FAQs About Teddy Bear Brands

From beloved childhood toys to sought-after collector’s items, teddy bears are a treasured part of American history. These cuddly creatures come in sizes ranging from those that are small enough for an infant to grasp with one hand to those that are large enough to comfortably seat a child. Some are made to resemble their flesh-and-blood counterparts while others are simply downright adorable. Since the creation of the first teddy bear in 1903, many companies have started to market their own unique versions of this popular plush pet.

Q: What company made the first teddy bear?

A: The first stuffed bear known as a “Teddy” bear was made by a candy-store owner named Morris Michtom in the United States in 1903 after he saw a political cartoon depicting Theodore Roosevelt and a black bear, which the president had refused to kill on a recent hunting trip. The wildly successful sales of the Teddy bear led Michtom and his wife to create the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company in 1907. However, unbeknownst to Michtom, the Steiff Company in Germany also marketed a stuffed bear in 1903 at the Leipzig Toy Fair. Thanks to the resourcefulness of an American who purchased all 100 bears and ordered another 3,000, this unassuming child’s toy also brought fame and fortune to the Steiff enterprise. So, who actually made the first bear? Each company has its proponents, and the conflict is still unresolved.

Q: What teddy bear brands are the most popular?

A: Two of the most popular brands today are Gund and Ty, Inc. Founded in 1898, Gund is the oldest plush-toy company in the U.S. and is known for the quality of its products. Ty, Inc. is an American company that is best-known for its Beanie Babies, which included Brownie the Bear among the nine originals.

Q: What brand sells the most bears via the internet and mail order?

A: Founded in 1981, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company manufactures approximately 500,000 bears per year, which are primarily sold through the internet and mail order. This company features handmade bears that are tailored for specific occasions and holidays such as birthdays, weddings, Mother’s Day and Halloween among many more.

Q: What is the most popular “do-it-yourself” brand of teddy bear?

A: The Build-A-Bear Workshop is far and away the most popular brand when it comes to designing, customizing and assembling your own teddy bear. Founded in Missouri in 1997, the company now has over 400 stores in countries throughout the world. Most of the stores are located in shopping malls, although some are now cropping up in major league baseball stadiums.