Heirloom Teddy Bears Designed For Lifelong Memories

Our Dear Ted Story

Dear Ted is a premium teddy bear brand designed in New Zealand and created for families who value thoughtful design, beautiful materials and meaningful gifting. Our bears are designed to bring comfort, character and timeless style into a home and to become keepsakes that last a lifetime.

Dear Ted was created to bring together classic teddy bear design, gentle personality and lasting quality in a way that feels both modern and warm.

Our Founders

Dear Ted was founded by Hayley Herron and is now launching in Europe alongside business partner Julia Schaber.

Hayley began Dear Ted after returning to New Zealand from London, inspired by her childhood love of teddy bears and a desire to create something timeless and meaningful. She began sketching designs and developing patterns, refining every detail until the first Dear Ted came to life.

When Hayley discovered Perino wool, a uniquely New Zealand blend of merino, possum and lyocell, she knew she had found the perfect material. Soft, natural and durable, it became the foundation of every Dear Ted.

Working closely with specialist manufacturers, Hayley spent more than two years perfecting every detail, from the knit and filling to the hand embroidered faces that give each bear its gentle personality. Each bear is still hand finished today, ensuring every Dear Ted feels truly one of a kind.

Julia Schaber joined Dear Ted to bring the brand to Europe. A former colleague and now close friend of Hayley, Julia shares the same passion for thoughtful design, premium quality and creating products that feel special from the moment they are given.

Together, Hayley and Julia are growing Dear Ted into an international brand that celebrates comfort, character and beautiful keepsakes.

Our Design

Each Dear Ted begins with a classic teddy bear shape, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Carefully chosen colours, subtle details and soft expressions give every bear its own personality while maintaining a refined and timeless look.

Designed to sit beautifully in a nursery, a child’s room or as a keepsake on a shelf, Dear Ted Editions are created to be enjoyed every day and treasured over time.

Our Materials

We place great importance on the materials we use. Each Dear Ted is made from a carefully selected blend of natural fibres including New Zealand merino wool, possum and lyocell with recycled filling. This creates a teddy bear that feels beautifully soft while remaining durable and long lasting.

Our bears are designed in New Zealand and produced with care using a natural and chemical free process that makes them suitable for children and adults alike.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Dear Ted. We hope your bear brings warmth, comfort and happiness for many years.