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!