Recycling and Re-gifting Teddy Bears

Teddy bears are the probably the most popular toy of all time. 

But flashy new toys come out all the time, and peer pressure tells people that teddy bears are not for the adults or the boys. 

The teddy has two options: buried in a closet in secret, or given away.

Maybe the family moved and didn't have room for it.  Maybe the kid got a new game system and Mom and Dad figured the bear was just one more thing laying around.  Maybe the bear got lost on vacation.

So, teddy ends up in a yard sale or the thrift store at best, the landfill at worst. 

But teddy bears are mass produced, and at clearance prices are incredibly cheap. What can a pre-owned bear do to compete?

The most likely solution seems the classic give away to charity.  Foster kids, hospitalized kids and other charities always are on the look out for toys.  Just one trouble.  They only want new toys. 

Now I recognize that an old bear might have germs.

  But not every used bear has been heavily used by a child.  Just a few years ago, my Granny and I went to Wal-Mart right after Christmas and found ourselves lured into incredibly cheap, sweet faced teddies.  These teddies did nothing but sit on the couch and look cute.  They might have been hugged now and again, cuddled while watching a movie.  They posed for an occasional picture.

When Granny died, my family was tossing stuff and giving stuff away.  Relatives stuck the bears I couldn't find a place for in a small shop they were trying to make a go of.  Apparently it failed for they brought the teddy bears back.

But I ask all who read this to consider:  are new bears really germ free either? 

Does no-one walk down the aisle and sneeze in passing? Does no child tagging along beside Mom feel compelled to grab and hug and rub a nose on soft fur?  Are the new bears really so much cleaner?

Then there is this mystifying question:  can we truly invent all these clever devices and new ways of doing things and yet not know how to clean a simple teddy bear?  Really?

I must ask.  If anyone knows please tell me, for I truly wish to know.  Does no agency accept a used but clean bear for those homeless or foster kids, those lonely elderly people or down on their luck who could use the gift of a smile?

The teddy bears want to know.  I do too.  Every bear needs a home.  And they can't live in the back seat of my car forever.

After being out of action on weekdays, I'm back with a new(ish) macbook. New designs are coming and on more products that were previously impossible.

New Teddy Bear designs include: Dad bear with cub, Mom bear with cub, flute playing bear and victory bear. They should be showing up in our Greeting Card Universe store any day now. They'll also be available at Zazzle on mugs, binders for your Mom and Dad day memories and t-shirts.

Don't forget to check out unique designs for your Mother's Day, Father's day and Birthday Cards and Gifts.

New!     Pug lovers-it's here.  Our first ever Pug.  This fun smooshed face dog is cuddled by the teddy bear.  Some versions say "Can I keep it?" (Is this the bear wanting the pug or the pug wanting the teddy? You decide!)  This version is a golden tan, but should soon be offered in other variations.

    Don't forget for cute to check out that clown teddy bear.

    Check out the dragons, the latest is an awesome red/white/gray one modified for different colors. There is also a unicorn.

    These awesome designs are available on mugs, t-shirts, binders, tote bags and even stamps and matching greeting cards.  For more fun pick your holiday.  You'll find a variation of the pug and bear available in christmas, valentine's day and easter versions. 

    So hurry in and look around for your favorite person's christmas gifts.  More added all the time.

Designs are done in color pencil, marker and photoshop, modified for different products and seasons.