Teddy Bear Picnic Day – Jul. 10, 2026

Teddy Bear Picnic Day
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Every July 10
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Teddy Bear Picnic Day arrives every July 10, inviting families and friends to celebrate their cherished stuffed companions. It’s the perfect occasion to pack a basket, grab your favorite teddy, and head outdoors for a delightful meal. Plan a themed menu, play some classic picnic games, and capture heartwarming memories with your furry friends.

Want to sponsor Teddy Bear Picnic Day? Learn how

Expected Teddy Bear Picnic Day Deals

As Teddy Bear Picnic Day approaches, look for retailers to offer delightful promotions on picnic essentials and, of course, teddy bears themselves. In previous years, brands like Build-A-Bear Workshop have offered discounts on new furry friends and accessories, while stores like Target and Walmart often feature sales on outdoor gear and picnic supplies. Expect grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s to highlight ready-to-eat picnic items and themed snacks. Specialty toy stores like Fat Brain Toys might also feature unique plush toys. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 10 approaches.

Platform Guide for Teddy Bear Picnic Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TeddyBearPicnicDay. Share short videos of your picnic setup, teddy bear adventures, or creative picnic food ideas.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TeddyBearPicnicDay. Post charming photos of your teddy bears enjoying the picnic, or create a Reels tutorial for a DIY teddy bear craft.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TeddyBearPicnicDay. Share event details for local teddy bear picnics or invite friends to join your own family gathering.

Social Media Tips for Teddy Bear Picnic Day

Individuals

Organize a classic teddy bear picnic in your backyard or a local park. Encourage children to dress up their teddy bears and bring their favorite snacks to share.

Creators

Produce content showcasing creative picnic recipes, DIY teddy bear accessories, or a heartwarming story about your oldest teddy bear and its adventures.

Brands

Host a virtual teddy bear parade or a photo contest for the 'Most Adorable Picnic Setup.' Partner with local parks or toy stores for a community event.

Top Brands for Teddy Bear Picnic Day

  1. Build-A-Bear Workshop

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

  2. Gund

    Established in 1898 by Adolph Gund, this company is one of America's oldest and most prestigious soft toy manufacturers. Gund teddy bears are renowned for their quality, softness, and classic designs, becoming cherished companions for generations.

  3. Steiff

    Founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff in Germany, Steiff is famous for inventing the first jointed teddy bear in 1902. Their bears are highly collectible, known for their craftsmanship and the iconic 'button in ear' trademark.

  4. Jellycat

    Established in London in 1999, Jellycat creates quirky, innovative, and luxuriously soft plush toys. Their unique designs and irresistible textures have made them a favorite for both children and adults seeking cuddly companions.

  5. Picnic Time

    Founded in 1982, Picnic Time is a leading manufacturer of picnic baskets, totes, and outdoor leisure products. They offer a wide range of stylish and functional gear perfect for any outdoor gathering, including a teddy bear picnic.

  6. Igloo Coolers

    Since 1947, Igloo has been a trusted name in cooler manufacturing, providing innovative solutions for keeping food and drinks fresh outdoors. Their diverse product line ensures that picnic-goers can keep their treats perfectly chilled.

  7. Coca-Cola

    The Coca-Cola Company, founded in 1886, is a global beverage giant. Its refreshing drinks are a staple at picnics and gatherings worldwide, making it a classic choice for any outdoor celebration, including Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

Teddy Bear Picnic Day Hero

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt, is famously linked to the origin of the 'teddy bear.' In 1902, during a hunting trip, he refused to shoot a bear cub that had been tied up for him, deeming it unsportsmanlike. This act of compassion was widely publicized and inspired toy makers Morris Michtom and Richard Steiff to create plush bears, naming them 'Teddy's bears' in his honor, forever cementing his legacy with the beloved toy.

History of Teddy Bear Picnic Day

The minute we hear the word teddy bear, it invokes a warm fuzzy feeling in our minds and hearts. The humble teddy bear has worn many hats since its inception, from being a cuddly playmate to a collector’s item. Though not many people know where the term ‘teddy bear’ or the concept of this stuffed toy even came from. It’s quite an interesting story, actually. It so happened that once during a hunting trip back in 1902, the then U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear that someone had tied to a tree. He stated that shooting it would be unsportsmanlike — and that’s how the story of ‘Teddy’s bear’ came about.

That incentivized certain toymakers to make and sell bears with the name ‘Teddy Bear’ and since then they have become an integral part of people’s lives across the world and age groups. This creation is what led to the making of the song ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ in the 1900s. Initially, a melody was written for this song by John W. Bratton and, many years later, Jimmy Kennedy, an Irish songwriter, added the lyrics to the tune. This song has been loved and enjoyed by children and adults alike over the years.

Owing to the immense popularity enjoyed by the song, Teddy Bear Picnic Day was created to give us a chance to celebrate the simple and small pleasures of a picnic with these stuffed animals. Don’t forget to prep your teddy bears for this unique and fun holiday.

Teddy Bear Picnic Day timeline

1903
First Teddy Bear

Toymakers Morris Michtom in the U.S. and Richard Steiff under his aunt’s company in Germany make the first teddy bears.

1907
‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’

American composer John Walter Bratton creates a melody for the song ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.’

1932
First Recording of the Teddy Bear Song

BBC makes a high-quality recording of the ‘Teddy Bear’ song written by Henry Hall.

1989
Short Film

A short film “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” is released, which features two teddy bears attending a picnic.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic Day

Local businesses can embrace Teddy Bear Picnic Day by hosting themed events or offering special promotions. Cafes and bakeries could create ‘bear-y’ delicious treats or offer picnic basket meal deals for families. Toy stores might organize a ‘bring your bear’ story time or a teddy bear health clinic for minor repairs. Parks and recreation departments can set up designated picnic areas with fun activities, encouraging community engagement and outdoor play for children and their furry friends.

Teddy Bear Picnic Day FAQs

When is Teddy Bear Picnic Day?

Teddy Bear Picnic Day 2026 falls on Friday, July 10, offering a delightful start to a summer weekend perfect for outdoor fun with your favorite plush companions.

What is the origin of the teddy bear?

The teddy bear’s origin traces back to 1902 when U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip. This act of compassion inspired a political cartoon, which in turn led toy makers Morris Michtom in the U.S. and Richard Steiff in Germany to create plush bears named ‘Teddy’s bears.’

How many teddy bears are sold each year?

While exact figures vary, the global market for stuffed toys, including teddy bears, is substantial, estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually. Millions of teddy bears find new homes each year, continuing their legacy as cherished gifts and companions.

What are the most famous teddy bear brands?

Among the most famous teddy bear brands are Steiff, known for its collectible, high-quality bears with the signature ‘button in ear,’ and Gund, celebrated for its soft, classic designs. Build-A-Bear Workshop also stands out for its interactive experience, allowing customers to customize their own bears.

How To Celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic Day

  1. Host a teddy bear picnic

    This day is a perfect chance to host an outdoor picnic in a nearby park or your backyard. You can include a few games that children can play at the picnic that involves the use of teddy bears. You can have a treasure hunt that leads to a hidden teddy bear. Make sure to pack a basket of yummy teddy bear cupcakes and other snacks and beverages to enjoy!

  2. Listen to ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ song

    If you haven’t heard the song before, or even if you have, you can use this day to blast up the speakers and listen to ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ song. Moreover, many different artists have recorded versions of this song over the years.

  3. Donate your old teddy bears to an orphanage

    While most of us have had a teddy bear bought for or gifted to us in our childhood years, some kids aren’t that lucky. Use this day to donate your old teddy bears or even new ones to an orphanage and bring a smile to the faces of several children.

5 Fun Facts About Teddy Bears

  1. Smallest stitched teddy bear

    A South African artist Cheryl Moss created the world’s smallest stitched teddy bear measuring only 0.35 inches tall.

  2. Largest stitched teddy bear

    The U.S. is home to the world’s largest stitched teddy bear, measuring 55 feet.

  3. Arctophile

    ‘Arctophile’ is the official term used to describe people who are teddy bear collectors.

  4. Guinness World Record for the largest collection

    Jackie Miley, hailing from the U.S., holds the world record for the largest collection of teddy bears — 8,026 of them.

  5. ‘The Teddy Bear Two Step’

    ‘The Teddy Bear Two Step’ was the original name of ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ song.

Why We Love Teddy Bear Picnic Day

  1. Teddy bears are amazingly adorable

    Who does not like the adorable stuffed teddy bear? They come in so many different colors and sizes that appeal to everyone’s tastes. There are even life-size teddy bears. They’re adorable and make great cuddle buddies.

  2. It stimulates the imagination

    A teddy bear picnic is whimsical and allows children to get lost in their imagination. They learn how to make conversations and appreciate the outdoors. It can be an extremely mentally stimulating and engaging activity.

  3. It celebrates a beloved song

    Teddy Bear Picnic Day is actually based on a song by the same name. It allows us to appreciate the song that gave birth to a joyful holiday.

Teddy Bear Picnic Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 10 Friday
2027 July 10 Saturday
2028 July 10 Monday
2029 July 10 Tuesday
2030 July 10 Wednesday