleria, pioneering an experiential retail model where guests design and build personalized teddy bears, reinforcing the bear’s role as a deeply individual comfort object.
How to Celebrate Teddy Day
Looking for some interesting ways to show appreciation for and celebrate this delightful day? Consider some of the following ideas for getting involved with Teddy Day:
Hug a Teddy Bear
Every child enjoys a toy, doll or stuffed animal that they can love and show affection to, and Teddy Day is just the time to feature this kind of fun!
On this day, kids can be encouraged to get their stuffed animals out and give them a little squeeze, play with them, or even have a tea party with them.
It’s a delightful opportunity for children to bond with their beloved toys and make a special time out of it!
Gift a Teddy Bear
Those who want to follow along with the traditions of Teddy Day may want to celebrate by gifting the person they love with a delightful little stuffed animal to cuddle.
Those who know that their loved one’s world is already filled with enough teddy bears might want to exchange the actual animal for a cute picture of one included on a greeting card or some others. After all, it’s really the thought that counts!
Another option for making a gift on Teddy Day for someone who already has a teddy bear might be to head over to a Build-a-Bear or some other shop that features stuffed animals and create an outfit that can be gifted.
Themed outfits for teddies are available in a huge range, from occupations like doctors and nurses to licensed characters from films and shows. It’s a fun way to say you care – and to get that sweet little bear all dressed up!
Donate a Teddy Bear
Those in families whose children have a large number of stuffed animals and teddy bears might want to take this day as an opportunity to make a donation of some of those gently-used toys to a charitable organization.
These beloved toys and teddy bears will find their way to the home of a child who may have experienced loss and can find some solace on Teddy Day and all around the year.
Try Out Some Teddy Costumes
Some folks might want to go all out and dress themselves up on Teddy Day. An alternative option might be to dress up a baby or child in bear’s ears.
Or, even better, some pet shops sell cute little dog costumes and dressing up a puppy as a bear in honor of Teddy Day might be just the cutest thing!
Learn About the Name of the Teddy Bear
For more than a century, the Teddy Bear has been a feature in children’s toy chests and even a friend to cuddle while they sleep at night.
But some people aren’t aware that the name of this famous bear came from a unique situation that happened with a former president of the United States.
Theodore Roosevelt was well-known for his love of the outdoors, nature and conservation. Giving a great deal of attention to environmental efforts, Roosevelt even had a national park named after him.
Back in 1902, the story goes that Teddy was out on a hunt when he was the only one from the group who didn’t get a shot.
Taking pity on him, the fellows from the hunting party tied up a small bear to a tree so that Roosevelt could shoot the bear and not go home defeated. But he took pity and refused to shoot the bear, saying it was unsportsmanlike.
Once the story got out, a New York toy shop owner that was selling stuffed bears at the time, gave their bears the name “Teddy” in honor of the president – and the cute little name stuck!
Teddy Day FAQs
Why were teddy bears invented?
Teddy bears were invented in 1902 in honor of US President Theodore Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a bear that was tied to a tree during a hunt.[1]
Can teddy bears be recycled?
There is not a great way to recycle stuffed animals like teddy bears, but they can be taken to a local animal shelter to be used as toys.
Do teddy bears have tails?
While actual bears do have tails, some teddy bears also do but other makers may not give teddy a tail.
How did Teddy Roosevelt die?
US President “Teddy” Roosevelt died in his sleep, likely due to pulmonary issues with underlying rheumatism.[2]
History of Teddy Day
As part of the week of love or Valentine’s week, Teddy Day is celebrated on the fourth day before Valentine’s Day.
This day was established as an opportunity to show the people in your life how much they are loved, particularly through the gift of a small teddy bear or other stuffed animal.
It is a fun way to get connected with gift-giving, show that you care, and even get creative with the celebration time during these darker days of winter.
Other days that are involved with the Valentine’s week celebration of love include Rose Day, Kiss Day and several others.
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