- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ChildrenFamily
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 14
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧸
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
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.
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.
National American Teddy Bear Day Hero
Theodore Roosevelt
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Teddy bears were originally made with mohair fur.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
Stuffed bears are named ‘Teddy Bear’ by Morris Michtom after President Theodore Roosevelt who refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip.
German toy maker Margarete Steiff makes the first stuffed bear.
Washable teddies are manufactured with nylon fillings.
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
Have a bear party
Throw a party in honor of your stuffed buddies and invite your family and friends to join!
Share a teddy
You would never need to throw a teddy bear away. You can donate them to children and make them smile.
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
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.
Do you think you love teddies?
Well, that's if you have more than 8026 stuffed bears like Jackie Miley from South Dakota.
The world's smallest teddy
Created by Cheryl Moss, this minute bear is just 0.29 inches tall.
Teddy on TV
The first teddy bear adaptation on TV is “The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin”, in 1986.
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
It reminds us of our childhood
We are reminded of our childhood memories such as sleeping with our favorite teddy.
We show that we care
Teddy bears are trademarks of love and care. By celebrating and sharing them, we are showing care to others.
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 |


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