World Teddy bear day international Teddy bears

A special day for the world’s most beloved cuddly companion

Join us in celebrating World Teddy Bear Day!

Every year on 9 September, 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. Under the motto “Invented by Steiff. Hugged by the World.”, we honour these faithful companions and lifelong friends.

This World Teddy Bear Day, we are opening up our archive and showcasing an extraordinary collection of international collector’s items that demonstrate the many different ways in which the Teddy bear has been interpreted.

CARMEN TEDDY BEAR, 2005

Inspired by the famous heroine of Bizet’s opera Carmen, she brings some of the character’s most iconic details to life – from her elaborate flamenco dress to the rose in her hair. An exceptional collector’s piece that captures the allure of one of the world’s most famous opera characters.

GREAT ESCAPES NEW YORK TEDDY BEAR, 2018

The Great Escapes New York Teddy bear from 2018 is Steiff’s unmistakable take on the Statue of Liberty. Crafted in green cotton velvet and finished with her signature details, she captures the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks in a truly unique way.

TEDDY BEAR TANG DYNASTY PROSPEROUS, 2025

With the Tang Dynasty Prosperous Teddy bear from 2025, our journey takes us to China. Inspired by the Tang Dynasty, the intricately embroidered attire draws on design elements from one of the most influential eras in Chinese history, combining them with the attention to detail for which Steiff is known.

GREAT ESCAPES EDINBURGH TEDDY BEAR, 2019

The Great Escapes Edinburgh Teddy bear from 2019 is dressed in a traditional kilt, waistcoat and cap, complete with a distinctive tartan pattern. Rich in thoughtful details inspired by Scottish culture, he shows how the Steiff Teddy bear can bring people and traditions from around the world together.

TOMATO TEDDY BEAR, 2000

The Tomato Teddy bear from 2000, one of Steiff’s more distinctive creations with a connection to the Netherlands. With his vibrant red mohair and green tomato leaf on his head, he is one of the most original characters in the Steiff archives – and a perfect example of just how wonderfully diverse the world of Steiff Teddy bears can be.

The Teddy bear

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.

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Meet our iconic Teddy bears

Looking for the perfect Teddy bear companion?

Explore our wide selection of Teddy bears

Discover Teddy bears for every age and occasion: soft and huggable for babies, playful companions for children, or crafted exclusively for collectors.