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Teddy Bear Day

Show your love with a cuddly teddy bear this Teddy Bear Day - it's the perfect way to surprise someone special and show them you care!

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 9

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYCollecting

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to get cuddly and celebrate Teddy Bear Day on September 9! This special day has been celebrated since the early 1900s, when it was first introduced by a toy company who wanted to promote their stuffed animals. It's also believed that this day may have been created due to a popular song at the time "Teddy Bears' Picnic", which encouraged people of all ages to join in on the fun. So grab your favorite teddy bear and get ready for some hugs!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

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2 brands have run a deal

Bears for Humanity

Build-A-Bear

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TIMELINE

Teddy Bear Day Timeline

Teddy Bear Creation

The teddy bear originated in 1902 and was named after U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

First Teddy Bear Sale

The Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. launched the first official Teddy Bear.

"Teddy Bears' Picnic" Song

The song "Teddy Bears' Picnic" by John W. Bratton became popular and indirectly promoted Teddy Bear Day.

Teddy Bear Museum Opens

The Teddy Bear Museum opened in England, featuring an extensive collection of teddy bears, celebrating their cultural and historical significance.

First Teddy Bear Day

The first Teddy Bear Day was officially observed on September 9, promoted by American toy companies.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Teddy Bear Day

Make a teddy bear

Sew your own teddy bear from scratch or buy a pre-stuffed bear and decorate it with fabric and accessories. You can even personalize it by adding a monogram or special message to the belly.

HOLD

Hold a teddy bear picnic

Grab a blanket and head out to the park for a teddy bear picnic. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for you and your furry companion. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures!

ORGANIZE

Organize a teddy bear drive

Gather your friends and family together to collect new and gently used teddy bears for those in need, such as local children's hospitals or homeless shelters.

SET

Set up a teddy bear tea party

Invite your friends over for a fun afternoon tea party - with their favorite teddy bears of course! Serve up all sorts of treats, including little sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and other delicacies.

Go on a teddy bear hunt

Hide some stuffed animals around the house or yard and set up clues for your kids or friends to find them all. At the end of the hunt, everyone can enjoy some snacks and hot cocoa.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Teddy Bear Day

Teddy Bears last for generations

Teddy bears have been around for decades, lasting through generations of love. Whether you are gifting one to someone special or saving it for future generations, it is sure to bring lots of love and happiness each time it is brought out to play.

Teddy Bears are comforting

Teddy bears bring comfort and joy to people of all ages. Their cute and cuddly design makes them the perfect friend to hug, snuggle, and talk to - especially when life gets tough! They also make great companions for kids as they grow up, helping little ones feel safe and loved as they journey through life.

Teddy Bears can be customized

There are so many ways to customize your teddy bear. From picking out their clothes and accessories, to giving them a special name or even monogramming them with someone's initials! Giving a teddy bear extra attention makes it unique and special - just like its receiver!