A Meaningful Gift Idea

How to Make a Heartbeat Teddy Bear

Here you'll find gentle, step-by-step instructions for creating a teddy bear with your recorded heartbeat inside. Some donor families find comfort in hearing their loved one's heart still beating, and this simple gift can be a tender way to honor that connection.

In this guide, you'll learn what you need, how to safely record your heartbeat, how to place the recording inside the bear, and how to send it in a thoughtful, respectful way through your transplant center or OPO (organ procurement organization). Avoid including last names, addresses, phone numbers, or social media handles unless your transplant team says it’s okay.

Before You Begin

A Gentle Note

Before you make a heartbeat teddy bear, it can help to pause and remember that every donor family is different. For some, hearing their loved one’s heart still beating brings comfort and connection. For others, it may feel too painful or they may not be ready yet—and that’s okay.

Move slowly, listen to your own feelings, and follow any guidance from your transplant center or organ donation organization. There is no single “right” way to do this. The most important thing is that whatever you choose to do is done with respect, consent, and care for everyone’s heart involved.

1. Get a recordable sound device

You'll need a small device that can play your heartbeat when the bear is pressed. You can buy one online or at stores like Build-A-Bear.

I bought mine at Build-A-Bear for about $5.

2. Record your heartbeat

Once you have the recorder, capture the sound of your heartbeat. You can ask your cardiology team or transplant clinic if they can help during an appointment.

For my bear, I asked the sonographer who did my echocardiogram to record my heartbeat onto the device while I was having my echo.

3. Prepare the teddy bear

Choose a teddy bear (or other stuffed animal) that feels soft and comforting and has space inside for the recorder.

I also made my bear at Build-A-Bear and chose a spot in the bear's paw for the recorder, so when you press the paw, you hear the heartbeat.

4. Add the Recording

Place the recorder inside the bear in the spot you've chosen and test it a few times to make sure the heartbeat plays clearly when the bear is pressed or hugged.

5. Add a short note (optional)

Include a small card explaining the gift and sharing your gratitude. Your words don't have to be perfect - the love and intention behind them matter most.

After You Make the Bear

Sending the Bear

There isn’t only one “right” way to send a heartbeat teddy bear. Some people send their bear through their transplant center or transplant social worker, some through the organ procurement organization, and some directly to the donor family, if safe, mutual contact has already been established.

If you’re not already in contact with your donor family, it’s usually best to ask your transplant team or donation organization how they recommend sending a gift. They can help protect everyone’s privacy, safety, and emotional well-being. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to wait—there’s no rush with something this personal.

My Experience with Christian's Mom

In my situation, I was already in contact with my donor’s mom, Mary. Over time, as our relationship grew, she chose to share her mailing address with me. When I created a heartbeat teddy bear, I sent it to the address Mary gave me.

That was what felt right and safe for us. Your relationship with your donor family might look very different, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that any gift is given with respect, consent, and care for everyone’s heart involved.

You Are Not Alone

Making something this personal can stir up a lot of emotions—gratitude, grief, love, fear, hope, or all of them at once. If you decide to create a heartbeat teddy bear, or even if you only ever think about it, you are honoring your donor and their family in your own way.

Whatever you choose to do, do it gently, and know that you are not alone on this journey.