National American Teddy Bear Day

A joyful child hugging a teddy bear, wearing a cozy sweater, surrounded by fall leaves and a pumpkin patch.. — National american teddy bear day illustration

Oh, the cuddly and lovable teddy bear! Who doesn't have fond memories of hugging and snuggling with one? Get ready for some serious cuteness overload because today we are celebrating National American Teddy Bear Day!

When is American Teddy Bear Day?

It's national american teddy bear day on the 14th November.

A Brief History of Teddy Bears

It all started back in the early 1900s when President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip. As the story goes, his fellow hunters cornered a young bear and urged Roosevelt to shoot it. However, being the compassionate soul that he was, Teddy refused to harm the defenseless animal. This act of kindness caught the attention of a cartoonist named Clifford Berryman, who depicted the President and the bear in a political cartoon. Soon after, a toymaker by the name of Morris Michtom was inspired by the cartoon and created the very first teddy bear.

From that moment on, teddy bears became an instant sensation, capturing the hearts of people of all ages. These cuddly companions have since become a staple in children's lives, providing comfort and companionship through both good times and bad.

A Digital Celebration

Fast forward to the digital age, where the love for teddy bears has only grown stronger. Social media is flooded with adorable pictures of teddy bears and heartwarming stories of how they bring joy to people's lives. On this special day, people from all around the world take to the internet to celebrate their beloved teddy bears.

Whether you have a cherished teddy bear from your childhood or have recently adopted a new fluffy friend, National American Teddy Bear Day is all about honoring and appreciating these iconic stuffed animals that have touched our lives.

History behind the term 'American Teddy Bear'

1902

Theodore Roosevelt's hunting trip

During a hunting trip in Mississippi, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a defenseless bear. The incident caught the attention of a political cartoonist who depicted the scenario in a cartoon called 'Drawing the Line in Mississippi.'

1902

The Teddy Bear is Born

In 1902, the term 'American Teddy Bear' was born, thanks to a political cartoon by Clifford K. Berryman. The cartoon depicted a hunting trip by President Theodore Roosevelt, where he famously refused to kill an injured bear. The cartoon became widely popular, capturing the hearts of Americans and inspiring a toymaker named Morris Michtom.

1902

Teddy Roosevelt and the bear hunt

In 1902, American President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi. During the hunt, the group captured a bear, but Roosevelt refused to shoot it, deeming it unsportsmanlike. Inspired by this incident, a cartoonist named Clifford Berryman published a cartoon titled 'Drawing the line in Mississippi,' depicting the President sparing the bear. This cartoon caught the attention of a couple named Morris and Rose Michtom, who owned a toy store in Brooklyn, New York.

1902

Roosevelt's hunting trip

During a hunting trip in Mississippi, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a wounded bear that had been captured and tied to a tree. This act of compassion was widely reported in the media and became a symbol of Roosevelt's gentle nature.

1902

Theodore Roosevelt and the hunting incident

In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi. While on the hunt, he came across a wounded bear and refused to shoot it, deeming it unsportsmanlike. This incident caught the attention of a political cartoonist named Clifford Berryman, who depicted the scene in a cartoon published in The Washington Post.

1902

Theodore Roosevelt and the Hunting Trip

During an infamous hunting trip in 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a captured bear. This incident, which gained widespread media attention, sparked the idea for a cute stuffed animal named the Teddy Bear.

1902

The teddy bear is born

In 1902, the teddy bear was introduced to the world. The toy was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who was often referred to as Teddy. The term 'teddy bear' quickly became popular and started to appear in newspapers and magazines all over America. Children and adults alike fell in love with this adorable new toy.

1902

Theodore Roosevelt's hunting trip

In the year 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a hunting trip in Mississippi. During the trip, he refused to kill a bear that had been tied to a tree for him to shoot. This act of compassion caught the attention of Clifford Berryman, a cartoonist for The Washington Post.

1902

Morris Michtom creates the 'Teddy Bear'

Inspired by the cartoon, a Russian immigrant named Morris Michtom and his wife Rose decided to create a stuffed animal resembling the bear in the cartoon. They made a bear cub out of plush fabric and put it in the window of their toy store in Brooklyn, New York. They called it the 'Teddy Bear,' in honor of President Roosevelt.

1902

Morris Michtom's inspiration

Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn toymaker, saw the political cartoon and was inspired to create a stuffed toy bear. He named it 'Teddy's Bear' after President Roosevelt, as a way to honor his character and compassion.

1906

Merger of cultures

In 1906, a German Jewish immigrant named Margarete Steiff played a significant role in the history of the teddy bear. Steiff was a successful toy maker in Germany, and her company produced stuffed animals, including bears. These German-made bears were high-quality and well-renowned. Richard Steiff, Margarete's nephew, was the one who designed and developed the first jointed bear, giving it the ability to move its limbs. The popularity of Steiff's bears spread beyond Germany and caught the attention of American toy importers.

1902

The teddy bear cartoon

Inspired by Roosevelt's refusal to harm the bear, Berryman illustrated a political cartoon titled 'Drawing the Line in Mississippi.' The cartoon depicted Roosevelt sparing the bear's life, and it was published in The Washington Post on November 16, 1902. This cartoon gained widespread popularity and caught the imagination of the American public.

1902

The cartoon by Clifford Berryman

Inspired by President Roosevelt's refusal to shoot the bear, political cartoonist Clifford Berryman published a cartoon titled 'Drawing the Line in Mississippi.' It depicted a small, cute bear cub and a magnanimous Roosevelt, which instantly charmed the public.

1903

Morris Michtom and the First Teddy Bear

Inspired by the hunting trip incident, Morris Michtom, a candy shop owner, decided to make a friendly stuffed bear. He displayed the bear in his shop window with a sign that read 'Teddy's Bear' as a tribute to President Roosevelt. The bear became an instant hit.

1903

Morris Michtom Creates the First Teddy Bear

In 1903, Morris Michtom, owner of a small novelty shop in Brooklyn, New York, created the first teddy bear. He was inspired by Clifford K. Berryman's cartoon and decided to name the stuffed toy 'Teddy's Bear' after President Theodore Roosevelt. Michtom's creation was an instant hit, prompting him to start the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.

1903

Morris Michtom's idea

Morris Michtom was inspired by Berryman's cartoon and decided to create a stuffed bear toy based on it. He called it 'Teddy's Bear' and displayed it in his store's window alongside a copy of the cartoon. The toy gained popularity, and soon Michtom formed the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. to produce more of these 'Teddy's Bears.'

1903

The birth of the teddy bear

In 1903, Morris Michtom's wife, Rose, displayed the 'Teddy's Bear' in their store window with a sign that read, 'Teddy's bear.' The toy gained immediate popularity, and the term 'Teddy Bear' became associated with stuffed toy bears in general.

1902

Morris Michtom creates the 'Teddy Bear'

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, New York, a Jewish immigrant named Morris Michtom saw Berryman's cartoon. Captivated by the story, Michtom decided to create a stuffed toy bear, which he named 'Teddy's Bear.' Michtom, who owned a novelty store with his wife Rose, put the bear in their shop window with a sign that referenced Roosevelt's hunting trip.

1906

The American connection

In the same year, an American businessman named Morris Michtom read a newspaper article about President Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip. Inspired by this story, Michtom created a stuffed bear and displayed it in his shop window with a note that asked if anyone would like to buy 'Teddy's bear.' The bear quickly caught the attention of customers, and Michtom decided to mass-produce the toy. He founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co., becoming the first American to produce teddy bears on a large scale.

1906

Teddy Bears Gain Popularity

By 1906, teddy bears had gained immense popularity in the United States. They became a symbol of comfort, innocence, and childhood joy. Children and adults alike fell in love with the cuddly and endearing nature of teddy bears. The term 'American Teddy Bear' became firmly associated with these beloved toys.

1904

Steiff in Germany Introduces Teddy Bears

In 1904, the German company Steiff started producing teddy bears, making them the first commercial manufacturer of these adorable toys. Their teddy bears quickly gained popularity not only in Germany but also around the world.

1903

The 'Teddy Bear' becomes a national sensation

The 'Teddy Bear' became an overnight sensation, with people flocking to the Michtom's store to purchase the adorable stuffed animals. Michtom realized the potential of the Teddy Bear and decided to mass-produce them. He founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which became one of the first toy companies in the United States. The Teddy Bear became a symbol of innocence and playfulness, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike.

1903

Morris Michtom and the 'Teddy's Bear'

Morris Michtom, a Russian immigrant and owner of a novelty and candy store in Brooklyn, created a stuffed bear inspired by Clifford Berryman's cartoon. Michtom named the bear 'Teddy's Bear' and displayed it in his store's window, gaining attention and popularity.

1906

Naming the toy

In 1906, another entrepreneur named Richard Steiff, from Germany, created a similar bear toy design. However, he named his creation 'Bärle' or 'Little Bear.' The following year, the Steiff company showcased their toys at the Leipzig Toy Fair. An American buyer noticed the resemblance between Steiff's bear and Michtom's 'Teddy's Bear.' The buyer suggested combining the President's nickname, Teddy, with Steiff's bear, leading to the term 'Teddy Bear' becoming the prevalent name for the stuffed toy.

1903

Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. mass production

The popularity of Michtom's 'Teddy's Bear' grew rapidly, leading to the establishment of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company in 1903. The company started mass producing the stuffed bears, making them more accessible to the public. The 'Teddy Bear' became a beloved children's toy, symbolizing comfort and companionship.

1910

Mass production and global popularity

By 1910, Teddy Bears had become immensely popular both in the United States and around the world. The mass production of these cuddly toys made them more affordable and accessible to children everywhere. Teddy Bears quickly became an icon of childhood and a beloved toy across continents, transcending cultural boundaries.

1903

Theodore Roosevelt's connection

When President Roosevelt saw the 'Teddy's Bear' in Michtom's store, he gave his permission to use his name for the toy, solidifying its association with him. The bear quickly became a sensation, and Michtom founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company to mass-produce 'Teddy's Bears.'

1907

Steiff Teddy Bears Reach America

In 1907, Steiff, a German company known for producing high-quality teddy bears, began exporting their teddies to America. These German-made teddy bears gained significant recognition in the United States and contributed to the rising popularity of the term 'American Teddy Bear.' Steiff teddy bears were treasured for their superb craftsmanship and fine materials.

1906

American Teddy Bear manufacturers emerge

As the popularity of Teddy Bears grew, more American toy manufacturers started producing their own versions. Companies such as Steiff and Knickerbocker began producing Teddy Bears with various designs, materials, and features. These American-made Teddy Bears became highly sought after collectibles and continue to be beloved toys to this day.

1906

The 'American Teddy Bear'

As the popularity of teddy bears grew, they became an iconic American toy. The term 'American Teddy Bear' was coined to emphasize their origin in the United States and distinguish them from other types of stuffed bears.

1907

The Teddy Bear Craze in America

By 1907, teddy bears had taken America by storm. They became a symbol of comfort, childhood, and friendship. The teddy bear craze was so widespread that it influenced popular culture, literature, and even started a trend in collecting teddy bears.

1907

The American Teddy Bear Craze

In 1907, the teddy bear craze swept across America. Teddy bears became the must-have toy, and their popularity soared. They were not only loved by children but also collected by adults. The teddy bear symbolized comfort, companionship, and love. Their charming appearance and cuddliness made them irresistible to people of all ages. The American teddy bear soon became an iconic symbol of childhood and played a significant role in shaping American toy culture.

1907

American Teddy Bear popularity

'Teddy's Bear' became widely popular in the United States and embodied the spirit of American optimism, comfort, and companionship. As manufacturing techniques improved, teddy bears were produced in various sizes, fabrics, and designs, becoming cherished toys for children and collectors alike.

1906

Official recognition and renaming

In 1906, after the term 'Teddy Bear' gained widespread usage, it was officially recognized by the English language. The name 'Teddy Bear' became synonymous with the stuffed bear toy, and its popularity expanded globally.

1912

The birth of the American Teddy Bear industry

The year 1912 marked a significant milestone in the history of the American teddy bear. Many new companies emerged, specializing in the production of teddy bears. Some notable companies included Knickerbocker, Gund, and Ideal. These companies competed to create unique designs, using different materials and techniques to make their bears stand out. The American Teddy Bear industry flourished, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the growing consumer culture.

1912

Roosevelt's Bear as Political Cartoon

In 1912, Clifford Berryman, a famous political cartoonist, depicted President Theodore Roosevelt in a cartoon with a cute little bear. Berryman's creation further amplified the association between the president and the teddy bear, solidifying its place in American culture.

1957

National Teddy Bear Day

In 1957, the Teddy Bear's enduring popularity led to the establishment of National Teddy Bear Day, celebrated each year on September 9th. This special day honors the beloved stuffed animal and encourages people to reminisce about their cherished teddy bear memories. It serves as a reminder of the cultural impact and timeless appeal of this iconic toy.

1915

Teddy Bears Encourage Generosity

During World War I in 1915, teddy bears took on a new role as symbols of compassion and generosity. Many teddy bears were sent to soldiers on the frontlines as a source of comfort, reminding them of home. This act of kindness further solidified the association of 'American Teddy Bear' with spreading warmth and solace.

1907

The Teddy Bear as a cultural icon

The Teddy Bear became a cultural icon in America, representing comfort and companionship. They were featured in stories, songs, and advertisements, further solidifying their place in popular culture. The Teddy Bear even inspired the creation of the Teddy Bear Picnic, an annual event where children gather with their Teddy Bears for a day of fun and games.

1953

Teddy Bear Picnic Song

The popular song 'Teddy Bear Picnic' was written by Jimmy Kennedy in 1953. It added to the endearing image of teddy bears, creating an imaginative world where teddy bears come to life and have their own picnic.

1986

First National Teddy Bear Day

National Teddy Bear Day was first celebrated in 1986. It became an annual event to honor and celebrate the beloved teddy bear and its enduring status as a symbol of comfort and childhood.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest teddy bear stands at a whopping 55 feet tall? That's taller than a T-Rex! This giant bear, aptly named C.T. Dreams, resides in Rhode Island and is a major tourist attraction. Talk about an enormous cuddle buddy!