Care Bears

Care Bears: The Beginning

Following the success of the Strawberry Shortcake product line they had designed, in 1981 American Greetings Card Company released a new series that starred the Care Bears. The Care Bears began as a series of greeting cards that had been drawn by children’s illustrator Elena Kucharik. Two years later, after the greeting card series was in full swing, Kenner released the Care Bear Teddy Bear line.

Each Care Bear was a uniquely colored teddy bear with a white patch on their stomach that had a specialized insignia on its belly. For example, Good Luck Bear had a shamrock, Bed Time Bear had a crescent moon, and Grumpy Bear had a rain cloud. After the release, the Care Bears were seen in their own television series and had three full-length movies. In addition, they spawned a second set of stuffed animal toys, that were called Care Bear Cousins. Animals like lions, monkeys, elephants, penguins and raccoons were designed in the same style of the care bear teddy bears. The Bears live in a land called the Kingdom of Care-A-Lot where they fight negativity and sadness with a special super-hero like move they called the Care Bear Stare. The Care Bear Stare occurs when the Care Bears stand together and radiate light from their respective tummy symbols, combining to form a ray of love and cheer which is supposed to be strong enough to bring joy and care into even the darkest heart. Kid specific records, books, board games and video games soon followed.

Now, 25 years after their initial release, Care Bears are still being marketed and kids still love them all over the world. Now, beyond the plush teddy bear toys, the greeting card series that started it all, and the animated media, the Care Bears have a full line of other products with their pictures on it. Products that include: candy, clothing, stickers and a big selection of party goods and supplies, all of which would work together to melt even the hardest heart at your next party.

By:Gail Leino

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.