Teddy bears have long been a cherished staple in children's toys, symbolizing comfort and companionship for generations. As the demand for these cuddly companions remains strong, numerous brands have emerged, each offering their own unique take on the classic teddy bear design. From traditional craftsmanship to innovative modern twists, the market is brimming with diverse options to suit every preference. To help you navigate these choices, we've compiled a list of some of the best brands known for their exceptional teddy bears below.
Illustration of teddy bear
Best brands of teddy bear in 2025
Steiff
Steiff, founded by Margarete Steiff in 1880 in Giengen, Germany, is renowned for producing high-quality teddy bears and other stuffed animals, with a commitment to excellence that has made it a leader in the industry. By 1907, Steiff had manufactured 974,000 bears, and the company continues to increase its output while maintaining stringent quality standards. Despite a brief period of production in China from 2004 to 2008, Steiff returned to Germany to ensure the high quality expected by its customers, who are willing to pay a premium for these premium products.
Gund
Gund is a renowned manufacturer of plush stuffed animals, particularly celebrated for its high-quality teddy bears, which have been a staple in the industry for over 120 years. The company, based in Edison, New Jersey, distributes its products globally, including in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South America. Gund is known for its soft and huggable plush toys, with popular lines such as Snuffles and the Signature Collection. The company has held licensing agreements with prominent brands like Disney, Sesame Street, and Hello Kitty, and has won several design awards for its rebranding efforts in 2015. Gund's products are available in various retail outlets, including specialty stores, hypermarkets, and online platforms.
Jellycat
Jellycat, founded in London in 1999 by brothers William and Thomas Gatacre, has established itself as a leading producer of fashionable plush toys, including teddy bears, with a strong global reputation and significant market share. The brand has seen rapid growth, with sales exceeding Y=100 million on Tmall in 2021, a year-on-year growth of 47.1%, and global revenue reaching 146 million pounds in 2022. Jellycat's unique designs and excellent quality have made it a favorite among consumers, with plush toys experiencing a 32% growth rate in the global market. The company's products are sold in 77 countries and featured in prestigious stores like Harrods and Selfridges. Jellycat's success has set a new benchmark for the toy industry, with the brand planning to distribute a dividend of 58 million pounds to its shareholders due to its strong performance. For more information about their impressive sales increase, visit this detailed article.
Vermont Teddy Bear
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is renowned as one of the best producers of teddy bears, handcrafting over 500,000 bears annually. Founded in 1981 by John Sortino, the company achieved significant growth, reaching $20 million in sales by the mid-1990s and peaking at $838,000 in profit in 1993. Their innovative "Bear-Gram" service, launched in 1990, allows for personalized teddy bears to be delivered as gifts, contributing to their exponential growth. The company's strong value chain and commitment to quality, including a lifetime guarantee, have maintained customer loyalty, with 33% of sales coming from repeat customers. Vermont Teddy Bear's products are made with high-quality materials and are available in various designs and outfits. For more information on their offerings, visit their official website.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop is a leading brand in the toys and hobbies industry, holding a significant 59.5% market share in the United States as of August 2021. The company operates over 550 interactive brick-and-mortar locations globally, including in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and has achieved robust operational results with all its North America retail stores being profitable on an EBIT basis, boasting an average contribution margin of over 25%. For more details about their locations and offerings, visit their official website.
Aurora World
Aurora World, established in 1981, is a global leader in plush toys and high-quality gift products, renowned for its adorable and soft teddy bears. The brand offers a diverse range of teddy bears, including the popular Hugga-Wug, Ashford Bear, and Softie Bear, available in various sizes and materials. Aurora World's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a respected name in the character and content industry. Their products, such as the Eco Nation collection made from recycled materials, reflect a dedication to sustainability. With prices ranging from $16 to $24 for various teddy bear models, Aurora World caters to a wide range of consumers. Discover their extensive 2024 teddy bears collection for more charming options.
Hermann Teddy
Hermann Teddy, operated by Teddy-Hermann GmbH, is one of the oldest and most renowned teddy bear producers in Germany, celebrated for its high-quality and collectible plush toys. Founded in the early 20th century, the company has a rich history, having produced over 500,000 plush toys annually during its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. Hermann Teddy offers three main product lines: Hermann Teddy Original, Hermann Teddy Miniaturen, and Hermann Teddy Collection, catering to both collectors and children. The company has expanded its product range significantly, introducing new series of plush animals and shifting to synthetic fabrics in some lines while maintaining traditional mohair in others. With a strong presence in international markets, Hermann Teddy continues to be a leader in the teddy bear industry. For more detailed information, visit their Wikipedia page.
TY Inc.
TY Inc. is a renowned producer of teddy bears and other stuffed animals, particularly famous for its Beanie Babies and Beanie Buddies. Founded in 1985, the company experienced tremendous growth, with sales escalating from $25 million to $250 million between 1995 and 1996. By early 1997, TY Inc. had introduced approximately 100 Beanie Baby characters and retired 25, and by 2000, the company's total Beanie sales had reached $1 billion. The Beanie Buddies, larger and more expensive than the Beanie Babies, were also highly successful. TY Inc.'s commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the stuffed animal market. For more detailed insights, visit their company history.
Me to You
Me to You, renowned for its Tatty Teddy brand, is a leading producer of teddy bears, having sold over 75 million plush bears since 2000. The brand, created in 1987 and revamped in 1995, offers a wide range of products including plush toys, greeting cards, and gifts. Tatty Teddy's unique design, featuring a grey bear with a blue nose and patches, has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The brand is particularly popular among females in the 10-30 age group and has become a collector's item, with limited and special edition bears released regularly. Me to You products are available globally, including in the UK, US, and Canada. For more information, visit their official website.
Charlie Bears
Charlie Bears, founded in 2005 by Charlotte and William Morris, is a renowned producer of collectable, handmade teddy bears, known for their affordable and traditional craftsmanship. The company has seen significant growth, with a 44% increase in international sales over the last 12 months and a notable 900% revenue climb due to its ecommerce strategy during the pandemic. Charlie Bears products are sold in over 500 retail stores worldwide and in more than 37 countries, including Australia, Germany, and the US. The company aims to export 50,000 teddy bears to Asia in the next two years, supported by the Department for International Trade. With a current turnover of £8.5 million, Charlie Bears continues to expand its global presence. For more details on their success in China, please visit their case study.
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