The Herrington Teddy Bears Story

Founded in 1985 by Chris Herrington, Herrington Teddy Bears has spent more than four decades creating collectible teddy bears that are treasured by collectors, gift-givers, and families around the world. While our history includes collaborations with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, what truly defines Herrington Teddy Bears is the extraordinary craftsmanship, quality, creativity, and attention to detail that go into every bear we create.

Every Herrington Teddy Bear is individually handcrafted. Unlike mass-produced stuffed toys that roll off an assembly line, our bears are carefully made by skilled artisans using premium materials and time-honored techniques. From the cutting and sewing of the fabric to the stuffing, shaping, hand-stitching, and finishing details, each bear receives individual attention throughout the manufacturing process.

The eyes, nose, muzzle, ears, paws, and facial features are meticulously crafted to give every bear its own distinctive personality and charm. Special attention is paid to proportion, posture, balance, and overall design, ensuring that each bear sits properly and presents beautifully as both a companion and a collectible work of art.

We use only high-quality plush materials and premium stuffing to create a substantial, luxurious feel. The moment someone holds a Herrington Teddy Bear, they immediately notice the difference. The weight, softness, construction, and overall quality reflect our commitment to creating heirloom-quality collectibles designed to last for generations.

Every Herrington Teddy Bear includes multiple features that help authenticate and identify it as a genuine collectible. Our signature woven foot label, the iconic HTB collector button, and our manufacturer’s identification tag all serve as lasting marks of authenticity. Most editions also feature a collectible ear tag that identifies the collection, event, season, or collaboration for which the bear was created.

Many of our bears are produced as limited editions. These editions are individually hand-numbered, allowing collectors to own a specific piece within a defined production run. Whether a bear is numbered 1 of 300 or 247 of 1,000, that individual number becomes part of its history and collectibility.

To further enhance the value of ownership, collectors may apply online for a personalized Certificate of Authenticity. Each certificate documents the edition name, collection details, production number, and ownership information, providing a permanent record of the bear’s authenticity and provenance.

Our commitment has always been to create more than a toy. A Herrington Teddy Bear is designed to be a keepsake, a collectible, and often a family heirloom. Many of our bears have been passed from grandparents to grandchildren and from one generation to the next. We regularly hear from collectors who still proudly display bears purchased twenty or even thirty years ago.

Craftsmanship is an important part of our design philosophy. Our bears are built to withstand the test of time while maintaining their beauty and character. With proper care, they can remain cherished companions for decades.

Creativity is another hallmark of the Herrington Teddy Bears brand. Over the years, we have created hundreds of themed editions inspired by famous cities, historic landmarks, holidays, cultural traditions, educational institutions, and special events. From the Lady Liberty Teddy Bear in New York to the Royal Guardsman Teddy Bear in London, each creation tells a unique story and celebrates a special place, person, or occasion.

Today, Herrington Teddy Bears are collected throughout the world. Collectors can be found across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Many retired editions continue to appear on the secondary market, where they are sought after by collectors who appreciate their rarity, craftsmanship, and artistic value.

We believe teddy bears occupy a special place in American culture. The teddy bear itself traces its origins to President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and has become one of the most beloved and enduring symbols of comfort, friendship, childhood, and remembrance. As an American teddy bear company, we are proud to continue that tradition through designs that honor history, celebrate culture, and create lasting memories.

What began in 1985 with a small teddy bear program for The Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Rey, California, has grown into an internationally recognized collectible teddy bear brand found in more than 60 countries around the world. Yet despite that growth, our mission remains unchanged:
To create the finest handcrafted collectible teddy bears possible—teddy bears that inspire joy, preserve memories, celebrate life’s special moments, and become treasured heirlooms for generations to come.

That is the Herrington Teddy Bears difference.