National Teddy Bear Day is a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved toys in the world—the teddy bear. Observed annually on September 9th, this day is a reminder of the warm memories and the sense of security these stuffed animals provide.
Teddy bears are probably the most common and cherished toys for kids around the globe. These soft, cuddly companions are often a child’s first friend and are found in nearly every child’s bedroom, in all sizes, from tiny ones that fit in a pocket to huge bears that can be taller than the kids themselves.
Did you know there are other 9 teddy bear related national days? I will mention them in the end of this article.
When is National Teddy Bear Day?
Here’s a table with the celebration dates for National Teddy Bear Day from 2024 to 2030:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, September 9 |
| 2025 | Tuesday, September 9 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, September 9 |
| 2027 | Thursday, September 9 |
| 2028 | Saturday, September 9 |
| 2029 | Sunday, September 9 |
| 2030 | Monday, September 9 |
From Presidential Pardon to Plush Icon: The Origin Story of the Teddy Bear
The history of the teddy bear dates back to the early 20th century, and it’s tied to a famous story about U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. In 1902, during a hunting trip in Mississippi, Roosevelt was presented with a bear to shoot, but he refused to kill it because it was tied up and didn’t pose a challenge. This event was depicted in a cartoon by Clifford Berryman, which inspired a Brooklyn shop owner named Morris Michtom to create a stuffed bear that he called “Teddy’s bear.” This marked the birth of the first known teddy bear.
Around the same time, in Germany, a toy maker named Richard Steiff independently designed a similar stuffed bear. Both the American “Teddy’s bear” and the German Steiff bear quickly became popular, leading to the widespread adoption of teddy bears as a must-have toy for children.
As the years went by, teddy bears became a staple in toy collections, loved not just by children but by people of all ages. They are often given as gifts on special occasions like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or when someone needs a comforting friend. Over time, the teddy bear has evolved in design, with different styles, colors, and sizes, but its role as a symbol of comfort, love, and childhood innocence has remained unchanged.
3 Fun Facts About Teddy Bears
Here’s a list of fun facts about teddy bears that you might not know.
1. World’s Largest Teddy Bear Collection
The largest collection of teddy bears belongs to a woman from the U.S. who owns over 8,026 teddy bears, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records.
2. Bear-y Expensive
Some teddy bears are incredibly valuable! The most expensive teddy bear ever sold was a Steiff “Louis Vuitton” bear, which fetched around $2.1 million at auction in 2000.
3. World’s Largest Teddy Bear
The world’s largest teddy bear was made in Mexico in 2019 and measures over 63 feet long! It’s so big that it could easily be mistaken for a small building from a distance.
5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day
Whether you’re a dedicated teddy bear enthusiast or just discovering that today is National Teddy Bear Day, there are plenty of ways to join in the fun. Here are a few ideas for you.
1. Plan a Trip to a Teddy Bear Museum or Factory
If you love to plan ahead, consider visiting a teddy bear museum or factory. Places like the Teddy Bear Museum in Korea or the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in the U.S. offer a fascinating look at the history and craftsmanship behind these beloved toys. You can learn about the evolution of teddy bears and even see rare and vintage bears on display.
2. Host a Teddy Bear Picnic
Gather friends, family, and their favorite teddy bears for a charming outdoor picnic. You can prepare bear-themed snacks, like bear-shaped sandwiches or cookies, and play games like “hide and seek” with the teddy bears. It’s a fun and social way to celebrate while enjoying the fresh air.
3. Teddy Bear DIY Crafting
If you enjoy crafts, spend the day making your own teddy bear or accessories for your existing bears. You can sew a simple teddy bear from a kit or create new outfits, hats, or accessories for the bears you already have. It’s a creative way to make the day memorable and add a personal touch to your teddy bear collection.
4. Read a Teddy Bear Story
Just found out it’s National Teddy Bear Day? No worries! Grab a teddy bear and settle in with a classic teddy bear story. Books like “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne or “Corduroy” by Don Freeman are perfect for a cozy, impromptu celebration. You can even do a read-aloud session with kids or friends.
5. Donate Teddy Bears to a Local Charity
Celebrate the day by spreading some love. You can donate new or gently used teddy bears to a local charity, hospital, or shelter. This is a wonderful way to share the comfort of a teddy bear with those in need, making the day meaningful and special for others too.
Other Teddy Bear Related National Days to Celebrate
Teddy bears are so beloved that they have several special days dedicated to them throughout the year, each offering a unique way to celebrate these cuddly companions. Here’s a list of some notable teddy bear days around the world:
- Winnie-the-Pooh Day (January 18): Celebrated on A.A. Milne’s birthday, this day honors the beloved character Winnie-the-Pooh, one of the most famous teddy bears in literature.
- Teddy Bear Picnic Day (July 10): A day for taking your teddy bear out for a fun picnic with family and friends, inspired by the classic children’s song “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.”
- Bear Awareness Week (First Full Week in October): Although primarily focused on real bears, teddy bears are often included in educational activities during this week, especially for children.
- Teddy Bear Day (October 27 in the U.K.): A similar celebration to the U.S. National Teddy Bear Day, observed in the United Kingdom.
- Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work & School Day (Second Wednesday of October): A fun day encouraging people to bring their teddy bears to work or school, adding comfort and joy to their day.
- National Plush Animal Lover’s Day (October 28): A day to celebrate all plush toys, with teddy bears being among the most cherished.
- International Plush Animal Day (October 28): A global celebration of all plush toys, with a special focus on teddy bears.
- International Hug A Bear Day (November 7): This day encourages people to share warmth and comfort by hugging a teddy bear or a plush friend.
- Teddy Bear Toss (Christmas Season): An event during hockey games where fans throw teddy bears onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal, with the bears being donated to children’s charities.
These special days give teddy bear lovers plenty of opportunities to celebrate their favorite plush companions all year round!
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
