Life lessons we take with us from our favorite furry friends

No matter your age, chances are that you’ve at least heard about the Care Bears™. Or maybe you're here because you're a fan? These colorful little characters first appeared on greeting cards in the 1980’s and have since found their way onto screens, into homes, and into hearts for more than four decades.


Our co-founder, Ami, is a lifelong fan of the Care Bears™, and the messaging of kindness and care has always been close to her heart. At Lug, we Live Life in Color; and what better way to celebrate this than with a brand that is equally colorful, fun, and happy? That’s why our collaboration with Care Bears™ feels like a full-circle moment: a joyful combination of nostalgia, positivity, and function.

Kindness

Just like Tenderheart Bear™, kindness is at the center of everything. Small acts of love, such as getting coffee for someone you care about, sending a thoughtful message to that friend you've been thinking about, or simply emptying the dishwasher, can brighten someone’s whole day. And if someone does this for you, make sure to pay it forward. But don’t forget: kindness also means being kind to yourself. Taking time to recharge and care for your own needs makes it easier to share love and care with others.

Gratitude

Good Luck Bear™ teaches us to look for silver linings and believe in brighter days ahead. Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective: you can’t feel jealous, angry, or sad at the same time as feeling truly grateful. Next time negative thoughts creep in, pause and name three things you’re grateful for. It’s a powerful way to reframe your day and remind yourself of the good that’s already here. Train your brain to opt for the gratitude route when you find yourself at those crossroads.

Stay Positive

This may be easier said than done, but having a positive mindset is key to a positive outlook on life. Life isn’t always smooth sailing, but having a positive mindset makes the journey lighter. Funshine Bear™ shows us how joy and optimism can be contagious. When you focus on the good, you attract more good; whether it’s in your relationships, your work, or simply how you start your morning.

It’s OK To Feel All the Feelings

Taking it from Grumpy Bear™, who always keeps it real, life is not always fun and games. Not all feelings and emotions are positive ones. As we go through life, we all meet challenges and hard times. Not every day is sunshine and rainbows, and that’s okay. Honoring your emotions, even the tough ones, helps you process them and move forward. Grumpy Bear™ reminds us that authenticity and vulnerability are just as important as positivity.

Sharing is Caring

From Share Bear™, we’re reminded that joy multiplies when it’s shared. Whether it’s lending a hand, giving your time, or simply offering a smile, small acts of generosity can make a big difference. At Lug, sharing is part of our DNA; from our partnerships with organizations like KultureCity® to the way our LugNut community inspires us by sharing their stories and style. Whether you’re a longtime LugNut or just discovering our brand, you’re part of a colorful community built on kindness, connection, and care. Being able to share this Care Bears™ x Lug collection with all of you has been a truly meaningful, full-circle moment.

Which Care Bear™ Lesson Do You Relate To?

These are just a few of the lessons we carry with us from the Care Bears™ timeless reminders of kindness, connection, and joy. But maybe you find yourself relating to more than just one Care Bear™? With our Build-a-Bag tool, you can mix and match your favorites to create a bag that perfectly fits your personality. Choose your silhouette, add a Care Bears™ strap, charm, or puller, and design a look that’s uniquely you.