What would we do without him? Who would we trust with our secrets, our fears and our joys? Since their creation at the beginning of the 20th century, Teddy Bears have played a key role in the lives of children and collectors for decades. Some have become famous, such as Winnie the Pooh, Paddington and Baloo, to name a few, and have seen the light of day as cartoon or comic book heroes.

The one we really love is the one we adopt for a reason we don't really know, who has been by our side since our earliest childhood and holds a special place in our hearts for life.

Do you know where the first Teddy Bear was born?

The first Teddy Bear was born in Germany, over a century ago.

Margarete Steiff, confined to an armchair by polio, created the first model. Based on a model copied from a magazine, a small felt elephant was created for use as a pin holder. Unintentionally, it was an instant hit with children! Its soft texture was a welcome change from the materials commonly used for toys, such as wood or porcelain. In 1891, his company was incorporated, and a year later a salesman began touring Germany with the first catalog.

In 1897, Margarete Steiff teamed up first with her brother and then with her nephew Richard Steiff. The nephew gave the legendary company a real boost. In 1903, the first articulated bear, the "PB55", a mythical name among collectors, was born: P for plush, B for bear and 55 for its size.

Exhibited at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair, he was spotted by an American who saw his enormous potential and ordered 3,000 of him. Thus began the Teddy Bear's world tour, which continues to this day!

But why are we celebrating?

We have to go back to the beginning of the 20th century and to the President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt, to find any trace of the celebration of this day, or more precisely, of Teddy Bear Day.

In 1902, while returning from an unsuccessful bear hunt, President Roosevelt refused to shoot a young bear tied to a leash by the organizers.

The story could have ended there, but Morris Michtom and his wife, Russian emigres who had settled in New York, had the idea of making a bear nicknamed Teddy, after the bear the president had just saved. Approval was granted and the first Teddy Bear (short for Theodore) was born.

Folies de Provence soft toys

For over 20 years, our Folies de Provence plush collection has been a hit with children and adults alike!

Our Folies de Provence scented plush in the colors of Provence are so soft! Delicately scented with clay pearls impregnated with lavender essential oil, our lavender bears and rabbits have that special something: they have the power to soothe and promote well-being, thanks to the virtues of this wonderful plant. 

Lavender Rabbit or Lavender Bear, in different sizes to create a family or solo, there's something for everyone!

It's your turn to play!

To celebrate the day of our cute little companions, we're running a game from August 1 to September 9, 2023, with a chance to win the Giant Bear from the collection!

All you have to do is :

1/ Share an original photo of a Folies de Provence plush of your choice on social networks

2/ Tag folies_de_provence

3/ Add the hashtags #foliesdeprovence, #pelucheslavande

Use your imagination and creativity by taking an unusual photo of your Folies de Provence stuffed animal to win the Giant Bear!

Good luck to all!

Discover our Folies de Provence plush collection!