October 14

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day

Don't forget to bring your favorite teddy bear to school on National Bring Your Teddy Bear To School Day - make it a fun and cuddly day for all!

Yearly Date

Second Wednesday in October

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to bring your favorite teddy bear to school on Oct. 11 for National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day! This day has been celebrated since the mid-1980s, when it was created as a way to promote friendship and companionship among students. It's also a great opportunity for kids to show off their favorite stuffed animal and tell stories about them. So don't forget to pack your teddy bear before heading off to school on this special day – you'll be sure to have lots of fun!

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day Timeline

1902

Teddy Bear Birth

After an encounter between President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and a bear on a hunting trip, the teddy bear toy was invented and soon became a beloved children's companion.

1926

"Winnie-the-Pooh" Published

A.A. Milne published "Winnie-the-Pooh," a children's book featuring a teddy bear character, further solidifying the teddy bear's place in children's literature and culture.

1958

Sooty Show Begins

The Sooty Show, a British children's television series featuring Sooty, a puppet teddy bear, begins broadcasting, further ingraining teddy bears into children's culture.

1980s

Holiday Created

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day is introduced as a fun and exciting day meant to foster friendship and companionship among students through their beloved teddy bears.

1990s

Growing Recognition

Recognition of National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day grows throughout the 1990s, with more schools and educational institutions participating each year.

2000s

Global Celebration

As the 21st century unfolds, the celebration spreads globally. Various cultures, institutions, and countries embrace this joyful day, promoting friendship and inclusivity through the universal symbol of the teddy bear.

How to Celebrate National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day

1 Plan a teddy bear picnic

Pack a lunch, grab your teddy bear, and head to the nearest park or beach for a picnic. Don't forget to bring a blanket!

2 Create teddy bear art

Bring some markers, paint, glue, and construction paper to school and make teddy bears out of all of your materials. Get creative and have fun with it.

3 Organize a teddy bear parade

Gather your friends, their teddy bears, and walk around the school grounds with signs and decorations.

4 Have a teddy bear tea party

Invite your classmates to bring their favorite teddy bears for a tea party in the classroom. Don't forget to bring some yummy treats!

5 Design teddy bear costumes

Encourage your students to dress their teddy bears up in costumes for National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day.

Why We Love National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day

It’s a great bonding experience

Bringing your teddy bear to school is a fun way to bond with classmates and make new friends. Seeing everyone else's "teddies" can spark conversations, bring people together and create lasting friendships!

It encourages creativity

Whether it's dressing them up in silly costumes or making creative props for them to use during playtime, bringing your teddy bear to school encourages children to express themselves through imaginative play. Plus, it helps kids tap into their creative side and unleash their inner artist!

It’s comforting

No matter what kind of day you're having at school, your teddy bear will always be there to give you a hug and lend an ear if you need one. Teddy bears have the power to soothe away worries and make tough days easier to manage.