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Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin, the storytelling bear!

Was there ever a more coveted toy when you were a little one? A talking, storytelling bear! He speaks in a clear well-modulated speaking voice, like an adult, safe and comforting. But also a real ALIVE bear!

“Hello, I hope we can be friends” he says. And as a child I thought we could. If only I could afford to buy him. For Teddy Ruxpin was the rolls Royce of Children’s toys. Not just the bear itself, but it ran though 4 batteries a day! There was no way in the world we could afford Teddy Ruxpin, me and my brother could only watch the commercials in wonder!

It was a real source of wonder though, and how I wish I could have had one. I mean I never really liked dolls or bears. I was never into Care Bears, or Cabbage Patch Dolls, but Teddy Ruxpin actually TALKED! Not like Sooty, he wasn’t a puppet like Orvile the Duck. He had a real voice and everything!

The bear would move his mouth and eyes while reading stories which were played on an audio tape cassette deck built into his back. He was a veritable Jackanory It was invented by a man called Ken Forsse and was the best-selling toy of 1985.

Teddy Ruxpin was first unleashed onto the unsuspecting children of the 80’s in September, 1985. Interestingly, quite a few toy manufacturers have made Ruxpin over the years. The one I remember – from the commercials - was “Worlds Of Wonder” but it went bankrupt in 1990. After that Teddy Ruxpin did continue – under the Hasbro umbrella

Shortly after his debut, Teddy Ruxpin had become the "Official Spokesbear for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children" in 1985. Interesting fact no?

I must admit though, looking at Teddy Ruxpin now, he does seem a little bit scary. It’s the dead eyes and animatronics, and the level speaking voice. There’s quite a few of the original commercials on youtube and they do seem very dated. One commercial even has Dr Frankenstein “creating” Teddy Ruxpin as if he were some kind of monster. I don’t know what the ad company were thinking there! Not very positive associations at all...!


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Do You Remember Teddy Ruxpin?

Do You Remember Teddy Ruxpin?

  • tdickensheets
    on
    Teddy Ruxpin cartoon is now on DVD.
  • tdickensheets
    on
    I had Teddy Ruxpn made by W.O.W., Yes Ent, Backpack Toys.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I recently discovered that my mom sold my teddy on ebay, WITHOUT ASKING ME!!?!? I was absolutely crushed. I hope whoever got him will love him as much as I did.
  • Anonymous user
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    I loved Teddy Ruxpin, my grandma bought me one after I threw a massive tantrum. My best friend also had teddy ruxpin and Grubby. I was soooooo jealous that I didnt have Grubby.
  • Anonymous user
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    I went through about 5 Teddy Ruxpins 'cos they kept breaking!! But the bear hospital fixed him! I still have him now but his mouth and nose fell off his head wobbles and he has no tapes or books!!! I still love him even if he does scare my mates!!
  • Anonymous user
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    I wanted one but never got one then a few years later one came out that was Mickey Mouse he came with a story book and a tape...there was a goofy too (which i didnt get) i had most of the stories and outfits. I was soo excited to have one and put on "shows" for the whole family with Mickey telling the story while I held up the storybook so they could see the pics (sounds kinda lame now...lol) I still have my talking Mickey sitting on my dresser.and he still works good although i can only find one story book outfit and tape.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I finally got a Teddy Ruxpin from a car boot sale when I was about 9, but he didnt work properly (obviously why they were selling it!) so it was almost like an ornament in the end. But at least I had one! His eyes were a bit creepy though, very wide...
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I still have mine from my 2nd birthday. He's had to have his jaw fixed & the back of his neck stitched up... he's a little scruffy looking, but what do you expect? A few years ago, my grandpa bought me one at an auction with an "adventure outfit" - I didn't realize that he had so many excessories. I still have some books and tapes as well. Does anyone else remember that they made a smaller one that danced???
  • Anonymous user
    on
    Teddy ruxpin was my fav Toy since i litte he tought me good memorys and frendship that i use this days i always take care of teddy ruxpin toys i got
  • Anonymous user
    on
    Teddy Ruxpin was a good friend. I had Teddy Ruxpin & Grubby. The fobs. Books & tapes. I wish keeped him.