Teddy Bears &
Stuffed Animals
Practical guides and answers to help you choose, care for and learn more about teddy bears and stuffed animals.
Everything you want to know about stuffed animals
Whether you’re choosing a first teddy bear, wondering about size, checking safety or trying to care for an old favorite, start with one of our main guides.
Teddy Bears
Learn about teddy bears, their history, different types and why they have remained so popular for generations.
Explore teddy bears →Stuffed Animals by Age
What should you consider when choosing a stuffed animal for a baby, toddler, older child or adult?
Choose by age →Care & Safety
Understand materials, age recommendations, washing, drying and everyday stuffed animal care.
Care & safety guide →Size Guide
See what common stuffed animal sizes actually mean, from small plush toys to giant teddy bears.
Compare sizes →Stuffed Animals as Gifts
Find the right stuffed animal for birthdays, celebrations, relationships and other special occasions.
Gift guide →There is more to choosing one than meets the eye
A stuffed animal can be a toy, a gift, a collectible or something that stays with a person for years. The right choice depends on who it is for and how it will be used.
For children, age recommendations, construction and care instructions matter. Size also makes a surprisingly big difference: a 12-inch stuffed animal has a very different presence from a 36-inch teddy bear.
Start with our stuffed animals by age guide or compare common measurements in our stuffed animal size guide.
Why are teddy bears so special?
Teddy bears are among the world’s most recognizable stuffed animals. They can be children’s toys, keepsakes, gifts and collectibles, and some bears are kept for decades or even passed from one generation to another.
The teddy bear became popular in the early 20th century. Since then, teddy bears have appeared in countless sizes, materials and styles — from simple children’s plush toys to traditional jointed collector bears.
Our complete teddy bear guide explores their history, terminology and the questions people commonly ask about them.
A person who collects teddy bears is sometimes called an arctophile, while the hobby itself is known as arctophily.
Questions about teddy bears
Some questions sound simple, but teddy bears have more history, terminology and traditions behind them than you might expect.
What is a teddy bear called?
A teddy bear is a stuffed toy designed in the form of a bear. The term “teddy bear” became widely used in the early 1900s. Teddy bears are part of the broader category of stuffed animals, plush toys or plushies.
What is a person who collects teddy bears called?
A teddy bear collector may be called an arctophile. The collecting and study of teddy bears is sometimes called arctophily.
What are old teddy bears called?
Older bears are commonly described as vintage or antique teddy bears. The appropriate description depends on the bear’s age, manufacturer and history. Old bears can also be collectible, but age alone does not determine value.
Why do we say “teddy bear”?
The name is associated with U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and a widely reported hunting incident in 1902. Toy bears inspired by the story soon became associated with the name “Teddy’s bear.”
Are teddy bears only for children?
No. Teddy bears are also bought and kept by teenagers and adults as gifts, collectibles, decorations and sentimental keepsakes. There is no particular age at which someone has to stop enjoying stuffed animals.
Can I give a teddy bear to my girlfriend?
Yes. Teddy bears are commonly given as romantic or sentimental gifts. The occasion, size and style of the bear can make the gift feel more personal. See our stuffed animal gift guide for more ideas.
Independent guides for teddy bear lovers
GetATeddyBear.com is an information resource about teddy bears and stuffed animals. Our goal is to answer real questions in a clear, useful and practical way.
As the site grows, we’ll add more in-depth guides, answers, comparisons and interactive tools based on the questions people actually ask.
What you’ll find here
- Teddy bear facts and history
- Age and size guides
- Care and washing advice
- Safety information
- Gift guidance
- Answers to real questions
Safety note: Information on GetATeddyBear.com is general guidance. Always follow the manufacturer’s current age recommendations, warnings and care instructions for the specific product.