Heirloom Teddy Bears Designed For Lifelong Memories
Our Dear Ted Story
Dear Ted is a New Zealand designed teddy bear brand created for families who believe in keepsakes, not toys. Our bears are designed to bring comfort, beauty and meaning into a home and to become a keepsake that lasts a lifetime.
Dear Ted began with a simple but beautiful idea. To create unique bears that bring joy, cuddles and a little bit of magic to homes while also supporting local businesses and using natural New Zealand materials.
Meet The Founder
Dear Ted was founded by Hayley Herron, a New Zealander with a lifelong love of teddy bears, beautiful design and meaningful gifting.
After returning to New Zealand from London, Hayley set out to create a teddy bear that felt timeless and beautifully made. One that could brighten a home, bring comfort to children and adults alike and become part of a family’s story. As a child she collected teddy bears and always imagined designing one of her own. That dream became Dear Ted.
Hayley began by sketching designs and developing patterns, carefully refining the shape, proportions and expression until each Ted felt just right. When she discovered Perino wool in a New Zealand boutique, she knew she had found the perfect material. Luxuriously soft, naturally beautiful and unique to New Zealand, it became the heart of every Dear Ted.
Through lockdown and more than two years of development, Hayley worked closely with suppliers and manufacturers to perfect every detail, from the knit and filling to the embroidered faces that give each bear its gentle personality. Dear Ted was launched just days before her son was born, making it an especially meaningful moment for their family.
Today, every Dear Ted is still carefully hand finished by a talented team who bring each bear to life with care and precision. No two are ever exactly the same, which is what makes them so special.
Our Design
Dear Ted began with a classic teddy bear shape, reimagined with a modern and playful twist. Each Dear Ted Edition is thoughtfully designed to bring warmth, charm and character to a child’s room or a family home.
From carefully chosen colour palettes to the gentle personalities of each bear and the finishing touches of our packaging, every detail is designed to make Dear Ted a truly special gift.
Our Materials
We place great importance on how our bears are made. Each Dear Ted is created from a premium blend of natural fibres including New Zealand merino wool, possum and lyocell with recycled filling. This creates a teddy bear that is beautifully soft while also durable enough to be treasured for years.
Our bears are designed in New Zealand and brought to life by a carefully selected manufacturing partner using a natural and chemical free process that makes every bear suitable for children and adults alike.
Our Pledge
Giving back is at the heart of Dear Ted. We are proud to support New Zealand conservation and community organisations through ongoing donations that help protect native forests, wildlife and families in need.
By choosing a Dear Ted, you are helping to support causes that care for both people and the environment.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Dear Ted. We hope your bear brings warmth, comfort and happiness for many years.
