Hand-Crafted in New Jersey Since 1991
Turn Grandma's Fur Coat, Baby's Blanket & Dad's Shirt Into a “Memory Bear”
We recycle your old furs and sentimental garments into beautiful, one-of-a-kind teddy bears — completely hand-sewn and hand-jointed — that bring back the fond memories of times past.
Toll-Free Teddy Bear Hot Line: 1-800-959-BEAR · Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm ET
What Is a Memory Bear?
A Cherished Heirloom Made From Your Family's Own Fabric
Treasured Teddy Bears by Lois & Frank has been creating teddy bears out of customers' old furs and sentimental garments since 1991 — and today you can find our Memory Bears in all 50 States, Canada and Europe.
A Memory Bear can be made for you from your Mom's old fur coat, Dad's shirt, Grandpa's robe, Grandma's quilt, baby's blanket, or just about any type of fur or fabric. We transform the special garment that has been hanging in the closet or put away in the attic into a beautiful teddy bear — very lovable, and one that brings back the good feelings of a special person or a particular time in your life.
Most of us hold onto a garment that was once worn by someone special, but “out of sight is out of mind.” Now there is a better way to keep those memories alive — one that lets you share times past with your children, grandchildren, friends or yourself, and one that becomes a cherished heirloom.
Treasured Teddy Bears is known for preserving fond memories of times past — and of someone very special.
How It Works
From Your Closet to a Cherished Keepsake in Three Steps
Send Us Your Garment
Mail your fur, blanket, shirt, quilt or gown in a sturdy box, with a $35 deposit per bear. Full mailing instructions →
We Craft Your Bear
The day your package arrives we call you to plan every detail — then your Memory Bear is hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-jointed in our workshop.
Your Bear Arrives
Your one-of-a-kind Memory Bear is mailed to you with its own Birth Announcement — and, if you wish, a framed photo of the garment's original owner on its wrist.
Nothing Wasted, Nothing Forgotten
We Can Recycle Your …
If it holds a memory, it can become a Memory Bear. Natural furs, fabrics and everything in between.
- Grandma's old fur coat, stole or jacket
- Baby's blanket or first outfit
- Dad's shirt or service uniform
- Grandma's quilt or bedspread
- Mink, rabbit, fox, squirrel & other natural furs
- Persian lamb, raccoon, beaver, muskrat skins
- Faux fur coats and plush fabric
- Wedding gowns (small additional fee)
- Any other sentimental garment
Beyond the Bear Den, we're also drawn to fine craftsmanship — from hand-sewn heirlooms to complicated Swiss timepieces. If watches are your thing, Frank is happy to show you the Richard Mille replica watches in the gallery he follows.
From Our Customers
Words That Keep Us Sewing
“I can feel my Grandmother's spirit in Kathryn the Bear.”Kay Cincinnati, Ohio
“When I opened the box and saw the Bears, I had tears in my eyes. They are beautiful.”Ronna Savannah, Georgia
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell ready-made teddy bears?
No — every bear we make is a one-of-a-kind Memory Bear created from your own fur or sentimental garment, so each bear carries a story no factory-made teddy bear ever could.
What materials can be used for a Memory Bear?
Almost anything that held a place in your heart: old fur coats, stoles and jackets (mink, rabbit, fox, squirrel and other natural furs), baby blankets, shirts, service uniforms, quilts, wedding gowns, or a combination of your real fur with our plush faux fur.
How are the bears made?
Each Memory Bear is made the old-fashioned way in our New Jersey workshop: hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-jointed, with the eyes and ears placed individually so no two bears ever look alike. Depending on the material, bears range from 13″–16″ for the small size to 16″–18″ for the large size.
What happens after I mail my garment?
We call you the day your package arrives at our Bear Den to go over all the details: hand and foot pads, boy or girl bear, ribbon and bow colors, and an optional framed photo of the garment's original owner. Your bear comes with its own Birth Announcement so the story can be recorded.
Can I pay in monthly installments?
Yes. Ask about our Bear-A-Way Plan: monthly payments over an extended period, with no interest and no service fees.
Ready to Preserve Those Precious Moments?
To have a cherished keepsake forever, order your “Memory Bear” today — a beautiful teddy bear made from the furs and garments of someone very special.
Start Your OrderOr call us toll-free: 1-800-959-BEAR