Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of this vast subject and take you into the totally magical world of Teddy Bears, sit back and take just 2 minutes and 25 seconds of your time!
But what for, you might ask?
Well, quite simply to try and understand the magical world of Charlie Bears, but above all ... to discover the extraordinary power of these cuddly creatures in our lives.
This is a joint production by our 3 children for our shop: Isalis and Sasha wrote the script, directed, produced and edited the film, while Julien composed the original music.
A truly creative and explosive combination of our 3 darlings ...
So, 3 - 2 - 1 ... here we go. And action!
Now you understand a little better the importance of the title of this video: "The Bear of my Life".
Yes, the choice (and the right choice) of this companion of happiness and misfortune is really crucial, because it will accompany the person for whom it is intended, for years to come.
That's why Isalis and Sasha had the idea of bringing you this article, the very first to be written and illustrated entirely by them. We're letting them take over this blog so that they can express all their knowledge, their opinions and above all... their advice to help you choose the ideal teddy bear.
A difficult search ...
You've been looking for the perfect teddy bear for your granddaughter's birthday, your grandson's Christmas or to spoil your darling daughter. Or maybe you want to show someone close to you that you love them. Or you simply want to treat yourself or decorate your lovely home.
But you're overwhelmed by the vast and comprehensive range offered by Charlie Bears.
Without much conviction, you click on one of our ads and very quickly, you feel lost. Your thoughts are racing, but the time-consuming obligations of daily life call you back to order: preparing the shopping list, making a doctor's appointment, calling that friend to check up on him. You feel drowned by this fear of time passing too quickly, gripping you like a vice. In despair, you turn away from the page to complete the many tasks you still have to do, and you put off making that purchase once again.
It's precisely to avoid this kind of situation that we've decided to detail everything in this article.
A teddy bear ... but not only !
Today, you'll find THAT teddy bear that will make your granddaughter's heart skip a beat, THAT bear that will become your grandson's best friend, THAT teddy bear that will make your daughter happy, or THAT bear that will simply bring you the affection you need and take pride of place in your living room or bedroom.
Relax, let yourself be charmed by the wonderful world of Charlie Bears and follow the guide ...
When we think of Charlie Bears and stuffed animals, we think directly of bears. But did you know that there are actually lots and lots of stuffed animals?
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The Bear or the Panda : These animals are notorious for being home-loving and very solitary. However, they are overflowing with love to offer, and love quiet, cosy places where they can be pampered and cuddled. If you're looking to decorate your little nest for a cocooning interior, the bear and the panda are made for you.
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The mouse : Are you looking for a mascot for your family, or a cuddly toy to accompany your child's every step? With its highly sociable character, the mouse is the ideal animal to accompany you on any adventure.
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The rabbit : Warning to sensitive and anxious people! The rabbit, gentle and pleasant, will always give you the affection you need to feel calmer than ever. A cuddle and that's it!
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The dog : Do you feel that your home is lacking a little company? Dogs are very loyal and will give you incomparable support.
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The fox : Extremely cunning, the fox is particularly appreciated by children for its mischievous nature.
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The badger : A better remedy than a sleeping pill, the badger, well known for its many nocturnal activities, will protect you from negative vibes for a good night's sleep.
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The Koala : How can you say no to its softness? With his cute little face, he's always a hit with the family.
- Endangered animals : The Bearhouse collection (the Charlie Bears collection of non-articulated plush toys for children over 18 months) is the best way to bring endangered animals back to life. The aim? To fight as hard as we can to preserve them and, above all, to leave an indelible mark of their passing by showing that, in any case, they will always be there with us.
Your choice is made, it will be ... a Bear !
So that's it!
You've finally opted for a teddy bear to comfort your granddaughter when she's scared, to cuddle your grandson when he's lonely, or to decorate your daughter's living room or, why not - let's be crazy - your own sofa.
And yet... you're still hesitating because there are so many other criteria involved in finding THE cuddly toy that will thrill you.
But don't worry, there's plenty to choose from, and something for everyone...
Let's start with the size of your cuddly toy
In our current stock (Collection of 2022 and 2023 at the time of writing), we offer bears in various sizes ranging from 19 cm to 60 cm :
- 19 cm : The Itsy Bitsy bear represents softness and discretion for an elegant and refined interior.
- 60 cm : The Anita giant panda is an affectionate ball of fur that will delight many with the reassuring texture of its fur and its ticklish little toes.
Here's a small diagram to give you a visual idea of the size of a bear (in this diagram, the size of the bear is shown in a seated position):
You've chosen a thirty centimetre bear because of the space you've set aside for it in your living room, or because of your granddaughter's or grandson's small arms. But you haven't yet decided on a particular bear.
Let's talk about joints
Within the huge range of Charlie Bears plush toys, we can distinguish two different categories:
- Non articulated cuddly toys :
this category essentially corresponds to the Bearhouse collection of plush animals, recommended for children aged 18 months and over.These cuddly toys are simpler in design and can be machine-washed at 30° using a mild detergent. Remember to slip it into a net for delicate laundry or a pillowcase before putting it in the machine. Wash with little or no spin-drying and leave to dry at room temperature.
- Articulated cuddly toys :
the other cuddly toys in the Charlie Bears range and the Collection bears (Isabelle) have 5 joints: in the head, 2 arms and 2 legs. So these animals can be manipulated endlessly and you can give them any pose you like.
The vast majority of models can't stand upright, so they'll need a stand or support. However, some are specially designed to stand upright.
What's more, some rabbits have metal fittings in their ears so they can be adjusted as required. All these cuddly toys are recommended for children aged 3 and over (CE tested).
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Just so you know, with a few exceptions, our Charlie Bears can't stand up on their own, so they'll need a stand.
And that's it! A thirty-centimetre articulated bear, that's what you need.
Invigorated, a smile appears on your lips.
Just a few more details and you'll be able to order the bear of your dreams.
Let's talk about your companion's hair
These charming mammals fall into three distinct categories:
- Plush toys with fur : the fur is extremely soft and silky, like that of Kevin the bear (collection 2023). Children are particularly fond of them.
- Long-haired cuddly toys : a bear's long hair gives it a certain elegance and delicacy, making it ideal for decoration or for a relaxing petting session. A perfect example is the Charlie Year Bear 2023.
- Cuddly toys with semi-long/short hair : an excellent compromise between soft fur and long hair, giving these creatures a discreet yet affectionate look, such as Clotted Cream (collection 2023).
- Plumo cuddly toys :
You'll find this term used in many of the ads on our site. But what exactly does it mean?
Plumo is the brainchild of Charlotte Morris, founder of the Charlie Bears brand. It's a contraction of 2 English terms: Plush and Mohair.
Plumo means a very special coat, infinitely soft to the touch thanks to this soft, silky plush. But that's not all: the plumo bear or panda also has a few touches of mohair around the eyes, nose and/or mouth and/or ears, making it quite simply ... unique! Here's a great example with Doze (Collection 2023)
So, after all this information, your choice seems to have taken shape and you prefer long hair. But you still have an option when it comes to your new companion's little legs.
Let's talk paws!
At Charlie Bears, we could divide the bears into three categories according to the type of paws they have:
- Tickly Toes, pure Charlie Bears Signature
- Smooth Toes
- Claws
As a drawing is often better than a long speech, the following diagram gives a clear idea:
Oooh ... you've got a thing for ticklish toes ... and you're right!
A smiling bear or not ?
To conclude this long list of teddy bear characteristics, there's one final criterion to consider: do they laugh or not?
Laughing bears (or gigglers) have their mouths slightly ajar as if they were laughing out loud (as we can see below with the Siesta bear from the 2023 collection).
One thing's for sure: kids love them!
The little 'plus' of Charlie Bears
Charlotte Morris sometimes adds a little accessory, a detail, a finish, a bow, etc. to her magical plush creatures. Often, you'll find a heart-shaped key around the neck, a real trademark of the brand.
It is said in England and around the world that this key is ... the key to my heart !
Your choice is finally made ...
So you've chosen a medium-sized, articulated, long-haired bear with ticklish toes that's sure to make your heart beat faster.
After a few minutes of searching on our site, you've finally found the ideal bear, YOUR bear: Popping Candy (collection 2022).
At last, you're feeling soothed and reassured, you've found that colourful, endearing bear.
He's just right for you.
Just the time to order it on our website, and the happy Colibri team will take charge of preparing your parcel with the utmost care, not forgetting ... the big dose of cuddles before departure!
Every bear or stuffed animal that leaves our nest undergoes a complete inspection and a good dose of cuddles to reassure it on its journey to your home.
We also whisper sweet nothings in his ear... but we won't tell you!
This bear will soon become YOUR companion and Friend, essential to your happiness!
Convinced ?
It's magnificent, our challenge has been met!
Doubtful ? Undecided ?
Then there's only one thing left to do: go for it, test it and adopt a bear!
You won't regret it!
See you soon for more Teddy Bear indiscretions...
Isalis & Sasha
