The Collective: Review – New Kirk & Spock Teddy Bears

Two of the more interesting new Star Trek products for May are the Kirk and Spock Teddy Bears from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. At $100 each, these are high end premium Teddy Bears, but are they worth it? Find out in our review below.  

REVIEW: KIRK AND SPOCK TEDDY BEARS

Star Trek and Teddy Bears have a long history believe it or not. In "Journey to Babel" we learn that Vulcan teddy bears are alive and have six inch fangs. Who wasn’t affected by the teddy bear toy in Star Trek Generations when the USS Enterprise Crew is preparing for imminent disaster? Then of course, there is Kukalaka, Julian Bashir’s teddy bear. Even the Doctor (from Voyager) knows to give a Teddy Bear on his date with Denara Pel. So, it is entirely appropriate to invert all this and instead of Star Trek featuring teddy bears, how about Star Trek becoming Teddy Bears?

Kukalaka, Julian Bashir’s bear from the DS9 episode "Inquisition", one of many references to teddy bears in Star Trek

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company has two Star Trek Teddy Bears, one dressed as Captain Kirk and one dressed as Mr. Spock. While there have been Trek teddies before, none have had the quality and durability of these bears, which are heirloom quality. My father often says that you get what you pay for, and although he was probably talking about shoes, the same is true for teddy bears.

Kirk and Spock Vermont Teddy Bears

In fact, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company offers excellent customer support even after you buy the bear. If your Star Trek bear is ever injured (perhaps a transporter accident or your pet Porthos thinks it is a chew toy), you could send Kirk-bear or Spock-bear to the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital for no charge and get it repaired or replaced. In other words, your purchase is guaranteed for life and the bear is intended to be something that is in your family for generations (not Star Trek Generations though because we know what happened to that teddy bear).

Kirk and Spock Vermont Teddy Bears (back view)

The Kirk-bear features a nicely detailed gold tunic with appropriate insignia. Spock-bear is in his blue costume, yet also features cute Vulcan ears. The uniforms are removable, which my wife Mary Jo (who has more experience with Teddy Bears than I) comments is important for play. You could tell from the boot bottoms that are detailed that much care was taken in the costuming.

Bears feature excellent detailing

Something else that is immediately noticeable is the quality of the bears compared to previous versions. These are huggable because of their durability (although, as with all Teddy Bears, these should not be given to young children, and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company reminds on their website that these bears are meant for people 12 years old or older). At 15" tall, they are perfectly sized for bookshelves or desks. The bears’ heads, arms, and legs are articulated, too, which was unexpected and very cool. Kirk-bear could take his seat in the command chair, or Spock-bear could engage the Vulcan salute.

Spock bear (with pointed ears) shows off articulation

Enhancing the experience, your teddy arrives as "Bear Gram" that features a card, care booklet, and caramel candies.

Kirk and Spock Vermont Teddy Bears

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is next month, and these would make a cute gift for Trekkie Dads. As Julian Bashir’s experience with Kukalaka demonstrates, a teddy bear could be a friend for life, and who better to spend it with than Kirk or Spock, even if they are in teddy bear form?

Kirk in the chair is a commanding bear

The new Star Trek Teddy Bears can be purchased directly from Vermont Teddy Bears:

• Kirk: $99.95
   

• Spock:  $99.95