Doesn't the teddy bear remind you of your childhood? Every child loves to play with a giant teddy bear. Those days are gone when teddies were just meant for kids. Nowadays, teddies are being used as decorative novelties, ornaments and even have medicinal value too. It's not unusual to see adults collecting teddy bears in their homes now-a-days. The dolls are also used for decoration purposes, particularly during Christmas time or at party venues by placing them on tables or hanging them from the ceiling using thin ropes or strings. While some use it as good luck charms, others attach items like flowers to it which can be put up easily without causing any damage to the doll itself.
The first big teddy bear was made by a guy called Morris Michtom. He is most likely to have been inspired by Theodore Roosevelt who had received a bear from the Mississippi Governor during a hunting trip and so named it 'Teddy'. A story says that his wife made two bears and he put them up for sale in his shop which became an instant hit, selling more than 40,000 of them at $1 each within just one year! This incident took place in 1903. By this time, there were no mass produced teddies yet and they all used to be handmade. Uniquely crafted dolls were also available but they cost 10 times more than the former ones. There's no doubt Teddy has become an iconic companion of children all over the world.
Today, giant teddy bears are no longer an item of only sentimental value; it is now considered as a collectible too. Over decades, teddies were manufactured by several companies but most notable ones include Steiff (1892) and Gund (1907). One can also find unique handmade teddies in some stores like those made from porcelain as well as ceramic figures. The prices depend on the size and age of the doll as well as its condition.
Amongst old dolls, those from before World War II have been priced very high because hardly any new or older version around that time was available or created afterwards to meet such a soaring demand. Newer versions which were mass produced came into existence after this period. The oldest life size teddy bear, which is estimated to be 109 years old, is on display at the Teddy Bear Museum in Petersham, England. It was made by Steiff and has been looked after very well!
Some other famous designs include Beanie (created in 1993) and Jelly Cat (founded in London in 1999). Newer companies have also created their own versions of teddies to cater for people's demands. Some are so realistic looking that they even portray great detail in their facial features too! This luxury can be afforded only by a few currently but with time when the demand rises to meet it, prices will reduce naturally because of competition within the market. A notable example includes 'Tigrounette', the teddy which was made by an artist to look like Princess Diana's favorite pet. The doll comes with a certificate of authenticity, just like any other collectible product!
Personalized Teddy Bears are also very popular these days, especially for special occasions. These unusual designs can be used as gifts during wedding ceremonies, baby showers and even for Valentine's Day. There's no doubt that giant teddy bear are one of the most loved toys anyone can ever have so it isn't surprising to see adults becoming fanatical about them now-a-days too! They are being used as decorative novelties, ornaments as it's not unusual to see adults collecting teddy bears in their homes now-a-days.