Need Teddy Bear for infant son to keep forever

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

At age 41 I still have the teddy that slept with me in my crib, now I need to find a wonderful one for my new son. Has anyone senn one IRL or on-line that may fill the bill? TIA!


Susan

#1 Nick 11-18-04

[August Mom]

I'm not exactly sure what kind of bear you are looking for, but Vermont Teddy Bears are very nice and will last. However, the one I have isn't especially cuddly. http://store.yahoo.com/vtbear/product.html If you want something soft and snuggly, I'd probably go with a Gund. Also, somwone gave us one of these Huggable Bears when DS was born and it's one of my favorites because of the personalization. His vest has DS's name on the front and birthdate on the back. The quality is okay, but not tremendous. http://www.huggable-bear.com/

[MamaKath]

My first thought is that you could make one, either by buying a pattern, buying a kit (there are companies that specifically sell these, you can even sign up for clubs which send one a month, etc.), or going to one of the shops that most malls have for a workshop.

Other than that, I love the Gund bears, I have had a few inclduing 2 that saw me through my parents sticky divorce. They took a lot of love, hugs, tears, some bashing, and are still hanging in there. Many of the bears have ratings of 3 and up though due to eyes or noses that might be chewed off. I know my kids have Care Bears which seem to be very durable and take a lot of dragging, dressing, loving, and just general childhood abuse. They are also smaller than some bears making them very portable. I have found that my kids have found the smaller stuffed toys to make better lovies (around 8-12 inches- my ds has a small wolf toy and a Care Bear as loveys, my dd has 3, all make some noise (music, jingle or squeek) a Baby Huggums, a musical lamb and Baby Gund Dog).

Here are some cute ones-
http://www.babystyle.com/common/dProductDetail.asp?PMId=12304&SIND=1&dept=37&cmCL=toydept-plushdolls&cmPG=
http://www.beargear.com/bga05835.html
http://www.magiccabin.com/magiccabin/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1004&pgc=86&cmvalue=MCD|0|Normal%20Search%20Result|P1
http://www.magiccabin.com/magiccabin/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1004&pgc=511&cmvalue=MCD|0|Normal%20Search%20Result|P1

HTH~

[ellies mom]

If you are interested in making your own (very sweet), Vogue has a pattern with a lot of sweet animals. The number is 7760. I really like the Gund bears also. I just want to warn you though, that the bear that you pick to last his lifetime may not be the bear he chooses to want to keep for a lifetime. It is so heartbreaking to pick out a bear with love and hope and have DD turn their nose up at it. Hopefully that won't be the case, but I just want you to consider the possibility now, so your feelings aren't hurt later. I know that sounds a bit silly, but you'ld be surprised how many feeling get wrapped up in these things. I know DD has broke my heart a couple of times.

[jakobsmommie]

HIGHLY recommend Steiff Bears. German quality, last forever.

[Little Ladybug]

I recommend Steiff as well - If you want a Steiff that is less expensive than most, and less stiff, try this one, the "Bobby" bear, made specifically for younger children:

http://www.steiff4u.com/devshopping.asp?action=showitem&item='NSB808'

Santa brought it to DS at Christmas this year, and he loves it! It is VERY soft, and comes in several sizes and color choices.