Cedar Rapids · Iowa · Est. with love

Till I'm there,
hold this bear.

Custom teddy bears made from the clothing of someone who's physically absent — so a child, a partner, a parent can carry them anywhere, until they're back home.

16” from $66.99 · 18” from $75.99 · Includes a personalized postcard

Three handmade Till I'm There teddy bears
Back of a Till I'm There postcard with a handwritten message

Dear Emma,

Dad

Made for

The people who can't be there — and the people who miss them.

Each bear is hand-stitched from a shirt or piece of clothing you send us, accompanied by a personalized postcard. It becomes a tangible link between the two of you, no matter what's keeping you apart.

  • Incarceration

    Bonds that survive distance.

  • Hospital Stays

    A constant when nothing else is.

  • Military Deployment

    Home, in your arms.

  • Business Travel

    Goodnight from anywhere.

  • Loss & Memory

    Something to hold onto.

Did you know

6.2 million U.S. adults have a loved one incarcerated.

2.7 million children have a parent who is incarcerated. Family bonds reduce recidivism — and tangible objects help children process feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and stress.

2.7M

Children with an incarcerated parent

6.2M

Adults with a loved one incarcerated

From your door to theirs

Five simple steps. One unforgettable hug.

  1. 01

    Pick a shirt (or two)

    Heavier fabrics hold up best — heavy cotton, flannel, denim, or fleece. Send a couple if you can; we'll only use what we need.

  2. 02

    Place your order

    Order online and tell us the size, postcard signer, and shipping address — or print our PDF order form if you prefer.

  3. 03

    Mail us the shirts

    Send them to ATT: Lenore TITB, 4120 Elkhorn Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411. We'll email you when they arrive.

  4. 04

    Patiently wait 2–3 weeks

    Every bear is handmade with care. Need it sooner? Rush orders are available for an additional fee.

  5. 05

    Receive your bear

    Beautifully wrapped, ready to gift, accompanied by a personalized postcard from the person they miss.

Note: we can’t return unused shirts or fabric — please send only what you’re ready to part with.

Two handmade bears resting in grass

Hold this bear,
until I’m back home.

Personalized postcard included

What’s included

One bear. One handwritten postcard. One unmistakable hug.

  • A teddy bear hand-crafted from the shirt(s) you provide
  • A personalized postcard, signed by you (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Bestie…)
  • Beautifully wrapped, ready to gift on arrival
  • Optional rush production for time-sensitive moments

Pricing & sizes

Two sizes. Discounts on pairs. Tax already in.

Special offer

Most popular for kids

16"

Single bear

$69.99

2 or more, each

$66.99

+ standard shipping $10.95 per bear · rush available for an extra fee

Special offer

Bigger hug, fits more shirt

18"

Single bear

$78.99

2 or more, each

$75.99

+ standard shipping $10.95 per bear · rush available for an extra fee

“Tangible objects reduce the emotionally and mentally damaging feelings of abandonment in children of incarcerated parents.”

Research summarized by Till I’m There Bears

Ready when you are

Send a hug that can travel anywhere.

Place an order in a few minutes. Pay with PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or by check / money order. We’ll guide you through every step.

Sample handwritten postcard included with each bear