Over the years, Tambo Teddies has joined in on Black Friday sales, offering discounts on our handcrafted bears to spread a little extra joy before Christmas. But this year, we’ve taken a step back to think about what really matters to us, our customers, and our community. After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to participate in Black Friday sales in 2025.

For years, we felt an unspoken pressure as a retailer to join the Black Friday frenzy, as though participating was simply expected of any business wanting to stay competitive. But when we stepped back and asked ourselves, “What is Black Friday really all about?” the answer didn’t quite align with who we are.

Born from overseas retail culture and driven by mass consumption, the event has little relevance to a small Australian business like ours, where every product is handcrafted, thoughtfully made, and never rushed. The more we reflected, the clearer it became that Black Friday doesn’t reflect our values, our story, or the way our customers choose to shop with heart.

Every Tambo Teddy is lovingly handcrafted right here in outback Queensland. Our bears aren’t mass-produced; they’re made one at a time, with care, craftsmanship, and quality Australian materials. That’s something we never want to undervalue.
Participating in large discount events can sometimes send the wrong message, that handmade products can or should be priced like factory-made imports. We believe the true worth of an Australian-made teddy lies in its story, its craftsmanship, and the hands that make it.

We’re also committed to sustainable business practices. Flash sales often drive overconsumption and rushed purchases, leading to waste and buyer’s regret. By stepping away from Black Friday, we’re choosing to focus on mindful gifting, helping customers find meaningful, lasting treasures instead of impulse buys.

When you buy a Tambo Teddy, you’re supporting local jobs, rural craftsmanship, and the broader Australian wool industry. That’s something to celebrate all year round, not just during a weekend of global sales hype. We’ll continue to offer fair, consistent prices, and some specials when we can. Pricing our products to reflect the true value of what we do, while finding new ways to reward and thank our loyal customers throughout the year.

This Christmas season, we invite you to shop slowly, shop locally, and shop with heart. Every teddy we make carries a piece of Australia’s story, and that’s something worth cherishing every day of the year.