Our Story

Bear and Boon was founded by Catherine Blackford, a mother of three who grew tired of watching children’s toys pile up, only to end up as unnecessary waste in landfill. Passionate about sustainability, she created a way to rescue and rehome pre-loved, eco-friendly soft toys in Australia, giving quality second-hand plushies a new life with families who value mindful, low-waste living.

With a heart for both the planet and its littlest people, Catherine dreamed of a softer, more sustainable way to bring joy into children’s lives, one that wouldn’t come at the earth’s expense. Out of that vision, Bear and Boon Melbourne was born: a place where once-loved soft toys are given a second chance at love, adventure, and belonging.

Every toy that comes through Bear and Boon’s hands carries its own quiet history. Instead of being discarded, it is gently rescued, cleaned with care, and reimagined for its next chapter. In doing so, the Bear and Boon community not only reduce waste but also celebrate the magic of connection, between child and toy, family and story, community and planet. Each fluffy friend becomes a symbol of kindness, and eco conscious living, reminding us that the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

Every year in Australia, around 27 million toys are thrown away, that’s roughly 87,000 tonnes of playthings heading to landfill.

According to research by the Australian Toy Association and Sustainability Victoria, around half of all new toys sold become waste within just 12 months. It’s a tough truth to swallow, and we understand why. Toys can be tricky to recycle, and when they’re still in good shape or hold sentimental value, letting them go can feel impossible.

That’s why at Bear and Boon, we’re rethinking the story of pre-loved toys, helping them find new homes, new hugs, and a second chapter full of love (and a little less landfill).

At its heart, Bear and Boon is about more than toys; it’s about rewriting the story of consumption into one of care, circularity, and joy. Catherine’s belief that toys should spark imagination and comfort, not clutter and waste, fuels the brand’s mission every day. With every re-homed companion, Bear and Boon proves that sustainability can be whimsical, practical, and deeply meaningful, one hug, one home, one soft-hearted impact at a time.

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