Where do you get a SMILING child friendly traditional teddy ready to cuddle?

[millionaireshortbread]

We did our letter to Santa yesterday and among the usual predictable stuff my DS had asked for 'his own' teddy - a recent reoccuring theme. Of course he has got cuddly toys and a much loved toy he's had from birth but not really a proper teddy. So, I've had a look around and most decent size bears which are meant t be cuddled (i.e. not Steiff) look so bloody miserable!! Only exceptions appear to be Hamleys (v expensive) or Build a Bear (but I don't really want to go down the sounds and costumes route). Any suggestions please? Many thanks

Gund do some lovely, cuddly smiley bears and start at quite reasonable prices.

I read somewhere that the bears faces are traditionally kept neutral so the child can project his or her own emotions onto them.

DD was given a lovely soft one from her gran. It's from John Lewis.

Just had a look at Gund...they are lovely. Aw.

A Merrythought Cheeky Bear is what you need. Mine is still going strong (although a little flat in the tummy) nearly 40 years on.

I love Fraser Bears from house of Fraser. They usually reduce before Xmas. DD loves the one we gave her last year. Suitable for all ages and lovely and cuddly.