You Name It was established in 1990 by Tammy Naughton. Tammy and her mother Mary, were involved in craft shows when Mary bought an embroidery machine. They experimented with putting names on various products. They decided to personalize teddy bears at craft shows. The “Namebears” were an immediate hit.
The dresses and overalls that the bears wore were designed by the two women. For many years these outfits, as well as other products such as dog bandannas and Christmas stockings, were sewn by local seamstresses in St. Catharines and the Toronto area. In fact, many of the products sold by You Name It were designed by Tammy and Mary and are produced exclusively for You Name It and Mary’s Bears.
The Namebears and Bunnies that You Name It is so known for haven’t changed much over the years as loyal customers continue to ask for them. Customers appreciate the continuity when buying for new editions to their family or for a second generation.