Buying guide for Best giant teddy bears
Whether you’re looking for a larger-than-life gift for someone special or a standout décor piece for a child's bedroom, a giant teddy bear is sure to make a massive impression. Soft, cute, and oh-so-huggable, these oversized cuddle companions bring joy to all ages, and their generous dimensions are perfect for snoozing, snuggling, wrestling, reading, or just relaxing.
Hugely popular and always in demand, giant teddy bears are available in a wide array of sizes, colors, and textures to please every personality. But with so many options on the market, just figuring out where to start can seem like a mammoth undertaking.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
Key considerations
Size
Size is hands-down the most important factor to consider when choosing a giant teddy bear. Typical giant teddy bear sizes range anywhere from two to seven feet tall. While larger proportions deliver double the novelty and naturally offer more furry cuteness to love, your bear’s new habitat needs to be taken into account as well. Give some thought to room size and how much available space you have to work with. Particularly large teddy bears are generally best placed in a corner directly on the floor for stability. Smaller teddy bears, on the other hand, are easier to move around and can be placed on a bed, chair, dresser, or any other available surface that's large enough to accommodate your furry friend’s substantial size.
Durability
Giant teddy bears generally come with sizable price tags, so you’ll probably want your new snuggle buddy to be around for a while. Quality materials and skilled craftsmanship can cost a bit more, but they’ll also extend your giant teddy's lifespan. Most giant teddy bears are made of polyester, cotton, or a blend of both. While a pure cotton exterior is soft, snuggly, and hypoallergenic, it can be difficult to care for and might be more susceptible to wear and tear. A polyester microfiber coat can be every bit as plush as cotton, with the added bonus of being highly water-resistant and exceptionally durable. The quality of the stitching is another hugely important factor. Well-loved giant teddy bears are likely to be subjected to plenty of cuddles, tugging, and pulling. For this reason, robust thread paired with skilled stitching is essential.
Firmness and fill
Have you ever tried hugging a firm, tightly stuffed teddy bear? If so, you probably already know that it's not the most satisfying experience. The cuddliest giant teddy bears tend to be reasonably soft and floppy. Now, that's not to say that they should be sparsely filled. It simply means that the fill should be well distributed and loosely compacted. With that in mind, it's also worth looking for a giant teddy bear that’s stuffed with a high-quality resilient fill that won't flatten out in a hurry.
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Polyester fiber is hands-down the most popular fill used for teddy bears and other stuffed animals, as it tends to be lightweight, pliable, and long-lasting. However, not all polyester fiber fills are created equally. To avoid lumps, bumps, and flat spots, look for a giant teddy bear that's stuffed with premium polyester fiberfill.
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Cotton is another fill favorite for stuffed animals. Lightweight, soft, and biodegradable, a pure cotton giant teddy bear will be right at home in an eco-friendly household. That said, pure cotton fiberfill can be prone to clumping and developing lumps and bumps. To combat this and boost durability, many manufacturers blend cotton with a synthetic material like polyester.
Color
Giant teddy bears come in a variety of colors, from traditional shades of brown to punchy purple and pretty pink. While it can be tempting to choose a color based solely on the recipient's personality and individual color preference, keep in mind that giant teddy bears are likely to become the focal point of a room. If possible, try to choose a color that matches or complements existing décor. It's also worth noting that while white teddy bears have a certain appeal, especially for polar bear lovers, lighter colors are more difficult to keep clean.
Did you know?
Not all giant teddy bears come pre-stuffed. Some manufacturers sell a zippered shell that needs to be stuffed with a fiberfill of your choice.
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Features
Details
Just about any giant teddy bear is sure to enjoy a fair share of hugs and cuddles, but it's the little details that often make the biggest impression. Expressive facial features, a light-colored snout, a friendly smile, and contrasting details like ears with darker inner semicircles or paws with realistic prints all add charming personality and a lovable, lifelike character.
Personalization
Some manufacturers afford buyers the opportunity to personalize their giant teddy bear with the recipient's name or a short message, typically printed or embroidered on a ribbon. Personalizing your giant teddy bear is a thoughtful touch that can make a gift all the more special.
Accessories
Although the vast majority of giant teddy bears don't come with accessories, it is possible to find some with a couple of interesting extras. When it comes to accessories, the quintessential teddy bear bow is by far the most common. However, it's also possible to find giant teddy bears sporting T-shirts (some of which can be personalized), bandanas, or hearts with endearing printed messages.
Giant teddy bear prices
Exactly how much you end up paying for a giant teddy bear hinges on a number of variables. Size, of course, is a major determining factor, but detailing and construction quality also count. In some cases, less-popular colors might cost a bit less, too.
Inexpensive
If you’re looking for a giant teddy bear but don't necessarily need a behemoth, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $70, depending on the quality of the construction. Most giant teddy bears within this price range measure approximately three feet from head to toe, give or take a few inches.
Mid-range
Craving a little more cuddly cuteness? Giant teddy bears measuring between three and four feet can set you back anywhere between $50 and $120.
Expensive
If you live by the mantra “go big or go home," a truly enormous teddy bear is the only way to go. Giant teddy bears sized between five and seven feet can cost anywhere from around $60 for those with smaller dimensions to $200+ for hulking hug magnets.
Tips
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Most giant teddy bears are tightly compressed for packaging. While it's natural to want to inspect a teddy bear that you've purchased as a gift for a lucky loved one, if it's vacuum sealed, you might be better off leaving it in the box. Once opened and freed from its covering, the bear will expand rapidly, and no amount of poking, prodding, or pressing will get it back into its original packaging.
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Always supervise young children while they play with their plus-sized friends. Giant teddy bears can be incredibly heavy and awkward to handle, even for adults. Keep an eye on little ones while they wrestle, snuggle, or jump on their new companion. Toddlers, in particular, are more vulnerable to getting trapped under an oversized limb, so keep your eyes open for potentially risky situations.
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There's no disputing that floppy teddy bears are the snuggliest. Unfortunately, they're also the most prone to falling over. If you decide to purchase a life-size model, position it carefully, preferably in a corner with the torso and head leaning against the wall. For extra peace of mind and security, consider fastening the upper portion of the bear to a wall by securing a bow or scarf to a screw or nail.
FAQ
Q. How can I clean my giant teddy bear?
A. Since giant teddy bears don't fit in standard washing machines and most manufacturers don't recommend submerging them in water, spot cleaning is your best bet. Try to attend to messes as they happen. Using soapy water, gently wipe down soiled areas. For set-in grime, you might want to use a fingernail brush to help lift deep or stubborn dirt from the teddy bear’s coat. Remember to wipe away any residual soap or detergent with clean water.
Q. Is there any way to keep the fur from clumping?
A. Sometimes even spot cleaning can cause fluffy fibers to clump. To keep your giant teddy's coat soft, plush, and fluffy, try separating the fur with a fine-toothed comb or brush.
Q. Can I buy clothes for my giant teddy bear?
A. Absolutely! Many manufacturers offer a clothing range for every teddy bear size. More often than not, these come in the form of T-shirts, ribbons, bows, and scarves. But even if you can’t quite find the perfect outfit to match your gentle giant's personality, you could always outfit him in regular clothes in an appropriate size. Hats, jeans, shorts, and dresses in every size, style, and color should be easy enough to find for your life-sized companion.
