A History of the Christmas Teddy Bear

Teddy bears are a popular gift in America for birthdays, special occasions and holidays. However, to the surprise of many, teddy bears haven't been around nearly as long as other toys and gifts. What then has made Christmas Teddy Bears such a popular commodity?

In the United States alone there are hundreds of thousands of teddy bears sold each year. Teddy bears actually got their name from the 26^th President, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt.
In 1902, a Washington Post cartoonist drew an illustration based off of a story involving the president's hunting trip. Shortly following a Brooklyn shopkeeper displayed a bear in their window which was referred to as "Teddy's Bear".

There the beginning of an American phenomena was born. Less than five years later, nearly 20 other American manufacturers where creating different teddy bears for various occasions, including Christmas teddy bears. They were an instant success among women and children everywhere.

Today, more than 100 years after the first teddy bears became popular, they are still just as popular as ever. Christmas and Valentine's Day every year, holiday themed bears fill stores, windows and gift bags. From collectible bears to personalized bears, teddy bears continue to be one of the best selling items each year.