Sweet Dreams Bear (Teddy 'n Me)
Teddy 'n Me
Teddy 'n Me was a line of individual bears with specific themes. Also sold under Mattel's division: Emotions, these figures were designed by Sekiguchi around 1983. Sekiguchi had released toys similar to these under the names: The Bear Story or Teddy Bear Story. They are very similar, but have distinct differences. The pads on the paws are actual felt and the faces are painted differently.
Toy Line: Teddy 'n Me / Emotions
Company: Sekiguchi / Mattel
Country: US
Year Introduced: 1983
Figures Available: Get Well Bear, Sweet Dreams Bear, Anniversary Bear, Mrs. Claus, Santa Bear, Baby Bear, Wish Bear, Graduation Bear
Frequency: Uncommon
Official Names & Bios:
Sweet Dreams Bear
Accessories:
How I Got Mine:
This figure was purchased at a flea market.
Extra Info:
N/A
Names and bios I have created for this family:
Sweet Dreams Bear - N/A
Company: Sekiguchi / Mattel
Country: US
Year Introduced: 1983
Figures Available: Get Well Bear, Sweet Dreams Bear, Anniversary Bear, Mrs. Claus, Santa Bear, Baby Bear, Wish Bear, Graduation Bear
Frequency: Uncommon
Official Names & Bios:
Sweet Dreams Bear
- "Sweet Dreams Bear would like
To tuck you into bed,
But if you're there already
He'll kiss you good night instead."
Accessories:
- "to and from" tag with poem / bio
How I Got Mine:
This figure was purchased at a flea market.
Extra Info:
N/A
Names and bios I have created for this family:
Sweet Dreams Bear - N/A
Review
The Price
Teddy 'n Me figures can be at any price. I have seen them listed on eBay from $2.00 - $19.00 USD. I purchased mine at a flea market for $2.50.
The Package
The box is standard cardboard with a cellophane window on three sides. It has very basic styling and no art. There is a small tag that came with each bear, though this figure has lost it, stating a "To and From" and a small poem about the figure. This poem also appears on the back of the package. I assume from the plain design, these figures were meant to be sold as quick and cheap items to take the place of a card and envelope.
The Figures
The Teddy 'n Me figure is one of the largest figures I have, coming a hair taller than my Playful Fuzzy Bears figure. The flocking is well done and has held up beautifully despite its age and box condition. The pads on his hands are pieces of felt that give a texture difference - which is nice. I can only imagine this is also the case for his feet, which I cannot see because his slippers are glued on. This is the same for the hat. The nightgown, while having a Velcro closure in the back, is too restricted by his large body to actually be removed. This should not be considered a drawback since the Teddy 'n Me line was never truly meant for "doll house like" play.
The Conclusion
The Teddy 'n Me line of figures had a limited success in the 1980s. Mattel had never intended to compete with Epoch's Sylvanian Families and if incorporated into a group of Sylvanians, these bears would stick out like a sore thumb. Since they were designed by Sekiguchi, one can much more easily combine Teddy 'n Me figures with those of The Bear Story (Teddy Bear Story) or even Barenwald. While not for rigorous play, these bears can provide a wonderful nostalgic feeling for anyone who had received and since lost one of their own. I love my Sweet Dreams Bear - right down to his cute, fuzzy slippers!
