Teddy bear

A teddy bear, often called a teddy, is a stuffed toy shaped like a bear. These soft objects serve many purposes beyond simple play. They are popular gifts for children to enjoy. Adults also receive them to express affection, congratulations, or sympathy. Some people become dedicated collectors of these toys. These enthusiasts are known by the specific term arctophiles.

Modern teddy bears are produced through various manufacturing methods. Mass-produced bears are often made in countries like China or Indonesia. These commercial bears frequently feature safety joints. These joints allow the arms, legs, and heads to move. Other bears have sewn joints that are not articulated. To ensure safety for small children, makers must use securely fastened eyes. This prevents the eyes from becoming a choking hazard. In the United States and European Union, these plush toys must meet strict construction standards.

Materials used for teddy bears vary greatly depending on the maker. Early bears were often covered in tawny mohair. Mohair is a type of cloth made from the shorn hair of long-haired goats. Today, manufacturers use many different commercially available fabrics. These include synthetic fur, velour, denim, cotton, satin, and canvas. Some amateur makers create bears using felt or yarn through knitting and crocheting. Teddy bear artists may also decorate unique bears with sequins, beads, or ribbons.

The history of the teddy bear began in the first decade of the 20th century. It was named after Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States. His nickname was "Teddy," though he personally loathed the name. The name originated from a 1902 hunting trip in Mississippi. During this trip, a group of attendants cornered and tied an American black bear to a tree. Roosevelt refused to shoot the animal because he felt it was unsportsmanlike. A political cartoon by Clifford Berryman depicted this event in The Washington Post. Morris Michtom saw this cartoon and felt inspired. He created a soft bear cub and sold it in his New York candy shop.

Two different toymakers developed the teddy bear almost simultaneously. In the United States, Morris Michtom founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. In Germany, Richard Steiff designed a stuffed bear for the Steiff firm. Steiff exhibited his design at the Leipzig Toy Fair in March 1903. A buyer named Hermann Berg ordered 3,000 bears for the American market. There is a famous story that these bears were lost in a shipwreck. However, the author Günther Pfeiffer suggests the bears may have simply been fragile. He notes that the "55 PB" model might not have been durable enough to survive until today.

Teddy bears have a massive presence in global culture. In 2006, retail sales for stuffed plush animals reached US$1.3 billion. The bears appear in many famous stories and songs. Winnie-the-Pooh appeared in a 1926 book and was later adapted by Disney. Paddington Bear also began as a purchased teddy bear in a 1958 book. The song "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" was composed by John W. Bratton in 1907. Even the largest teddy bear is a matter of record. In 2019, a bear named Xonita was built in Mexico. It measured 19.41 meters in length.

Beyond entertainment, teddy bears serve important social functions. Emergency responders sometimes use them to help children during crises. The Teddy Bear Cops program distributes bears to police, fire, and medical officials in the United States. These toys help to stabilize and calm children in stressful situations. The teddy bear remains a symbol of comfort across many different parts of the world.