Why We're Excited

Cuddletunes began when five year old Olivia missed her daddy. Olivia’s parents, Cuddletunes cofounders David and Cherie, were tucking their daughter in for bed the day before David left on a business trip to New York.

“I’m going to miss you so much honey. You know how much I love you right?” David kissed his daughter on the forehead and she nodded.

“I wish you could tell me that when you’re gone and I’m going to sleep at night. I wish I had a daddy doll so I could hear your voice when I miss you.” This gave Cherie and David the idea that eventually led to Cuddletunes. They talked to their friends Denise and Mike Robinson, also parents, who came on board as cofounders. Four years later, Olivia’s idea has been transformed and we’re selling bears, but our focus is the same: helping families stay close.

As Cuddletunes developed and the first bears were produced, we discovered that Cuddletunes could make an even bigger impact than we’d originally imagined. In addition to providing the perfect way for kids to feel close when parents are on date nights, business trips, or even just at work, we saw that Cuddletunes could make a big difference for children in the hospital and military children.

Cuddletunes bears are meant to be a constant comfort and reminder of how much a child is loved and valued. We realized that this could be particularly valuable for children undergoing surgery or an extended stay in the hospital. Our bears provide a wonderful way for parent, grandparents, or anyone else to send well wishes and words of love and support.

For children with a parent deployed in the military, staying connected and feeling close can be challenging. Fortunately, the internet has made this more possible than ever before. We envision Cuddletunes helping military parents at home and abroad to stay connected and strengthen their presence in their children’s daily lives through loving messages and bedtime stories that can be updated constantly. That’s something to get excited about.

Like five year old Olivia, all children need to know they are loved: Whether their parents are overseas, away for the night or only in the other room; Whether they are battling illness or homesickness. We’re excited to see Cuddletunes help spread this message.