Annual observance

National Teddy Bear Day

September 9 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Teddy Bear Day, observed annually on September 9th, is a heartwarming occasion dedicated to celebrating the beloved stuffed animal that has brought comfort and companionship to generations worldwide. It's a day to appreciate the history of the teddy bear, its enduring appeal, and the special place it holds in the hearts of children and adults alike, often marked by playing with bears, sharing stories, or even acquiring new ones.

Observed each year on September 9, National Teddy Bear Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Teddy Bear Day on September 9 celebrates the enduring comfort and companionship that teddy bears provide to people of all ages. This holiday honors the rich history of these cherished toys, highlighting their role in fostering emotional connections and creating lasting memories within families and communities.

Origin and story

The teddy bear was named after U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt after a political cartoon depicted him refusing to shoot a bear cub during a 1902 hunting trip.

The concept of the teddy bear emerged almost simultaneously in the United States by Morris Michtom and in Germany by the Steiff company, designed by Richard Steiff.

Quick facts

  • DateSeptember 9
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Teddy Bear, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Share one fast fact about National Teddy Bear Day: The teddy bear was named after U.S.
  • Bring National Teddy Bear Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why National Teddy Bear Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Share the story of National Teddy Bear Day on social and tag it with #nationalteddybearday so others can join in.

Fun facts

  • The teddy bear was named after U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt after a political cartoon depicted him refusing to shoot a bear cub during a 1902 hunting trip.
  • The concept of the teddy bear emerged almost simultaneously in the United States by Morris Michtom and in Germany by the Steiff company, designed by Richard Steiff.
  • Early teddy bears were often made from mohair plush, filled with excelsior (wood wool), and featured fully jointed limbs.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National Teddy Bear Day?
It is observed on September 9 each year.
What is National Teddy Bear Day?
National Teddy Bear Day, observed annually on September 9th, is a heartwarming occasion dedicated to celebrating the beloved stuffed animal that has brought comfort and companionship to generations worldwide. It's a day to appreciate the history of the teddy bear, its enduring appeal, and the special place it holds in the hearts of children and adults alike, often marked by playing with bears, sharing stories, or even acquiring new ones.
How do people celebrate National Teddy Bear Day?
Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Teddy Bear, or play music that matches the mood.

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