How to Buy a North American Bear Company Teddy Bear

Teddy bears are an icon of the twentieth century - popularized just as it began, and popular ever since. Here's one of the newer families.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Alice By NA Bear Co.
• Cornelius By NA Bear Co.
• Fluffy By NA Bear Co.
• Fuzzy By NA Bear Co.
• Muffy By NA Bear Co.
• Muffy's Traveling Outfit
• Rudy By NA Bear Co.
• Webster The Duck By NA Bear Co.

1. Familiarize yourself with the company and its goals. (Here's the short version: It was started in the 1970s by Barbara Isenberg - then a ceramicist - who wanted to make uniquely designed, high-quality teddy bears that would have the nostalgic charm of antique toys and would appeal to both children and adults. Its first hit was Albert the Running Bear, a classic bear in a colorful running suit.)

2. Introduce yourself to the Vanderbears, the original North American Bear Company Collection: Cornelius & Alice, Fuzzy & Fluffy, Muffy & Hoppy, Purrlie, Lulu, Patti, Rudy, & Webster, and Mary, Lucy, Bud, Rose & Oatsie.

3. Make the acquaintance of Muffy Vanderbear, who threatens to outstrip all the rest of her family in popularity.

4. Decide who you're shopping for and why. (Be honest, now! Everyone, including you, deserves a bear.)

5. Decide if you want to shop online or in person - either way, the North American Bear Company Web page is a great resource for all of the United States and Canada.

Tips & Warnings

• Muffy Vanderbear now has her own boutique at retailer FAO Schwarz.

• Prices of new bears range from less than $10 and up to $90.