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The Types of Stuffed Bears

The origins of the teddy bear come from President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a captive baby bear during a hunting expedition. A 1902 "Washington Post" cartoon of the refusal scene spawned production of the plush children's toys named after the president. Look for teddy bears in celebration of special occasions as well as old-fashioned, character and "realistic" bears, such as Winnie the Pooh bears or plush polar or panda bears.

Old-Fashioned Bears
- Old-fashioned teddy bears are designed to mimic the original teddy bear. Old-fashioned teddy bears often have movable arms and legs that are separate from the bear body as opposed to modern designs that keep the body and appendages connected. Old-fashioned teddy bears are often shades of brown, but some versions feature gingham-patterned bears wearing old-fashioned clothing. Brown bears in old-fashioned clothing is another old-fashioned bear option.
"Realistic" Bears
- Stuffed toys designed to look like bears in nature are available at toy stores, zoos and nature centers. They may also be purchased through environmental organization websites and support the organization's various causes. Look for stuffed toys in the shape of polar bears, black bears, grizzly bears, panda bears, red panda bears and koala bears. Such bears offer an opportunity to teach children about real bears and why some species are endangered.
Character Bears
- Bears are made in the likeness of popular children's characters, such as Winnie the Pooh. Look for Winnie the Pooh in his classic red shirt or in assorted outfits. Such bears come in a variety of sizes as well. Other character bears include Paddington Bear, The Care Bears, The Berenstain Bears and Lots O' Huggin Bear, a character from "Toy Story 3." Care Bears come in a range of colors and designs on their tummies, while Paddington Bear is available in his classic raincoat and rain hat. Look for Berenstein Bear plush character toys including Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister Bear.
Special Occasion Bears
- Special-occasion teddy bears come in all shapes, sizes and colors for just about every holiday and special event. Look for bears dressed in scrubs as a congratulatory gift for a friend or family member who just completed medical school, or find a teddy in a graduation gown and cap as a high school, college or graduate school graduation gift. Other options include bears dressed in wedding clothes, children's clothes or diapers for welcoming a new baby, Halloween costumes, Santa suits or Santa hats, or bears adorned with Cupid's bow and arrow.

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