National American Teddy Bear Day

National American Teddy Bear Day, celebrated each year on November 14, honors one of the most beloved childhood toys: the teddy bear.

History of National American Teddy Bear Day

The exact origin of National American Teddy Bear Day is not clearly documented, but the date is tied to a pivotal moment in teddy bear history. In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip—an act that inspired a toy maker, Morris Michtom, to create the first “Teddy Bear” in the United States and use Roosevelt’s name for it.
The first stuffed bear is also credited to Margarete Steiff in Germany around 1903, but the U.S. story is the one tied to the name “Teddy Bear.”
Since then, teddy bears have become cultural icons and comfort symbols, and November 14 has become the day to honor them in America.

Why is National American Teddy Bear Day important?

Teddy bears carry deep emotional significance. From childhood into adulthood, they often serve as a source of comfort, companionship, and nostalgia. Recognizing this day gives us a chance to remember that simple objects can hold strong emotional value and shape memories.
Furthermore, teddy bears symbolize care, love, and security. By celebrating them, we also celebrate the importance of emotional comfort and the notion that everyone deserves a little softness and safety in their lives.

• It invites us to reflect on the role of childhood toys in our development.
• It highlights the enduring popularity and cultural resonance of teddy bears.
• It encourages gifting and sharing teddy bears with children and loved ones.
• It reminds us of the historical origins of a toy that spans generations.
• It promotes ideas of comfort, safety, and emotional support, especially for young people.

How to Celebrate (or Observe) National American Teddy Bear Day

You can make this day fun and meaningful. On the practical side, you might take out your own teddy bear (or buy one) and share it or its story. On the emotional side, you might think about what childhood comfort meant to you, and consider how you can bring comfort to someone else.
You could host a teddy bear-themed gathering or create a small donation of teddy bears to children in need. Or simply revisit an old stuffed friend and revisit fond memories.

• Hug your teddy bear (or bring one out) and take a photo or share a memory.
• Gift a teddy bear to a child, friend, or someone who could use comfort.
• Donate new teddy bears to a hospital, shelter, or children’s organisation.
• Watch a movie featuring teddy bears or read a story about teddy bears.
• Share on social media a photo or story of your favorite teddy bear using a hashtag like #TeddyBearDay.

National American Teddy Bear Day Dates Table