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.
Two sizes · 17” & 20” · Includes a personalized postcard
Dear Emma,
Dad
See the impact
She opened the box.
Then she read the letter.
Shawnese’s brother, James Caveye, is serving a life sentence.
“Shawnese, you’re the limb that I held onto… thanks for being there.”
Artwork by James Caveye
Pick your fabric
Choose a customized option for your bear
Their Clothes
The shirt you couldn't give away. The one you sleep in.
17" bear $79.99
Their Art
Their drawing, printed onto fabric and sewn into a bear.
20" bear $138.99
Their Words
Their handwritten letter, printed and wrapped around you.
20" bear $138.99
It’s not just a bear. It’s everything.
+ shipping $11.54 per bear (priority $15.74) · tax included · each bear comes with a personalized postcard
Prefer paper? Download the mail-in order form (PDF) →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.
What people are saying
Heard on both sides of the fence
From families at home, and from the people they’re waiting on.
I believe her bears have the potential to be bigger than Beanie Babies were!
This woman has in me a devoted fan, promoter of her craft, and cheerleader in her cause.
I hope millions of people order your bears because I know your work will impact so many lives.
I don't have the words to say how special of a thing you're doing for people.
This gives me happy goosebumps!
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.
- 01
Pick their clothes, art or letter
Clothing: heavier fabrics hold up best (heavy cotton, flannel, or fleece). Art or a handwritten letter: you'll upload a clear, flat photo when you order.
- 02
Place your order
Order online: choose your bears, add photos for art or letters, pick who signs the postcard and where it ships.
- 03
Clothing? Mail it to us
Send them to:
C/O: Till I'm There Bear4120 Elkhorn Dr NECedar Rapids, IA 52411We'll email you when it arrives. Art and letter bears skip this step.
- 04
Patiently wait 2–3 weeks
Every bear is handmade with care.
- 05
Receive your bear
Beautifully wrapped, ready to gift, accompanied by a personalized postcard from the person they miss.
Note: Unfortunately we can’t return unused shirts or fabric.
Hold this bear,
until I’m back home.
Personalized postcard included
What’s included
One Bear.
One Personalized Postcard.
One Unmistakeable Hug.
- A teddy bear hand-crafted from the shirt(s) you provide
- A personalized postcard.
- Beautifully wrapped, ready to gift on arrival
“Tangible objects reduce the emotionally and mentally damaging feelings of abandonment in children of incarcerated parents.”
These treasured keepsakes provide comfort during times of separation.
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, Cash App, or by check / money order. We’ll guide you through every step.
