Our Story...

Express Teddies began in a small country village on the edge of the Cumbrian Lake District, England.

Sarah Hartley, founder and proprietor, found herself at home with young children and a desire to do something creative with her time.

As a teddy bear collector herself she struck upon the idea of sending personalised bears as gifts for all occasions.

The purchase of some tools and machinery, a pile of wood, love of teddies, a lot of experimentation, determination to succeed, and Express Teddies was born.

Before long Express Teddies became too big for a home business and was sending bears all over the world. New premises were needed and found in a local town. Once the building was renovated it was fitted out with a new workshop, storerooms and a gift shop, which was named Sawdust ‘n’ Stitches.

Sawdust ‘n’ Stitches became the new home for Express Teddies and in addition to the internet, orders also began flowing in through the gift shop.

Now Express Teddies still sends it’s teddy bears worldwide but also has an excellent local reputation for hand finished, personalised innovative gifts.