You may know that I have one Master’s degree – in Youth Work and Community Development from DeMontfort University in Leicester, England.
But did you know that I also have a Master’s in Bearology from Build-a-Bear Workshop??
That’s right. I was, for a summer, a Master Bear Builder. I know it’s an impressive title which can be overwhelming when you first hear it, but don’t worry – I’ve not let that success go to my head.
If you’re familiar with Build-a-Bear Workshop (BABW), then you know what an honor it is to be present when someone makes their new best friend. The process was larger scale, but no less magical, on the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour.
Having been established in 1981 (as I was, I’ll have you know), Vermont Teddy Bear is the forebearer to other companies like BABW. You’ve been able to order special bears, see them made and choose amazing fashions for almost 40 years. Meanwhile, BABW is bearly old enough to drink at 21 years old.
The tour of Vermont Teddy Bear was very reasonably priced and therefore totally bearable for Stephen at $4 per person.
You receive a button which is also your ticket (and a fun little souvenir). You go through the big oak doors, with a koalafied Vermont Teddy Bear professional to start your tour.
We missed the first 3 minutes, but it appeared that they covered the earliest Vermont Teddy Bear style. You can see the first Vermont Teddy Bear in a display case in the front. You’re then introduced to all the other options and you get to hold one. I must say, it was hard for me to give mine back as she was a beautiful honey-colored bear with brown eyes. But, following the example set by the 3 year old next to me, I knew I needed to do right and return her. Sigh…
You then begin to see the bear-making process first hand. And by first hand, I mean that every bear that’s made is created by hand.
There’s a little machinery to help with things like cutting the fur shapes and sewing machines for stitching, but overall it’s a beary hands on process. The machine that cuts the bear shapes in the fur (there are 20 pieces that make up a Vermont Teddy Bear) uses four elephants worth of pressure! You can also get a little bear cut out if you want one to go on your button.
There are other fun facts above the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory workers that tell you all kinds of information about bear-making.
I especially loved seeing the ‘skydiving bear’ who was in the example stuffer. Having worked a stuffer day in and day out for a summer, I can attest to the fact that it requires constant attention so that only the bear gets stuffed and not you.
Once a bear has been created, it’s packed up and ready for shipment. It’s stressed throughout that the primary concern for each bear in the shipping process is comfort. Hence there’s an air hole in each box and a note on the bottom that says that you are either under the box or your bear is upside down and getting a headache and to please place it back upright.
There are beary special bears made each year, with one for Make-a-Wish being auctioned off annually. There are other beary limited edition bears, including this one that’s being worked on for Christmas.
The beary best part of the tour is seeing where Dr. Nancy works. She’s been the doctor at the Vermont Teddy Bear hospital for many years.
If your Vermont Teddy Bear has needed some time in the hospital, he or she has seen Dr. Nancy. There are charts, bracelets and, of course, the obligatory honey drip to ensure maximum recovery.
Sadly, not all bears make it, like the the one that was run over by a lawn mower. But your lifetime guarantee means that your bear will be repaired or replaced.
At the end of the tour you’re delivered back to the front of Vermont Teddy Bear to see other bears that you might like to take home and make your own.
There are some Vermont Teddy Bears that can be seen in glass cases in the front of the gift shop – including the first ever Vermont Teddy Bear.
Overall, it was a beary good experience and I’d highly recommend it.
It’s also right down the road from Vermont Cookie Love, so find your perfect soulmate at Vermont Teddy Bear and take them to share a cookie afterwards.
Address
Vemront Teddy Bear, 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482
I have 2 and need a third 1 regular and one for 50 years of marriage
I was in the Factory with my Mother and my sister back in 2009. Enjoy buying a Elvis Bear with his white jumpsuit, sunglasses and guitar.
Would love to go back to the factory with my grandkids and my son. I see that the tour has changed. Looks like fun .
Thank you for allowing us to see the tour through Stephen and Shae Pepper and their dog truffles. One day I would like to go through the tour myself. I am a huge bear fan and have been since a child. On my wedding cake we had bride and groom bears. Love all the attention to details, such as the air hole and turning the box right side up. Also loved reading some of the letters to Dr. Nancy. You can tell the owners are concerned about their bears and know they are in good hands. So adorable!