A New Home for Bear and Rhyme – And Why We Never Really Outgrow Teddy Bears!
Updated: 3 days ago
There's something rather wonderful about a teddy bear.
It might be the familiar softness, the reassuring expression, or the memories of a much-loved childhood companion. Whatever the reason, teddy bears have a remarkable ability to make us smile, offer comfort and sometimes express feelings that words alone cannot quite capture.
And that is precisely what inspired Bear and Rhyme.
Today, I'm delighted to announce the arrival of our new website, www.bearandrhyme.com, a dedicated home for our collection of teddy bear gifts, each accompanied by an original rhyme written to celebrate, encourage, reassure or comfort.
But before I tell you more about our new home, I'd love to share a little about the fascinating history of teddy bears — and why, more than 120 years after their arrival, they continue to hold such a special place in our hearts.
Where Did Teddy Bears Come From?
The story of the teddy bear begins in 1902, with an American president, a hunting trip and an unexpected act of compassion.
During a hunting expedition in Mississippi, President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly refused to shoot a bear that had been captured and restrained for him. The incident inspired a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman, which appeared in The Washington Post.
A Brooklyn shopkeeper named Morris Michtom subsequently created a stuffed bear and, with Roosevelt's permission, marketed it as Teddy's Bear.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the German toy-making company Steiff was developing its own jointed stuffed bears, with Richard Steiff's design appearing in 1902 and being presented at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903.
Two different beginnings, on opposite sides of the ocean, helped launch what would become one of the world's most enduring and beloved toys.
And the teddy bear was born!
Why Do We Love Teddy Bears So Much?
It's an interesting question, isn't it?
After all, a teddy bear is essentially a collection of fabric, stuffing and carefully arranged features. Yet we often attach extraordinary emotional significance to these little creatures.
Psychology offers some fascinating explanations.
The Comfort of Something Familiar
Psychologists recognise that familiar objects can provide reassurance, particularly during times of uncertainty or change.
For young children, a favourite teddy bear may become what the British paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott described as a transitional object — something that helps a child feel secure while gradually developing independence.
But that need for comfort doesn't necessarily disappear when we become adults.
A familiar soft toy can still evoke feelings of safety, belonging and emotional connection. Sometimes, simply holding something soft and familiar can be reassuring when life feels overwhelming.
Those Irresistible Little Faces
Have you ever wondered why teddy bears tend to have rounded faces, soft features and relatively large eyes?
These characteristics resemble what scientists call baby schema — features commonly associated with infants that can encourage affectionate, nurturing responses.
It's one reason we find puppies, kittens and, yes, teddy bears so appealing.
Of course, not every teddy bear has the same expression, but those gentle faces often seem to invite us to care for them.
And perhaps to feel cared for in return.
A Little Bear Can Hold a Lot of Memories
Teddy bears also have a wonderful ability to become associated with people, places and moments in our lives.
A childhood bear may remind us of bedtime stories and family holidays. A bear received during a difficult period may become a symbol of kindness and support.
And a bear given to celebrate a birth, a birthday, a friendship or a special achievement can become a lasting reminder of that occasion.
The bear itself doesn't change very much.
But the meaning we attach to it can grow enormously over time.
Why Pair a Teddy Bear With a Rhyme?
I've always believed that words have the power to make a difference.
Sometimes we want to tell someone how much they mean to us. Sometimes we want to encourage a friend who is struggling, celebrate a milestone or offer comfort to somebody experiencing loss.
And sometimes finding exactly the right words can be surprisingly difficult.
That's where the idea behind Bear and Rhyme comes in.
Each gift brings together a carefully chosen teddy bear and an original piece of verse, written with a particular emotion, occasion or sentiment in mind.
The bear provides something tangible to hold, while the rhyme gives expression to the feelings behind the gift.
Together, they create something that I hope will be enjoyed in the moment and treasured long afterwards.
Gifts for All of Life's Moments
Our growing collection includes gifts for birthdays, Christmas, friendship, encouragement, remembrance and those lovely just because occasions when somebody deserves to know they're being thought of.
Some are designed to make the recipient smile. Others offer reassurance, celebrate love or acknowledge feelings that aren't always easy to put into words.
Because life isn't made up entirely of celebrations.
There are quieter moments, difficult days and times when the smallest gesture of kindness can mean an enormous amount.
And sometimes a little bear, accompanied by a few carefully chosen words, can say something rather special.
Welcome to Our New Website!
Creating a dedicated home for Bear and Rhyme is an exciting new chapter.
Our website brings our gifts together in one place, making it easier to browse the collection, discover new designs and find something appropriate for the people and occasions that matter to you.
I'll also be using this blog to share gift ideas, the inspiration behind new creations, interesting stories and perhaps the occasional reflection on the wonderful ways words and small gestures can brighten somebody's day.
Whether you've discovered Bear and Rhyme for the first time or have supported our little business along the way, thank you for being here.
I hope you'll enjoy exploring our new home.
And perhaps, along the way, you'll discover that there's still room in all our lives for a teddy bear.
With warmest wishes,
Amanda
Writer/Creative, Bear and Rhyme
A little bear…with heartfelt rhyme,
A gift to treasure for all time.
7th October 2026
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