10 Best Teddy Bears in the UK 2024
There’s a lot of choice out there, from giant bears to gift a girlfriend to simple cotton bears for newborns, as well as those from much-loved toy brands Steiff and Jellycat, so we’re here to make your decision that little bit easier with our buying guide. And if you need a bit more inspiration, be sure to check out our ranking of the best and most huggable bears you can get your paws on this year from John Lewis, eBay and Amazon.
Quick List - Top Teddy Bears
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
How to Choose a Teddy Bear in the UK – Buying Guide
Choose the Fur Material for Practicality, Looks, and How Cuddly They Are
Synthetic Plush Fur is Durable, Washable, and Very Huggable
One great advantage to synthetic plush fabric is it’s ability to withstand years of play, so it’s a good one to go for if you’re planning on gifting your bear to a smaller child as a lifelong friend, or one who might be a bit heavy handed with it.
On top of this, synthetic furred bears are usually washable either by hand or in the machine, but make sure to check the label for the specific instructions otherwise you might have some explaining to do to an unhappy child!
Cotton is Allergy Friendly and Great for Babies
In terms of it’s hugability, it’s soft and gentle on the skin, and is naturally a bit cooler and more moisture resistant than polyester, making useful for those who want to cuddle their bears at night without getting too sweaty.
Mohair or Other Animal Hairs Are a Traditional Choice, But Not as Cuddly
It may look luscious and thick, but mohair is often quite rough, another factor that makes it perhaps a more suitable choice for an older owner, or one who wants a bear to display rather than snuggle with.
Consider the Fur Pile or Length Depending on the Recipient
For example, a short haired bear with minimal pile or fluffiness, such as one made from plain cotton, may be best for newborns or babies, as they can bite and chew on it all they like without you having to worry about tufts of fur coming off into their mouths.
Longer haired bears with a thick pile will be suitable for most children and of course adults, but if you’d like a bit of fluffiness for a baby to grow into, go for a short to medium pile.
How Big Do You Want the Teddy to be?
The size of the bear may make it a more appropriate choice for recipients of different ages, but that’s really up to you. Smaller bears of around 20cm are generally marketed at babies, but that’s not to say that an extra large bear wouldn’t be appreciated by them either. Giant novelty bears often gifted to adult partners, or very lucky children, can come in at an impressive 100-150cm.
For a middling ground, bears measuring around 30cm are classed as average sized, as they’re small enough to carry around by the paw, but big enough to still give a good squeeze to.
Different Stuffing Materials Can Enable the Bear to Sit Up, or Feel Squishier
Those with bean pellets make for a slightly weightier bear that can sit up on a shelf or other surfaces, but they do run the risk of bursting if they’re not handled too carefully. This is a good point to bear in mind if you’ve ever had to clean up foam pellets from a split beanbag, as you will know how painful it can be!
Polyester fibre stuffing, on the other hand, gives the bear a denser feel when squished, and makes for a very lightweight toy suitable for anyone in need of a hug.
Jointed Bears Have Positionable Limbs, That Are Less Likely to Fall Off!
If you or the person you’re buying for does want an ornamental teddy or a collectable rather than just something to squeeze, this could be a good feature to look out for.
Check the Age Recommendation by the Manufacturer, and Watch for Extra Parts
Bows, stuck-on parts and extra accessories can all add to the personality and appeal of the teddy, but it’s always worth double-checking to make sure it’s going to be a safe choice for it’s new carer.
10 Best Teddy Bears in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gund 1. Gund Philbin Bear, Chocolate｜Chocolate | | The Sweetest and Cuddliest Bear Out There | |
2 | Aurora 2. Aurora World Bonnie Teddy Bear, Brown｜Brown | | Great Value Bear to Brighten Anyone’s Day | |
3 | Living Nature 3. Living Nature Brown Bear Soft Toy | | A Realistic and Educational Furry Friend | |
4 | Jellycat 4. Jellycat Harry Panda Cub, Large｜Large | | An Ultra Soft and Quirky Bear | |
5 | Wooly Organic 5. Be Natural Baby Organic Cotton Teddy Bear｜Beige | | 100% Natural for Sensitive Babies | |
6 | Jellycat 6. Jellycat Bundle of Bears Bartholomew Bear, Medium｜Medium | | Cute as a Button and Squidgy Soft | |
7 | Steiff 7. Steiff Paddy Teddy Bear｜Blonde | | A World Famous Collectable | |
8 | Deuba 8. Deuba XXL Brown Teddy Bear | | Bigger Bear, Bigger Hugs | |
9 | Steiff 9. Steiff My First Teddy Bear, Cream｜Beige | | A Soft and Luxurious Bear for Baby | |
10 | Merrythought 10. Merrythought Personalised London Gold/Red Soft Teddy Bear｜Gold/Red | | No Expenses Spared Traditional Bear |
The Sweetest and Cuddliest Bear Out There
And with such a reasonable price point, he’s impossible not to love!
Aurora2. Aurora World Bonnie Teddy Bear, Brown ｜ Brown
Great Value Bear to Brighten Anyone’s Day
At the lowest price on our list, it’s an amazing value buy from a popular brand, that’s praised for it’s quality, softness and hugability alike.
A Realistic and Educational Furry Friend
The size and minimal weight will make him a great companion for nighttime cuddles, travel or play, and he’s designed to sit up if you want to show him off.
An Ultra Soft and Quirky Bear
Whilst, not the cheapest, you know with Jellycat you’re going to get a high quality, well-made bear that lasts. There’s also some sibling cubs available in huge (46cm) and medium (26cm) if you’d like another size or want to take the whole family home.
Wooly Organic5. Be Natural Baby Organic Cotton Teddy Bear ｜ Beige
100% Natural for Sensitive Babies
The filling is corn fibre which is hypoallergenic too, so he’s suitable for even very sensitive or allergy prone babies and children, and you can hand or machine wash him when he needs freshening up.
Jellycat 6. Jellycat Bundle of Bears Bartholomew Bear, Medium ｜ Medium
Cute as a Button and Squidgy Soft
The brand states he’s suitable from birth, and can be hand washed. Many new owners praise the quality of the design and stitching, and the fact he has beans in his rear and paws so he can sit up.
A World Famous Collectable
The Steiff ear tag is also featured, and he can be gently spot cleaned if needed.
Bigger Bear, Bigger Hugs
The fur is fluffy and dense, made from soft plush, and a lightweight synthetic stuffing means he isn’t too heavy to move around. A novelty buy yes, but an undeniably fun one!
A Soft and Luxurious Bear for Baby
Also featuring the Steiff signature ear label, he’s a little bit spendy but definitely a special bear for baby to grow up with, and even pass on to their own children in later years.
Merrythought 10. Merrythought Personalised London Gold/Red Soft Teddy Bear ｜ Gold/Red
No Expenses Spared Traditional Bear
This 30cm bear’s mohair fur is short and actually very soft to touch, and can be moved into the perfect position as pride of place on the shelf as he’s fully jointed. Although that’s probably the only place you’ll want him to be if you know the cost!
Soothe or Entertain the Little One With these Adorable Products
Sometimes it can be hard to find ways to soothe and entertain your little bundle of joy. So whether their neck hasn't settled yet or they're already up and waddling about, we have a few articles that you might find some inspiration in. Take a look!
Summary
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Teddy Bears
No. 1: Gund｜1. Gund Philbin Bear, Chocolate｜Chocolate
No. 2: Aurora｜2. Aurora World Bonnie Teddy Bear, Brown｜Brown
No. 3: Living Nature ｜3. Living Nature Brown Bear Soft Toy
No. 4: Jellycat ｜4. Jellycat Harry Panda Cub, Large｜Large
No. 5: Wooly Organic｜5. Be Natural Baby Organic Cotton Teddy Bear｜Beige
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.