Hug a Bear Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: American Obscure
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November 7
Holiday emoji:: 🧸

Hug a Bear Day encourages everyone to share the warmth of an embrace every November 7. While it’s certainly not about real bears, this day reminds us of the profound benefits of physical affection. Give a big hug to your loved ones, your cherished teddy bears, and spread comfort and love.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Hug a Bear Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that Hug a Bear Day inspires cozy deals. Look for discounts on plush toys and teddy bears from retailers like Build-A-Bear Workshop and Melissa & Doug. Specialty toy stores such as FAO Schwarz and Hamleys often feature promotions on their cuddly collections. Even comfort food brands like Nestlé or cozy apparel brands like PajamaGram might offer themed sales. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for Hug a Bear Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HugABearDay. Share short videos of your favorite teddy bears, creative ways to hug, or heartwarming family embraces.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HugABearDay. Post photos of your beloved plush companions or capture candid moments of hugging friends and family.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HugABearDay. Share stories about your favorite teddy bear or the best hug you’ve ever received.

Hug a Bear Day Hero

Morris Michtom

Morris Michtom, a Russian immigrant and candy store owner in Brooklyn, New York, is widely credited with inventing the 'Teddy Bear' in the United States. Inspired by a political cartoon depicting President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear cub, Michtom and his wife Rose created a plush bear and displayed it in their shop window in 1902, naming it 'Teddy's Bear.' This simple toy quickly became a sensation, leading to the mass production of the iconic stuffed animal.

History of Hug a Bear Day

The origins of Hug a Bear Day are unknown. But the 1560s verb ‘to hug’ was derived from the Old Norse term ‘hugga,’ which meant ‘to soothe.’ The phrase is also said to be related to the German word ‘hegen,’ which means ‘to cherish.’ ‘To enclose with a hedge’ was the original meaning. The teddy bear plushie is also a part of National Hug a Bear Day. The ancient Egyptians are credited with the invention of soft toys.

Although no stuffed toys have been discovered in Egypt, drawings on monuments imply they did have animal toys. Stuffed animals as we know them today were first introduced in 1830, although they were created by hand, out of cloth and straw. In 1880, Germany began producing stuffed animals that were very similar to the cute toys that we still buy today.

In the early 20th century, the toy industry grew tremendously. Richard Steiff created a soft stuffed bear in 1903 that was unlike any other rag doll before it, being composed of fluffy furlike cloth. Morris Michtom, inspired by a drawing of President “Teddy” Roosevelt with a bear cub, produced the first teddy bear at the same time in the United States.

Hug a Bear Day timeline

1560s

First Use of the Word Hug

The verb 'hug' is used for the first time.

1830

Stuffed Animals are Introduced

Stuffed animals as we know them today are introduced for the first time.

1880

Production of Stuffed Animals Begins

Germany begins the production of stuffed animals very similar to the cute toys that we still buy today.

1903

The Stuffed Bear is First Created

Richard Steiff creates a soft stuffed bear in 1903 that is unlike any other rag doll before it, as it was composed of fluffy furlike cloth.

1954

The First Washable Teddy

The first teddy bear made of easily washable materials is introduced to the market.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Hug a Bear Day

Local businesses can celebrate Hug a Bear Day by offering special promotions on plush toys or comfort-themed items. Toy stores can host a ‘Bring Your Bear to the Store’ event with photo opportunities. Coffee shops might offer a ‘hug-in-a-mug’ special, like a discounted hot chocolate. Even service-based businesses can encourage staff to perform random acts of kindness or offer a small, comforting treat to customers, emphasizing the day’s theme of warmth and affection.

Hug a Bear Day FAQs

When is Hug a Bear Day?

Hug a Bear Day 2026 falls on Saturday, November 7, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to share affection. It’s a day to embrace both loved ones and your favorite plush companions.

How many people own a teddy bear?

While exact figures vary, it’s estimated that a vast majority of people, particularly in Western countries, have owned at least one teddy bear in their lifetime. Globally, teddy bears remain one of the most popular and enduring toys.

What are the benefits of hugging?

Hugging offers numerous psychological and physiological benefits, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting feelings of social connection. It releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and well-being.

Who invented the teddy bear?

The teddy bear’s origin is often attributed to two independent inventors in 1902: Morris Michtom in the United States and Richard Steiff in Germany. Michtom named his ‘Teddy’s Bear’ after President Theodore Roosevelt.

Hug a Bear Day Activities

Hug a loved one today
Give a loving bear embrace to the person you love the most first thing in the morning. You can also hug your favorite stuffed animal.
Purchase a teddy bear
Hugging a plush bear is essential to the National Hug a Bear Day event. If you don't have a teddy bear, go out and buy one from your local store.
Pay a visit to the zoo
While you should not embrace a real bear today, you should definitely visit one. Plan a visit to the zoo to see the bears. Take photos throughout the day, and share them on social media with the hashtag #HugABearDay.

5 Interesting Facts About Hugs

Hugs release oxytocin
Hugging releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps you feel connected to people as well as makes you feel good.
Hugs stimulate
A full-body hug stimulates your neurological system while reducing loneliness and expressing gratitude.
Hugs are nonverbal communication
Hugging is an important nonverbal way of communication in relationships.
60 minutes monthly embrace
On average, people embrace for one hour per month.
Right arm hug Initiation
When going in for a hug, the majority of individuals lead with their right arm.

Why We Love Hug a Bear Day

It releases positive energy
Hugging can be described as a heartfelt handshake. The simple act of embracing generates positive energy in both the giver and the receiver. Hugging is essential for human growth and connection.
Hugging is an effective stress reliever
Find someone you care about and give them a bear hug when you're feeling depleted or stressed. According to studies, embracing someone lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body, relieving tension and providing calming impulses to the brain.
Hugging babies makes them well-adjusted as adults
Touch is essential for the development of infants, especially in their early years. When compared to their hugged counterparts, hug-deprived children had considerably lower levels of vasopressin, a hormone that plays a role in familial recognition and bonding.