FAQS

Whether you're visiting our beautiful teddy bear shop in Henley-on-Thames, searching for the perfect gift, adding to a treasured collection, or arranging delivery to the UK or overseas, we're here to help.

We've gathered answers to some of the questions we're most often asked about our shop, teddy bears, delivery services, gift options and customer care. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team will be delighted to assist.

Established in 1984, Asquiths has been helping teddy bear lovers, collectors and gift-givers discover special bears for over 40 years, and we look forward to helping you find your perfect companion.

🧸 General Asquiths FAQs

We're always happy to hear from you and help with any questions about our teddy bears, gifts, repairs, memory bears or online orders.

You can contact us in the following ways:

📞 Telephone: 01491 281957
📧 Email: rachel@asquiths.com
📱 Instagram: @asquithsbearpawium
💻 Website: Simply complete the contact form on our website and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Whether you're looking for a special teddy bear, need advice on a repair, or would like help choosing the perfect gift, our friendly team will be delighted to assist.

Asquiths Teddy Bear Shop is located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. You can find us at:

Asquiths Bearpawium Ltd
26 Hart Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 2AU

We look forward to welcoming teddy bear lovers, collectors and gift-givers from near and far

Yes. There are a few pay-and-display car park conveniently located opposite the shop on Hart Street.

Henley-on-Thames also offers several public car parks within easy walking distance of Asquiths:

Short Stay Car Parks

  • Greys Road Car Park
  • Kings Road Car Park

Long Stay Car Parks

We are always happy to hear about old teddy bears and collectable bears.

While we are unable to purchase every bear that is offered to us, we are often happy to take a look and advise where we can. Please feel free to contact us with photographs and any information you have about the bear.

Asquiths is located within a beautiful Grade II listed building, which means access can be a little challenging for wheelchair users.

However, we do have an alternative access route and are always happy to assist wherever possible. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before your visit and we'll do our best to help.

Pushchairs and prams can generally be accommodated without difficulty.

Our shop is open seven days a week:

Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Our online shop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can browse and shop whenever it suits you.

Yes, we are open every Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Whether you're enjoying a day out in Henley-on-Thames or searching for the perfect teddy bear, we'd be delighted to welcome you.

Absolutely. No appointment is necessary to visit our shop.

Simply pop in during our opening hours and browse our wonderful collection of teddy bears, gifts and collectables at your leisure.

Of course! Children are always very welcome at Asquiths.

From first teddy bears to treasured collectables, visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the magic of Asquiths

Yes, well-behaved and dry dogs are very welcome at Asquiths.

We know that many of our customers enjoy exploring Henley-on-Thames with their four-legged companions, so we're happy to welcome them into the shop too.

🧸 Ordering & Delivery

Yes. Our website reflects the products available in our shop, so most items you see online are also available in-store and vice versa.

Occasionally, a particularly popular item may sell quickly, but our stock is updated regularly to ensure the best possible shopping experience both online and in person.

New arrivals reach us throughout the year, and our collection is constantly changing.

Whether you're looking for the latest Steiff release, a new Merrythought design or a special artist bear, there's always something new to discover at Asquiths.

Yes, we are delighted to offer delivery throughout the United Kingdom. Whether you're purchasing a special gift or adding to your collection, we'll carefully pack your order and send it directly to your door.

Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you will automatically receive tracking information by email, allowing you to follow your parcel's journey and know when to expect delivery.

Delivery times vary depending on your location:

UK Mainland
2–4 business days

Europe, Northern Ireland & Channel Islands
2–11 business days

Rest of the World
3–17 business days

Please note that delivery times are estimates and may occasionally vary due to customs or courier delays.

We will always do our best to help where we can.

If a UK order is placed early in the day, we may be able to arrange next-day delivery. However, as deliveries are handled by third-party couriers and postal services, we are unable to guarantee next-day arrival in all circumstances.

If your order is urgent, please contact us before placing your order and we'll do our very best to assist.

Yes, we offer a gift-wrapping service and are always happy to help make your gift extra special.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, christening, new arrival or another special occasion, we'll do our best to add those personal touches that make all the difference.

Yes, we are happy to include a personal gift message with your order.

Simply add your message at checkout, or contact us if you would like help arranging something special.

Yes, in many cases we can reserve an item for you.

We recommend contacting us by telephone or email to discuss your requirements, and we'll be happy to help wherever possible.

Absolutely.

We can send your teddy bear directly to the recipient and include a personal gift message on your behalf, making it easy to surprise someone special wherever they are.

If you select our gift-wrapping service at checkout, your teddy bear will be beautifully wrapped and ready to give as a special gift.

We are also happy to include a personal gift message to make your present even more memorable.

Asquiths Gift Vouchers make a wonderful present for teddy bear lovers, collectors and gift-givers alike, allowing the recipient to choose something special for themselves.

Gift vouchers are available to purchase both online and in-store.

We hope you will be delighted with your purchase. However, if you change your mind and wish to return or exchange an item, we will do our best to make the process as simple as possible.

In addition to your statutory rights, we are happy to offer an exchange or refund on unwanted items within 30 days of purchase, provided the item is unused, in a saleable condition and returned with proof of purchase.

All items must be returned with their original packaging, labels, brand markers, certificates, ribbons and any accompanying parts intact.

Please note that some items are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, including sale items, gift cards, personalised products, made-to-measure items and bespoke orders.

We offer a 30-day returns policy for eligible items.

To request a return, please contact us at:

rachel@asquiths.com

Returns should be sent to:

Asquiths Bearpawium
26 Hart Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxon
RG9 2AU

Returned items must be unused, in a resalable condition and include all original labels, tags, certificates, ribbons and packaging.

Once your return has been received and inspected, we will let you know whether your refund has been approved. If approved, your refund will be made to your original payment method within 10 business days. Please allow additional time for your bank or card provider to process the refund.

If more than 15 business days have passed since your refund was approved, please contact us at rachel@asquiths.com

Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives.

If your item is damaged, faulty or you have received the wrong item, please contact us immediately at rachel@asquiths.com so we can review the issue and help put things right as quickly as possible.

🧸 International Customers

Yes, Asquiths ships teddy bears and gifts to customers around the world.

Please note that we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  • Russia
  • North Korea
  • Sudan
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Cuba

If you have any questions about international delivery, please contact us and we'll be happy to help

Yes. We are pleased to offer international shipping on our Steiff and Merrythought teddy bears, allowing customers around the world to enjoy these wonderful collectable and heirloom-quality bears.

If you have any questions about delivery to your country, please don't hesitate to contact us.

🧸 Products & Stock

Yes, we are proud to be an Authorised Steiff Stockist and an official Steiff Club Store.

We stock a wonderful range of Steiff bears, animals and limited editions, offering collectors and gift buyers access to some of the finest soft toys in the world.

Absolutely.

We purchase directly from the teddy bear makers and manufacturers, and we are proud authorised stockists of the brands we carry. When you shop with Asquiths, you can be confident that every teddy bear is genuine and authentic.

Yes, we stock a wonderful selection of limited edition teddy bears from leading makers including:

  • Steiff
  • Merrythought
  • Teddy Hermann

We also work with a number of talented artist bear makers, offering unique and collectible creations that are often produced in very small numbers.

We can certainly try.

With many years of teddy bear experience, we may be able to help identify older bears, makers and collectable pieces. If we're unable to identify a particular bear ourselves, we have a network of knowledgeable contacts and specialists who may be able to assist.

Yes. If you're searching for a particular teddy bear, whether it's a current model, a limited edition or a special collector's piece, we'll do our very best to help.

Our knowledgeable team may be able to suggest alternatives or assist with sourcing hard-to-find bears.

The best teddy bear for a newborn baby depends on the individual child, the occasion and whether you are looking for a soft companion, a keepsake or an heirloom gift.

We are always happy to advise and can help guide you towards teddy bears that are suitable for newborns, according to the maker's own age guidance and safety information.

Yes, absolutely. We are always happy to help you choose the perfect teddy bear, whether it is for a newborn baby, a christening, a birthday, a collector or a special keepsake gift.

If you are unsure which bear to choose, please get in touch or visit us in-store and we will be delighted to advise.

Most limited edition teddy bears will include a certificate of authenticity or a special tag confirming their edition number and production run.

If you're unsure whether a bear is a limited edition, we're always happy to help identify it and explain any accompanying documentation.

A teddy bear can make a beautiful christening gift, especially if you are looking for something that can be treasured for many years.

Some customers prefer a traditional heirloom bear, while others choose a soft and cuddly companion. We are always happy to help you find a bear that feels just right for the occasion.

🧸 Collectors

Yes, collectable teddy bears are one of our specialities.

We stock collectable bears from renowned makers including:

  • Steiff
  • Merrythought
  • Teddy Hermann
  • Maileg

We also feature beautiful creations from a number of talented artist bear makers, offering collectors a wide range of styles and limited editions.

Every collector is different, and choosing a favourite brand is often a very personal decision.

Many collectors enjoy Steiff for its rich heritage and limited editions, while others are drawn to the British craftsmanship of Merrythought or the unique character of artist-made bears. Our team is always happy to discuss the different brands and help you find the perfect addition to your collection.

🧸 Teddy Bear Repairs

Yes. Teddy bear repairs are carried out through our resident Teddy Bear Doctor, Sasha from Sasha's Bears.

Sasha has experience working with much-loved bears and can advise on the best approach for your teddy bear.

https://sashasbears.co.uk/

The cost of teddy bear restoration depends on the condition of the bear and the work required.

We recommend speaking directly with Sasha from Sasha's Bears, who will be able to advise and provide guidance:

https://sashasbears.co.uk/

Yes, missing eyes can often be replaced as part of a teddy bear repair or restoration.

Sasha from Sasha's Bears will be able to advise on the most suitable option for your bear.

Yes, damaged paws can often be repaired sympathetically.

The aim is always to preserve the character and charm of your teddy bear while making careful repairs where needed.

Yes, vintage teddy bears can often be restored sympathetically.

The focus is on caring for the bear while preserving its original look, feel and character wherever possible.

Repair times vary depending on the work required and Sasha's current availability.

Please contact Sasha's Bears directly for current timescales:

https://sashasbears.co.uk/

🧸 Memory Bears

A memory bear is a bespoke keepsake bear made from sentimental clothing or fabric.

They are often created from items such as shirts, baby clothes, dresses, uniforms or other meaningful textiles. Memory bears can be a comforting way to remember a loved one, celebrate a special milestone or preserve treasured memories.

They can also be made using fabrics connected to a much-loved pet, such as a dog bed or blanket, creating a special reminder of a trusted four-legged friend.

At Asquiths, memory bears are made through our recommended maker, Sasha's Bears.

Most fabric items can be considered for a memory bear, including shirts, dresses, baby clothes, uniforms, blankets and other meaningful textiles.

If you are unsure whether your fabric is suitable, we recommend discussing it directly with Sasha's Bears, who will be able to advise.

Timescales can vary depending on availability and the work involved.

Memory bears are made by Sasha's Bears, our recommended maker, so please contact Sasha directly for current lead times and availability:

https://sashasbears.co.uk/

Yes, memory bears can be made from baby clothes.

They are a beautiful way to preserve precious early memories and create a lasting keepsake from tiny outfits, babygrows or other special garments.

Yes, more than one item of clothing can usually be used to create a memory bear.

This can be a lovely way to include different fabrics, colours, patterns or memories within one special keepsake.

Yes, any unused fabric will be returned to you wherever possible.

🧸 Teddy Bear Collections & Valuations

Possibly. We are always interested in hearing about teddy bear collections, particularly those containing collectable bears from makers such as Steiff, Merrythought, Teddy Hermann and artist bear makers.

Please contact us with details of your collection and we will be happy to advise whether it may be of interest.

The value of a teddy bear depends on many factors, including its maker, age, rarity, condition and whether it retains original tags, labels or certificates.

If you would like some guidance, please send us photographs and any information you have, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

We are always happy to offer general guidance where possible.

However, for formal valuations or specialist appraisals, we may recommend speaking to a specialist teddy bear auction house or valuer.

The more information you can provide, the better.

Helpful details include:

  • Photographs from different angles
  • Close-up photographs of tags, buttons or labels
  • Approximate age
  • Maker (if known)
  • Size
  • Any certificates or original packaging

We are always interested in hearing about vintage Steiff bears and collections.

Please contact us with photographs and details, and we will be happy to advise whether we may be interested or suggest the best route for selling.

We understand that inherited collections can often feel overwhelming.

We are happy to offer guidance and help you understand what you have. Depending on the collection, we may be able to advise on potential value, recommend collectors, or suggest specialist teddy bear auction houses.

For particularly rare, unusual or high-value bears, we may recommend specialist teddy bear auction houses that regularly handle collectable toys and teddy bears.

Recommended auction houses include:

Vectis Auctions
https://www.vectis.co.uk

Special Auction Services
https://www.specialauctionservices.com

These specialists can often provide expert advice, valuations and access to dedicated collectors.

Yes. If we are unable to purchase your bear or collection ourselves, we are happy to suggest alternative options.

Depending on the type of bear, this may include specialist collectors, teddy bear dealers or dedicated teddy bear auction houses such as Vectis Auctions and Special Auction Services.

Absolutely.

In many cases, sending photographs by email is the quickest way for us to understand what you have and advise on the next steps.

You can email photographs and information to:

rachel@asquiths.com

🧸 Visiting & Ordering

Everything you need to know about visiting our shop, opening hours, delivery options, international shipping, gift wrapping and placing an order.

🧸 Our Teddy Bears

Find answers about our teddy bear brands, collectable bears, limited editions, gift ideas and choosing the perfect bear.

🧸 Services & Support

Learn more about memory bears, teddy bear repairs, workshops, gift vouchers, returns and how we can help.