National American Teddy Bear Day – Nov. 14, 2026

National American Teddy Bear Day
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Every November 14
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National American Teddy Bear Day brings comfort and nostalgia every November 14. These soft, furry friends have been cherished companions for generations, offering solace and sparking imagination. Dust off your favorite teddy, share a memory, or find a new cuddly pal to join the fun!

Want to sponsor National American Teddy Bear Day? Learn how

Expected National American Teddy Bear Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that toy retailers and specialty stores will likely offer deals on plush toys. Look for discounts at major stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Specialty brands such as Build-A-Bear Workshop and Gund often feature limited-time offers on their beloved teddy bears and accessories. Independent toy shops may also host in-store events or promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for National American Teddy Bear Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalAmericanTeddyBearDay. Share photos of your favorite teddy bears, old or new, and tell us their stories.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TeddyBearDay. Create short, heartwarming videos showcasing your teddy bear’s adventures or a ‘day in the life’ with your plush pal.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TeddyBearLove. Ask your community to share their oldest or most cherished teddy bear memories in the comments.

Social Media Tips for National American Teddy Bear Day

Individuals

Dig out your childhood teddy bear and share a photo or memory on social media. Consider donating gently used teddy bears to a local children's charity.

Creators

Produce content around the history of teddy bears, DIY teddy bear accessories, or a 'meet my teddy' series introducing your plush collection.

Brands

Run a 'Name Our New Bear' contest, or host a giveaway featuring plush toys. Partner with a children's hospital to donate teddy bears to young patients.

Top Brands for National American Teddy Bear Day

  1. Build-A-Bear Workshop

    Founded in 1997 by Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop allows customers to create their own personalized stuffed animals. With over 400 stores worldwide, it's a popular destination for custom teddy bears and accessories.

  2. Gund

    Established in 1898 by Adolph Gund, Gund is one of America's oldest and most prestigious soft toy companies. Known for its high-quality, huggable teddy bears and plush animals, it remains a beloved brand for generations.

  3. Steiff

    Founded in Germany in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, the company is renowned for creating the first jointed teddy bear in 1902. Steiff bears are highly collectible and celebrated for their craftsmanship and iconic 'button in ear' tag.

  4. Vermont Teddy Bear Company

    Established in 1981 by John Sortino, this company is known for its handcrafted, American-made teddy bears. They offer a wide range of unique bears for various occasions, often delivered with a 'Bear-Gram' message.

  5. FAO Schwarz

    One of the oldest and most iconic toy stores in the world, founded in 1862 by Frederick August Otto Schwarz. While known for many toys, their grand displays of teddy bears and other plush animals have long been a hallmark.

  6. Melissa & Doug

    Founded in 1988 by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, this company specializes in educational toys, including a range of classic stuffed animals and teddy bears. Their products are known for fostering imaginative play and quality.

  7. Aurora World

    A leading global manufacturer of plush toys, Aurora World was established in 1981. They produce a vast array of soft toys, including many popular teddy bear lines, known for their softness and detailed designs.

National American Teddy Bear Day Hero

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, is the namesake of the teddy bear. In 1902, during a hunting trip, Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear cub that had been tied up for him. This act of sportsmanship was immortalized in a political cartoon, inspiring toy makers Morris Michtom and Richard Steiff to create the 'Teddy's Bear,' which quickly became a global sensation.

History of National American Teddy Bear Day

Do you remember the name of your teddy bear when you were young? Today, we celebrate them, whether you gave them away, stashed them in the attic or still sleep with them.

National American Teddy Bear Day cannot be traced, however, teddy bears can. The first stuffed bear was made by Margarete Steiff for her nephew after they visited a zoo in 1903. The bear toys were named Teddy Bears by Morris Michtom, after he was inspired by a caricature drawn of President Theodore Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear on a hunting trip in Mississippi on November 14,1902. He sought permission to use his name for the bears and went on to make a lot of teddy bears. Since then, teddy bears have been a part of many childhoods.

Teddy bears were originally made with mohair fur. Mohair is obtained from goats, combed, woven, and trimmed to form a fur covering for the bears. Now, teddy bears are commonly made with velour, satin, denim, and synthetic fur.

Art pieces have been made featuring teddy bears. In 1907, a composer, John Walter Bratton, wrote an instrumental titled ”The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”. Lyrics were added later in 1932 by Jimmy Kennedy. A children’s book series based on bears was written by Seymore Eaton, an American educator. Teddy bears appeared on TV in the 1990s. There was Teddy Ruxpin, Super Ted, and Winnie the Pooh.

Teddy bears have emotional and mental effects on kids. The calming effects that teddy bears have on children led to the introduction of the Teddy Bear Corps program, where police officers, fire, and medical officials give a distressed child a teddy bear in a time of crisis.

Teddy bears are a symbol of love, care, and hugs. They are shared as gifts to show care and love, especially on birthdays and Valentine’s Day.

National American Teddy Bear Day timeline

1902
Won't Shoot a Bear, Teddy?

Stuffed bears are named ‘Teddy Bear’ by Morris Michtom after President Theodore Roosevelt who refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip.

1903
The First Teddy

German toy maker Margarete Steiff makes the first stuffed bear.

1954
Teddy Gets a Wash

Washable teddies are manufactured with nylon fillings.

1984
A Museum for Teddies?

A teddy bear museum opened in Hampshire, England.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National American Teddy Bear Day

Local businesses can embrace National American Teddy Bear Day with charming promotions. Toy stores can host a ‘bring your bear’ event for a discount or a teddy bear picnic. Cafes might offer a special ‘beary’ treat or hot cocoa deal for customers with a teddy bear. Even professional services could have a ‘teddy bear waiting room’ for kids, making it a comforting and memorable experience for families.

National American Teddy Bear Day FAQs

When is National American Teddy Bear Day?

National American Teddy Bear Day 2026 is observed on Saturday, November 14. It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate the beloved plush companions that have brought joy to generations.

How many teddy bears are sold each year?

While precise annual figures vary, the global plush toy market, dominated by teddy bears, generates billions in revenue each year. Millions of teddy bears are sold annually, cementing their status as a top-selling toy.

What makes teddy bears so popular?

Teddy bears are popular due to their universal appeal as comfort objects, often becoming a child’s first best friend. Their soft, huggable nature provides emotional security and encourages imaginative play.

What is the origin of the teddy bear?

The teddy bear’s origin traces back to a 1902 hunting trip by President Theodore Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a bear cub. This event inspired a political cartoon, which in turn led toy makers to create ‘Teddy’s Bear.’

How To Celebrate National American Teddy Bear Day

  1. Have a bear party

    Throw a party in honor of your stuffed buddies and invite your family and friends to join!

  2. Share a teddy

    You would never need to throw a teddy bear away. You can donate them to children and make them smile.

  3. Watch teddy bear movies

    Teddy bears have long been on our screens. Tune in and enjoy some teddy bear cartoons or movies.

5 Fun Facts About Teddy Bears

  1. The world's largest teddy

    The 55 feet 4 inches tall stitched bear is named C.T.Dreams and has been standing tall in Wichita, Kansas since 2008.

  2. Do you think you love teddies?

    Well, that's if you have more than 8026 stuffed bears like Jackie Miley from South Dakota.

  3. The world's smallest teddy

    Created by Cheryl Moss, this minute bear is just 0.29 inches tall.

  4. Teddy on TV

    The first teddy bear adaptation on TV is “The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin”, in 1986.

  5. Old word

    The first use of ‘teddy bear’ by the Oxford English dictionary is dated to 1906.

Why We Love National American Teddy Bear Day

  1. It reminds us of our childhood

    We are reminded of our childhood memories such as sleeping with our favorite teddy.

  2. We show that we care

    Teddy bears are trademarks of love and care. By celebrating and sharing them, we are showing care to others.

  3. We receive love

    Even as we share love through teddy bears, we also get reminders that we are loved as well.

National American Teddy Bear Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 14 Saturday
2027 November 14 Sunday
2028 November 14 Tuesday
2029 November 14 Wednesday
2030 November 14 Thursday