Most of us remember (or still have) our first teddy bear and the memories we shared with it.
A cuddly bear is an essential presence in a child's life, offering comfort, love and endless hugs. Be it a large teddy bear, a cute teddy bear or a traditional brown teddy bear, there is a soft bear toy for every child.
Teddy bears have been furry friends for humans since the early 1990s, when they were developed by German toymaker Richard Steiff and American toymaker Morris Michtom simultaneously. Michtom was inspired by the story of American President Theodore ('Teddy') Roosevelt, who was on a bear hunting trip in 1902 but refused to shoot a bear, calling it 'unsportsmanlike.'
Michtom created a small bear, and asked the President's permission to call it 'Teddy's bear.'
At the same time, Steiff's company had created a stuffed bear shown at Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903. From both these stories, the teddy bear as we know it was born.
Steiff still make toys to this day and the Steiff teddy bear is one of the most famous bears around. In fact, the most expensive teddy in the world was created by Steiff Bears, their 'Louis Vuitton Bear' which sold at auction for €1,978,000.
Some teddys might not be suitable for babies if they have attachments that could fit in babies' mouths or if their material is too scratchy. Traditional bears were made from mohair, however many now are synthetic or made from plush, a soft fabric of silk, cotton or wool, which is much softer and fluffier.
Whatever you're looking for, we've searched high and low for the best teddy bears currently available, from a big teddy bear to a soft teddy bear, to help you find the best teddy bear for you.
Whilst all the teddy bears on this list come highly recommended, this is our top pick thanks to its softness, cute bear face and value for money.
1. 13-Inch Bonnie Teddy Bear, Aurora
This lovely bestseller puts a twist on the classic brown bear, with a smiley face and super soft material. This teddy bear is also durable and remains looking fluffy wash after wash. Its extremely cuddly size makes it suitable for babies, toddler and upwards and, with a low price point, we think it's a great all-round option.
One of the original creators of the teddy bear, Steiff teddy bears are renowned for their high-quality materials and well-made bear designs.
The soft grey fur of this embroidered Steiff bear makes it the ideal cuddle companion, whilst its bean bag tail means it can sit happily upright next to its new friend or in the corner of the bedroom.
The perfect teddy bear for babies will ideally be smaller so they can interact with it, and will have soft fur that won't irritate their soft skin. This small teddy bear from Gund has soft fur and is a perfectly compact baby bear. And who can resist that curious expression?
Big teddy bears are a soothing companion for children that they can cuddle or have in their bedrooms as a friendly face. This human-sized teddy bear has four size options so you can select the right massive teddy bear for your child or their space, and the polyester fabric is super cuddle friendly.
This lovely bear is great value for money, whilst still being soft and featuring a gingham neck tie detail. The golden colour makes it a classic brown-bear design that your child will love.
Hamleys call this huge teddy bear their 'ultimate teddy bear,' and we can see why. This teddy stands at 83cm tall and has super soft fabric with the classic Hamleys teddy bear foot stamp and red bow. For massive hugs and soft snuggles, this really is your ultimate luxury teddy bear.
Children will get a lovely surprise when they open the lid to reveal this soft bear with patches and personalised heart tag. It would make a thoughtful gift to remind them of your love, or just a sentimental surprise that they will keep forever.
Toddlers, being more active and talkative, might be looking for a teddy that they can engage with and learn from. This bunny teddy is ready to play peek-a-boo or sing whilst she waves her ears to the music, helping support toddlers' sensory skills whilst still being cuddly.
9. Large Classic With Boots And Suitcase, Paddington Bear
Toddler's may recognise Paddington from the books or movies with his distinguishable marmalade-storing hat and blue jacket. He makes a great companion for holidays (complete with suitcase) or as a friendly face in a child's bedroom.
Despite it's traditional style, this is not your average teddy bear: it's made from 100% recycled plastic materials and is completely eco-friendly. It also comes with a hanging tag that can be personalised with your own message.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best teddy bears, then why not take a look at our guide to the best baby handprint kits, or the best teething toys for babies?
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art
Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.
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