How to Make a New Teddy Bear Look Old

Dab some tea on light fur to age it. Steep a cup and then use the tea bag.

Do the paw pads, too, if they're light enough.

Try coffee for a darker stain or on a darker bear. If you want it to look kid-loved, any food - especially berries - is fair game as a stain.

Wear thin patches by sanding lightly with the fine side of an emery board or with fine sandpaper.

Trim a little fur from the exposed edges of the ears with manicure scissors.

Fray the nose a tiny bit by picking at one or two strands - avoid cutting more than two or you'll start some serious unraveling. Or, just mess it up a bit with sandpaper.

Rub a little beeswax on anything that looks too shiny.

Replace a new, crisp ribbon with one that looks like it's seen too many teddy bear picnics.