Who are the Original Care Bears?
5 min read
Last Modified 12 September 2025 First Added 10 September 2025
Care Bears are a global phenomenon spanning over four decades of fun and friendship since debuting as characters on greetings cards in 1982. They’ve gone on to have many animated adventures on TV and film, as well as starring in books and having a variety of soft toys and plushies to play with and love.
Over the years, this cuddly gang of colourful mammals has amassed 27 members with their own unique personalities and traits. These are represented with little “Belly Badges” (previously called “tummy symbols”) across their round bellies that allow each bear to produce spells associated with their personality. However, in the beginning, there were only 10 and it’s these who have most prominently captured the hearts and minds of children and adults across the world. But who are they?
Bedtime Bear is a sleepy character who loves nothing more than a good nap. Aqua marine in colour, they are a calm and soothing presence in most situations and help ensure a restful night for children and Care Bears alike.
Their Belly Badge allows them to enter and exit dreamland to influence dreams, making sure nightmares are kept at bay so you can rest easy.
Birthday Bear loves nothing more than a party and is always on hand to liven up things with cake and gifts. They’re easy to spot with their golden-yellow fur and pink cupcake Belly Badge, and have the ability to make every birthday celebration a special one.
Quite literally a party animal, this one-bear party machine is always on hand to celebrate those special occasions.
The happiest of all these huggable friends, this raspberry pink bear will always lend a hand to lift your spirits and bring joy to any occasion. Perky, bouncy and full of energy, you just can’t help but crack a smile when they’re around.
Able to create a rainbow from their Belly Badge, you’d be surprised how many problems can be fixed with a burst of colour.
Nothing is more important than friendship to this bear and they will stop at nothing to be the best companion to all. With a light orange hue and two smiley sunflowers on their belly this social butterfly makes sure you’re never alone.
Embodying and promoting the spirit of friendship, this trusting bear is a buddy for every moment.
Fun’s the word with this furry friend. With a great sense of humour, they love to have a laugh and are an outgoing and warm-hearted character.
Their Belly Badge shows off their sunny disposition and can be used to shine a light on any situation and used as a beacon to bring the fun to everyone.
There’s no such thing as bad luck when this bear’s around. Bright green with a four-leaf clover Belly Badge, they’re full of self confidence and can remove doubt from any mind.
Things will surely work out for the best with this charming character by your side. Fortune favours this bear, and they happily share it around.
A little different from the other Care Bears, Grumpy Bear lives up to their name with a bit of a gruff demeanour but don’t let that fool you, they’re always around to turn that frown upside down.
Grumpy Bear reminds us that it’s okay to be grumpy sometimes but will put in the work to help this feeling pass. The storm clouds on their stomach help create clouds when they’re needed.
Here to spread love wherever they go, Love-A-Lot Bear believes in the power of love – and who wouldn’t if they could produce love hearts of any size and shape from their belly badge?
A bit like Cupid in being able to inspire love with a look, this pink and perky bear just loves love!
Tenderheart Bear knows that compassion is always needed. Kind and attentive, they always feel that you just need a little tenderness to get through most things.
A red love heart on their Belly Badge allows them to create hearts, but their real ability is being able to approach every situation with care.
Distinct in their turquoise colour, Wish Bear believes in the power of wishes and works hard to make them come true. They know they can’t all come to fruition but that won’t stop them from trying to make them happen.
Their belly badge is a yellow shooting star, and their generosity knows no bounds. When you need a miracle, this bear is sure to show their face.
With so many wonderful friends to meet, collect and love, Addo are bringing the Care Bears back to the UK with a range of teddy bears and toys that are now available at The Entertainer. Discover these cuddly cubs and start your collection today.
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