Date
Thursday
Nov

November 7

National Hug a Bear Day

Give your favorite stuffed animal a big hug - it's National Hug a Bear Day! Share the love and spread the joy with hugs for everyone.

Yearly Date
November 7
Type
Day
Category
Animal

Introduction

Celebrate National Hug a Bear Day on Nov. 7 by giving your favorite teddy bear an extra special hug! This day was created to honor the beloved stuffed animals that have been providing comfort and joy to children of all ages for centuries. Whether it's a big grizzly or a tiny panda, these cuddly companions are sure to put smiles on faces and warm hearts everywhere!

National Hug a Bear Day Timeline

1902
Teddy Bear Origin
The Teddy Bear, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, was created by Morris Michtom and has since served as a symbol of comfort and joy.
1921
Winnie-the-Pooh is Born
Alan Alexander Milne's creates Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved anthropomorphic teddy bear character in children's books.
1958
Smokey Bear's Rise to Fame
Smokey Bear becomes a famous icon promoting fire safety messages and is often celebrated during National Hug a Bear day.
1981
Care Bears Debut
Care Bears, colourful plush bears each with a unique belly badge representing their duty and personality, were introduced by American Greetings.
2000s
Bear Hugs for Healing
In the 2000s, hospitals and charities regularly began using teddy bears to comfort children undergoing medical procedures or experiencing trauma.
2010s
National Hug a Bear Day
The 2010s marked a period when National Hug a Bear Day really gained popularity, celebrated annually on November 7th as a day to appreciate our beloved stuffed animals.

How to Celebrate National Hug a Bear Day

1

Go to the zoo

Take a trip to your local zoo and get up close and personal with some of the animals. You can actually hug some of the animals, like the koalas!

2

Adopt a plush bear

Head to your local store and pick out a plush bear to adopt and hug all year round. You can even name it and make it part of the family.

3

Have a teddy bear picnic

Gather up your teddy bears and head outside for an afternoon picnic. Enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and snacks while having conversations with your favorite stuffed animals.

4

Organize a bear drive

Organize a drive in your community to collect teddy bears for those in need. Donate them to homeless shelters or hospitals so people can have something to hug.

5

Watch a bear movie

Snuggle up with some popcorn and watch The Bear or Brother Bear for some cuddly fun on National Hug a Bear Day.

Why We Love National Hug a Bear Day

A

Hugs are comforting

What better way to show someone you care than by giving them a hug? Hugs have been shown to reduce stress, boost self-confidence and even alleviate physical pain. A hug from a bear can do all that plus give you an extra dose of warmth and security!

B

Bears are cuddly

Who doesn't love to snuggle up with a bear? With their soft fur and big eyes, they’re practically made for hugs! Plus, the fact that they're so much bigger than humans means you can get a really good, tight squeeze - it's perfect for when you want some extra comfort!

C

Bear hugs make us happy

Who doesn't feel happier after getting an adorable bear hug? When we embrace our fuzzy friends, it helps us relax and connect with something larger than ourselves. Not to mention it's just plain fun! So why not take advantage of National Hug a Bear Day and do something nice for yourself (or your favorite teddy bear)?

National Hug a Bear Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Nov 6
Monday
2024
Nov 6
Wednesday
2025
Nov 6
Thursday
2026
Nov 6
Friday
2027
Nov 6
Saturday