Start with the softest Teddy Bear you can find. The size of the bear will depend on the person you are giving it to.  Babies of course prefer a very small bear while children often prefer the biggest one you can find.  But adults are somewhere in the middle usually and like to have a middle sized Teddy Bear that they can easily put someplace for everyone to see.

Many times you are going to want to dress that bear in a fashion that will please the recipient.  For example, a nurse might prefer a cute Teddy Bear in scrubs or a teacher might like a Bear with a book bag.  If you are trying to win over your sweetheart, you might try one that is dressed in a different manner.

One idea that seems to be loved is to have a soft Teddy Bear dressed in a silky nighty.  For Valentines Day or Christmas – or really anytime, a popular nighty is a rich red, satin nighty with black lace trim.  Maybe you could find a matching one for them?  This makes a thoughtful gift and might even get you and the bear a hug.

Everyone likes to feel special and knowing you took some time to pick out that special gift and deliver it with a hug will certainly let them feel your love. Let them know they are an important part of your life and listen to them carefully.  You will be their friend for a long, long time with just a little thought and consideration.

Add a box of chocolates or a flower arrangement with your Teddy Bear Gift and you have the perfect way to show your love anytime of the year

Sharp Scissors Absolutely essential! Much of the cutting and trimming is done with just the points of the scissors. Scissors need to be sharp for accurate cuts.

Needle (or Sewing Machine) While a sewing machine can be used, many of the pieces are small enough to be sewn by hand often using a double thread. Use a strong thread to keep stuffing and small parts from coming loose.  Your bear could last for generations!

Craft Knife A sharp craft knife can make cutting out the pattern much easier.  Place the material on a cutting board to prevent damage to furniture.

Long, Thin Darning Needle This makes assembly of filled parts easier. The darning needle is also helpful in stitching on the eyes.

Paper for Patterns Use paper that is easily transparent so you can see to trace the pattern.  Then cover the page with your paper and trace carefully, following the inside of the printed line.  This keeps the pattern from growing by the line thickness, which eventually makes a difference in small pieces.

Fine Felt Pens After the pattern is traced, then use the fine felt pens to draw lightly around the patterns right onto the fabric. Sometimes fine points on the finished product are accented by the use of fine felt pens instead of sewn on items which could create a safety issue with small children.

Wooden Dowel The flat ended piece of the wooden dowel is great for pushing into the stitched shape as you turn it without damaging the stitching.   It also comes in handy for packing in the stuffing

Glue Some parts are better assembled with glue. Just take off dots of glue with a pin to keep it from going places you don’t want it to touch.

Now that you have gathered all the materials needed, get a favorite material and start working on your pattern.  You will be amazed and pleased when you finish your own Teddy Bear made especially the way you want it..

Sweater A cozy, warm sweater is always a welcome gift and comes in many different colors and styles. Your huggable Teddy  will feel wrapped up in your love with a new sweater.

Blue Jeans Yes, even your Teddy  likes to wear a new pair of blue jeans!  Of course, Teddy will want them to be extra comfortable with an elastic waist so he can romp all day long.  He can play all day without worrying about a thing.

Tee Shirt Every pair of blue jeans needs to have a cute tee shirt to go along with it.  Tee shirts for Teddy Bear have many cute sayings on them and come in many colors.  Stylish, yet comfortable, tee shirts are an easy way to keep your Teddy looking sharp.

Boots Beautiful shearling boots will keep your Teddy Bear’s toes from being frozen.  When you get ready to go out in the rain or snow and need to put on your boots, it will be fun to have boots for your Teddy also.

Backpack Are you ready to head out the door for school and you need to find your backpack?  Teddy has a backpack, too, that will keep all of his goodies handy- maybe even a little jar of honey. Make sure your Teddy has a great place to store all of his things!

Cowboy Hat / Baseball Cap Even Teddy needs a little extra protection from the sun or cold so they like a hat too.  Cowboy hats are very popular with Teddy Bears as they want to saddle up and take a ride with you.  Baseball caps are also a great idea to keep the sun out of their eyes or even hide a bad hair day.  Hats make a great addition to any outfit.

Teddy Bears have wish lists for Christmas too.  Look over these ideas and see which ones your Teddy might like for a gift. It is always fun to surprise someone with a gift for their Teddy!

Teddy Bear Gifts are a great way to encourage their imaginations.  One of the roles that we often see play acted with Teddy Bears is that of a parent.  The child will take care of their Teddy Bear by dressing it, giving it hugs, and even putting it to sleep at night. Having clothes and accessories for your Teddy Bear Gift gives greater possibilities for creativity.

We have to realize in today’s world, many children do not have parents free to be with them all of the time.  They often rely on their Teddy Bears and Stuffed Animals as substitutes and will pretend to talk to them about their problems.  Often children will go to their rooms and hug their Teddy Bear and tell them all of the things that are on their mind.  This provides comfort as well as learning independence to handle the problems around them.

As children use their imagination, they automatically develop their own self image.  When you see a child go off by himself and dream, they are choosing things that interest them and are within their abilities.  When using their imagination they can create a haven of their own wherever they are – from within.  Children have the ability to find that peace we are looking for throughout life by escaping with their imagination.

Teddy Bear Gifts often help develop their imagination as children can learn to care for them gently, take them for rides with them, and hug them tightly as they drift off to sleep.  When they are troubled, Teddy is a great person to listen to problems without interruption.  And their Teddy Bear goes with them as they walk in their parade or climb to their treehouse so they can explore many ideas of who or what they might like to become.

Sometimes, if you are lucky, your child or a youngster may ask you to join in his creative games.  If they invite you to join them, share their creative experience and enjoy.  Use Your Imagination!

Mrs Santa Claus Found a beautiful red dress that is trimmed in white and it has a red hat with white trim too. I still like to wear dresses especially when I am going to a party.  Mrs Santa is a lot like me and wants to make everyone happy as she makes gifts and cookies for the holidays.

Angel Another possibility is to be an angel.  That’s what Christmas is all about! There is a pretty white dress that even has wings that I could wear.  It has a nice gold belt which matches the halo that I could wear on my head.  Angels always spread a little kindness wherever they go so that would be a good choice for me too.

Will have to make the decision before long.  Or maybe I will get lucky and get invited to a couple of parties so I can wear them both! How will you dress your Teddy Bear Gift for Christmas this year?

Visit www.teddybearbubblesofjoy.com to find lots of Christmas  ideas for your Teddy Bear or Stuffed Animal.

So let’s have some fun and create a checklist before heading off to the internet to purchase that special Teddy Bear Gift for a youngster or friend.  What should we consider?

•    Find a Unique Teddy Bear or Stuffed Animal
•    Check the background of the manufacturer
•    Make sure the eyes and nose are securely fastened.
•    Look for a guarantee on the product.
•    Made in the USA
•    Provide good service if there is a problem or question
•    Offer interesting selection of clothes for the Teddy Bear.
•    Be sure that they are huggable!

Now you are ready to surf the internet and find a supplier that fits most, if not all, of the above checklist so you are certain to get a quality product that will be a long time favorite.

Finding American toys made in the USA is a good place to start.  You will be getting quality Teddy Bears from reliable companies that guarantee their workmanship. And you may even help your friends and neighbors keep their jobs.

Safety precautions are important so make sure the product is safely made and will be easy to maintain.  Most suppliers on the internet either describe how and where their product is made so you can be sure it is safe for your children especially.

Today everyone likes to dress up their Teddy Bear for the season.  So find someplace that also will be able to provide well made and unique Teddy Bear clothes. Teddy Bears look so nice when they have on a new outfit.  It used to be that you just dressed your dolls, but now Teddy Bears and stuffed animals are also enjoying new and unique clothes and accessories.

Teddy Bears are always good for hugs!  This is a great gift for a youngster, teen, or senior citizen.  Everyone needs a hug now and then and when you hug your Teddy Bear, well, it just feels like you are getting hugged back.

Remember some of these ideas the next time you decide to buy a Teddy Bear or Stuffed Animal.  Following a checklist for purchases usually helps make a better decision.

Baby Teddy Bear Gift Basket This is a very popular assortment of items for the newborn baby.  There are baskets for girls or boys and they have everything in them Start, for example, with a wicker bassinet shaped basket and pile in the Teddy Bear dressed in pajamas, onesie shirt for the newborn, soft receiving blanket, and even chocolate for the mother!

Stuffed Animal Gift Basket Everyone doesn’t want a Teddy Bear gift so there are many possibilities for variety.  Add a washable puppy, monkey, lion or moose, whichever animal is a favorite!  Then include a memory footprint kit just for something different.  They can keep the wicker bassinet basket to store things in for a long time.

I Love You Gift Basket Give a basket filled with love!  Teddy Bears are always a great addition when you are wanting to tell that someone special how much you care.  Put it in a beautiful heart decorated basket filled with candles and some candy, maybe even chocolate, and you are sure to have a gift that will please.

Fund Raiser Gift Basket Wouldn’t it be nice to have a beautiful gift basket for a prize at your next fund raiser?  This makes a special and easy gift for display even before the fund raiser.  Many of our charity groups have special times during the year when they have raffles or auctions and for them, a Teddy Bear Gift Basket could be of the favorite prizes.

So the next time you are looking for a gift for that special someone and don’t have time to gather together all those little extra special treats, try giving a Teddy Bear Gift Basket.

Teddy Bear Pirate Costume

This Teddy Bear Pirate Costume is the perfect Halloween disguise for your Teddy Bear.   When you are going off to find some treasures for your Trick or Treat bag, take along your Teddy Bear in this jolly pirate outfit.  With silky jagged edged pants, a red and white tee shirt and red bandana, your bear will be dressed for the occasion.  Add an eye patch and hook and he looks like the real thing.  Maybe you can go dressed as his matey.

It is the time of year to have a little fun with disguises for yourself and your Teddy Bear! So if you want to get a costume for your bear, check out those available at Teddy Bear Bubbles of Joy and make your next gift a Teddy Bear.  www.teddybearbubblesofjoy.com

Well, Teddy Bears can have adorable and clever costumes as well.  What fun it is to have a Teddy Bear sitting in your living room or on your bed dressed just for Halloween.  You can even have one in your car to draw a little extra attention and give your car a holiday look as well.

There are many ideas available but here are some of my favorites:

Witch Give your Teddy Bear a little witchcraft with a clever costume of a Halloween shirt, pointed witch’s hat and even add a little broom so they can take off on an adventure.

Black Cat No Witch would be complete without a Black Cat at her side.  Now cover Teddy in a black one-pieced outfit that covers them completely.  Even put a hood on them with little cat ears so no one will recognize your Teddy Bear in disguise.

Spider Bear Many young boys like to be Spiderman so they would enjoy having Spider Bear on their bed dressed just like them.  This cool one piece costume can also be a coverall even having a mask so again your Teddy Bear has a great disguise.

Many great ideas for the Halloween season that you can share with your Teddy Bear.

Wood Wool Excelsior This strawlike substance was used for many years in the first Teddy Bears.  It gave the bear a rigid feel and actually resisted dirt, but it was not washable. Today wood wool. which is actually made from wood slivers, is still sometimes used to stuff the muzzles of Teddy Bears.

Cotton Gin Waste During wartime, Teddy Bears often used an economical stuffing called ‘sub’, which was the waste from cotton mills. The general makeup of cotton gin waste was sticks, leaves, soil particles, and cotton lint.  Silk stockings with runners or tears were also frequently cut up and used inside the Teddy Bear.

Kapok After WWI, soft fiber extracted from seed pods of the kapok tree became a popular alternative to use as stuffing for Teddy Bears. The pods of the kapok have seeds which are surrounded by a fluffy, yellowish soft fiber.  While rather expensive, it gave a soft feeling similar to down, which encouraged bear hugs.

Shredded Plastic Foam This stuffing was not long lasting in use as it did not prove washable and when wet broke down into a sticky powder. There is a shredded soft memory foam that has elastic qualities which make for an interesting stuffing for Teddy Bears.

Plastic Pellets Today that shredded plastic has been turned into plastic pellets that give Teddy Bear Gifts a softer, floppier feel.  They are sometimes mixed with polyester fiber fill to give the bear more additional weight so it can sit up more easily.

Polyester Fiber Fill This is the most common filling today. Premium fiberfill has a soft feeling, which makes it perfect for Teddy Bears for infants and small children.  Sometimes cotton batting that is used in quilts has been successfully used for Teddy Bear stuffing.

Many methods of stuffing Teddy Bear Gifts have been tried throughout the years of the Teddy Bear’s existence.  Next time your Teddy gets a little tear, check out What’s Inside!

Visit Teddy Bear Bubbles of Joy for lots of great Teddy Bears and Stuffed Animals that you can hug.