Love and romance are in the air – the new 2012 Valentine’s Me to You Teddy Bears are in!

The collection pictured above features the popular grey Tatty Teddy with patches in an assortment of styles and sizes and would be perfect to  deliver your romantic message on the 14th of February this year.

Me to You Tatty Teddy and My Blue Nose Friends in numbers

Me to You was created in 2000 by Stephen Haines who launched his Sussex based company – Carte Blanche, with a portfolio of just 12 cards. Tatty Teddy – the cute character behind the brand – became an instant success.

Over 75 million Me to You plush bears have been sold since 2000.

My Blue Nose Friends was launched in June 2008 as a range of collectable cuddly toys. In total, nearly 6 million pieces of plush have been sold, enough to fill all the seats at Wembley Stadium over 60 times.

Find out more

To find out more about the heart warming story of Tatty Teddy and how he was thrown out with the rubbish read our Me to You Teddy Bears page.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Want to make this Valentine’s Day a special one? Check out the following articles:

Surviving Valentine’s Day – Whatever your situation – single, in a new or long term relationship, this article will give you tips and advice on how to make Valentine’s Day a success.

Top 10 Valentine’s Gifts – Whether you’re experiencing the first flush of love or enjoying the adoration of your soul mate, we have put together this top ten gift guide for Valentine’s Day.

For those who are planning to propose on Valentine’s Day:

Marriage proposal ideas – Thinking of getting down on one knee?  Our guide to unusual ways to ask your loved one to marry you, may give you some great ideas.

Comforting bed warmers

Don’t we all need a cuddle from time to time? No matter how old you are, it’s always nice to hug a cuddly toy.

Our new range of delightful Aroma Home Hot Hugs bed warmers will provide adults and children of all ages with the ultimate comforting hug.

Hot Hugs are irresistibly cute plush animals with removable tummy inserts filled with natural wheat grains. Just warm up in the microwave and pop it back inside for a gorgeously warm cuddle. Awww!

But there’s more: the wheat grains are infused with a soothing blend of lavender and camomile pure essential oils, so your bed warmer doesn’t only look good, it smells good too.

Just a minute in the microwave infuses the insert with lasting heat and you can count on the natural fragrances to aid restful sleep too.

Aroma Home bed warmers are also made from the highest quality plush fabrics for softness to the touch.

These cute hotties are popular night time companions for children as they will help rock them gently to sleep, night after night.

In fact, with new friends so hot and huggable, little ones will never want to put them down!

From cheeky monkeys and elephants to hot horses and bleating lambs, you’re sure to find an animal to suit most recipients and occasions. Why not treat a loved one – or indeed yourself to one of our delightful Aroma Home bed warmers?

It will make a much loved gift on occasions such as get wells, birthdays or Christmas.

More about Aroma Home

Aroma Home originally started selling microwaveable body wraps infused with relaxing essential oils. Since then they have developed products for kids (like the Hot Hugs range) that are fun, adorable and with bags of character. They are much safer than traditional hot water bottles too, and as the calming aromas aid restful sleep, parents love them too!

Here at Big Fat Balloons we instantly feel for the Aroma Home bed warmers – they are adorable, practical, fun and top quality too. We couldn’t ask for more!

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our new range of Nici soft toys and teddy bears.

Taking a group picture proved rather tricky as the horse and rabbit kept on misbehaving, both falling on the koala and knocking him over. We eventually managed to get everyone to cooperate and here they are – all smiling!

Nici plush toys are renowned for their refreshing contemporary designs and are made with soft plush fabrics to the highest quality standards. We’re confident that this new addition to our portfolio will delight our customers and match our commitment to supply quality, well made teddy bears and gifts.

All the soft toys in the range are machine washable, making them practical gifts for children too. Discover a world of Nici friends and choose your favourites. They will make great gifts for adults and children of all ages for Christmas and other special occasions.

Nici are German plush toys manufacturers. The company was launched in 1986 and their innovative soft toys have since captured the hearts of fans around the world.

Since 2008 and the launch of My Blue Nose Friends, Tatty Teddy is no longer alone and lonely but surrounded by a crowd of new friends. November sees the addition of four new loveable characters for Tatty Teddy to meet. As usual each one has a name, number and personal profile and all of them have patches and a blue nose.

Meet the latest Blue Nose Friends creations  by Me to You:

Needles the Woolly Mammoth No 83 – Needles is a hilarious woolly mammoth whose jokes will have you in stitches; stay cottoned on and you’ll have a ball!

Quiver the Emperor Penguin No 84 – Quiver is a daring Emperor Penguin who loves to skate on thin ice; on the flip side there’s no chance of your friendship cracking.

Bengal the Tiger No 85 – Bengal is a prowling white tiger who’ll roar her way to your heart; she’ll never stray far and will always be within a whisker of you.

Alpine the Bernese Mountain Dog No 86 – Alpine is an intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog who would do anything for you; he’ll lead you to the top but won’t bark orders.

New holographic stickers

Carte Blanche – the company behind the Me to You Tatty Teddy brand are also introducing new holographic stickers for My Blue Nose Friends. The holographic security label will give you full peace of mind that you are buying genuine products.

The little square sticker, featuring a cute picture of Patch the Dog, will gradually appear over the next few months on packaging and removable tags.

Read more about the Me to You Tatty Teddy brand and story on our web site or browse our full My Blue Nose Friends range.

A Wonderful Christmas teddy bear

After not being able to source any Storytime bears last Christmas, I am delighted to announce that this popular Gund teddy bear is back in stock!

The new model allows you to easily record the child’s name into the story. Just press and hold the teddy’s right foot. Release the foot after recording and press the left foot to read the story. The child’s name will now be inserted into the story, adding a personalised touch to your gift.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Storytime bear. He measures 43cm (17″) and is made to high standards by Gund. He has super soft, silky caramel fur and a cream snout. The bear wears a red and white Christmas hat. Patiently sat with his book opened, when you press his foot he will read you the classic tale ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ while moving his head and mouth.

Check out our Christmas teddy bears section or our 7 Bestselling Christmas Teddy Bears post for more festive gifts.

About the Twas the Night Before Christmas poem

Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem in 1822. It is also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. The poem is now a Christmas favourite and many families read it on Christmas Eve.

Interestingly it is the first story associating Santa Claus (Father Christmas) with reindeers and a sleigh and it has redefined the story of Christmas as we now know it today.

It was originally published anonymously after a family friend sent the poem to the New York Sentinel in 1823 and was an immediate success. It was not until 1844 that the author claimed ownership when Twas the Night Before Christmas was included in an anthology of his work.

Read the full Clement Clarke Moore poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

We’re pleased to announce that the new range of Me to You bears is now in store.

The Winter Tatty Teddies feature the popular blue nosed grey teddy bear in various winter outfits – including hats, scarves and jumpers. The plush and knitted accessories are in muted tones of white, pale blue and pale pink and will make ideal gifts for Christmas and other special occasions.

The bears are available in a huge range of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find something to fit most recipients, occasions and budgets too.

Me to You bear facts

Did you know that  Tatty Teddy first appeared on greeting cards in 1995? It was produced as a plush toy for the first time in 2000. Based on the original greeting card design, it featured short grey fur, small black eyes and a blue nose with a white reflective spot on the left hand side.

A very similar version of the bear with finer fur, was launched in 2003 and in 2009, the Me to You 3rd generation plush toy was finally launched in stores. Tatty Teddy now features longer fur in different shades of grey. A new blue plastic nose replaces the fabric nose on previous generations. As the new nose has reflective features, the reflective spot has also been removed.

To find out more about Carte Blanche Greetings  Tatty Teddy check out our Me to You bear information page.

Tatty Teddy’s story

How did Tatty Teddy come to be ‘The grey bear with the blue nose’?

Thrown out with the rest of the rubbish, a little brown teddy bear was all alone. As the snow started to fall his nose turned blue and his fur turned grey.

In the spring he was rescued by a little girl, who took him home to be mended by Grandma. Tatty Teddy had finally found a loving home.

Watch the full story of the abandoned teddy bear in the official Carte Blanche video below. Enjoy!

A new friend for Tatty Teddy

Thrown out with the rest of the rubbish from the ‘oldest, smallest house you can imagine’, the little brown teddy bear was all alone. As the snow started to fall his nose turned blue and his fur turned grey.

In the spring he was rescued by a little girl, who took him home to be mended by Grandma. Although he was given new stuffing and stitched patches, his grey fur and blue nose remained, but he didn’t care. Tatty Teddy had finally found a loving home.

The cute bear’s latest Tatty Teddy is no longer alone and lonely, since the launch of My Blue Nose Friends he has welcomed a huge amount of new friends.

Blue Nose Friend, Flame the Dragon is a 4″ cuddly toy with soft blue fur on her body and shimmery fabric at the end of her tail and under her wings. Like Tatty Teddy, she has patches on her head and body with blue nostrils.

Flame is a fiery dragon whose personality could light up any room; her burning ambition is to strike up a friendship with you.

Grab yours while they last

This cute dragon is a special edition character with limited availability created by Me to You. She will make an ideal small gift for loved ones on special occasions. It’s also a perfect addition to your own My Blue Nose Friends collection.

They’re already flying of the shelves, so grab yours while you can!

Our popular illoom balloons are revolutionary glow in the dark balloons and are ideal to dazzle your guests and create an effervescent party atmosphere.

Ideal for night time celebrations both indoors and outdoors, illoom balloons will add an enchanting glow to parties, weddings and more.These unusual balloons make stand out party decorations and are sure to get the celebrations started with a bang.

Complete with a tiny LED light they stay illuminated for up to 15 hours! The balloons are child-safe and really easy to use too. Simply pull the tab to activate the light, and then blow up the balloon as normal. Brilliant! You can even fill them with helium gas for fully floating lights.

The latest additions to our illoom balloons range are:

• Happy Birthday Multicoloured illoom Balloons – 5 x 9″ happy birthday latex glow in the dark balloons. Packs include 1 balloon of each in red, yellow, blue, white and green and have the greeting “Happy Birthday” printed in black
• Green illoom Balloons – 5 x 9″ plain green illuminated latex balloons
• illoom Balloons in Yellow – 5 x 9″ plain yellow illuminated latex balloons
• illoom Orange Balloons – 5 x 9″ plain orange glow in the dark latex balloons
• Pink Happy Birthday illoom Balloons – 5 x 9″ happy birthday illuminated balloons. Ideal for girls of all ages, the balloons are pink and have the greeting “Happy Birthday” printed in white

Please note: illoom balloons are safe for use by children over 36 months and can be used both indoors and outdoors. When filled with helium the balloons will float for around 8 to 12 hours – you can use Hi-Float to increase the floating time. Air filled illoom balloons will remain inflated for several days.

Whatever the party or event, helium balloons are sure to lift everyone’s spirits. Our easy-to-use, portable helium balloon kits and disposable helium canisters are perfect to put a smile on everyone’s face on birthday parties, play dates and other events.

All helium cylinders are supplied with full instructions to allow you to create your own stunning balloon decorations. Our range includes:

Disposable helium canisters

Large Disposable Helium Cylinder – this helium tank is supplied without balloons – so you will need to purchase helium quality balloons separately. It will inflate approximately 50 x 9″ latex balloons, 23 x 11″ latex balloons or 24 x 18″ foil balloons*.

Small Disposable Helium Canister – also supplied without balloons, this cylinder will inflate approximately 30 x 9″ latex balloons, 13 x 11″ latex balloons or 14 x 18″ foil balloons*.

Helium balloon kits

Large Helium Balloon Kit – 50 balloons (pictured above) – each kit contains 50 x 9″ latex balloons in assorted vivid colours, a spool of ribbon and a lightweight portable helium canister. So you can now achieve a bright, festive look without worrying about transporting – or fitting – helium balloons in your car.

Small Helium Canister with 30 Balloons and Ribbon – a smaller kit supplied with 30 x 9″ latex balloons in assorted vivid colours, a spool of ribbon and a lightweight portable helium gas cylinder.

*Please note: the inflation figures are the manufacturer’s maximum figures and are based on not over inflating the balloons and not losing any helium. Latex balloons filled with helium gas will float for around 8 to 12 hours and will need to be inflated shortly before the event. Foil balloons will stay afloat for 2 to 5 days.

For gifts to make him smile, checkout this year’s Father’s Day balloons and teddy bears for Dad. Our range of Me to You Father’s Day gifts is proving especially popular as Father’s Day gifts from young children.

For more Father’s Day gift ideas check out our Gift Ideas for Father’s Day post or the following articles on our web site:

100 Years of Father’s Day – Father’s Day is over 100 years old. Founded in America by Sonora Louise Smart Dodd, Father’s Day is now celebrated in the UK on the third Sunday in June. In this article, in addition to a brief history of Father’s Day and how it is celebrated throughout the world, we offer a selection of gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Solving the Father’s Day gift idea problem – Are you plagued with the same old problem – what on Earth do you buy your dad for Father’s Day? Well, to help you out, we’ve put on our thinking cap and come up with some excellent gift ideas to suit all budgets.