When I was growing up I had a teddy bear named Rufus. Everything about Rufus was unique—from the goofy expression he wore to the way that his fur was matted. I can still vividly remember Rufus even though I haven’t seen a picture of him in years. Personally, I think toys are an essential part of the childhood experience, so when my wife and I had our first boy last spring, I wanted to get him some toys he would remember his entire life.
Most of the teddy bears I found were a dime a dozen, and even had a manufacturer logo sewn in several places. Toys shouldn’t be mass-produced; they should be unique and memorable. After failing miserably in brick-and-mortar toyshops, I turned my search online, where I found an array of truly one of a kind teddy bears.
I’ve always heard people discussing memory bears, but up until recently, I really didn’t understand what they were. Not knowing anything about them, I assumed that they commemorated a special event or relationship, which isn’t entirely true. Yes, they are supposed to evoke memories of the past, but they’re more personal than you may think.
A memory bear is actually made from a garment or piece of fabric that is dear to you—a childhood blanket, favorite t-shirt, or even your wedding dress. By turning a garment into a bear, you can imbue the stuffed animal with a particular memory. The internet is brimming with sites that offer memory bear services, where you can mail in your garment and have a completely unique bear created.
If you’re looking for a fluffy gift for someone special, plush toys could be the way to go. Have you ever had a terrible day where you just felt like you needed a hug? A stuffed bear or animal of some sort can provide a certain amount of solace that some parents, friends or relatives cannot.
Often times, teddy bears and other plush toys turn into keepsakes that a child will cherish forever. I know that some of my fondest childhood memories are of my memory bears, Bernard and Berniece. So if you’re stumped on ideas, I highly recommend getting someone a good ol’ stuffed animals.
For many years I had a strong aversion to zoos. Every time I went to see a new exhibit, I would feel sorry for the animals stuck in cages. Luckily, the zoo in my town is known for being progressive. Each animal’s natural habitat is recreated with a startling degree of accuracy. As such, I began taking my 3-year-old son to check out the wildlife. He grew especially fond of the Daisy the black bear.
Trips to the zoo can be expensive and time-consuming, so I formulated a plan that would appease my son when he wanted to “go see Daisy.” I looked online for custom teddy bears and came upon a black bear that bore a remarkable resemblance to Daisy. My son loved the gift, but he still pesters me about going to the zoo to see the penguins.