Have a Party with your Bear Day – Nov. 16, 2026

Have a Party with your Bear Day
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Every November 16
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Have a Party with your Bear Day invites everyone to celebrate their beloved teddy bears every November 16. Gather your favorite plush pals, plan a cozy tea party, or host a full-blown bash. It’s the perfect occasion to create new memories and cherish the comfort these furry friends bring.

Want to sponsor Have a Party with your Bear Day? Learn how

Expected Have a Party with your Bear Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that toy retailers and children’s brands often offer special deals on plush toys and party supplies around this time. Look for discounts from major stores like Build-A-Bear Workshop, Target, Walmart, and specialty toy shops. Craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby may also feature sales on party decorations and DIY bear-making kits. Keep an eye out for online promotions from brands such as Gund and Steiff. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 16 approaches.

Platform Guide for Have a Party with your Bear Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PartyWithYourBear. Share short videos of your bear’s party, from planning to the main event, showcasing creative decorations and treats.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HaveAPartyWithYourBearDay. Post heartwarming photos of your teddy bear celebrations, perhaps a ‘bear fashion show’ or a picnic with your plush friends.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TeddyBearParty. Share your party photos and videos in a community album, inviting friends and family to join the virtual fun.

Social Media Tips for Have a Party with your Bear Day

Individuals

Host a small tea party for your teddy bear and other stuffed animals. Prepare tiny snacks, play some music, and capture the adorable moments to share with friends and family.

Creators

Create a 'how-to' guide for throwing the ultimate teddy bear party, complete with DIY decorations, bear-themed recipes, and fun games. Share it across your social channels to inspire others.

Brands

Run a contest inviting followers to share photos of their bear parties using a unique hashtag. Offer a prize package of plush toys or party supplies to the most creative entries.

Top Brands for Have a Party with your Bear Day

  1. Build-A-Bear Workshop

    Founded in 1997 in St. Louis, Missouri, Build-A-Bear Workshop allows customers to create their own custom stuffed animals. It has become a global phenomenon, offering a unique interactive retail experience for children and adults alike.

  2. Gund

    Established in 1898 by Adolph Gund in Norwalk, Connecticut, Gund is one of America's oldest and most prestigious plush toy companies. Known for its high-quality, huggable teddy bears and other soft toys, Gund has been a beloved brand for generations.

  3. Steiff

    Founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff in Giengen, Germany, Steiff is credited with inventing the first teddy bear in 1902. The company is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and collectible limited-edition bears, often featuring a distinctive 'button in ear' tag.

  4. Vermont Teddy Bear Company

    Founded in 1981 by John Sortino in Shelburne, Vermont, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company is known for its handcrafted, American-made teddy bears. They offer unique designs and a 'Bear Hospital' for repairs, emphasizing durability and lasting companionship.

  5. Jellycat

    Established in London in 1999, Jellycat is a popular brand known for its quirky, innovative, and luxuriously soft plush toys. Their distinctive designs and high-quality materials have made them a favorite among children and collectors worldwide.

  6. FAO Schwarz

    Founded in 1862 by Frederick August Otto Schwarz in Baltimore, Maryland, FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest and most iconic toy retailers in the United States. Famous for its grand flagship stores and unique toy selections, it has long been a symbol of childhood wonder.

  7. Disney Store

    The Disney Store, first opened in 1987 in Glendale, California, offers a wide range of merchandise featuring beloved Disney characters. Their plush toys, including numerous Winnie the Pooh and other bear characters, are popular global favorites, bringing magic to fans of all ages.

Have a Party with your Bear Day Hero

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), is the namesake of the 'teddy bear.' In 1902, during a bear hunting trip in Mississippi, Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear cub that had been tied up for him. This act of sportsmanship inspired a political cartoon, which in turn sparked the creation of the first 'Teddy's Bear' by toy maker Morris Michtom.

History of Have a Party with your Bear Day

It is a well-known fact that the term teddy was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who was fondly called Teddy. But the story of how this name came into existence is not widely known. It is said that one fine day, Theodore Roosevelt went hunting with governor Andrew H. Longino near the Mississippi. Some men from President Theodore Roosevelt’s team were hunting a big black bear. After many hours, which involved a dramatic chase with the hounds, the men finally caught the bear and tied it to a willow tree. President Roosevelt was asked to take the final shot and mark the end of the hunt. But President Theodore was a man of honor. He believed that it would not be fair, as he had not made any serious contribution to its capture. Hence, he refused to kill the bear and instead asked his men to do it.

This news quickly spread across Washington. Cartoonist Clifford Berryman made a cartoon depicting the scene of President Roosevelt’s hunting expedition. The bear initially was made exactly like an adult bear, which was later turned into something a bit cute. Morris Michtom, a candy shop owner in Brooklyn, saw this cartoon and was inspired to make a soft toy bear to put up in his shop’s window. This quickly drew the attention of people and soon Michtom opened his toy company where he sold ‘Teddy’s Bear.’ And thus the teddy bear was born.

The teddy bear is one of the most popular toys among kids all around the world. It is a symbol of cuteness and affection, and often it is used as a gift exchange between lovers. The teddy bear has had a great impact on movies and culture. Many cartoon characters based on the teddy bear were made. Have a Party with Your Bear Day was created to encourage kids to spend the day with their teddies and have a good time.

Have a Party with your Bear Day timeline

1902
President Roosevelt Goes Hunting

President Theodore Roosevelt goes hunting and refuses to kill a bear caught by his men, an incident that would feature in a cartoon story.

1903
Teddy's Bear Is Born

Morris Michtom makes the first soft teddy bear toy, inspired by the cartoon in the newspaper.

1907
The Roosevelt Bears

'The Roosevelt Bears' is written by Seymon Eaton.

1990s
Have a Party with Your Bear Day

Have a Party with Your Bear Day is created for the kids to celebrate the day with their teddy bears.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Have a Party with your Bear Day

Local businesses can embrace Have a Party with your Bear Day by hosting special events. Children’s boutiques might offer discounts on plush toys or bear-themed clothing. Cafes and bakeries could feature bear-shaped cookies, cupcakes, or ‘beary’ special drinks. Consider a ‘Bring Your Bear’ day where children get a small treat or discount when they visit with their favorite stuffed animal, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Have a Party with your Bear Day FAQs

When is Have a Party with your Bear Day?

Have a Party with your Bear Day 2026 falls on Monday, November 16, offering a delightful start to the week for celebrating with your cuddly companions.

How many teddy bears are owned in the average American household?

While exact figures vary, it’s estimated that the average American household owns approximately three teddy bears. Many families have even more, reflecting the enduring popularity of these beloved toys.

What is the history behind the teddy bear?

The teddy bear’s origin dates back to 1902, inspired by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s refusal to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip. This event led to a political cartoon and subsequently, toy makers Morris Michtom in the U.S. and Richard Steiff in Germany independently creating the first ‘teddy bears.’

Is Have a Party with your Bear Day an official holiday?

Have a Party with your Bear Day is an unofficial observance, celebrated by enthusiasts and teddy bear lovers worldwide. It’s a fun, quirky holiday that encourages creativity and appreciation for these classic toys.

Have a Party with your Bear Day Activities

  1. Party with teddy

    Have a party with your teddy bear. Or join the party with your kids and their teddy bears by making arrangements for snacks and drinks. Don't forget to give the teddies their share!

  2. Share it on social media

    Let everyone know that you're celebrating this day. Take pictures of you and the kids having a great time with teddy bears, and share them on social media. You can also write articles on Have a Party with Your Bear Day itself and post them online.

  3. Read more about the history of teddy bears

    Improve your knowledge. Read more about the story of the origins of teddy bears; how it was named after President Roosevelt — stories of his dislike of the nickname "Teddy" and other interesting stories associated with it.

5 Facts About Theodore Roosevelt That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. He witnessed Lincoln's funeral

    Roosevelt is said to have attended the procession of Lincoln's funeral as a kid in 1865.

  2. He and Franklin were cousins

    Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt were fifth cousins.

  3. He won the Nobel Prize

    Theodore Roosevelt was the first President to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

  4. He was a great writer

    Theodore Roosevelt was a passionate writer, having written about 35 books in his lifetime.

  5. He suffered a boxing injury

    Roosevelt suffered from a detached retina after a boxing bout.

Why We Love Have a Party with your Bear Day

  1. It gives us a chance to bring out the kid in us

    This day allows us to take a break from being boring adults, and have fun with the kids. This party is a respite from our mundane daily activities. It is a great stress buster.

  2. We spend more time with our kids

    Today we get to spend quality time with the children. We often get too busy with work and careers and forget to spend time with the kids. Having a party with your kids and their teddy bears is the right way to have fun with your little ones.

  3. We improve our knowledge

    Learn something new today. Learn more about the origins of the teddy bear. It also gives us a peek into the life and times of President Theodore Roosevelt, one of the best Presidents of the United States.

Have a Party with your Bear Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 16 Monday
2027 November 16 Tuesday
2028 November 16 Thursday
2029 November 16 Friday
2030 November 16 Saturday