Join us in Celebrating World Teddy Bear Day!
Every year on September 9th, the world celebrates World Teddy Bear Day — a tradition that might never have existed without Steiff. In 1902, Richard Steiff, nephew of company founder Margarete Steiff, created the very first Teddy Bear: “Bear 55PB” (21 in tall; P = plush, B = jointed). Under the motto “Invented by Steiff. Hugged by the World.”, we honor these faithful companions and lifelong friends.
A legendary invention
Step into the fascinating history of the Teddy Bear — from its humble beginnings in the Steiff workshop to its worldwide success as a faithful friend and source of comfort for generations. Discover how one small, handcrafted creation grew into a world-famous symbol of security, childhood, and unconditional love — and how it continues to capture hearts everywhere today.
Explore our Wide Selection of Teddy Bears
Discover Teddy Bears for every age and occasion: soft and huggable for babies, playful companions for kids, or crafted exclusively for collectors.
Frequently asked questions about our Steiff Teddy Bears
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Steiff Teddy Bears: from care instructions to age ratings and limited editions. If you can't find the answer to your question, our customer service team will be happy to help.
World Teddy Bear Day is celebrated every year on September 9th and honors one of the world's most beloved cuddly toys: the teddy bear. It represents comfort, childhood memories, and true friendship – whether in children's rooms or in collector's cabinets. The day is a wonderful opportunity to say "thank you" to your own teddy bear, to give it as a gift, or simply to relive childhood memories.
We at Steiff , as the inventors of the teddy bear, are naturally celebrating this special day with great joy – because our first bear with movable arms and legs was made in 1902 and went down in history as the “55 PB”.
Richard Steiff, nephew of company founder Margarete Steiff, designed “Bear 55PB”, the world’s first plush Teddy Bear with movable arms and legs. He presented it at the Leipzig Toy Fair, where it immediately drew attention. His big breakthrough came when an American retailer placed an order for 3,000 bears. The Teddy Bear became a sales sensation in the United States, sparking the Teddy boom and earning Steiff worldwide recognition.
A Steiff Teddy Bear represents the highest standards of quality, expert craftsmanship, and more than 140 years of experience. Each Teddy Bear is made from carefully tested materials, built to last, and designed with a unique personality. Our signature “Button in Ear” guarantees it is a genuine original — created with heart and tradition for generations.
The “Button in Ear” is Steiff’s world-famous trademark. Since 1904, it has been the guarantee of authenticity — a symbol of safety, the highest quality, and true craftsmanship. Different colors of ear tags also indicate distinctions within the collection. You can learn more about them here. Every Teddy Bear with a “Button in Ear” is a piece of history — made to be loved.
Our collection includes Teddy Bears for every age. For newborns and babies, we offer especially soft designs with no small parts — perfect for cuddling and soothing. For toddlers and older children, we feature a wide selection of huggable Teddy Bears with added details and play value. Teenagers and adults will also find special Teddy Bears that make meaningful gifts or cherished keepsakes.
