24 posts tagged “teddy bears”

If you have a special stuffed animal, whether it’s a much loved child’s toy or a perfect decoration for your living room, it’s a shame to watch it give in to the ravages of time. Dirt and dust are pervasive, impossible to stop annoyances, but it is possible to clean up your favorite dirty teddy bear! And you can do it without ruining the toy too. Water and teddy bears aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether the plush animal is only a little dusty, or extremely soiled, these tricks and tips will insure you never lose another stuffed animal to the ravages of dirt again.

“A Little Dusty”

Dust is unavoidable, and so cleaning some off before the plush animal’s status becomes code red is a good idea. This is actually quite easy, just get a damp cloth or duster to wipe way the accumulated dust. You can even use a disinfecting cloth to wipe away any unwanted germs. If just cleaning the surface isn’t enough for you, another great approach is to toss the plush toy into the dryer with a couple of scented dryer sheets. All you need to do is to set the temperature on high in order to kill germs, and let it go for 10 minutes. This way both their insides and outsides have been freshened up. You’ll feel like the toy is new again!

“I Need a Bath”

If your teddy bear ends up on the floor a lot, then it probably needs a better cleaning then the ones above. There are several options here. First, you can let the plush toy soak overnight with some softener and detergent, then throw them in the dryer for that fresh smell. Or, you can just simply throw them in the washing machine. To keep the toy safe, put it in a pillow case and knot the case closed. Then, so as not to damage the stuffed animal, set the washer on a gentle cycle with cold water, and always make sure you dry it on low. A low heat setting for a half and hour will be plenty for the toy, and then when you take them out, straighten the teddy bear in case any of its stuffing has shifted out of place.

“I Need a Miracle”

These toys have had a hard life. But even covered in dirt and unidentifiable gunk, there are ways to clean them. Those terrible stains don’t have to be irreversible. Whether they are beloved childhood toys or your favorite Valentine’s Day present from a loved one, miracles do happen. Make sure you get some carpet cleaner and a toothbrush. The toothbrush is a good size brush for delicate toys, as anything bigger could ruin them. This is especially good for spotting stains. Just squirt a little cleaner on the brush and gently scrub on the worst spots. Once you have done this, rinse the plush animal in cold water, until the water runs clear. Then you can put the stuffed toy in the dryer for 10 minutes. It will most likely not be completely dry, but that’s okay, as then you can let it air dry. Don’t forget to use a disinfecting cloth, which is especially important if its toy for a small child.

So as you can see, there are many ways to clean a stuffed animal. Even when it seems the toy may be beyond saving, don’t give up! If it’s important to you, it might just be worth a little elbow grease. You’ll be happy when your favorite toys are fresh, clean, and just like new again!

While creating and designing a baby boy’s nursery can be fun, it can also be very difficult. It involves a lot of decisions to be made, such as what colors to paint the walls and what type of furniture and decorations would go best. And though sometimes it may seem like there is more flexibility when it comes to decorating a girl’s room then there is for a boy’s room, you’ll soon see that’s not the case. Take a look at the decorating ideas outlined below and you’ll see that there are many accessories and themes available in order to decorate and design a wonderful nursery for your new baby boy!

Before you start, remember to take a look at the overall character of your home so that your new baby’s room won’t be out of place. For example, if your home is more traditional, choose accessories and colors to match. Or, if your home is modern in style, also make your baby’s room modern. And remember, regardless of which route you go, every nursery will need the basics, which includes a crib, a dresser or clothing cabinet, changing table, and toys and stuffed animals to really make the new room feel like the place for a child. Once you have these basics, you can move on to the task of finding decorations.

This may sound complicated, but it’s really not. We will show you how to create a truly “dynamic” room with only a few accessories and some creativity on your part. We’ll keep things general so that you can adapt these tips into any theme you’d like. Some good ones would be a space theme, a sports theme, a car theme, or a cowboy theme, but you can use your imagination!

Starting with the Basics

First, you need to choose the colors and the furniture for your new nursery. For a boy’s room, darker colors are usually very appropriate. For example, you could use darker green for a sports theme, or golden-brown for a cowboy theme, or dark blue for a space theme. And because you’re going to use darker colors for the walls, you should keep the furniture a lighter color, and one that will be complimentary. For example, white furniture would go great with blue or green walls, and birch would be a great choice for a cowboy theme.

So, once the colors of the room is chosen, choosing furniture becomes very easy. In fact, you can make it even easier by finding a furniture set that includes a crib, a dresser, and possibly a small table. Buying several pieces together, besides automatically matching, can also save you money. When you’re looking at sets, if you can’t find a matching changing table don’t worry. Most dresser’s can also easily double as a changing table if you put a changing pad on top. Just make sure the dresser is deep enough and stable enough to hold your child’s weight without any danger. And this will save on space. Of course, if space is not an issue you can add some fun kid’s furniture as well, such as a little table and chair set or a baby armchair. This will really make it obvious that this is a room for your new little person! Another option is to fill you extra space with a loveseat, which will give you a place to sit and hold your child if they are fussing.

Decorating and Adding Accessories

Once you’ve got the basics, it’s time to move on. Add some storage space with small containers, mounted shelves, and storage boxes. Then get stuffed animals, toys and wall paintings, or wall stick ons.

A small storage shelf is a great way to make sure you have everything you need nearby. Place it above or next to the changing table to store toys, teddy bears, and essential baby items like pacifiers, diaper-rash cream, diapers, etc. You can do the same with storage boxes.

Now that we’re done with the practical, let’s move onto the fun involved in decorating. First the walls. Add some themed murals such as a cloud and plane stick on, or a baseball mural. You can even add a colorful growth chart where you can track your new child as they grow up. Next it’s time to make the room a fun place for children with the addition of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. Plush toys are a great way to make a child’s room their own. Place a few teddy bears on the dresser, or on the windowsill. Plush dogs would also be great, because what little boy doesn’t want a dog? Then, you can add another toy that matches your room’s theme. For example, get a plush rocking horse for that cowboy theme, or a star mobile to place above the bed for a space them, or little toy cars for an automobile theme.

So as you can see, with just a little bit of creativity you can easily create a fun nursery for your new baby boy. The possibilities are endless!

Ready to spend a fun day together with your kids? Then hop to this great family activity that will keep you and your little ones busy and smiling. To create your own puppet show you need a short story, some plush animals and a bit of creativity. The props are easy to improvise once you have the right mindset. It only takes a bottle cap to create the porridge bowl that Goldilocks ate from. So, start imagining and create and amazing puppet show for you and your family.

Are you looking for something fun to do for your kids while their stuck inside because of bad weather? Many of us would prefer to keep them away from the television, but that means we have to keep them busy. Luckily, there’s a really fun idea: build a puppet show. Rather than just reading a story aloud, acting it out with puppets is a great way to create a fantastic memory for your children. And most importantly, you’ll get to spend more time with your kids! And once their older, they’ll be challenged to put on one of their own!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppet Show

Luckily for us, creating a puppet show doesn’t have to be horribly complicated. In fact, you don’t actually need to go out and buy puppets. Most children already have stuffed animals and dolls, and they’ll be thrilled to see their favorite toy staring in a puppet theatre! Costume their toys with your own accessories, such as jewelry, hats, glasses, and anything else you can think of. Be inventive when it comes to other props by using plastic tableware, boxes, etc.

The Characters

Let’s say you want to re-create a favorite fairytale, such as “The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Obviously, you’ll need a Papa Bear, a Mama Bear, and a Baby Bear. This is easy as long as you have three teddy bears of varying sizes. Then dress the bears up accordingly. Take the smallest bear and give him a little hat or tie a pacifier around his neck so that he’s obviously baby bear. As for the parents, give Mama Bear a necklace or little bow, and to Papa Bear add a pair of old glasses. Then you will need Goldilocks. She can easily be recreated with any blond doll, in fact a Barbie would work just fine.

Believe it or not, you don’t need the intricate strings of a professional puppeteer. Instead get a ruler, stick, or maybe even a pair of chopsticks, whichever you have on hand. These can then be taped to your puppet’s bodies so they are easy to maneuver. This can also make them more stable and less likely to flop around.

The Props

Next, it’s time to find the appropriate props. First you’ll need to represent the table of the three bears. You could use a small box, or even a piece of Tupperware. Then place little “bowls” on them. Use the wrappers from Ferrero Rocher or Reeses chocolates, as they have the right “bowl” shape. Or you could use the caps of a couple of water bottles. Then, to create chairs, use foam water glasses. Cut Mama Bear’s seat by an inch so that it’s smaller than Papa Bear’s “seat”, which you will leave alone, and then cut the cup for Baby Bears seat by 2 inches, so that it is the smallest seat of all. Foam is a particularly good material, because it’s easy to “break” the chair when Goldilocks sits down in it. The beds are just as easy to create. All you need are some napkins and tissue arranged on one side of the room, cut down into three descending sizes. And so there you go! You’ve got all the props you need to put on a great show, and it was easy!

So there you go. You’ve got everything you need: the puppets, the props, and a great classic story. Whether rain or shine, this is a truly fun way to entertain your children. As long as your child has toys around the house like stuffed animals, you can create anything!

Having a new baby on the way is always exciting, but it can also be a lot of work! Often you need to move to a larger space as you get a bigger apartment or a house. Then you have to prepare your home to be baby friendly and safe. Included in this is decorating the baby’s nursery! This can be a really fun thing to do, but the task may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article will help you simplify the nursery decorating process. If you are expecting a baby girl, why not welcome your new princess in style with a princess themed nursery?

It may seem complicated, but this fun girly theme will be simplified by following the tips in this article. And you’ll be glad to know that this particular nursery theme allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to furniture and decorating decisions.

Princess Furniture

When decorating a nursery, always start with the basics: furniture. Getting the right type of furniture is key. Classic or vintage furniture is more appropriate for the princess theme then modern. Now, your first basic item would be a nice crib. Next, it’s important to get a dresser or drawer chest, and a changing table. This is all furniture that will make your life easier, but if you have limited space you can opt for a combination dresser/changing table, or a crib that included an extension that can be used as a changing table. And if you do have the space, the ideal dresser for your little princess would be an elegant drawer chest with a hutch. Not only is this furniture fit for a princess, but it’s also practical as it creates much storage space.

Remember, keep things elegant by matching a crib to the other furniture for a more sophisticated look. You can also make your nursery ready for future fun by adding a child sized table and chair set. In fact, there are many princess themed tables that would be appropriate for the room and include a mirror and stool set. This can really add some critical touches to them room and make it look truly princess ready.

Princess Accessories

Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to accessorize the room. First, you’ll need bedding. Pink is a great choice, and you can usually find bedding that has a princess theme. To keep the room royal, get a matching bed skirt, and add a white or pink canopy above the bed to complete the look. Alternatively, if you don’t care for canopies, add a fairies mobile above the bed instead.

Now it’s time to add those important little touches by decorating the dresser, table, and chair. Stuffed animals and dolls are the best way to do this. Use cute teddy bears that are either pink, white, or classic colors to fill the shelves. Then get a princess doll to sit on the child sized chairs. Another fun touch would be to add a stuffed dog under or next to the table, because nothing says royal like a lapdog for your little princess!

Walls, Floor and Ceiling Decor

When you have the decorations and furniture figured out, it’s time to paint the room to match. Pink is a very appropriate choice for a princess, so choose a shade of pink for the walls. Keep the ceiling an ivory white color so that the room is not completely overwhelmed by the pink. These bright colors will give your room a fairytale look, and to take things further, you can even add a chandelier to bring in some magical fairy light at night. Then get a rug for a the floor that has a castle or tiara theme. Light blue or pink again would be a great choice for the rug. Then accessorize the walls with paintings or pictures of castles, or even a picture of a Disney princess to hang beside the bed!

So there you go! You can achieve a truly royal (and fun) look with some themed bedding, children’s furniture, and stuffed animals. Follow these simple steps and before you know it you’ll have the perfect castle sanctuary for your little princess!

There are some great games out there that you could put together for a children’s party, and this article has two great ideas for you! One of these would be a trivia game on children’s toys. In fact, there is some great information out there. For example, there is the story of President Theodor Roosevelt’s compassion and how it led to a popular toy.

Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was known to the public affectionately as "Teddy." An outdoor enthusiast, “Teddy” was once on a hunting trip to Mississippi when he was told to shoot a black bear that had been captured alive by his hunting crew. He refused, on the grounds that killing an already helpless animal was unsportsmanlike, and not proper hunting. This act quickly captured the imagination of the public, and was portrayed again and again in many newspaper drawings and caricatures. And according to Wikipedia, this story inspired a toy maker to design a little cute plush bear, which he named "Teddy's Bear." So this is how teddy bears got their name. In fact, they are called the same thing in many other languages.

This would make a great piece of trivia at a child’s party, as its both interesting and educational. When you are telling the story, get a toy soldier and a realistic appearing teddy bear so you can make the scene come alive! Then have crayons, pencils, sticker letters and paper so the kids can draw the scene, and then create their own newspaper page on the historic event! Have them assemble their drawings on the big piece of paper and then let them create a fun headline that they can put as the front page news. You could even cut out some paragraphs of newsprint from a real newspaper to make theirs look more authentic. Then, give each of them a little black teddy bear as a door prize that they can play with.

If you want to add a second idea, here’s another fun activity you could make using stuffed animals: create a boardwalk!

Create a few stations throughout your home. One of them could be a basketball station. Get those wall hopes that will stick on any surface, assign a certain number of tries and a line from which they must throw the ball, and you have a fun game! Just remember not to make it too difficult, but not too easy either. As a prize, have plush toys, like a big stuffed tiger, stuffed lion or even a teddy bear. This will definitely be a hit for your party guests!

The fishbowl game would make another great station. Get different sized containers (these could be something as big as a cereal bowl or something as small as a water bottle, use whatever you have on hand) and arrange them relatively close to one another. Then let each kid have three chances to throw a small soft ball through the containers openings. The smaller the opening of the container the bigger the prize they can win. The smaller prizes could be things like crayons or stickers and the grand prize could be a teddy bear or other large stuffed animal.

Another great station would be a bowling arena. Split the kids into two teams. The team who knocks down the most pins is the winner after a certain number of tries. Have a consolation prize for the runner up so that no one feels bad. Because after all, hurt feelings ruin parties. For example, the winning team could get a stuffed tiger while the other team would get a box of crayons.

So there you go, trivia, boardwalk games and stuffed animal prizes and you have the perfect kid’s party. You’ll probably find yourself having just as much fun planning it as the kids will have playing with it!

Coming up with a great idea for a baby shower isn’t always easy. You want to do right by your good friend or family member, but you have no idea where you should start. There’s no need to worry, because included below are some amazing ideas with which to give yourself a starting point and inspire your inner party planner.

Color

Conventional wisdom says that you should use blue for baby boys and pink for baby girls. It can make it easy to organize a party around a certain color scheme. Of course, this assumes that the gender of the baby is known already. If the parents are trying to keep this is a surprise, you can plan your party around a neutral, but still cute, color such as yellow or light green. But don’t feel that you have to be bound by convention. You could be more creative and use the mother’s favorite color. As long as the colors are fun and lively, you’re bound to have a great party.

Theme

Having a theme is a wonderful way to make party organization easy for you, still have everything be very fun, and give your party that “put together” look. One easy way to do this is simply to have a “baby” theme. Gather together decorations with storks, diapers, bottles, and rattles. Or maybe you don’t want the traditional feeling that this would convey. Instead, you could choose a seasonal theme. For example, maybe Valentine’s Day is close by. Use hearts and flowers for decorations and you’ll have a Valentine’s Baby Shower. You could do the same thing with Halloween, the Fourth of July, or Christmas if they’re having a Christmas baby. And this theme doesn’t have to just be holidays; instead use one of the four seasons (obviously whichever one the baby is going to be born in). A summer or beach theme would be a lot of fun and give you a starting point with which to organize the party.

Decorations

Don’t get overwhelmed with all your choices for decorations. Remember your theme. For a party with a Valentine’s Day theme, as mentioned above you could use hearts and flowers, but you could also add some things more specific to baby. For example, include balloons that have “I love you baby!” written on them, and to be really creative, get little baby food jars to tie the balloons to and hold them in place. Remember, the possibilities are endless. Symbols of motherhood are also a great way to decorate. One great way you could do this is with stuffed animals. For example, for the gift table centerpiece, have a stuffed lioness and her cub. In fact, putting stuffed animals in pairs of bigger and smaller can be an adorable way to portray mother and child. Get a big teddy bear and a small teddy bear and put them side by side. The teddy bear idea would be an especially good idea for the Valentine’s Day theme, but remember, you can do this with any plush animal!

Favors

Party favors are not absolutely necessary for a baby shower, but they are certainly appreciated, and they can make a great prize if you play shower games. Also, they can do double duty as both decorations and favors. For example, a friend of mine had some very cute napkins as favors that had little babies and toys painted on them. They were pretty when they were laid out, and then everyone got very excited when they realized they could take them home! You could do this with those mother and child stuffed toys you were using for decorations also. You could give your guests the pair, or just the smaller one, which would certainly make things more affordable. Remember, whether you could a small teddy bear, some stuffed lions, plush cats, or something else, you’ll have a fun decoration and a gift that is easy to find and affordable. And of course, if you are looking for a more traditional favor, you could get little photo frames or carriage shaped candles. The possibilities are practically endless!

Remember, there’s a lot to do to put together a great baby shower, but this should give you a nice starting point and really get your creative juices flowing. Start by having a color or theme in mind and that get decorations to match! Then consider what party favors your guests would enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll find that your entire party has fallen together very naturally! A baby shower doesn’t have to be a huge hassle! Instead it can be lots of fun and the talk of your friends or family for years to come!

For those of us who have kids or know children, it certainly seems like toys and the idea of play has changed. Children’s entertainment has taken on a much more passive role, when in our day play was all about imagination and creativity. For example, we’d play dress up or various role playing games, and we’d use the toys we did have in completely creative, loosely structured fun. Nowadays it seems that traditional play where you create a story has been left behind, what with video games and other passive entertainments.

Of course, I don’t mean to sound like an old fogey by belittling a new generation of toys, but it’s hard to disagree with the importance of active play for a child’s development. In fact, classic toys and games are still very much the basis for learning and growing. They can have the occasional video game, but make sure to also include, especially when they are very young, these classic toys for development. Remember, playing is as important as outright learning, such as learning a new language and engaging in sports, and can really help our children excel.

Below I will explain why “play” is so important for development.

1. Play can be a precursor to important socialization skills that children learn through sports. Here they learn how to be part of a team, be disciplined, and learn about competitiveness. Leading an active life before they are old enough to play organized sports can begin this process. These basic activities include things such as running outside, playing hide and seek, or playing hopscotch. Healthy bodies help create healthy minds, so we should never underestimate the power of physical activity, even if it does just look like “play.”

2. Play is also very important when it comes to the development of creativity. The ability to create their own universe is important for children. For example, children can be the teacher instead of the student. They can research a tropical jungle while surrounded by stuffed lions and stuffed tigers. Or they can be Snow White with all her enchanted forest animals (plush toys of course) waiting for Prince Charming. With the creativity to impersonate and create their own scenario’s, children can explore future interests or even future careers. Creating their own characters and stories is a great way to grow their imaginations in way that is better than just watching television or playing a video game where the stories, pictures, and characters are already there. Also, many of these imaginative games are much less violent then television or video games, so the child can grow and develop in a way that’s much more harmonious.

3. Play also develops social skills and teaches a child how to relate to others. For example, maybe the child is pretending they’re in a jungle with a stuffed tiger. Not only does this help them learn about nature, it also teaches them how to interact with others. Children who play together, whether they are jumping rope or having fun with that stuffed tiger have to set ground rules and boundaries as they pretend in order to share a world. In this way, children learn how to depend on and interact with each other.

Remember, playing is very vital to the development of a child. Play teaches them how to cope with the world, learn how to interact with others and be more creative. The occasional video game is fine, but we should make sure children learn the basics of play. And we can help do this by joining in the fun. Whether we decide to play the damsel in distress or the monster that’s chasing them around, we can be a part of the play and development. Remember, these memories will be cherished far more than any television show or video game.

Another Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so what are you getting your sweetheart this year? Many of you have probably already made up your mind to go with the old classic, a stuffed animal. This is a great gift, but there are so many choices. To help you decide, here are the top five picks for most popular plush toy, plus some extra tips to make your Valentine’s Day truly special this year!

#5 Stuffed Bunnies

What could be cuter than a cuddly rabbit? A bunny may not be synonymous with Valentine’s Day like it is with Easter, but this cute critter is a surprisingly enduring plush toy for any time of the year. Pair the stuffed bunny with a box of chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or some other gift, and you’ve got a sure-fire winner.

#4 Stuffed Lions

The ferocious lion may not seem like the perfect gift on the sweet and lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day, but you’d be surprised! It helps that this animal can easily send a message beyond just that of love. They can show your sweetie that you think they are powerful, beautiful, courageous, or royal, and do it in a way that doesn’t require words! Not all of us can handle poetry after all, so why not let the lion do the talking for us? A stuffed lion is a great way to create a unique metaphor that describes your admiration perfectly.

#3 Stuffed Tigers

This can be a particularly great gift for the man in your life. After all, stuffed tigers are powerful, but still soft and cuddly! (Just like your significant other). You could even place the tiger somewhere with a clever message. For example, leave it in their car or have it delivered to their home with a message on it along the lines of “Can’t wait to see you tonight, tiger.” This could be a fun and flattering way to show that your thinking about him.

#2 Plush Pets

If your sweetie is an animal lover who has a favorite pet, this is sure to be a hit. For example, maybe your girlfriend loves cats. Get her an adorable stuffed cat and sure her that you know her well. To spice things up even more, and impress her with your attention to detail, have the cat hold a bouquet of roses, or a box of gourmet chocolates. Or if the plush cat is small, you could actually hide it in the bouquet of flowers. No matter which way you decide to go, it’s sure to make her smile and have an extra special Valentine’s.

#1 Teddy Bears

You had to suspect that this classic would be on the list, and it’s number one for a reason! No other stuffed animal embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day better than a teddy bear. This classic will never grow outdated. Just imagine pairing it with a box of chocolates or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. In fact, if you wanted to be more adventurous, you could have the bear hold all kinds of things, such as a ski or hockey tickets. The teddy bear is sure to be the perfect gift.

Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember by giving your sweetie one of these popular stuffed animals. After all nothing will warm his or her heart more than a sweet and cuddly plush toy!

February 14th is right around the corner, and we all know what that means! It’s time for another Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s is a great day to show your significant other that you really care about them, or if you find yourself single this season, it can also be a great time to show friends and family how grateful you are for their presence in your life. Whether or not you’re having a traditional Valentine’s Day, a gift is a fantastic way to show how you feel. Below you will find some ideas to help you get the ball rolling and to help you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

Dinner and a Movie

This is a classic suggestion for a reason. Instead of, (or in addition to) getting someone a gift, you can insure that the both of you will have a great time. Tailor the night to their tastes by taking them to a restaurant they adore and go to a movie that they want to see. Maybe they want to see a chick flick or an action movie that’s not your thing; take them anyway and you will certainly receive brownie points! You can class up the evening further too be taking them to a live performance, like their favorite play or a musical. Remember, dinner and a show may be rather traditional, but taking them to do things they enjoy shows that you’ve been paying attention.

Name a Star

If you want a truly unique gift, you could name a star or a galaxy after your loved one! Now available are certified websites that allow you to do this truly romantic gesture, and they include a lovely certificate with the naming. The certificate will have the new name of the star or galaxy, its location, and possibly even a picture! Just double check that no one else had this romantic idea in the past, because just for an example, you wouldn’t want to get your girlfriend the same thing her ex-boyfriend got her in the past!

Stuffed Animals

This can really be a great gift because you can do a lot with your own inventiveness and have many variations. Obviously you can give a plush toy on its own, but you can also pair it with another gift in cute and fun ways. For example, get a plush cat or a stuffed lion to hold a box of chocolates or a red rose (or many roses!) You can get them to hold anything that you think your loved one would enjoy and it will make your present even more special. Just make sure if they have a favorite animal or pet that you get the stuffed equivalent, because people appreciate personalization, and it’s important to show that you know someone well. You can also make a great big statement by getting them an extra-large plush toy. Some stuffed animals are made to be 90 inches! Just imagine the surprise and delight someone would feel when they receive a present that’s as big as they are! When you give someone a 90 inch teddy bear, they will definitely have a “wow” reaction.

A Pet to Share

Valentine’s Day can also be the day to take your relationship a step further by getting a pet that you two can own together. You would both take care of it and enjoy its companionship. Of course, this gift option can be fraught with perils. First, you have to be very sure that they would want a pet, and know what kind to get them. Or if you want a dog and she wants a cat, maybe this wouldn’t be the best idea for you. And of course, if someone has allergies this obviously would not be the way to go. But, if you know that you both love the same type of pet, and you know that you both are ready to take an extra step in your relationship, this can be an incredibly special gift that they will remember forever!

A Heart to Make Every Moment Special

Luckily, because of the proliferation of Valentine’s Day, you can now find hearts everywhere, not just in the flower and chocolate business. Many other industries have realized they too can provide for Valentine’s Day business. Almost anything can be made into a heart shape on February 14th, which makes a great option when you and your loved ones don’t feel like being very fancy. For example, talk to your local pizza store and have them make you a heart-shaped pizza. It can be a great nod to the holiday without going overboard, or a great way to acknowledge the day in a non-romantic way, say if you are single and celebrating with friends. And of course, you can do this with practically anything. Get some heart-shaped coffee cups and start the day on a romantic note when you serve your sweetie in bed. Be creative, and you can make the day just that much more special.

As you can see, these ideas run the gambit from romantic, expensive, affordable, unique or traditional. This is all you need to have a great February 14th, happy Valentine’s Day!

Another Valentine’s Day is coming up, and it’s time to plan the perfect day for you and your sweetheart. This isn’t always easy, so that’s why this article is here to help you with the gift portion of the evening.

A teddy bear is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, and it does a great job showing how special you feel your significant other is. Whether you want to get them a teddy bear on its own, or pair the stuffed bear with something, like flowers, nothing says “I love you" better. Here are some tips to help you put together the perfect Valentine’s day, along with five reasons why teddy bears are the perfect gifts.

1 - Very Romantic

There is nothing that personifies romance quite like a teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers. This is the archetypal “I love you” gift for a reason, and will therefore convey your strong feelings perfectly. It also has the added benefit of being a flexible gift. You can buy a stuffed animal and the flowers together in one package, or you can buy them separately and customize everything. If you customize you can get any flowers you want, in any size you want, and you can get a teddy bear that fits your needs. For example, get their favorite flowers with a teddy bear in their favorite color!

2 - Lots of Fun

A special occasion like Valentine’s Day should always be as fun as possible, which is another reason a teddy bear, is a such a great gift. You can make a great statement with the bear, and really make your significant other laugh. Here’s an example, though remember, if you use your imagination you can do all kinds of things! Get a few red ribbons that are holiday appropriate and tie them around a nice teddy bear in such a way that they look like ropes. Then get a card and write “I’m a prisoner of your love!” This will be sure to get a laugh, as well as being an adorable sentiment. You can do a variance on this too if you have a bigger budget by getting a piece of jewelry like a gold or silver chain and wrapping it around the bear. Then your sweetheart will have two great presents in one great package.

This idea can also be personalized if your significant other has a favorite animal, because there’s no rule that says you absolutely have to get a teddy bear. Maybe they’d prefer a plush cat, stuffed tiger, or some other stuffed animal. The more you personalize the present to their hobbies, likes, or personality, the more well received the gift will be.

3 - Customizable for Every Budget

Luckily for our pocketbooks, teddy bears are an item that can easily fit any budget. Depending on brand and size, they can vary from 10 dollars to 500 dollars. And as mentioned with the chain idea above, you can pair them with many other items for a truly special, but still affordable gift. You can keep things small and cute, or you can really go all out and get them a 90 inch teddy for an extravagant gift.

4 - They Make a Great Keepsake

Candy and chocolates are great, but teddy bears have the added benefit of sticking around after Valentine’s, so we will have a constant memento of a special day. This way, your sweetheart will always remember how much you care for them.

Here’s another fun idea. Give your significant other a teddy bear that is holding a bottle opener. They may be confused at first, but then you should pull out a nice bottle of champagne or wine from behind you. Make a toast to the two of you and your sweetheart will certainly remember such a cute stunt with the bear around to remind them.

5 - A Classic Gift for a Reason

Practically no other gift embodies Valentine’s Day and the concept of love like a teddy bear! There’s a reason this classic gift has never gone out of style, and never will. Teddy bears are sweet, cuddly, and sentimental, making them the perfect gift to commemorate such an adorable day.

6 - Bonus Reason!

Even people who are without a sweetheart can enjoy getting or giving a teddy bear on Valentine’s Day. Give them to your friends and family for a thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking about them. After all, a teddy bear doesn’t always have to symbolize just romantic love. It can represent love of all kinds, and still be appropriate and much appreciated!

Remember, no matter what kind of love, a teddy bear will make a great gift for Valentine’s Day! It’s a consistently classic gift that can be romantic, fun, affordable and a great way to mark a special memory. A teddy bear will be sure to make your Valentine’s Day extra special!