What should I do with old teddy
bears?
I have a suggestion for how to display stuffed animals. I used to collect teddy bears and have over 60! My husband made a simple shelf close to the ceiling along one whole
wall in the room that was deep enough for the teddies to stand or sit nicely. We painted it the same as the wall color. It displayed all the bears very nicely.
Sadly, I have outgrown the
collection and they are now all in garbage bags! Some are collectors items. Perhaps you could suggest what to do with them now?
Back to the shelf idea, it can either can be removed after
the urge to collect stuffed animals has passed or it can be used for a new collection.
Love your newsletter and look forward to it every day! Thanks!
-- Eileen Williams
Response from Maria
Hi Eileen,
Your shelf idea is fabulous. Thank you for sharing that. I like the idea that the shelf
can be used for any purpose...teddy bear display or otherwise.
When my daughter was little, we used a stuffed animal zoo. It displayed the bears in a cute way and was easily accessible for her. A friend of mine uses a stuffed animal hammock in her home for her grandkids' stuffed animals.
For "collectible" teddy bears though, your idea is the best for keeping them safe and in new condition.
For the stuffed animals you have in trash bags, you can try to sell them on eBay or a similar type of auction site. You can also try offering them on Facebook, either to your friends or the community on a buy/sell group.
You can also see if a nearby consignment shop would like them. They will try to sell them for you, and you get a percentage of that sale when they do.
If you're not concerned about earning from these bears, but just finding them a loving home, perhaps you have family members who would enjoy having those...or neighbors?
Your local library may be interested. They'll often display teddy bears and other stuffed friends in their kids/young readers section.
A local daycare center may want them. Definitely ask.
Donation centers like Goodwill will often accept them.
There are also donation organizations like SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) that will help kids in households that have experienced traumatic events.
I hope you find a good home for your teddy bears!
