History of Teddy Ruxpin -
Created in 1985, the plush toy came preloaded with a cassette tape that enabled Teddy to tell stories while his mouth and eyes moved. Ken Forsse, an inventor, author and Alchemy producer, created the toy. Worlds of Wonder distributed Teddy Ruxpin, which became a best-selling toy in 1985 and 1986.
Originally, it cost $70.00 (plus an additional $20 for an additional cassette tape and book). Today, it would cost about $190.00.
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Personally, I found Teddy Ruxpin creepy. I could see why the toy was intriguing to so many people because it seemed so high-tech back then. I mean, a talking bear who moved his eyes and mouth as he read you a story from his book was like, "WOW!"
However, the way in which he moved his eyes and mouth was eerie. You could actually hear the mechanism working from inside his body as he talked, which made it sound like you were in the presence of a robot. And his eyes blinked verrrry slowly. As though he was high on weed.
As infamous as the toy was in the 80s, I had my reservations. But then, talking/moving dolls have never been a favorite of mine, ever since I saw the Twilight Zone episode, "Living Doll" - Talky Tina. It scared the bejesus out of me!
The year Teddy Ruxpin was launched, my mother wanted one so badly because she collected toys. So, I surprised her for Christmas and bought her one. But boy oh boy, Teddy Ruxpin was in high demand; therefore, I had to go to several stores to find one because so many retailers were sold-out. But I got lucky and eventually found one. I still remember the look on my mother's face when she opened my gift on Christmas morning. She was soooooooooooo happy!
Here are two photos of where the batteries and tape cassette were stored inside Teddy...
Lo-and-behold, guess what we found in the back of the store in a small room that contained vintage toys?
Did you guess?
That's right...the talking bear himself!
Kelly and I both looked at each other and screamed, "OH MY GOD...IT'S TEDDY RUXPIN...RUN!!!!!"
However, we couldn't resist taking a few pictures before we ran. So, Kelly grabbed her phone and captured the look of fear and horror on my face...
I also found several photos online that captured the disturbed look on the faces of children who were introduced to Teddy Ruxpin today, for the first time. I was glad to see that I'm not the only one who finds the talking bear creepy, scary. I love the expression on her face. It's PRICELESS!...
I leave you with the TV commercial that launched this toy in 1985. It's old, so please excuse the poor quality. Oh, and notice the kids' faces in the classroom when the bear starts to talk. They look hypnotized, as if they were slowly being possessed by Teddy Ruxpin.
"Hi, my name is Teddy Ruxpin. Can you and I be friends?"...
Well, don’t freak out, Ron, but Teddy Ruxpin is back! My grandson has one. I think his other grandparents bought it for him, not us! He loves the thing and has the stories memorized, but the bear runs out of battery so often that my daughter will put the bear away periodically. I find the voice super annoying, and it IS creepy when you hear the gears of the eyes moving, but my grandson loves it.
ReplyDeleteOur kids did not have Teddy Ruxpin, but received a hand me down doll named Cricket from one of their cousins. Now that doll was creepy! You need to Google it Ron. Funny family story: My oldest daughter was around 3 years old at the time and playing with Cricket, while eating Cheerios. She put a Cheerio in Cricket’s mouth, probably thinking she was just pretend feeding the doll like all her other dolls. Well, Cricket chewed up that Cheerio with her mouth movements and my daughter COMPLETELY freaked out!! She was hysterical! I had to hide that damn Cricket for a month or so. We eventually threw it in the trash! LOL! So, I don’t think my other two ever even played with her.
While cleaning out my mom’s basement (the project that never ends) I came across my old Baby Teeny Talk. It’s a doll that talks when you pull the string. The voice is super creepy. I might have to do a post. LOL! I’m keeping it here for my grandkids to see what they think.
How fun that you and Kelly stumbled upon the vintage toys. Any other interesting finds? Have a super rest of the week, Ron. XO
Yes Ron, I do remember Teddy Ruxpin. And I also remember seeing that Twilight episode about the talking doll. How creepy was that? Even now, if ever I watch it, I still get chills.
ReplyDeleteI never owned Teddy Ruxpin, but have seen it on eBay. My mother also mentioned it while talking about toys of the past. I think it was her cousin who got it for either her birthday or for Christmas.
Those photos of you are HILARIOUS!!!! You are one funny man. I can only imagine you onstage, doing comedy.
Thanks for the early morning laughs. I'm at work and needed this!
Hi, I'm Teddy Ruxpin. Can you and I be friends? NOT!
OMG, you're KIDDING me?!?! He actually HAS a Teddy Ruxpin?!?! And I cannot believe Teddy is back!!!!! I wonder if they are still making it, or perhaps it's vintage.
ReplyDelete"but the bear runs out of battery so often that my daughter will put the bear away periodically."
You know, I thought about that because had Teddy been a toy today, they would have made it with perhaps a phone battery that you could charge quickly and save on buying regular batteries.
"Now that doll was creepy! You need to Google it Ron."
Okay, I did Google it before commenting and saw a Cricket doll. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww! CREEPY indeed! Creepy-looking eyes and hair!
"Well, Cricket chewed up that Cheerio with her mouth movements and my daughter COMPLETELY freaked out!! She was hysterical! I had to hide that damn Cricket for a month or so. We eventually threw it in the trash! LOL! "
Oh dear god, that CRACKED ME UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I wish I'd been there to see that!
And yes, I clearly remember those dolls that talked when you pulled the sting that was on their backs. I pretty sure my sister had one of those. And the string would make a grinding sound as you pulled it. Ewwwww!
Yes, we found lots of cool stuff in that consignment shop. It was in the basement of an old building, so we had to walk down a flight of stairs to get to it. What I loved about the shop is that the owner had everything so well-organized and displayed. And he was so friendly and welcoming when we walked in. I love getting together with Kelly because we always act silly, like two kids!
Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend, my friend. And thanks for sharing that story. HYSTERICAL!
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Gooood morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that Twilight episode BEYOND creepy? And I loved the ending, when the doll trips the guy down the stairs and kills him. Telly Savalas was so good as the father of the girl who had the doll.
"I never owned Teddy Ruxpin, but have seen it on eBay. My mother also mentioned it while talking about toys of the past. I think it was her cousin who got it for either her birthday or for Christmas."
That toy was SO popular back then. One of my blogging friends (Bijoux) mentioned in her comment that her grandson has a Teddy Ruxpin, which surprised me because I didn't they made that toy anymore. Perhaps it's vintage?!?
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a great rest of your day and weekend!
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Ron, I love how you and I are practically the same age, so we relate to the same things within our generation. Of course I remember Teddy Creepy Ruxpin! I never owned one, but I knew others who did. And even though you didn't like it, that is so thoughtful of you to purchase one for you mother as a Christmas gift. I'm sure she was grateful and happy beyond belief. And by the way, I forgot until you mentioned it in your post about the Twilight Zone episode about the talking doll. I too saw it and had the same reaction. It scared the bejesus out of me. That show was so good, wasn't it? I also liked The Outer Limits. Remember that one?
ReplyDeleteYour reactions in those two photographs are so damn funny!
"Notice how this little chap was so curious, he held nothing back. He simply reached up; ripped open Teddys' mouth; and looked inside..." -- that made me howl with laughter! And you're right, the face expression on the girl in the first photo is priceless. It's as if she's saying, "What the HELL is this bear doing?????"
I do remember that commercial. What a hoot!
Thank you, dearest Ron for starting my day with laughter. Glad you and Kelly had a great day. xoxo
Ron, I forgot that was Telly Savalas!!! He had detective show at one time, didn't he?
ReplyDeleteYup, he sure did....'Kojak!" And do you remember how he was always sucking on a lollypop? Ha!
ReplyDeleteElaine, I KNEW, KNEW, KNEW you would remember Teddy Creepy Ruxpin being that we are the same age!
ReplyDeleteMy mother was so happy when she opened my gift. However, I was so bummed because there was something wrong with the one I purchased, so we had to return/exchange it after the Christmas holidays.
Wasn't that Talky Tina episode scaaaaaaaaaaary? It was the way she talked! And the more the father got mad, the doll got more and more evil! OUTSTANDING episode! And yes, I do remember the show, The Outer Limits. Another good show in the 60s!
Kelly and I just about died when we spotted not one, but TWO Teddy Ruxpin's in that store.
Aren't the kids reactions stellar? I found them online when I Googled "kids reactions to Teddy Ruxpin"
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific Thursday and upcoming weekend!
Hasn't the weather been beautiful lately? Not too warm.
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I usually like stuffed animals, but I was never a fan of this talking bear! You're so right: those moving eyes and mouth, along with the mechanization noises, would scare anybody!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a much-needed chuckle this morning, Ron. Hope everything is going well in your world. xx
"I usually like stuffed animals, but I was never a fan of this talking bear! You're so right: those moving eyes and mouth, along with the mechanization noises, would scare anybody!"
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I feel the exact same way! In fact, there was a period in my life when I collected stuffed teddy bears (and other stuffed animals). But like you, mechanical toys are something else. CREEPY. LOL!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well in your world too. Sending you lots of positive energy....
(((((((((((((((((((((((( YOU ))))))))))))))))))))
Have a great weekend!
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Yes, I do remember The Outer Limits, Ron!
ReplyDeleteRemember the opening? ---- "Sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to... The Outer Limits."
That always creeped me out!
OMG, as soon I read that, I immediately heard the weird music they would play as that line was spoken by Vic Perrin! Such a TV classic!
ReplyDeleteRon, you expressions in both photographs are priceless! You're adorable.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of or seen a Teddy Ruxpin talking bear. But then, I grew up outside of America, so perhaps it was something only sold here, and not in Germany.
Watching the video clip, I agree. There is something creepy about the way he moves his eyes and they way he talks.
Thank you for such an amusing post.
Hi Clair!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you grew up in Germany?!? That's a country I've never been but would like to visit. I actually work with a woman who lives here now, but was born in Germany. That country has always fascinated me.
You're right, perhaps Teddy Ruxpin was not sold in Germany. Perhaps it's only an American thing.
Creepy indeed! I actually like teddy bears. I used to collect them. However, Teddy was another story.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Monday!
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Yes, I was born in Germany (Ludwigsburg), but moved to the States when I was 3-years old. The last time I was in Germany was 9 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI noticed on your blog that you're watching the 5th season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Me too. Are you enjoying it? I have mixed feelings. I'm up to episode 5.
I Googled Ludwigsburg and saw many photos of the area. It's gorgeous! What a lovely place to be born!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and like you, I have very mixed feelings. I'm up to episode 4 and I have to say that I'm not impressed. It's kind of boring actually. However, I will watch all the episode until the end because I want to see it through. I watched an interview with the cast members and they said that the ending will leave you wondering.
Ron, those photos of you are hilarious! What an expressive face you have. You look so cute next to your Mr. Ruxpin. In that second photo, he most certainly does look like he's wearing a Jimmy Buffett shirt.
ReplyDeleteMy niece had a Teddy Ruxpin when she was younger, but I don't know what she ever did with it. If she had it today, she could probably sell it on eBay and get a lot of money for it.
I'm not a fan of talking dolls either. When I was a kid, girls all wanted dolls for Christmas. But not me. I wanted art supplies (pencils, crayon, paper, paints and paint brushes) because I was not into "girlie"things.
"They look hypnotized, as if they were slowly being possessed by Teddy Ruxpin." ROFLMAO!
Funny many you are! Glad you and your friend Kelly decided to check out the consignment shop because it gave you fodder for a GREAT post! I'm curious, did you look at the price tag on Teddy to see how much they were selling him for?
Ron, the expression on YOUR and the one of the girl in the first photograph are hysterical! And I love the little boy trying to open Teddy's mouth. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI would have given anything to have been there with you and Kelly and seen your reactions on your faces in person. I love consignment shops. I've gotten not only some really good quality clothes, but also tables and lamps for our apartment.
Thanks for the laughs, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteThe kid photos are hysterical, aren't they? I love the first one especially.
Me too! Consignment shops are the bomb! Several years ago, I got a jacket and a coat that looked brand new. The quality you get in consignments shops is very good. They only accept items in mint condition for resale.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Happy Monday to you!
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Ron, this was my favorite thing that you said -- "And his eyes blinked verrrry slowly. As though he was high on weed." Perhaps Teddy had ingested some CBD gummy BEARS! LOL!!!! Did they even have CBD back then?
ReplyDeleteThe photos that your friend Kelly took with her phone are stellar! Sounds like the two of you had a fun day.
Can't say that I ever had a Teddy Ruxpin. And after this post, I'm glad I didn't because I'd have nightmares of being possessed by a bear. Cute photos of the kids. Love their reactions. That little boy is really engrossed in seeing what's inside Teddy's mouth.
Great post, Ron! You really know how to tell a story and make it interesting AND funny!
Daniel, and my favorite thing YOU said was, " Perhaps Teddy had ingested some CBD gummy BEARS! LOL!!!!"
ReplyDeleteCRACKED ME UP! But no, they didn't have CBD gummy bears back then.
Oh, we did! But Kelly and I always have fun when we get together. She and I have the same sense of humor and enjoy acting silly. We're like two kids when we get together. We also move at the same speed - FAST. She and I walk like road runners! I remember when we went to NYC for the day, and out of the group, Kelly and I walked the fastest.
Aren't the expressions on those kids hysterical?
Always a delight see your comments, Daniel! Happy Monday, and have a great week!
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