Why did teddy bears come popular?

Teddy bears became popular in the early 20th century due to their association with President Theodore Roosevelt, who was famously depicted refusing to shoot a bear during a hunting trip in 1902. This event inspired a toymaker to create a stuffed bear named "Teddy's bear," which quickly gained popularity among children and adults alike. The combination of the bear's cute design, the sentimental connection to Roosevelt, and effective marketing helped solidify the teddy bear as a beloved childhood toy. Over the years, it has evolved into a symbol of comfort and companionship.