October 6, 2026
The NHS is such a wonderful part of the nation we live in and something we truly appreciate. Our NHS and healthcare workers across the globe touch our hearts in so many ways. UK National Nurses Day, on 12th May, marks the birthday of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, and is the perfect time to show this love and appreciation. Here at Grin & Bear, we have worked on several projects to showcase our admiration by designing teddy bears for nurses.
What is UK National Nurses Day?
Being a nurse is a tough, but rewarding job, and the world has seen first-hand the fundamental role nursing plays in patient safety, care and keeping whole nations running. Each year on 12th May, Nurses Day celebrates what it means to be a nurse and how our wonderful NHS nurses lead patient care, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Grin & Bear NHS Rainbow teddy bears
During the coronavirus pandemic, the rainbow became a symbol of support for people wanting to show gratitude and appreciation for NHS workers. However, initially, the rainbow was introduced in the NHS to promote a message of inclusion, regardless of how people define themselves in the LGBTQ+ community. So, even more so now, this NHS Rainbow symbol is a wonderful reminder of equality, love and general appreciation for people from all walks of life.
In our teddy bear designs, we offered customers the opportunity to have an NHS rainbow badge sewn on their teddy for free, which was a great way to show your appreciation for the NHS nurses in your life - especially if you are a healthcare worker yourself - or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
During the free rainbow badge promotion, we also pledged 10% of teddy bear sales to NHS Charities Together. With or without a rainbow badge, our teddies also make great gifts for friends, colleagues and loved ones. This personal touch can truly bring a bear to life and give it so much more meaning for the recipient.
Our Bespoke Teddy Bear for Nurses Project
Bespoke teddy bear projects are certainly one of our favourite aspects of Grin & Bear to work on, as our team love creating teddy bears completely from scratch and ensuring each of the elements the customer wants are included in the final design. We were contacted by the American Association for Critical Nurses who present a special gift for their president on a yearly basis. The American Association for Critical Nurses is a non-profit association which provides expert knowledge to patients across the US, with the influence to fulfill promises to patients and their families.
Liz was the 51st President of the association and has been a member of AACN since 1986 and experienced a presidential year like no other. Throughout the pandemic, Liz was unable to complete the normal tasks of the president, who normally travels around the country, meeting bedside nurses, giving speeches and representing the AACN. Due to the pandemic this was not possible, so Liz worked hard to get her voice heard virtually and create meaningful connections, whilst maintaining a positive and joyful attitude.
She is known as such a thoughtful and kind person throughout the AACN and was drawn to the art of Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. This is built upon the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Liz certainly adopted this Kintsugi perspective throughout her presidential year and poured her passion into the AACN and ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.
That year, they were looking to gift a special teddy bear which showcases the theme of “This is Our Moment”. The theme is always chosen by the president themselves and it expresses what they would like the membership to focus on during the year which can be woven throughout speeches and presentations in an inspirational and aspirational way. As well as incorporating this important theme in the bear, Liz loves Monet, sunflowers and the summer colour palette, so this was something that certainly needed to be included in the design of the bear to give it that personal touch.
How did Michael complete this project for the AACN?
This teddy bear was one of Michael’s favourite projects to work on. He worked very hard to try and incorporate every element of Liz’s personality into the bear, and the client approved a blue fabric with sunflowers - which showcases all of the president’s loves in one fantastic teddy bear. There is just so much joy represented in this design, not only Liz’s loves and passions, but also the Association’s rich history, traditions, and culture through the theme of “This is Our Moment” - which Michael even embroidered on the bear too.
Would you like to buy a teddy bear for nurses from Grin & Bear?
If you would like to have a chat with Michael about a bespoke teddy bear project - like the project we completed for the AACN - or learn more about the bears he has listed on the website, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are passionate about designing a wide range of teddy bears which can be customised by adding embroidery or a unique personal touch such as the NHS rainbow badge- so you know we will make your teddy bear as special as it can possibly be.
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October 6, 2026
The NHS is such a wonderful part of the nation we live in and something we truly appreciate. Our NHS and healthcare workers across the globe touch our hearts in so many ways. UK National Nurses Day, on 12th May, marks the birthday of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, and is the perfect time to show this love and appreciation. Here at Grin & Bear, we have worked on several projects to showcase our admiration by designing teddy bears for nurses.
What is UK National Nurses Day?
Being a nurse is a tough, but rewarding job, and the world has seen first-hand the fundamental role nursing plays in patient safety, care and keeping whole nations running. Each year on 12th May, Nurses Day celebrates what it means to be a nurse and how our wonderful NHS nurses lead patient care, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Grin & Bear NHS Rainbow teddy bears
During the coronavirus pandemic, the rainbow became a symbol of support for people wanting to show gratitude and appreciation for NHS workers. However, initially, the rainbow was introduced in the NHS to promote a message of inclusion, regardless of how people define themselves in the LGBTQ+ community. So, even more so now, this NHS Rainbow symbol is a wonderful reminder of equality, love and general appreciation for people from all walks of life.
In our teddy bear designs, we offered customers the opportunity to have an NHS rainbow badge sewn on their teddy for free, which was a great way to show your appreciation for the NHS nurses in your life - especially if you are a healthcare worker yourself - or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
During the free rainbow badge promotion, we also pledged 10% of teddy bear sales to NHS Charities Together. With or without a rainbow badge, our teddies also make great gifts for friends, colleagues and loved ones. This personal touch can truly bring a bear to life and give it so much more meaning for the recipient.
Our Bespoke Teddy Bear for Nurses Project
Bespoke teddy bear projects are certainly one of our favourite aspects of Grin & Bear to work on, as our team love creating teddy bears completely from scratch and ensuring each of the elements the customer wants are included in the final design. We were contacted by the American Association for Critical Nurses who present a special gift for their president on a yearly basis. The American Association for Critical Nurses is a non-profit association which provides expert knowledge to patients across the US, with the influence to fulfill promises to patients and their families.
Liz was the 51st President of the association and has been a member of AACN since 1986 and experienced a presidential year like no other. Throughout the pandemic, Liz was unable to complete the normal tasks of the president, who normally travels around the country, meeting bedside nurses, giving speeches and representing the AACN. Due to the pandemic this was not possible, so Liz worked hard to get her voice heard virtually and create meaningful connections, whilst maintaining a positive and joyful attitude.
She is known as such a thoughtful and kind person throughout the AACN and was drawn to the art of Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. This is built upon the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Liz certainly adopted this Kintsugi perspective throughout her presidential year and poured her passion into the AACN and ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.
That year, they were looking to gift a special teddy bear which showcases the theme of “This is Our Moment”. The theme is always chosen by the president themselves and it expresses what they would like the membership to focus on during the year which can be woven throughout speeches and presentations in an inspirational and aspirational way. As well as incorporating this important theme in the bear, Liz loves Monet, sunflowers and the summer colour palette, so this was something that certainly needed to be included in the design of the bear to give it that personal touch.
How did Michael complete this project for the AACN?
This teddy bear was one of Michael’s favourite projects to work on. He worked very hard to try and incorporate every element of Liz’s personality into the bear, and the client approved a blue fabric with sunflowers - which showcases all of the president’s loves in one fantastic teddy bear. There is just so much joy represented in this design, not only Liz’s loves and passions, but also the Association’s rich history, traditions, and culture through the theme of “This is Our Moment” - which Michael even embroidered on the bear too.
Would you like to buy a teddy bear for nurses from Grin & Bear?
If you would like to have a chat with Michael about a bespoke teddy bear project - like the project we completed for the AACN - or learn more about the bears he has listed on the website, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are passionate about designing a wide range of teddy bears which can be customised by adding embroidery or a unique personal touch such as the NHS rainbow badge- so you know we will make your teddy bear as special as it can possibly be.
October 6, 2026
The NHS is such a wonderful part of the nation we live in and something we truly appreciate. Our NHS and healthcare workers across the globe touch our hearts in so many ways. UK National Nurses Day, on 12th May, marks the birthday of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, and is the perfect time to show this love and appreciation. Here at Grin & Bear, we have worked on several projects to showcase our admiration by designing teddy bears for nurses.
What is UK National Nurses Day?
Being a nurse is a tough, but rewarding job, and the world has seen first-hand the fundamental role nursing plays in patient safety, care and keeping whole nations running. Each year on 12th May, Nurses Day celebrates what it means to be a nurse and how our wonderful NHS nurses lead patient care, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Grin & Bear NHS Rainbow teddy bears
During the coronavirus pandemic, the rainbow became a symbol of support for people wanting to show gratitude and appreciation for NHS workers. However, initially, the rainbow was introduced in the NHS to promote a message of inclusion, regardless of how people define themselves in the LGBTQ+ community. So, even more so now, this NHS Rainbow symbol is a wonderful reminder of equality, love and general appreciation for people from all walks of life.
In our teddy bear designs, we offered customers the opportunity to have an NHS rainbow badge sewn on their teddy for free, which was a great way to show your appreciation for the NHS nurses in your life - especially if you are a healthcare worker yourself - or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
During the free rainbow badge promotion, we also pledged 10% of teddy bear sales to NHS Charities Together. With or without a rainbow badge, our teddies also make great gifts for friends, colleagues and loved ones. This personal touch can truly bring a bear to life and give it so much more meaning for the recipient.
Our Bespoke Teddy Bear for Nurses Project
Bespoke teddy bear projects are certainly one of our favourite aspects of Grin & Bear to work on, as our team love creating teddy bears completely from scratch and ensuring each of the elements the customer wants are included in the final design. We were contacted by the American Association for Critical Nurses who present a special gift for their president on a yearly basis. The American Association for Critical Nurses is a non-profit association which provides expert knowledge to patients across the US, with the influence to fulfill promises to patients and their families.
Liz was the 51st President of the association and has been a member of AACN since 1986 and experienced a presidential year like no other. Throughout the pandemic, Liz was unable to complete the normal tasks of the president, who normally travels around the country, meeting bedside nurses, giving speeches and representing the AACN. Due to the pandemic this was not possible, so Liz worked hard to get her voice heard virtually and create meaningful connections, whilst maintaining a positive and joyful attitude.
She is known as such a thoughtful and kind person throughout the AACN and was drawn to the art of Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. This is built upon the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Liz certainly adopted this Kintsugi perspective throughout her presidential year and poured her passion into the AACN and ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.
That year, they were looking to gift a special teddy bear which showcases the theme of “This is Our Moment”. The theme is always chosen by the president themselves and it expresses what they would like the membership to focus on during the year which can be woven throughout speeches and presentations in an inspirational and aspirational way. As well as incorporating this important theme in the bear, Liz loves Monet, sunflowers and the summer colour palette, so this was something that certainly needed to be included in the design of the bear to give it that personal touch.
How did Michael complete this project for the AACN?
This teddy bear was one of Michael’s favourite projects to work on. He worked very hard to try and incorporate every element of Liz’s personality into the bear, and the client approved a blue fabric with sunflowers - which showcases all of the president’s loves in one fantastic teddy bear. There is just so much joy represented in this design, not only Liz’s loves and passions, but also the Association’s rich history, traditions, and culture through the theme of “This is Our Moment” - which Michael even embroidered on the bear too.
Would you like to buy a teddy bear for nurses from Grin & Bear?
If you would like to have a chat with Michael about a bespoke teddy bear project - like the project we completed for the AACN - or learn more about the bears he has listed on the website, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are passionate about designing a wide range of teddy bears which can be customised by adding embroidery or a unique personal touch such as the NHS rainbow badge- so you know we will make your teddy bear as special as it can possibly be.