Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Vintage Care Bears Cheer Bear Plush

One of my most distinct childhood memories is as a five-year old in a toy store, whining to my parents that I wanted a Care Bear. I believe I even remember that it was almost $30, a princely sum at the time.


You see, my parents have four kids, and my mom stayed at home with us - we didn't just get new stuff for no reason! I feel so bad now, remembering how I was sobbing in the aisle of the toy store. Lo and behold, at the next Christmas or birthday event, I unwrapped my beautiful brand new pink Cheer Bear!


I have loved that Care Bear since then... and I also love the lesson my parents taught me. Yes, in the end I got the toy, but I was given the opportunity to realize that it was expensive and not something to hastily purchase. To this day, when I want to buy something, I prefer to think about it, research reviews on it, price shop, and then finally purchase it if I am sure it is a good quality product.  I think this experience probably made me cherish my beloved stuffed bear even more!


A few years ago, when the new vintage Care Bears were rolled out, I thought it was really amusing that the price in modern-day dollars was around $30 as well. I guess these days they are mass produced in China, and it's just a different world. I would imagine my old 80s toy was made in North America somewhere, but you wouldn't be able to tell from the completely faded tush tag.


I have so many wonderful memories of my Cheer Bear. I remember when my Mom wanted to wash her, I was so nervous that she would get damaged. I remember supervising the whole operation, and being quite upset by her appearance when she was drying on the laundry rack outside. Haha! I also remember that my brother could make me stop crying by hiding behind the bear and "magically" flapping her arms as though she was flying.

This is one vintage item I own that wasn't purchased at the thrift!

Linking up with Vintage Thingie Thursday, Flea Market Finds and Thrift Share Monday!

13 comments:

  1. So sweet! My sister loved Care Bears as well, although I don't think she still has hers. Those are the best belongings- the ones that have precios memories that go with them!

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  2. What a sweet story!! I loved Care Bears too, my friend used to collect them. Happy VTT

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  3. I love the story! So sweet, as a kid I really liked cabbage patch kids. Still have mine in my childhood home!

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  4. That is such a sweet story. My youngest loved Care Bears. We could not afford them and my Mom found printed material and made several stuffed care bear 'pillows'. Such sweet memories. hugs, Linda

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  5. It feels like toys these days are a lot cheaper and "disposable" than they were during my childhood days. I'm really glad my bear has lasted all these years. I can definitely say that she attended many tea parties and was dragged along to many destinations. =)

    To this day, I think I value _quality_ items rather than having more of the junk... These great 80s Care Bears are proof that it's better in the long run!

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  6. Those are little bears you should definitely keep. I am sure if you could many now.

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  7. I had a beloved Care Bear too, not sure where she is now though. Your is cute. :)

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  8. I mean 'yours is cute', hee hee. I sure you are too. LOL.

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  9. Hang on to that Care Bear, he's a special one!

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  10. I loved your care bear story! I am also a child of the 80's and when I was in high school my boyfriend bought me every single care bear they made. I kept them all in their original boxes. About 10 years ago I got sick of dragging them to every house we moved to and sold them all at a garage sale for $10. Who knew they would make a comeback? I regret to this day selling them!

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  11. Wow, having every Care Bear! Love the comments and memories you have all shared, thanks!

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  12. Awe, I had the pink one as well! Sweet memories.

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  13. I totally have this bear. It's in my daughter's room right now. I loved it and refused to get rid of it.

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