Teddy Day 2026 Guide: Date, History and Adorable Gift Ideas

Every February, as Valentine’s Week unfolds, various themed days encourage people to celebrate love, friendship and affection in creative ways. One of the most heartwarming of these is Teddy Day, a day when people give teddy bears or plush toys to loved ones as a symbol of comfort, affection and emotional intimacy. In 2026, Teddy Day falls on February 10, marking a sweet prelude to Valentine’s Day itself.

Teddy bears have long been associated with warmth and companionship, a connection that dates back to the early 20th century. The iconic toy is named after President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, stemming from a widely retold story in which he refused to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip. Toy makers of the time seized on the moment, creating soft plush bears that became beloved across generations. Over time, teddy bears evolved from children’s toys into emotional tokens adults often exchange to express care, comfort or romantic affection.

Celebrating Teddy Day is about more than just gifting a plush toy. For many, it is an opportunity to express sentiments that might be harder to convey in words. A teddy bear can be a comforting presence on a bedside table, a reminder of love and emotional safety during stressful times, or a playful way of saying ‘I care about you’ without grand gestures.

In 2026, Teddy Day will be observed amid a rich lineup of Valentine’s Week celebrations , including Rose Day, Propose Day and Promise Day. While each of these days has its own theme, Teddy Day stands out for its focus on softness and comfort, a tangible representation of affection that transcends age or relationship type. Couples often exchange teddy bears of various sizes and styles, from classic brown plush toys to themed dolls tailored to personal interests. Some people also personalise teddies with embroidered messages, initials or small keepsakes to make the gift even more meaningful.

Gift ideas for Teddy Day go beyond the traditional teddy bear. Some popular alternatives include custom plushies that resemble the recipient or reflect inside jokes between partners, teddy bears holding miniature hearts or letters, and themed teddy gift baskets that combine plush toys with chocolates, perfumes or handwritten notes. For long-distance partners, sending a teddy through delivery with a heartfelt message can be a comforting way to bridge the gap until the next reunion.

Friends and family members also join in celebrating Teddy Day, using plush toys as a way to commemorate support, gratitude and shared memories. In recent years, social media has helped popularise creative ways of marking the day, with many people documenting their gifts and celebrations online using hashtags and themed photos.

Ultimately, Teddy Day is a reminder that love and affection come in many forms and that sometimes a simple, soft gift can convey enduring warmth and emotional connection better than words alone.