How do we celebrate it today?
One Story. Two Celebrations.
TEDDY comes to life in the city twice each year. The September and November events each offer a different way to experience the story, celebrate the bear, and bring people together.
Teddy Bear Day
National Teddy Bear Day is celebrated annually on September 9th. It honors the history and comfort of the classic stuffed toy, featuring special promotions and community toy donations across local shops and organizations in San Diego.
Local Activities & Celebrations
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a San Diego nonprofit, provides free reconstructive surgeries for children in need through its Surgery Weekends, where volunteer surgeons and medical teams donate their time and expertise. Each teddy bear becomes more than a toy — it’s a symbol of comfort for children living with deformities caused by birth, accidents, abuse, or disease.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: Local area workshops feature in-store mascot visits, special kid-friendly activities, and exclusive commemorative offers for National Teddy Bear Day on September 9.
- Fresh Start Surgical Gifts: The San Diego-based nonprofit regularly utilizes donated teddy bears as symbols of comfort for children undergoing medical treatments and reconstructive surgery programs during September events.
- Local Toy Drives: Community organizations and regional groups across San Diego coordinate early holiday toy collections and bear drop-offs leading into the fall season.
Sources
The Teddy Ball
November brings the celebration to its signature event: The Teddy Ball.
Held in connection with National Teddy Bear Day, the Teddy Ball transforms the story of TEDDY into an evening of celebration, entertainment, connection, and fun.
Dress up.
Bring your bear.
Come celebrate.
Why Two Events?
September begins the celebration.
November brings it to a spectacular conclusion.
Together, they create an annual TEDDY tradition that connects history, community, entertainment, and the simple joy of the teddy bear.
National Teddy Bear Day
National Teddy Bear Day provides the perfect moment to celebrate the bear that began with an American president more than a century ago.
The date becomes more meaningful when you know the story behind it.
The president.
The bear.
The name.
The celebration.