NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day

NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY

Is that a bear peeking over your colleague's monitor? Did your teacher just put a fuzzy friend on their desk? Don't be alarmed! It’s National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day, a day to embrace nostalgia and fun, celebrated every second Wednesday in October. This is your official permission slip to let your childhood companion tag along for the day, and frankly, they’re the best coworker or classmate you could ask for.

#BringYourTeddyBearToWorkSchoolDay

Let’s be honest, a teddy bear was our first best friend. It was a silent confidant for our secrets, a brave guardian against closet monsters, and the perfect snuggle partner when we felt sick or scared. They were the keepers of our childhood tears and our biggest cheerleaders.

As adults, amidst spreadsheets, deadlines, and duties, that simple, comforting presence is a welcome breath of fresh, fuzzy air. Bringing a bear to the office isn't just silly—it's a celebration! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter, a stress ball with a soul, and a furry, low-maintenance morale officer for the entire team. In the classroom, a visit from these cuddly friends sparks imagination, storytelling, and pure, simple delight.

The story of our beloved teddy bear begins, surprisingly, with a hunting trip and a moment of presidential sportsmanship. In 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was on a bear hunt in Mississippi. After an unsuccessful day, his hunting party cornered and tied an old bear to a tree for him to shoot. Roosevelt, an avid hunter, refused, declaring it unsportsmanlike.

The incident became national news, and political cartoonist Clifford Berryman immortalized the moment in The Washington Post on November 16, 1902. His cartoon, depicting Roosevelt turning his back on the tethered cub, became an instant classic.

Inspired by the cartoon, a New York toy store owner named Morris Michtom and his wife Rose created a stuffed bear cub. Michtom sent the bear to Roosevelt and asked for permission to call his creation a "Teddy Bear." The President agreed, and a toy icon was born!

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY

We want you to prove prove that the teddy bear is a timeless symbol of friendship and adventure. 

  1. Don't let your bear be a wallflower! Introduce them to your colleagues or classmates. Bonus points for creating a name tag and a fun job title like "Chief of Snack Inspection" or "Director of Naps."
  2. Turn the breakroom or a corner of the classroom into a party space. Gummy bears, animal crackers, and "bear claw" pastries are practically mandatory! We're sure everything will be "berry-delicious"! 
  3. Have a little fun and capture your bear "working" at the copier, "attending" a meeting, or "reading" a book in the library. These make for un-bear-ably cute pictures!
  4. This is the perfect day to give a teddy bear to someone who needs a little encouragement. Organize a collection of new teddy bears to donate to a local children’s hospital, shelter, or first responders.
  5. Share the fuzzy fun online by posting pictures and stories using the hashtag  #BringYourTeddyBearToWorkSchoolDay.

NATIONAL BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK/SCHOOL DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this fun toy holiday.

Teddy Bear FAQ

Q. What are some famous Teddy Bears?
A. Since the creation of the first Teddy Bear, several Teddy Bear characters became popular. One of the first was a bear named Winnie the Pooh. Created by English author A.A. Milne, the honey-loving bear is as popular as he ever was. 

6 Popular Teddy Bear Characters

  1. Paddington Bear
  2. Care Bears
  3. Fozzie Bear
  4. Coca Cola polar bear
  5. Teddy Ruxpin
  6. Smokey the Bear

Q. When was Theodore Roosevelt president?
A. Theodore Roosevelt served as the United States President from 1901 to 1909. 

DATES:
8 October 2025
14 October 2026
13 October 2027
11 October 2028
10 October 2029
9 October 2030
10 October 2031