Why Charlie Bears Celebrate Their Birthday in November

The True Story Behind the Date

For many collectors, Charlie Bears is more than a brand — it’s a family of characters, stories, surprises, and traditions stitched together over the years. Among those traditions is one that always raises a fun question:

“Why does Charlie Bears celebrate its birthday in November when the first collection launched in February?”

The answer is a heartwarming glimpse into the earliest days of Charlie and Will’s journey — long before the Birthday Bears, before the Bearhouse, and before the global collector community we know today.

The Real Beginning: November 2005

While the very first Charlie Bears collection officially launched in February 2006, the true beginning of the brand happened a few months earlier.

In November 2005, Charlie and Will made the brave, exciting, slightly terrifying decision that changed everything:

✨ They signed the paperwork.
✨ They registered the name.
✨ And Charlie Bears was officially incorporated as a company.

This was the moment the dream became real and this moment is the one Charlie and Will chose to honor every year as the brand’s true birthday.

Beans on Toast Beginnings (Literally!)

Those early days were simple, humble, and full of heart and that’s exactly why collectors love this story.

When the company first began, Charlie and Will didn’t have big budgets, marketing campaigns, or lavish celebrations. Instead, on their first company birthday, they treated themselves to what they could afford:

Beans on toast.
And it became a tradition.

Over time, the celebrations grew and eventually champagne made its appearance too. Charlie jokes that she usually ends up drinking Will’s glass as well!

This quirky, lovable ritual is part of what makes Charlie Bears so special. It’s not just about bears. It’s about beginnings, gratitude, and celebrating with what you have — surrounded by the people (and bears!) you love.

Why the Birthday Matters to Collectors

The November birthday became the foundation for one of the most cherished annual traditions. Every year since 2010, collectors around the world have celebrated in November with:

🎁 The annual Birthday Bear reveal
🎈 Stockist parties
🍰 Cake and candles
💬 Community gatherings
🧸 Shared excitement and surprise

Even as the Birthday Bear format evolves, with the 2025 edition marking the final mystery-style release, the November celebration continues to symbolize the true heart of the brand:

Two people, one dream, and a worldwide hug shared across thousands of collectors.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Birthday Bear

This year marks:

✨ The 20th Anniversary of Charlie Bears
✨ The final bear in the original mystery-box Birthday Bear format
✨ A milestone moment in Charlie Bears history

Plush Teddies is honored to be part of this special year. We will be receiving a very limited allocation of the 2025 Birthday Bear, expected to ship late November 2025.

Collectors may contact us to request:

📸 Arrival photos
🛍 Pre-purchase options
💌 Placement on our interest list

November isn’t just a date on the calendar,  it’s the month Charlie Bears truly came to life. It’s the anniversary of the moment Charlie and Will decided to believe in something bigger than themselves. It also is the beginning of a brand that has brought joy, comfort, and community to collectors worldwide.