Celebrate your child’s plush pal on Teddy Bear Day, which takes place on Sept. 9! No teddy bear, you say? While soft toy options abound, there’s something about a classic T-bear that’s stuffed with “best chum” charm. That’s not to say you have to settle for a humdrum buddy, though. Check out our photo gallery for some wee grizzlies with big personality.
Zylie Bear
It’s a doll! It’s a bear! It’s – you betcha – both. Meet Zylie, a fuzzy, jointed, 18-inch-tall Manhattan missy who’s as cuddly as they come – and has a cute tween wardrobe to rival Skipper’s. Little fashionistas who prefer plushies will love this adventurous gal, who loves global travel, reading and making new friends (including Shen, the rock star panda from China), created by a savvy mompreneur. Ages 3-plus. Bear is $49.99; outfits are $19.99.
Teddy Bears by Knitting Dreams
These critters are so darn adorable, it might have gone to their heads – but that’s definitely their appeal! Etsy crafter knittingdreams crafts each pint-sized amigurumi-style mini bear in Spain. Theses softies are a combination of stitched and crocheted handiwork, featuring mohair and delicate wee features, checking in at a tad under 4 inches tall. About $39-$42.
Crumple ‘The Make-it-Yourself’ Bear by Uncommon Goods
Trade your plushy pal for a “crinkly companion” – and put your DIY skills to use to craft this bear. Teddy bear kits come with a custom pattern and instructions to help crafters put together this oddly adorable pal for your kid. $20.
Mr. Honey Teddy Bear by Steiff
When it comes to this business, you might say Steiff is Papa Bear. Since the German toy brand popped on the scene in 1903, it’s been a leader in crafting heirloom plush pals – teddy bears being the most iconic, of course. Classic, cute and cuddly – this bear is perfect for your little one. $38.
Tell Me Your Secrets Bear
Warped ‘rents: Take note. This slightly cracked bear, with his adorbs red glowing eye, is ready to be your BFF, too. How’s that? When your kid hugs him, he utters one of 20 phrases – like, “I love you. Do you love me?” – and then, urges his wee confidante, “Do you have a secret? You can tell me anything.” That triggers its audio/visual recording device, ready to capture your kid’s darkest tidbits and wirelessly email them to you. $39.99.
Babo Bear by Gund
Babo, the little gray Uglydoll, loves teddy bears. So much that he decide to be one. Here, the plump little plush creature gets even cuter – and weirder (in a good way) – with his own brown fuzzy costume. Plus, as this buck-toothed, wide-eyed little guy points out in his official product description, teddy bears can get lost: No longer a problem! This goofy faux grizzly is sure to make your kids grin. $18.
Mandy Panda Plush
Beanie Boos are Ty’s mega-cute reboot of Beanie Babies and, with their melt-your-heart peepers, it’s easy to see why they’re a hit. Super adorable Mandy is part of its Valentine’s Day collection, but her heart-rimmed eyes have lots of love to give anytime of the year. We also dig that you can scoop her up locally at The Rocket, with locations in Ypsilanti and Ferndale. $6.99.
This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for 2015.
