Branded teddy bears - a cool way to promote your brand

Over the years, many businesses and organisations have come to appreciate the marketing potenial of using branded teddy bears to promote their logo and message. They are a particular hit amongst schools, univeristies and charities seeking to raise much needed funds. Custom printed teddy bears can be seen at school events, graducation days, business trips, charity fundraisers, tourist attractiions and not to mention trade shows and exhbitions.

Promotional teddy bears - the coming of age

The US president Theodore Roosevelt wad nicknamed “Teddy”. Whilst out on a hunting trip, the people with him chased down a bear with hounds and tied it to a tree. Roosevelt came to the site and decided not to shoot the bear, he did not see it apt to do so. Instead he instructed his men to put the bear out of its misery sympathetically. The Washington Post published a cartoon on the incident and in a later version, the bear got smaller and cuter. Morris Michtom saw the cartoons and with Teddy’s approval decided to create a toy. He called it "teddy bear". It was a stuffed toy made using cloth and cotton. Over the ensuing years the sales of branded teddy bears have grown and are now sold on a global level, standing the test of time.

The marketing uses of teddy bears

Many people see branded teddy bear as an ideal promotional gift. People like to express their love and emotion via custom-made teddy bears, it works wonders. Businesses and organisations see them as an opportunity to cash in on their popularity and so use logo teddy bears as brand marketing tools. 

Branded teddy bears come in many shapes, sizes, colours and designs providing a huge range of options to choose from. There are many reasons companies prefer custom-made teddy bears to promote their brands. Firstly, they represent a cost effective way in which to market their brand. Secondly, the adorable nature of teddy bears make them a cute giveaway which is bound to be treasured by the recipient. Thirdly, by placing a custom logo or message on branded teddy bears, the product and message can come alive. Finally, people who receive a teddy bear often put them on shelves, near beds, office desks, on the fridges, in cars, etc. thus driving visibility of a brand and its message. All these factors put together make promotional teddy bears a must-have from a brand marketing persepctive.

The benefits of promotional teddy bears as branded merchandise

Broadly speaking, personalised teddy bears are toys, and therefore, their main appeal is nostalgia. Toys and plush animals remind us of our childhood, an age of certainty and possibility, as well as creative endeavours. Offering teddy bears as promo gifts, even to adults, will tap into that feeling and attract a vast number of potential users.

In addition to nostalgia, teddy bears awaken safety and innocence within the owners. They are toys that babies and toddlers prefer, though they can also be quite popular with pre-teen boys and girls and even adult clients.

There will be a slight disparity when it comes to adult buyers, but even here, you can focus on a niche market. Teenage girls, as well as young adult women, enjoy plush toys for sentimental reasons.

One element, or rather two, that we have to point out with promotional teddy bears includes longevity and versatility. While teddy bears are not made out of sturdy material, the seams and the design make them retain the same basic shape for years. On the other hand, teddies are promotional items that get noticed fairly easily around the house, so any visitor can spot them.

Finally, there’s the so-called fun factor. Logo printed teddy bears are an unusual and fun giveaway, at least when you compare them to the standard fare for branded merchandise such as pens, pencils, and badges. Therefore, they will inevitably stand out from the crowd drawing valuable attention to your brand.

Printed bears in t-shirts

One of the most common product options with teddy bears is the plushie with the t-shirt. Depending on the size of the bear, you can get items that are between 15 and 25 cm in height. The t-shirt itself is an excellent addition since it can be custom printed with a logo, company message, and relevant contact information. Interestingly, you can also opt to sell miniature t-shirts for your current line of teddy bears. That way, consumers can customise the plushies they already own.

Custom cap and gown bears

Thematic clothing is an excellent attention grabber, and cap and gown bears illustrate that point perfectly. A batch of these promotional giveaways will work incredibly well in a university or college environment, though it can also fit high schools, elementary schools, and other educational facilities. Thanks to their design and recognisable appearance, these types of teddy bears will prove popular if marketed right.

Depending on the shape and size of the cap portion, you can get an additional area for printing. That way, you can place the university or college logo on the gown and the company’s name and relevant details on the cap.

Personalised hi-vis bears

High-visibility jackets are a universal symbol of safety and security. Therefore, it’s no wonder that teddy bears sporting this clothing item are so popular among shoppers. Thanks to the material that the hi-vis jackets contain, these teddy bears can be an excellent joke gift since they will either glow in the dark or reflect strong lights. But more to the point, the jacket itself is what will sell your brand. Such teddy bears are excellent for construction companies, insurance homes, and other industries related to security and safety.

Promotional ribbon bow bears

Like t-shirt options, ribbon bow bears are fairly common. In fact, they are often the go-to plushy bear that entrepreneurs opt for. It’s worth pointing out that the ribbon that makes up the bow offers the smallest area for printing or embroidery. However, that doesn’t stop entrepreneurs from thinking of creative ways to print company messages onto them. Quite the contrary, an effectively utilised ribbon strip can actually help sell dozens, if not hundreds, of branded teddy bears, thus boosting your brand’s numbers and making you popular with future clients and partners.

Extensive printing and branding options with branded teddy bears

We offer a variety of printing options on our vast range of promotional teddy bears from screen printing, right through to the very latest in UltraHD print technology allowing us to reproduce full colour images and logos to a standard most suppliers can only dream of. Our team of graphic designers are always on hand to offer expert advice in product selection and to ensure that your logo is reproduced to the highest quality, representing your brand in the very best possible way.

Buy your printed teddy bears today!

We offer an extensive range of personalised teddy bears to choose from in many colours, shapes and styles with prices to meet all budgets. With such a great choice on offer, fast turnarounds and guaranteed low prices, there is little wonder why we are the UK market leaders! 

For additional information on our collection of teddy bears and to receive a fast quotation, give a member of our experienced team a call on 0800 0148 970 or email us for further details. 

Curated by Gareth Parkin   |   Product Marketing Director

As the founder of GoPromotional, Gareth has developed an enviable reputation as an expert in the promotional products industry with over 25 years experience. As an active member of the BPMA, ASI and Forbes Business Council, he regularly shares his wealth of industry knowledge and perspective in order to drive the branded merchandise sector forwards. With an entrepreneurial mind, Gareth has his finger on the pulse of our UK and international operations. Responsible for marketing and technical operations, he continually motivates the team with his vision, enthusiasm and desire to be the very best.

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