National Teddy Day

A group of diverse children with beaming smiles, surrounded by teddy bears, in a cozy living room filled with cuddly toys and blankets.. — National teddy day illustration

Welcome to the cuddliest corner of the internet! Today we're celebrating National Teddy Day - a day dedicated to our beloved stuffed companions. Are you ready for a journey down memory lane, where snuggles and smiles abound? Let's dive in!

When is Teddy Day?

It's national teddy day on the 9th September.

A Hug from the Past

Every child (and let's be honest, many adults too) has experienced that heartwarming joy of receiving a teddy bear. These soft and cuddly creatures have been warming hearts for over a century. The popularity of teddy bears can be traced back to the early 20th century, when President Theodore Roosevelt, also known as Teddy Roosevelt, took part in a hunting trip in 1902. During the trip, he refused to shoot a bear that had been captured and tied up. This act of compassion and sportsmanship caught the attention of newspaper cartoonists, who depicted the president with a cute bear by his side. The teddy bear quickly became a symbol of love and comfort.

From Stitches to Pixels

As the world moved into the digital age, teddy bears became more than just physical toys. They found their way into our hearts through animated movies, television shows, and even video games. Who could resist the charm of Winnie the Pooh or the adventures of Paddington Bear? The internet also played a significant role in spreading the love for teddy bears. From cute bear videos on social media to teddy bear-themed websites, these delightful creatures continue to warm our online experiences.

Celebrating Teddy Love

The internet has given birth to countless online communities centered around teddy bears. National Teddy Day provides an opportunity for teddy enthusiasts around the world to come together, share stories, and showcase their beloved bears. Social media platforms buzz with posts featuring adorable photos and heartwarming tales of furry friendship. So grab your favorite teddy, give it a big squishy hug, and join in the internet-wide celebration of National Teddy Day!

History behind the term 'Teddy'

1902

Theodore Roosevelt goes on a hunting trip.

In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a hunting trip in Mississippi. During the trip, he refused to shoot a bear that had been captured and tied up for him to kill. The news of his kind gesture spread quickly, capturing the imagination of the public.

1902

Cartoonist Clifford Berryman immortalizes the event.

Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's act of mercy, Washington Post cartoonist Clifford Berryman published a political cartoon depicting the President refusing to shoot the bear. The cartoon gained widespread popularity and caught the attention of a shop owner named Morris Michtom.

1903

The birth of Teddy's bear.

Morris Michtom, owner of a toy store in Brooklyn, New York, saw Berryman's cartoon and was inspired to create a stuffed toy bear, which he called the 'Teddy's bear' as a tribute to President Roosevelt. Michtom's wife sewed the toy bears, and they quickly became a sensation, selling out entirely within a few days.

1904

The birth of the Teddy bear craze.

The popularity of the 'Teddy's bear' skyrocketed when Michtom showcased the toy at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Many attendees were captivated by the adorable bears, and the craze for Teddy bears began to sweep the nation. Soon, other toy manufacturers started producing their own versions of the teddy bear.

1912

The term 'teddy' becomes synonymous with the bear.

By 1912, the term 'teddy' had become widely used to refer to the stuffed toy bear. It had completely shed its association with President Roosevelt and became ingrained in popular culture as the name for this beloved childhood companion. The term 'teddy bear' remains in use to this day.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest teddy bear in the world was created in 2008? Standing at a whopping 55 feet tall, this bear could give out hugs that would last a lifetime!