You would like to give a plush toy as a gift, but are still hesitating about the model. In this case opt for a must-have, the Teddy Bear.
Origin of the teddy bear
The first teddy bears, named Teddy Bear, appeared in the United States, in 1903. At that time, US President Theodore Roosevelt, nicknamed “Teddy”, was a great fan of hunting. In November 1902, he was in Mississippi where some rabbit hunters offered to shoot a wounded bear cub tied to a tree, so that he could add another trophy to his hunting list.
Theodore Roosevelt, shocked by such a proposal, and judging this act contrary to the mores of the sport, refused to kill the animal and ordered its immediate release. This story spread and quickly went viral. The expression “Teddy’s Bear” was immediately used in caricatures, notably by the Washington Post cartoonist Clifford Berryman, who immortalised the touching and touching scene of the President sparing a bear cub in his edition of 16 November 1902.
Morris Michtom, who ran a shop selling confectionery, toys and rag dolls made by his wife, spotted the cartoon. In 1903 he markets a teddy bear that he calls Teddy, with the permission of the president. This teddy bear would go on to have a global success. The bear becomes a flagship stuffed animal for children, and is found among the stock of most toy shops. He became an indispensable, inseparable friend to children and inspired many writers. The best known literary character is undoubtedly Winnie the Pooh, created by Alexander Milne for his son in 1926.
Why every child should have a teddy bear
In an increasingly virtual world, the teddy bear will create a bridge between the real and the imaginary, so important for every child. Indeed, wandering in the world of stories, narrative, fantasy and staging is the hallmark of childhood. The teddy bear is also often the first stuffed animal we own.
It accompanies us throughout our childhood, helping us to build ourselves. Specialists call this the “symbolic game”: the child uses what he sees, hears, experiences, to build his reality, to associate and combine. It also allows the child to learn to live with others. When playing with other children, a toddler learns to share, to wait his turn, to compromise and to settle small disputes. They learn to say new words, express their ideas and make themselves understood.
Why do children like teddy bears?
Children love teddy bears because they are a symbol of softness. Paradoxically, the bear also symbolises power and strength. But mixed with its tenderness, it is not seen as a fierce animal, but rather protective, like daddy. According to this patriarchal scheme he defends his territory and protects his loved ones. The child thus feels totally secure. It is also to him that the child will confide, allowing him to evacuate his doubts, fears and anxieties.
How to choose a teddy bear?
A very young child (under a year old) will need to be visually stimulated. Opt for a bear plush rich in primary colours such as red, green and blue. Bright colours help the child to develop visual skills. However, children will have a preference for red tones. They remind them of the light they saw during pregnancy through their mother’s womb.
This is also why warm light at night has a calming effect on restless children. You should also choose a bear that is small and easily graspable, with paws long enough to be grasped by the child. Finally, at this age the child brings everything to his mouth, it is recommended to choose very soft and rather smooth materials, without hair, in order to avoid the child tearing them off with his teeth.
Around the age of 18 months, anxiety about the dark begins to appear. The teddy bear will thus bring comfort to the child, and help him/her fall asleep. Holding a teddy bear in his arms allows the child to make a transition between the hyper activity of the day and the emptiness of the night. You can also opt for our white LED pillow bear plush which warmly illuminates the room and helps the child fall asleep.
For an older child, you can choose less conventional plush toys with original designs.
In addition, you should know that all the plush toys sold on the magic-plush.com website are washable, allowing them to be offered to each child. They can be machine washed, dry cleaned or hand washed depending on the model chosen.