Geriatric millennials (sorry) spent their childhoods coveting every part from Barbie dolls to Teddy Ruxpins. We liked them; we needed to have them. So, as a result of we’re nostalgic like that, we wished to have a look again at a few of our most beloved, extraordinarily fashionable ‘80s and ‘90s toys and explore why we obsessed over them and where they are now. We turned to veteran toy expert Jessica Hartshorn, who has spent her career writing about all things parenting and toys, to do her due diligence and get to the bottom of some of our most-wished-for favorites. Behold, Scary Mommy’s nostalgia & toys extravaganza. All week, we’ll be wanting on the toys that made us. You’re welcome.
Deciding which Care Bear to get your buddy for his or her birthday was an actual factor within the ’80s. Was Birthday Bear too apparent? Friend Bear was extra significant. Or must you reward your bestie a Wish Bear, type of like giving your buddy a crystal — besides that it was a teal-colored stuffed bear?
Wish Bear and associates are up to date, positive, however nonetheless on toy cabinets and nonetheless completely priced for party gifts. If you could have a tween or teen, you most likely know that Hot Topic sells Care Bear merch too. These characters have been round for 40 years, beloved by a number of generations, and present no signal of going away. But who had the good thought to create them within the first place? What is the origin of Care Bears?
The Birth of Care Bears
The Care Bears origin story mirrors that of My Little Pony. The characters had been created in 1981, then launched as a profitable toy line in 1982. Like the ponies, the bears all the time got here in shiny colours and had been branded, on this case on their stomach, with a graphic design that signifies what they stand for: a rainbow for cheer, a shamrock for luck, hearts for love, a capturing star for needs.
But a deeper dive into the origin story of Care Bears reveals a number of attention-grabbing info.
First, do you know that the primary six Care Bears had been created by the identical illustrator who introduced Strawberry Shortcake (one other iconically nostalgic craze) to life? Muriel Fahrion was working as a greeting card designer for American Greetings when the corporate requested her to conceptualize a rag doll character. Strawberry Shortcake was the consequence, and when that took off, American Greetings noticed a chance for extra cute characters. Thus, the Care Bears had been born! After Fahrion acquired the ball rolling with the primary six designs, illustrator Elena Kucharik stepped in to additional the thought.
Another candy tidbit? The Care Bears had been conceptualized to assist individuals categorical feelings. So, every authentic bear was named for the sensation she or he represented: Tenderheart, Good Luck, Birthday, Cheer, Bedtime, Grumpy, Wish, Funshine, and Love A Lot. It’s a little bit bizarre that the bears are gendered, however perhaps that’s simply the character of character toys, particularly ‘80s toys.
By 1983, the Care Bears were everywhere, leading to a full merch collection of plush toys, stickers, trading cards, and, onscreen spinoffs. The Care Bears cartoon started up in 1985 — the same year the Bears got their first big-screen movie — and featured the bears versus villains with names such as Professor Coldheart. (Side note: Why are professors so often portrayed as evil?) Today’s kids can watch 22-minute episodes of Care Bears and Cousins on Netflix, the place the bears primarily make errors, be taught from them, and proceed on with their blissful lives.
The Difference Between Care Bears and Other ‘80s Toys
While My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, and troll dolls are toys that invite collecting and pretend play, Care Bears have always had the chance to become beloved comfort objects, like other teddy bears. They might live in the sacred spot on a child’s pillow and be cuddled at night time.
Current parents grew up falling asleep with Bedtime Bear. It’s not that huge of a leap, then, to see why we wish to dress our infants like Care Bears. It’s a love factor. Few different retro toys make us wish to give a squeeze.
Can We Talk About Grumpy Bear?
There is depressed Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. The ‘80s introduced Grumpy Smurf, also a downer. Grumpy Bear, on the other hand, was and is the rare child’s character who can categorical doubt and fear whereas nonetheless being lovely. Grumpy Bear has vitality; he’s simply pessimistic — or, he would say, a realist. Some kids (and parents) relate to Grumpy Bear and his angst, so thank goodness he’s nonetheless round. There’s even a giant plush Grumpy Bear in addition to a baby-sized Grumpy Bear Halloween costume.
The backside line is we nonetheless relate to the bears, wish to reward the bears, and don’t thoughts our kids watching the present. It offers us a little bit slice of our childhood again. The ‘80s birthed some toy phenomenons that had been not fads. These cuddly, anthropomorphic bears show that some issues from that “gnarly” decade have endurance!
Care Bear Characters
Care Bears are arguably the cutest and cuddliest plus toys available on the market. So if you happen to’re seeking to unlock extra characters to share along with your kiddos, here is a bunch to select from.
- Funshine Bear
- Cheer Bear
- Wish Bear
- Love-A-Lot Bear
- Tenderheart Bear
- Grumpy Bear
- Play-A-Lot Bear
- Good Luck Bear
- Share Bear
- Work of Heart Bear
- Friend Bear
- Daydream Bear
- Do-Your-Best Bear
- Bedtime Bear
- Harmony Bear
- Heartsong Bear
- Baby Hugs Bear
- Forest Friend Bear
- Sea Friend Bear
- Champ Bear
- Brave Heart Lion
- Secret Bear
- Bashful Heart Bear
- True Heart Bear
- Birthday Bear
- Smart Heart Bear
- Thanks-A-Lot Bear
- Grams Bear
- Sweet Dreams Bear
- Laugh-A-Lot Bear
- Hopeful Heart Bear
- Shine Bright Bear
- Best Friend Bear
- Take Care Bear
- Always There Bear
- America Cares Bear
- Baby Tugs Bear
- Superstar Bear
- Amigo Bear
- Bluster Beat
- Gentle Heart Lamb
- Surprise Bear
- Amigo Bear
- Bedtime Bear
- Champ Bear
- Cheer Portal
- Birthday Bear
- Christmas Wishes Bear
- Do-Your-Best Bear
- Friend Bear
- Funshine Bear
- Good Luck Bear
- Grumpy Bear
- Harmony Bear
- Heartsong Bear
- Hopeful Heart Bear
- Laugh-a-Lot Bear
- Smart Heart Bear
- Superstar Bear
- Love-a-Lot Bear
- Secret Bear
- Share Bear
- Smart Heart Bear
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